Seed vigor may be determinant for field performance, especially under water restriction conditions. Sunflower is a crop subject to these conditions in the field and, therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and antioxidant changes in sunflower seeds under water restriction. Two lots of sunflower seeds (cv. Hélio 253) with different vigor levels were used. After initial characterization, seeds were placed to germinate under water potentials of 0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6 and -0.8 MPa and evaluated by tests of germination, first germination count, shoot length and primary root length. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, POX and APX were also evaluated at 0, 2, 4 and 6 days after sowing. Water restriction led to a decrease in germination and slower seedling growth, regardless of seed vigor level. SOD activity was similar in the two lots, with reduction in activity four days after sowing. CAT activity was affected differently during germination in the two lots, and it was generally higher in the most vigorous lot. In higher vigor seeds, there was lower POX activity in water restriction treatments compared to the control. In general, seeds of lower vigor have lower capacity for activation of antioxidant enzymes, especially peroxidases.