Some cars are known for their reliability, some for their high-end features, and some for their speed. Yes, there are cars that people buy because they want a high-performance vehicle that can go from 0 to 60 in a flash. But surely, if a vehicle with high-speed potential is on your list, you aren’t looking for a speeding violation with it. The Subaru WRX is one such car, so how does it fare in this department? First, a look at a few other offenders. 

The need for speed will cost you in these vehicles

If you’re a speed lover, there are a few cars that are a perfect match for your taste. MotorTrend recently released a list of the vehicles that net their drivers the most speeding violations, and the results might surprise you. The Nissan 350Z, Dodge Charger, Hyundai Veloster may not come as a shock, but they weren’t at the top of the list. In fact, they were in the bottom half.

A truck also made this list. The Ram 2500 came in eighth, with 14.79 percent of drivers signing their names to a speeding violation. Taking the second-highest spot was the Volkswagen GTI, with 17.38 percent of drivers getting speeding violations. But the car in the top spot surpassed that by more than 3 percent, making the need for speed quite typical for its drivers. 

The Subaru WRX tops the list

Not only does the Subaru WRX make it on the list, but it’s also in the number one spot. The former Impreza became its own model in 2015 and nets more than 20 percent of its drivers speeding violations. That’s not totally surprising considering the type of car. MotorTrend admitted it has a “hard time resisting the temptation to toss this turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance sedan into a corner at every opportunity.” Because one in five WRX drivers receive speeding violations, this car gets 49 percent more speeding tickets than average. 

Though the Subaru WRX is a bit of a rough ride and has some initial turbo lag, the subsequent robust power is thrilling. The WRX goes from 0 to 60 in six seconds with a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four engine with 268 hp. The STI model ups the game with a 2.5-liter and 310 hp. The sedan’s impressive driving dynamics and sporty nature make it exceptional among other cars and give it an edge in the need-for-speed department. It’s just a car that makes it hard not to push the pedal a little harder. 

Is the Subaru WRX the car for you?

Consumer Reports isn’t the biggest fan, and the Subaru WRX doesn’t get high marks from all reviewers, but it stands out in safety. It also has its share of fans and loyal consumers. And the 2022 WRX promises to be better than ever, especially in the power department. That means potentially more speed — and speeding violations. Another list it topped? Cars with the most accidents. That may or may not be due to speeding issues, but that distinction certainly isn’t a great one. 

But the Subaru WRX does have some things going for it. The standard engine is already more than most sedans offer, and it offers an easy-to-learn infotainment system with responsive user inputs. It also includes smartphone integration, HD or satellite radio, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Though the WRX stands out in the safety department, only the backup camera is standard. The base trim is spacious enough for any driver, and sporty seats are standard, adding to the car’s overall look and feel.

If you like the razor-sharp steering and the easy handling of a sports car, the Subaru WRX might be for you. Just try to make sure you aren’t one of the WRX drivers who get speeding violations.