Whats faster than a wrx?
The 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque make the all-wheel-drive WRX a head-turning road presence. Add in the Sport Lineartronic six-speed transmission, and you get surprising nimbleness and exhilarating acceleration. How exhilarating? Try 0-60 mph in under six seconds exhilarating!
Whether it’s the sporty looks or the superior handling, the impressive acceleration, or the exceptional fuel economy, the Subaru WRX stands alone. Or does it? We’ll let you decide when you check out what our top five WRX competitors bring to the table. These aren’t just cars that look like a Subaru WRX — they act like one too!
It’s hard to compete with an original design like Subaru’s ground-breaking WRX, and it’s destined to enjoy a long run just like the flagship Legacy. But some manufacturers have done a pretty good job creating similar cars to the Subaru WRX. You’ll find traditional favorites, the usual high-end offerings, and maybe even a couple of surprises among the WRX comparable cars. You can find many of these models readily available, so pick your favorites and see how they stack up with a few test drives.
The highly popular Ford Focus has transformed from an economy compact to a viable contender in the sport compact class. You won’t get all the WRX-like bells and whistles with the standard versions, though. If you want your comparison to be on the level, you’ll want to check out the ST and RS models.
With a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the ST cranks up 252 horsepower and about 270 pound-feet in torque. Like the Subaru WRX, the Focus comes with a fun six-speed manual transmission, and the front-wheel-drive makes the handling pretty enjoyable. And it makes the Focus a WRX competitor to watch.
If you like some high-quality luxury with your sporty handling and exciting acceleration, the Acura TLX is a noteworthy Subaru WRX competitor. You can choose an inline four-cylinder for 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque and get some of the WRX magic, but it’s the V-6 version that gives you the whole package—and then some.
The Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 engine puts out 290 horsepower with 267 pound-feet of torque for a thrilling driving experience. Throw in a nine-speed automatic and Acura’s advanced AWD powertrain and you’ve got yourself a top contender for the sport compact champion.
The Audi A3 Quattro rolled out in 1996, just a few years before the Subaru WRX, and it’s been a popular choice since. One of the early adopters of advanced technology, the Audi A3 Quattro not only beat out competitors with performance, it also did it with style.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is rated at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to give you the handling and acceleration that rivals the WRX. Seven speeds, a twin-clutch transmission, and a 0-60 run in under 6 seconds round out the Quattro A3’s impressive features.
While the Hyundai compact offerings have come a long way, the Veloster Turbo may be the most advanced sport compact offering yet. With three trim levels, the R-Spec, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate, Hyundai has a little something for everyone.
The turbo Velosters provide a punchy 201 horsepower backed up with 195 pound-feet of torque to give drivers a top sport compact experience. You can also choose between a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual combined with front-wheel drive for even more driving enjoyment.
Kia has fought hard to make a name for itself among the established carmakers, and we think they’ve done a heck of a job. You may never have thought of Kia as much competition for Subaru, but things change and the Kia Stinger is one of the biggest changes yet. The all new Stinger came off the assembly line in 2018, touted as a mid-size four-door fastback sedan.
Pretty boring description, but that bland wording becomes a distant memory once you get behind the wheel. Take the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 for a spin and you might come up with a better description than Kia! With 365 horsepower, 376 pound-feet of torque, and all-wheel-drive, we think the Stinger should be advertised as a roomy sportscar with four doors.
Consumer Reports (by subscription) didn't test the Subaru WRX STI because this study was about fuel-efficiency and acceleration, not pure speed. The milder WRX uses the smaller 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine (23 combined mpg) versus the 2.5-liter engine in the STI (19 combined mpg.)
How fast is the Subaru WRX?
The 268 horsepower Subaru WRX will launch from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. That's faster than the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club (6.7 seconds), Honda Civic Si (7.3), Fiat 124 Spider Lusso (7.1), Mini Cooper S (7.0), Subaru BRZ/Toyota86 (7.2), Volkswagen GTI Autobahn (6.6), Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec (7.0), Audi TT 2.0T (6.3), and the Ford Mustang Premium 2.3T (6.4).
The Subaru WRX is slower than three models tested by CR. The BMW M235i takes 5.2 seconds from 0-60, the Toyota Supra Premium comes in 4.6 seconds from 0-60 mph, and the Porsche 718 Boxter is fastest at 4.4 seconds from 0-60 mph.
What does the Subaru WRX cost compared with the faster sports cars?
Consumer Reports didn't measure the best value in sports cars, but how does the WRX compare in price? The 2020 WRX Premium trim starts at $29,795. The faster BMW M235i has a starting MSRP of $45,500, the all-new Toyota Supra Premium starts at $42,990, and the Porsche 718 Boxter begins at $62,000.
The Subaru WRX is the only sports car among the cars tested with standard all-wheel-drive. It's what sets the sports-tuned model apart from the competition.
For power, price, and fuel-efficiency, the 2020 Subaru WRX is still the best performance sports car value on the planet. It's why it's outselling all compact sports cars, including the new Chevrolet Corvette. Check it out below.
You Might Also Like: The Hot Subaru WRX STI Is Outselling A New Chevrolet Corvette And All Compact Sports Cars
The 2019 Subaru WRX is a four-door, compact sport sedan with seating for five passengers. The WRX comes with a 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard WRX gearbox is a six-speed manual. Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission is available in some trims. The standard WRX returns up to 21 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy drops to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the Lineartronic. All WRX models include Subaru’s full-time symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The WRX includes active torque vectoring, which applies a little braking to the inside front wheel in a corner. This helps give the WRX more responsive steering. The Subaru WRX is available in three trim levels. The base WRX includes all the performance equipment and a basic cloth-seat interior. Premium and Limited trims upgrade to synthetic suede or real leather. Higher trims also include features like a better infotainment system and automatic headlights. The WRX has proven itself on racetracks and rally roads for almost two decades and has been lauded for its residual value by both ALG and Edmunds. The 2019 Subaru WRX is assembled in Gunma, Japan.
The 2019 Subaru WRX STI is built on the same chassis as the basic WRX but with a number of different mechanical parts. So, while the bodywork and seating capacity are the same, the STI offers much higher performance than the WRX. The engine in the STI is a 2.5-liter direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. The STI uses a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with all-wheel-drive. The STI includes limited-slip differentials at the front and rear of the vehicle to ensure that wheels on both sides receive power. The STI also features a driver-controlled center differential that distributes engine torque between the front and rear wheels. The STI has upgraded quick-ratio steering and sport-tuned performance suspension. STI brakes are six-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers around oversized cross-drilled rotors. Two trim levels are available with WRX STI: base STI and Limited trim. As with the WRX, the differences are in interior trim and technology. The 2019 Subaru WRX STI holds the American Rally Association’s U.S. national championship, and is assembled in Gunma, Japan.
Because they are built on the same platform, both the Subaru WRX and the Subaru WRX STI have the same interior space and configuration. All WRX and STI models offer 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space, which is about average for a compact sedan. The STI offers a few interior upgrades over the WRX, such as available Recaro sport seats. Some people find Recaro sport seats to be uncomfortably firm, so be sure to try both before making a buying decision. All WRX and STI models except the base WRX come with heated front seats. STI models use the synthetic Ultrasuede material, while the WRX can be outfitted with cloth, Ultrasuede, or leather. The STI also features dual-zone climate control. But, overall, interior differences between the two cars are minimal.
All Subaru WRX and WRX STI models perform well in crash tests. Because they share the same platform, safety equipment is similar between the two. Both models include a full suite of standard safety features. The exceptions to this are the WRX Premium and Limited trims. Here, the Lineartronic transmission and EyeSight safety package are available. The following advanced features are included:
Automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking are available with the WRX Limited trim. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional with WRX Limited and standard on STI Limited. EyeSight advanced features are not available with the manual transmission STI. The 2019 Subaru WRX received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To earn this rating, the WRX must be ordered with the Lineartronic transmission and the EyeSight package. If advanced safety features were the only consideration, the WRX Premium and Limited trims with the Lineartronic CVT would be the models to choose.
The base Subaru WRX trim includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen technology interface. This unit supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, bringing navigation and streaming music to the car. The system also includes an AM/FM/HD/Satellite radio, CD player, and USB access. WRX Premium and Limited trims and the base STI upgrade to a 7.0-inch touchscreen with the same capabilities. The 7.0-inch interface with onboard GPS navigation is optional on WRX Limited and standard on STI Limited trims. A nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with 440-Watt amplifier is optional on the WRX Limited and standard on the STI Limited. Subaru’s StarLink interface is generally easy to use, and the systems all work well. If dashboard tech is the deciding factor for you, then head for the top of the trim list and buy a Limited.
Driving experience is the big difference between the Subaru WRX and the WRX STI. Simply put, the STI has more of everything. It goes faster, corners flatter, and brakes harder. The STI also includes the driver-controlled center differential. The steering is quicker, and the close-ratio transmission provides better acceleration. But before you dismiss the WRX, remember that the faster car is often less comfortable in the long run. This is especially true if you get the Recaro seats in the STI. Recaro seats have less padding, more bolstering, and can be uncomfortable on longer drives. Further, the WRX has more compliant suspension and will be smoother on bumpy roads. Choosing the best driving experience between the WRX and the WRX STI will be a matter of personal taste. For everyday driving, we prefer the WRX. For track use, the STI is a better choice.
The extra performance in the 2019 Subaru WRX STI isn’t free. In fact, the STI starts about $10,000 more than the WRX. The base WRX has a starting retail price of $27,195, which is well within the economy-car price range. For the performance and features you get, the WRX is very tempting. Moving up to the WRX Premium costs $29,495, and the WRX Limited starts at $31,795. Opting for the Lineartronic CVT adds $1,900 but includes the EyeSight system. There’s a big price jump to the WRX STI, which starts at $36,595. The top STI Limited retails for $41,395, which is up in luxury car territory where 300 horsepower is typical. Both the WRX and the STI are covered by the same warranty, three years or 36,000 miles. Subaru protects its engines for five years or 60,000 miles. The manufacturer also covers wear items like wiper blades and brake pads for three years or 36,000 miles.
- 10 VW Golf GTI.
- 9 BMW M2 Competition.
- 8 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
- 7 Subaru BRZ.
- 6 Nissan Z.
- 5 Kia Stinger.
- 4 Toyota GR Supra.
- 3 Ford Mustang.
