2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Ford Mustang
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru WRX ($37,750 MSRP) and the 2026 Ford Mustang ($32,320 MSRP) is the $5,430 difference in initial cost. Despite the lower price, the Mustang achieves superior power, boasting 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the WRX's 271 hp and 258 lb-ft. This performance advantage extends to efficiency, where the Mustang nets 26 combined MPG compared to the WRX's 22 combined MPG, with its City/Highway ratings showing 22/33 MPG versus the Subaru's 19/26 MPG. However, the WRX features standard All-Wheel Drive, a contrast to the Mustang's Rear-Wheel Drive configuration. The Mustang offers slightly more utility with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft, though both are small sedans/coupes. Ultimately, the choice balances AWD utility against raw, accessible V8 power figures.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Mustang
The 2026 Ford Mustang offers a 4 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (26 MPG vs 22 MPG) and a lower starting MSRP of $32,320.
2025 Subaru WRX
The 2025 Subaru WRX, despite being slightly smaller in cargo capacity (12.5 cu ft vs 13.5 cu ft), offers the practical security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Ford Mustang
The 2026 Ford Mustang provides significantly higher output with 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque versus the WRX's 271 hp.
2026 Ford Mustang
The 2026 Ford Mustang delivers 44 more horsepower for $5,430 less than the 2025 Subaru WRX.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- All-Wheel Drive traction is a mandatory requirement for year-round performance.
- A standard 6-speed manual transmission is strictly preferred over the automatic option.
- The vehicle dimensions are critical, with the WRX being 1.6 inches narrower (71.9 inches vs 75.4 inches).
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- Maximizing straight-line power output is the priority (315 hp vs 271 hp).
- Achieving better fuel economy is necessary (26 combined MPG vs 22 combined MPG).
- The buyer seeks the lowest possible entry price point at $32,320 MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru WRX | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.8" | 189.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 75.4" |
| Height | 57.8" | 55.0" |
| Wheelbase | 105.2" | 107.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | — |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 22/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 315.4/431.6 mi. | 352.0/528.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 16.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 44.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.7 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 29.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 52.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.3 in. | 47.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/40R | 235/50R18 |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2026 Ford Mustang.
Which vehicle is faster in a straight line based on specifications?
The 2026 Ford Mustang is spec-sheet faster, outputting 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the WRX's 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Mustang's 10-speed automatic transmission is also optimized for quicker shifts than the WRX's 6-speed manual.
How do the drivetrains affect performance in poor weather?
The 2025 Subaru WRX comes standard with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing superior grip and stability on low-traction surfaces. The 2026 Ford Mustang utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive setup, which is generally less effective in heavy snow or rain without specialized tires.
Is the higher MSRP of the WRX justified by more interior space?
No, the 2025 Subaru WRX is more expensive yet offers slightly less cargo capacity at 12.5 cu ft compared to the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Mustang is longer overall at 189.4 inches versus the WRX's 183.8 inches.
What is the long-term fuel cost difference?
Based on the 4 MPG combined difference (26 MPG for the Mustang vs. 22 MPG for the WRX), the Mustang owner is projected to spend less on premium unleaded fuel over the vehicle's life, assuming equal mileage accumulation.
Which transmission offers better driver engagement?
The 2025 Subaru WRX exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission, which is preferred by drivers seeking direct mechanical engagement. The 2026 Ford Mustang defaults to a 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Are there any significant dimensional differences between the sedan and the coupe?
Yes, the Mustang coupe sits 2.8 inches lower (55.0 inches height vs. 57.8 inches) and is 1.6 inches wider (75.4 inches vs. 71.9 inches) than the WRX sedan.
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