Subaru WRX

Overview: Is the Subaru WRX a Good Performance Car?

The Subaru WRX blends rally-bred sportiness with practical sedan sensibilities. Available only as a turbocharged all-wheel drive four-door, the driver-focused WRX employs Subaru’s trademark flat-four boxer engines while expanding on the company’s Impreza platform. Initially an Impreza variant, the automaker spun off the WRX into its own nameplate for 2015, complete with a performance transmission, rear spoiler, performance tires, and other upgrades. These stand-alone models are what’s covered in this overview. The WRX is a favorite tuner project; be aware of any aftermarket upgrades you may encounter in the used car market. Subaru Corporation introduced an all-new second-generation WRX for the 2022 model year.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Subaru WRX cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Subaru WRX Years To Avoid

Key Features

Subaru WRX specs:

• Four-door compact sedan body style
• Turbocharged flat-four engines
• Six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or continuously variable transmission (Lineartronic CVT)
• Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Active torque vectoring technology
• Subaru WRX horsepower: 268-310 (varying by year and trim)

Trims

Subaru WRX trim designations have been mostly consistent over the past decade, with base, Premium, Limited, and GT being the core offerings. For several years, Subaru offered a high-performance WRX STi variant in base and Limited form, but the STi didn’t make the cut for the second generation. The 2024 Subaru WRX added a premium TR grade.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

While there are worse places to sit than the WRX’s second row, the preferred spot is in the front. Available ultrasuede-covered Recaro bucket seats hold occupants tightly while the WRX slices through corners and tackles highway on-ramps. Subaru WRX buyers looking for more than the basics can choose a WRX trim with heated front seats, automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon audio system, a power driver seat, Subaru Starlink infotainment, LED fog lights, and a power moonroof. Newer WRX models have Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology as optional or standard equipment. The WRX’s modest trunk is typically sized for a compact sedan, so it’s ready for grocery runs or weekend getaways.

How It Drives

Turbocharged Subaru boxer four-cylinder engines deliver stout acceleration, while standard AWD ensures grip across most surfaces. It’s a powertrain combination sure to bring smiles to anyone behind the wheel of a WRX. At the same time, the WRX is well-suited as a daily driver. However, the Subaru WRX automatic (the CVT) may be better than the manual transmission if driving involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) didn’t start testing the Subaru WRX until the 2020 model year. All evaluations, however, produced a perfect five-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Subaru WRX reviews average 4.6 out of 5 stars. Owners are especially pleased with the WRX’s performance and reliability but also give kudos for the car’s quality and value.

Learn More: How Long Do Subaru WRXs Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

FAQs

When did WRX stop being an Impreza?

After the model year 2014 (in the U.S.), Subaru split the WRX and regular Impreza into separate models.

Is the WRX 2.5 turbo?

Yes, the STi-only 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine is turbocharged. The latest WRX adopts a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed Subaru boxer engine making 271 horsepower, replacing the smaller 2.0-liter turbo and STi-only 2.5-liter turbo from the previous generation.

Is the WRX a 4 or 6 cylinder?

All WRX models employ turbocharged versions of Subaru’s trademark four-cylinder boxer engines rather than a larger V6 or inline-six. This includes the discontinued range-topping STi performance variant.

What is the WRX Premium package?

Stepping up to the Premium WRX trim adds upgrades like a power moonroof, automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality, Harman Kardon audio, ultrasuede upholstery, and a ten-way power driver seat.

Check out a used Subaru WRX or Subaru WRX STi for sale.