Compare the2025 Ford MustangVS 2025 Subaru WRX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The Ford Mustang has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The WRX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Mustang has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The WRX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Mustang has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the WRX Limited/GT/tS offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Mustang has standard Cross Traffic Alert and Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the WRX Limited/GT/tS offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the WRX’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the Mustang and the WRX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Mustang is safer than the Subaru WRX:

	Mustang	WRX
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	127	250
Neck Injury Risk	22.1%	24.5%
Neck Stress	211 lbs.	348 lbs.
Neck Compression	24 lbs.	65 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	103/454 lbs.	284/524 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	28.8%	34.4%
Neck Stress	185 lbs.	227 lbs.
Neck Compression	74 lbs.	151 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	149/123 lbs.	203/285 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Mustang is safer than the Subaru WRX:

	Mustang	WRX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	180 lbs.	291 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	44 G’s
Hip Force	515 lbs.	690 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Mustang is 1.1% less likely to roll over than the WRX.

Warranty

There are over 4 times as many Ford dealers as there are Subaru dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

Reliability

The Mustang has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The WRX doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Mustang’s reliability 28 points higher than the WRX.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is rated lower.

Engine

The Mustang EcoBoost’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 44 more horsepower (315 vs. 271) and 92 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 209 more horsepower (480 vs. 271) and 157 lbs.-ft. more torque (415 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Mustang GT’s optional 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 215 more horsepower (486 vs. 271) and 160 lbs.-ft. more torque (418 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Mustang Dark Horse’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 229 more horsepower (500 vs. 271) and 160 lbs.-ft. more torque (418 vs. 258) than the WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mustang GT 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Subaru WRX (manual transmissions tested):

	Mustang	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	4.6 sec	5.8 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.3 sec	4.3 sec
Quarter Mile	12.9 sec	14.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	114 MPH	101 MPH

As tested in Car and Driver the Mustang EcoBoost 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Subaru WRX (automatics tested):

	Mustang	WRX
Zero to 60 MPH	4.5 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13.2 sec	14.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	103 MPH	101 MPH

Motor Trend magazine performs a classic 0 to 100 MPH and back to 0 MPH performance test. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse completed this feat in only 11.9 seconds. It took the Subaru WRX Limited 19 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Mustang (except Dark Horse)’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The WRX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Mustang has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The WRX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Mustang higher (4 to 6 out of 10) than the Subaru WRX (2). This means the Mustang produces up to 27.7 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the WRX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Ford Mustang comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the WRX.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the Mustang offers an optional up-shift light to indicate when to shift, based on a value pre-entered by the driver. The WRX doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The Mustang Manual’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The WRX doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Mustang’s brake rotors are larger than those on the WRX:

	Mustang EcoBoost	Mustang Dark Horse	WRX	WRX tS
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	15.4 inches	12.4 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	14 inches	11.4 inches	12.8 inches

The Mustang stops much shorter than the WRX:

	Mustang	WRX
100 to 0 MPH	178 feet	319 feet	Car and Driver
70 to 0 MPH	141 feet	159 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	87 feet	112 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the WRX (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. 245/40R18).

The Mustang Dark Horse’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the WRX tS’ 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Mustang offers optional 20-inch wheels. The WRX’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Mustang offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the WRX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mustang’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the WRX (107 inches vs. 105.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is .6 inches wider in the front and 2.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the WRX.

The Mustang Dark Horse handles at 1.07 G’s, while the WRX Limited pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis

The Mustang Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The WRX doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Mustang Fastback has 1.4 inches more front legroom and .8 inches more front hip room than the WRX.

Cargo Capacity

The Mustang Fastback has a larger trunk than the WRX (13.5 vs. 12.5 cubic feet).

Towing

The Mustang has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The WRX has no towing capacity.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the Mustang, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The WRX doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Mustang’s optional Easy Entry and Exit glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The WRX doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Mustang’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The WRX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Mustang’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The WRX has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

On a hot day the Mustang’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the WRX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Mustang’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The WRX’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Mustang has standard extendable sun visors. The WRX doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Mustang Premium/Deluxe keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The WRX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Mustang Premium/Dark Horse’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The WRX doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Model Availability

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Subaru WRX isn’t available as a coupe or convertible.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Ford Mustang and the Subaru WRX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its October 2024 issue and they ranked the Ford Mustang Dark Horse higher than the Subaru WRX.

The Ford Mustang outsold the Subaru WRX by over two to one during 2024.

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