Which Subaru has the best acceleration?
In today’s lineup, the Subaru WRX is the quickest accelerating model. Its 2.4-liter turbo flat-four delivers the fastest straight-line speed, with roughly 0-60 mph times around five seconds when equipped with the manual transmission, and a bit slower with the CVT. The WRX STI, once the brand’s performance king, is no longer in production as of 2025.
Current contenders and how they stack up
To compare acceleration, here are the main Subaru models that customers consider when chasing speed, focusing on straight-line speed and typical transmission choices.
- 2022–present Subaru WRX — 2.4L turbo flat-four, about 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 mph generally around 5.0 seconds with a manual transmission and roughly 5.5–6.0 seconds with the CVT, depending on year and equipment.
- Subaru WRX STI (historical) — produced 2015–2021 with about 310 hp; 0-60 times commonly in the high 4-second range (roughly 4.7–4.9 seconds) on favorable launches, but it is no longer offered today.
- Subaru BRZ (2022–present) — a joint Subaru/Toyota sports coupe with about 228 hp (2.4L), 0-60 typically in the mid-6-second range, and slower than the WRX in direct acceleration.
These figures illustrate the current reality: the WRX is the fastest accelerating Subaru on sale today, while the STI remains part of Subaru’s celebrated history but is not available new.
Historical context
The WRX STI was the performance flagship for Subaru for many years, known for its sharp handling and strong straight-line speed. Its discontinuation after the 2021/2022 cycle left the WRX as the brand’s primary acceleration-focused model. Enthusiasts often point to the STI’s sub-five-second 0-60 times in favorable conditions, but buyers today looking for speed will find the best balance in the WRX lineup.
How transmission choice affects acceleration
Across Subaru’s performance models, the manual transmission typically yields the quickest 0-60 times, thanks to more direct gearing and driver control. The CVT, while smoother and efficient, generally results in longer sprint times. Tire selection, launch technique, elevation, and weather also influence test results and real-world performance.
Bottom line
For the fastest acceleration in Subaru’s current lineup, the WRX is the model to choose. The WRX STI remains a benchmark of Subaru performance in history, but it is not available new today. If you value raw pace and engagement, a WRX with a manual transmission is typically the quickest route to straight-line speed among Subarus today.
Summary
Today’s fastest accelerating Subaru is the WRX, driven by its 2.4L turbo engine and available manual transmission, delivering about 5.0 seconds 0-60 mph in ideal conditions. The STI era is behind us, but it still shapes Subaru’s performance legacy. For a broader mix of speed and practicality, the BRZ offers a sportier alternative with slower acceleration than the WRX. Overall, if acceleration is the priority, the WRX remains the benchmark Subaru model.
