Which Subaru has the best performance?
The current performance peak in Subaru’s lineup is the WRX, boasting a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four that delivers about 271 horsepower. The famous WRX STI is no longer offered in the U.S. as of 2025, so enthusiasts now gauge performance across WRX and other turbocharged Subarus like the Outback XT and Ascent.
Current top performers in Subaru's lineup
Below is a snapshot of the models that deliver the strongest performance in production today, with key details that matter to drivers seeking speed, grip, and responsiveness.
- Subaru WRX — 271 hp from a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four; all-wheel drive; available with a six-speed manual or a performance-tuned automatic.
- Subaru Outback XT — 260 hp from the same 2.4-liter turbo; offers strong mid-range torque, sport-tueled handling, and rugged practicality.
- Subaru Ascent (top trims) — 260 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque from a 2.4-liter turbo; three-row SUV with substantial towing capacity and AWD capability.
- Subaru BRZ — 228 hp from a 2.4-liter flat-four; lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a focus on handling and balance rather than sheer horsepower.
In practice, the WRX remains Subaru’s performance flagship for driving enthusiasts, while the Outback XT and Ascent offer turbocharged speed in larger body styles and with practical capabilities. The BRZ provides a purer, lighter-weight sports-car experience with different performance goals.
Performance heritage: STI and BRZ
To understand how Subaru’s performance narrative has evolved, here is a look at two pivotal points in its modern history.
- WRX STI (U.S. market, roughly 2015–2021): around 305–310 hp from a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, with about 290 lb-ft of torque. It delivered rally-bred all-wheel drive and notable track credentials, a halo model that defined Subaru performance for years.
- Subaru BRZ (2022–present): about 228 hp from a 2.4-liter flat-four, rear-wheel drive, emphasizing handling balance and driver engagement over raw horsepower. It complements Subaru’s AWD-focused lineup with a lighter, purer sports-car feel.
These entries illustrate how Subaru transitioned from a single high-performance halo (the STI) to a broader lineup that emphasizes turbocharged power, AWD capability, and balanced dynamics across a range of body styles.
Bottom line for performance buyers
For outright horsepower in production Subarus today, the WRX leads at 271 hp and remains the practical choice for a street-legal performance sedan. If you want additional turbocharged power in a larger or more versatile package, the Outback XT and Ascent offer strong numbers with everyday usability. For those seeking a lighter, more focused driving experience, the BRZ provides a pure sports-car feel, albeit with less horsepower.
Summary
-subaru's performance hierarchy today centers on the WRX as the top performer in horsepower and overall driving dynamics, while the historic WRX STI remains a benchmark of the brand’s performance heritage even though it is no longer sold in the U.S. The lineup now includes other turbocharged models that blend power with practicality, creating a broad spectrum of high-performance choices for different tastes and needs.
Which Subaru is the most powerful?
The most powerful production Subaru is the 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209, which produces 341 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It was a limited-edition model with a specialized EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, enhanced internals, and a larger turbocharger.
You can watch this video to see the Subaru WRX STI S209 in action: 56sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Jan 16, 2019
- Engine: The S209 features a 2.5-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine.
- Horsepower: It generates 341 horsepower at 6,400 RPM.
- Torque: The engine produces 330 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM.
- Transmission: It is exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
- Performance: The S209 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
What is the fastest Subaru?
The fastest production Subaru is the 2019 WRX STI S209, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, though a custom-built, non-production Subaru WRX called "Project Midnight" is reportedly even faster. The 2004 WRX STI WR1 was the fastest in terms of 0-60 mph acceleration, reaching it in 4.3 seconds.
This video shows the Project Midnight WRX and its capabilities: 59sLarry ChenYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
Production models
This video compares the acceleration of a WRX STI and a BRZ: 35sEdmunds CarsYouTube · Jun 15, 2023
- 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209: This is the fastest production model from the factory, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
- 2004 Subaru WRX STI WR1: This limited-edition model holds the record for the fastest 0-60 mph time among stock production Subarus, at 4.3 seconds.
Non-production and custom models
- Subaru Motorsports USA's Project Midnight: This is Subaru's quickest and fastest WRX ever built for competition, making its debut in 2024. It's a highly modified and custom-built machine, not a standard production car.
- 1400hp Subaru WRX STI: A custom-built drag racing car that can complete a quarter-mile in 8.0 seconds.
What is the best performance Subaru?
The following list includes only factory street-legal production in Subarus (no aftermarket parts or modifications).
- Rank 1 – 2021 WRX STI (Final Generation)
- Rank 2 – 2025 WRX TR.
- Rank 3 – 2025 WRX Base/Limited.
- Rank 4 – 2025 BRZ.
- Rank 5 – 2025 Legacy Sport (Turbo)
- Rank 6 – 2025 Solterra AWD.
Which Subaru has the best acceleration?
The fastest Subaru ever made is a WRX STi model, but this is not your typical WRX. Designed specifically for the U.S. market, the limited edition STI S209 is the most hardcore WRX ever made.
