Is Subaru a fast car?
Subaru is fast for its class, especially with the turbocharged WRX lineup and the brand’s renowned all-wheel-drive grip; it is not generally considered a maker of ultra-fast hypercars. This article examines how Subaru models stack up in terms of speed, what drives their performance, and how they compare with peers.
Speed profile: current and recent Subaru models
The following overview highlights the main models enthusiasts point to when discussing Subaru’s speed, including the shift in offerings over the years.
- WRX (2022–present): A turbocharged 2.4L flat-four delivering about 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Manual transmission is available, and the car typically runs from 0 to 60 mph in roughly the mid‑5 seconds range; all-wheel drive helps with grip in rain or snow and provides confident acceleration out of corners.
- WRX STI (historical, last generation ended around 2021–2022): Produced up to about 310 hp in its final iterations, with 0–60 mph times commonly cited in the mid‑4-second range and a top speed around 170–175 mph. This model has been discontinued in North America, and there is no current direct replacement as of 2025.
- BRZ (2022–present): A 2.4L flat-four producing about 228 hp with 184 lb-ft of torque, rear-wheel drive. Acceleration is typically in the around 6 seconds for 0–60 mph, reflecting its emphasis on handling and balance over outright straight-line speed.
- Other mainstream Subarus (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza): Not designed for high-speed performance; accelerations generally fall in the 7–9+ second range, depending on engine and trim.
In summary, the WRX is the quickest current Subaru model, with the STI historically serving as the brand’s speed benchmark before its discontinuation. The BRZ offers a sport-focused alternative with sharper handling but slower straight-line times, and most other Subarus prioritize practicality and all-wheel-drive capability over outright speed.
What gives Subaru its speed advantage (and limits)
Performance in Subaru’s lineup comes from a combination of engineering choices that emphasize grip, balance, and driver engagement as much as raw horsepower.
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive: Standard or readily available AWD provides traction that translates to confident launches and acceleration in less-than-ideal weather, often making Subaru feel quicker off the line than front- or rear-wheel-drive rivals in the same class.
- Boxer engine design: The horizontally opposed layout offers a lower center of gravity, improving stability and cornering grip, which enhances perceived speed in dynamic driving even when horsepower is similar to peers.
- Turbocharged vs naturally aspirated: The WRX’s turbocharged setup delivers strong torque across a broad rpm range, aiding quick acceleration, while the BRZ uses a naturally aspirated engine that favors linear power delivery and handling over raw sprint speed.
- Transmission choices: The WRX’s manual option is highly valued by enthusiasts for engagement and precise control, though an automatic (including CVT variants in some markets) can alter acceleration times somewhat.
Ultimately, Subaru’s speed story centers on all-weather capability, road-holding finesse, and driver involvement rather than chasing the highest top speed or fastest drag times. The result is “fast enough” for most daily and spirited driving scenarios, with a clear emphasis on confidence and balance.
How Subaru stacks up against peers
When set side by side with peers in the compact-performance and sports-car space, Subaru’s offerings deliver a distinct value proposition, trading some straight-line speed for traction, reliability, and daily usability.
- Turbo AWD competitors: The WRX competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS (where available). In many tests, the Golf R edges ahead in straight-line times, but the WRX often wins when conditions are slippery thanks to AWD grip and torque delivery.
- Handling-focused rivals: The BRZ goes head-to-head with lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars. It tends to deliver sharper handling and better balance, but its acceleration is usually not as quick as turbocharged, all-wheel or front-wheel-drive rivals with higher horsepower.
- Historical benchmark: The WRX STI set a high-performance standard in Subaru’s lineup for years; its discontinuation means the current WRX now carries the performance banner, with BRZ offering a different kind of driving enjoyment.
Bottom line: Subaru’s fast-car reputation hinges on the WRX’s turbocharged performance and AWD confidence, while BRZ offers a purist’s handling focus. The brand does not compete with the fastest hypercars or supercars, but it holds a respected place among practical, all-weather performance cars.
Summary
Subaru’s speed story is defined by the WRX lineup, which remains the brand’s quickest and most performance-oriented model in today’s market. The WRX benefits from a turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive, delivering quick acceleration and strong traction, especially in adverse weather. The STI, once the pinnacle of Subaru performance, is no longer in production, making the WRX the flagship for speed in 2025. The BRZ offers an engaging, handling-focused alternative with slower straight-line acceleration, while other Subaru models prioritize practicality and capability over speed. For enthusiasts prioritizing everyday usability with a touch of performance, Subaru provides a compelling option that balances speed with stability and confidence across conditions.
Which is faster, Subaru or BMW?
According to the official stats, the BMW is a mite quicker than the Subaru, getting to 62mph in a nick under five seconds to the Impreza's 5.1.
Which Subaru has the fastest engine?
Easily the most powerful and most expensive Subaru ever made, the 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 is also rare with only 209 examples, all sold in the USA. Its EJ25 2.5-liter Turbo SUBARU BOXER engine erupts with 341 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 330 lb. -ft.
Is Subaru a high performance car?
If you're looking for thrilling power and razor-sharp control in a performance vehicle that's also reliable and loaded with cutting-edge technology, there's a Subaru sports car that will get your adrenaline flowing without breaking your budget.
Are Subaru fast cars?
However, Subaru has tuned the engine differently to deliver power more smoothly and with a more relaxed feel. These cars can consistently achieve 0-to-60 mph sprint times under 6.5 seconds, which is impressive.
