What is the Fastest Subaru: 0-60 Times Ranked

Subaru has a devoted fan base among driving enthusiasts and commuters craving quick acceleration and all-wheel-drive (AWD) reliability. Whether you’re looking to drive a WRX to get your kicks or an Outback XT for practical speed in a daily driver, the 0-to-60 mph sprint times for Subaru models are a valuable performance metric. While engine tuning, transmission type, weather at the time of testing, and break-in can yield different results, 0-to-60 mph tests are one of the best ways to compare speed and performance. Our Sport Subaru South dealership team invites you to discover which model is the fastest.

Methodology and Sources

To provide a fair and consistent ranking of the fastest Subaru models, we compiled 0-to-60 mph sprint time data from reputable automotive publications, including Car and Driver and Motor Trend, and verified all vehicle specifications. For each trim level and model, we selected the fastest published time, disregarding any duplicates or anomalies related to tuning, drag preparation, or other factors. The following list includes only factory street-legal production in Subarus (no aftermarket parts or modifications).

• Rank 1 – 2021 WRX STI (Final Generation)

  • 0-60 mph: 4.6 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.5-liter turbo flat-four, 6-speed manual

  • Horsepower/Torque: 310 hp / 290 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Classic rally-inspired speed with mechanical grip to match

• Rank 2 – 2025 WRX TR

  • 0-60 mph: 5.6 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.4-liter turbo flat-four, 6-speed manual

  • Horsepower/Torque: 271 hp / 258 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Enhanced handling, Brembos, and no sunroof—built for purists

• Rank 3 – 2025 WRX Base/Limited

  • 0-60 mph: 5.4 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.4-liter turbo flat-four, 6-speed manual or CVT

  • Horsepower/Torque: 271 hp / 258 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Everyday performance with impressive mid-range punch

• Rank 4 – 2025 BRZ

  • 0-60 mph: 5.8 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four, 6-speed manual

  • Horsepower/Torque: 228 hp / 184 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Lightweight, rear-wheel drive precision driver’s car

• Rank 5 – 2025 Legacy Sport (Turbo)

  • 0-60 mph: ≈ 5.9 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.4-liter turbo flat-four, CVT

  • Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp / 277 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Midsize comfort with near-WRX performance credentials

• Rank 6 – 2025 Solterra AWD

  • 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: Dual electric motors, AWD

  • Horsepower: 215 hp (est.)

  • Takeaway: Instant electric torque, but added weight tempers speed

• Rank 7 – 2025 Outback Touring XT

  • 0-60 mph: 6.3 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.4-liter turbo flat-four, CVT

  • Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp / 277 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Hauls gear and pets yet reaches 60 mph quicker than expected

• Rank 8 – 2025 Crosstrek Wilderness

  • 0-60 mph: 7.5 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.5-liter flat-four, CVT

  • Horsepower/Torque: 182 hp / 178 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Off-road capability meets solid daily-driving power

• Rank 9 – 2025 Ascent

  • 0-60 mph: 7.7 sec

  • Engine/Transmission: 2.4-liter turbo flat-four, CVT

  • Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp / 277 lb-ft

  • Takeaway: Strong family hauler that doesn’t feel sluggish under load

Technology Behind Subaru Quickness

Subaru’s performance advantage goes beyond just a few extra horsepower. At the heart of its engineering is the SUBARU BOXER engine — a horizontally opposed motor that sits lower in the bay than a conventional one. With its lower center of gravity, the SUBARU BOXER engine offers improved balance, allowing for more natural handling in corners. Turbocharged engines play a role in Subaru’s fastest models, including both the WRX and Ascent families.

While not every powertrain build features a turbocharger, the option is available, especially with Symmetrical AWD, which provides good traction, mitigates wheel spin, and enables improved launches from a standstill position. Additionally, there is the Subaru Performance Transmission, a CVT specifically designed for the new WRX models and tuned for rapid paddle-shift through the gears. For traditionalists who still want a six-speed manual transmission on trim levels such as the WRX TR and BRZ, Subaru has kept that option available.

Everyday Speed: Family & Adventure Models

Not every Subaru buyer is a racetrack enthusiast; many seek speed and performance for practical purposes, such as:

• Merging into fast-moving traffic
• Passing on a two-lane road
• Having more confidence when towing a trailer
• Navigating challenging driving conditions

There are Subaru models, such as the Outback XT and Legacy Sport, that utilize the same 2.4-liter turbo engine found in the WRX. 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. Given their size and utility, there’s high demand for these driving enthusiast-oriented vehicles that can accommodate family trips. Subaru’s vehicles also feature a range of drive modes, with AWD being standard. Adventure influences are strongly evident in the exterior styling of cars such as the Outback and Legacy.

If you want a family-sized vehicle that can seat seven or eight passengers, the Ascent also offers reasonable performance. The Crosstrek Wilderness features a lift for improved ground clearance and better approach angles, making it an all-terrain-capable vehicle. As a more practical SUV, it remains reasonably quick for weekend camping trips.

Electric and Future Performance

Subaru’s first-ever electric vehicle (EV), the Solterra, serves up instant horsepower in a symmetrical AWD layout — but don’t expect a WRX. With a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of around 6.1 seconds, it’s quick for a crossover but weighs more than its gas-powered counterparts. Still, Subaru has teased the public with STI-badged EV concepts, and rumors suggest that it’s preparing to reveal a high-performance electric WRX-type alternative.

These vehicles could deliver the grip expected of a Subaru, along with the electrified punch that performance fans desire. Keep an eye on news related to Subaru’s performance division, as they will be pursuing electric speed with more vigor in the coming years.

How To Experience Subaru Performance in Orlando

The best way to experience the balance of speed and control that Subaru offers is to take a test-drive. Regardless of whether you’re considering a 2025 WRX, a BRZ tS, or a turbocharged Outback, visit our Sport Subaru South dealership at 9951 S. Orange Blossom Trail and get behind the wheel. You can call us at 321-398-5119 or fill out our secure online contact form to receive competitive lease offers on WRX models, as well as monthly rewards and incentives on performance trims. All-weather capability and confident acceleration make Subarus suitable for city and highway driving throughout Central Florida.

Blue Thunder by Lee Cannon is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED