Overview & Reviews
For years, the Subaru WRX has been the high-performance version of the otherwise practical-minded Subaru Impreza. This latest WRX has lost the "Impreza" name on its badge to indicate its dedication to performance. The WRX name signifies the presence of a higher-horsepower turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The WRX STI model, (from Subaru's in-house tuning division, Subaru Tecnica International) offers even more power, along with a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that enhances cornering grip.
Current Subaru Impreza WRX
Debuting for 2015, the Subaru WRX is a four-door sedan powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system are standard. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. The STI uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine rated at 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered.
Standard WRX features include alloy wheels with summer tires, automatic climate control, sport front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system. Upper trim levels add extras like foglights, a sunroof, a trunk lid spoiler, heated front seats, a touchscreen navigation system and leather upholstery. The WRX STI gets the more powerful engine, bigger wheels, Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, driver-selectable modes for the center differential and a more aggressively tuned suspension. Options include an eight-way power driver seat, lighter-weight 18-inch BBS wheels, a performance exhaust and a premium nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The WRX is extremely fun to drive thanks to its strong available engines and responsive handling. The ride quality does suffer a bit, but it's not any worse than you would expect from such a high-performance car. Less forgivable, however, is the large amount of wind and road noise coming into the cabin at freeway speeds. As for the WRX STI, is definitely turns up the performance dial, but it's harsher to drive on a daily basis.
Inside, the WRX is pretty spacious, with simple and straightforward controls. The driver positioning is particularly excellent, as is outward visibility thanks to thin roof pillars and large side mirrors. Previous versions of the Impreza and WRX had lots of hard plastics and unfriendly surfaces. This model is a bit more refined, but most competitors will still feel comparatively upscale. Subaru's touchscreen controls and audio systems aren't very impressive either, and they stand out as a weak point in the cabin.
Used Subaru Impreza WRX Models
The WRX and WRX STI were previously referred to as the Subaru Impreza WRX. Before that, WRX and STI models were simply trim level options on the standard Impreza. Buyers interested in a used model can get additional information on these used Impreza WRXs and WRX STIs in separate reviews.
User Reviews:
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2016 STI Ready to go - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Liz Sheppard - October 26 - 6:09 pmI purchased a new 2016 STI in August, and so far I love it. I drive it in Alaska so the road conditions can be ruff. It gets through the snow no problems, a set of blizzak tires on it and I have had no issues. Short throw shifter is a nice plus, smooth, and sport mode is fun! The interior is nice. The only negative I have with the vehicle is the sound system is crap, for what the rest of the car is. You wont regret buying this vehicle. Spring for the STI if you can afford it, its worth it! Liz
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My new ride - 2016 Subaru WRX
By vipin agrawal - October 22 - 2:37 pmThe car is as advertised. A lot of fun to drive. I had a BMW 325i with sport suspension before this and feel that the STI does a much better job in the handling and taking the bumps. I think the Germans do a better job in the ergonomics dept when it comes to designing the interior and the material choices. I would have liked less (no) chrome in the interior. Gives it too flashy of a look much like most after-market stereo head units available today. The switches just dont have that German feel of solidness. On the other hand, the buyer of this car is really more into the power and handling - which this car delivers in boatloads. Whenever I have bought a German car in the past, I always knew that reliability was not going to be a strong suit. With this car, I didnt have that reservation at all. One slight glitch is that it took me a while to locate the break in period for a new car. Its 1000 miles and to keep it under 4000 rpms. I got the short shifter and its fantastic, very precise and the car just sounds great. Almost makes me want to turn off the stereo and listen to the exhaust as I drive.
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Everyday RocketShip - 2015 Subaru WRX
By nicks1028 - September 1 - 7:55 pmOverall, I really enjoy my car. Its fast, its not too loud or too quiet. On just about any average freeway drive @ 75 mph i get about 30mpg with some passing of cars. If you drive 65mph youll get 33-35mpg and if you cruise @ 55-60mph you will get almost 40mpg. Amazing all around car & when compared to the competition, there is no competition.
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My First Subaru WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Kabir M. - August 11 - 4:53 amI have usually been a European car person but I wanted to try something different. I liked the new FA20DIT motor in the 2015+ Subaru WRXs and so I took the car for a test drive. The handling on this car with the boxer engine is great but the car could use a little more power (coming from a Twin Turbo 300hp/tq BMW so a little biased on power). I just finished a long 1500 mile road trip through bad weather and really great weather and the car has been everything I could ask for. I also negotiated a really good price for this vehicle as the MSRP was 33k (Premium with Sports Package and a few other options). I bought the vehicle at AutoNation and they were really helpful. I do a mixture of highway driving and city driving for work and definitely some spirited driving through the mountains here in Denver. The only small issues I have with the car (which obviously I didnt care enough about because the rest is great) are theres quite a bit of cabin noise (used to a BMW though) and hill start can be annoying to get used to but good for beginners. I also recommend the sport package which includes the STI Exhaust, STI 18" Wheels, STI Shift Know and the STI Short Throw Shifter (STS). The STS is definitely worth it in my opinion. Overall the 2016 WRX I own is amazing.
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Very Happy with NEW WRX2016! - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Steve Miller - August 4 - 1:41 pmNeeds premium gas as it is a performance car. The 4-cylinder turbo boxer engine is on Wards Top Ten Best Engines list for 2016! Fun to drive...makes me smile every time! SM
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Great performance value - 2016 Subaru WRX
By zeus - July 30 - 7:15 am -
Great engineering - 2016 Subaru WRX
By DB - July 28 - 1:59 pmThe car is well thought out. Tuned for enthusiasts even with the CVT, which is amazingly responsive. Handling is like on rails. Value (fun) for the money is unbeatable
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WRX grows up but still has the moves - 2015 Subaru WRX
By szr1 - May 21 - 1:47 pmOverall - the new WRX is an excellent handling, attractive, quick car that can haul 4 six foot humans. Bang for the buck it competes in features and performance with cars 50%+ more expensive. The first 1500 miles have been a lesson in restraint to keep the revs down and break in the fast reving 2.0L turbo slowly. No issues or problems, this is solidly built car. It corners with amazing accuracy and traction. In the rain, its like cheating. The WRX is not just for boy racers (as the press likes to say) - but for 50-somthings looking for responsible fun in all weather.
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Kickass! - 2017 Subaru WRX
By TonyC - April 24 - 1:12 pmBest car Ive ever owned! Yes its a little loud inside, but I hear swapping to all seasons helps a lot. The premium stereo is good, but missing a lot of features, which is lame. Suggest getting the stock stereo and upgrading aftermarket. And there is soooo many aftermarket parts for this car, its insane.
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Wrx base - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Jeebs - April 6 - 12:03 pmDucking love it! Winter is coming up, and this car is awesome in the snow...almost looking forward to some white stuff...almost.
