2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Mustang erupts onto the scene as the accessible V8-era inheritor, boasting 315 hp channeled exclusively through its rear-wheel-drive platform, promising visceral coupe thrills for a starting MSRP of $31,920. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru WRX brings rally-bred aggression with its standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing grip and handling agility, albeit with 271 hp and a higher starting price of $37,750. The Mustang offers a slight edge in straight-line performance and efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the WRX's 22 combined MPG. While the Mustang is slightly longer at 189.4 inches, the WRX counters with a taller stance at 57.8 inches, offering a different physical footprint. This showdown pits raw, rear-drive muscle against turbocharged, all-weather competency, separated by a notable $5,830 price gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Mustang
The 2025 Mustang wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 26 MPG compared to the WRX's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX, being a four-door sedan with a slightly taller height (57.8 inches), offers more practical ingress/egress than the two-door Mustang coupe.
2025 Ford Mustang
Enthusiasts seeking sheer power will favor the Mustangβs 315 hp and rear-wheel-drive dynamics over the WRX's 271 hp and AWD setup.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang provides significantly more horsepower (315 hp vs 271 hp) for $5,830 less money, delivering superior power per dollar.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- You prioritize accessible outright power, as the Mustang delivers 315 hp for a lower entry price.
- You prefer traditional coupe styling and the dynamic feel of rear-wheel drive.
- You commute regularly and can benefit from the 4 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (26 MPG).
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- All-weather security is essential, leveraging the WRX's superior all-wheel drive system.
- You demand a true enthusiast manual transmission experience, as the WRX exclusively offers the 6-speed manual.
- You need easier rear-seat access provided by the four-door sedan body style.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Mustang | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4" | 183.8" |
| Width | 75.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 55.0" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.0" | 105.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | β | β |
| Front Fog Lights | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | β | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | β |
| Center Differential Type | β | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/33 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 352.0/528.0 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Infotainment Display | β | 11.6 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | β | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | β | β |
| Driver Seat Heating | β | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | β | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.8 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 49.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/50R18 | 245/40R |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Subaru WRX.
Which car is quicker in acceleration based on the provided specs?
While specific 0-60 mph times are not provided, the 2025 Mustang holds a significant advantage with 315 horsepower compared to the WRXβs 271 horsepower, suggesting it will be faster in most straight-line tests.
Is the 2025 Subaru WRX significantly smaller than the Mustang?
The WRX is notably more compact in some dimensions, measuring 183.8 inches in length compared to the Mustangβs 189.4 inches, though the WRX is taller at 57.8 inches versus the Mustangβs 55.0 inches.
Can the Mustang handle adverse weather better than the WRX?
No, the 2025 Subaru WRX is built with standard all-wheel drive, giving it a considerable traction advantage over the Mustangβs rear-wheel-drive layout in snow or heavy rain.
What is the primary mechanical difference in transmission options?
The Mustang features a modern 10-speed shiftable automatic, designed for performance and efficiency, whereas the enthusiast-focused WRX exclusively offers a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
How much more cargo space does the Mustang offer?
The Mustang provides a slight advantage in luggage hauling with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, just edging out the WRXβs 12.5 cubic feet, though both offer relatively small trunks.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Ford Mustang and the 2025 Subaru WRX recommend premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool