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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  Sports Sedan, Factory Tuner! Muscle Car!!! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Harley Schmidlap, MD - November 27 - 8:50 am

  My car-> WRX 2016 Limited w/ 6-speed manual. Great Car; Im a limited gear head. Great handling (quick steering needs careful monitoring at first). Ride is not limousine soft or floaty it is firm but can be rough over roads under construction. I drive as if Im riding a bicycle-steering around deep pot holes; approach sudden road level changes at an angle; I slow when Im not sure of road surfaces directly ahead. Manual transmission required I relearn; clutch engages suddenly about 2/3 of the way up. Must practice to shift smoothly, both up and down(especially from 3rd to second; I double clutch when I shift from 3rd to 2nd; much smoother. Easy to steer sharply, much like with a go-kart. Keep eyes on road at all times. This was my first sports sedan, factory tuner, or muscle car. In High School, class mates had Dodge Charger; et cetera. In college, friends and acquaintances had Plymouth Road Runners, Camaro Z-28, Porsche Speedsters, and so on. After college I passed on first year Datsun 240Z(luckily, they were rust buckets. Other cars I owned were Subaru Legacys with automatics. Last on was totaled. I couldnt close deal for a Legacy Spec B, so bought 2007 Sonata with manumatic. It shifted from 5th->4th when speed below ~33 mph, had soft ride and indeterminate steering; only got 30 or so mpg on highway using cruise control set between 60-65 mph.Mileage in winter around town 19(-) mpg. My WRX doesnt lug until Tachometer is below approximately 1200 rpm; I can drive up gentle hills at 30 mph in 4th. Mileage is remarkable-overall mixed 28.4; up to 25 mpg around town-I downshift to slow for lights or stopped vehicles & stop signs. On rare highway driving near Boston, with cruise control in 6th gear at 70-75 mph Ive obtained 34+ mpg (NOTE-I only drive this fast to keep up with traffic AND when faster cars (rabbits or police baits have passed me. Driving directions/map not the easiest nor most helpful for me, but then each other direction aids are also->Verizon Navigator&Google directions on my smart phone; Map Quest, and On-line Google Maps and more. I havent yet tried iPod, but telephone blue tooth is good. Google maps. Wind noise could be much less with improved windshield, side window, aerodynamic designs; road noise in my car due to Summer Tires and performance exhaust. Overall I rate my car 4.5/5 and highly recommend it for value AND safety: See IIHS.org crash results

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  Its true, all of it. - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By tone - November 26 - 7:21 pm

  Its true, all of it. Its fast, its fun, and its practical. I always wanted a WRX ever since I test drove the 2.5 RS in the late 90s. Now Im 41 years young with 2 kids and Im having a blast driving this car where ever I go. There is a distinct aura just driving a Subaru. A lot of Subaru owners flash there lights or wave and say Hi to other Subaru owners while driving on the streets. Its really cool and friendly. I have the base 2016 WRX 6-Speed with a short throw shifter. At 2500 RPM and above my car has enough turbo spool built up it can challenge anything. I really mean anything. I just press firmly on the throttle and the car just moves like Im riding on a puff of air gaining so much speed. Mind you I only accelerate like this on spirited drives during on-ramps to get on the highway and never with my kids. The handling is great not excellent but just great for everyday driving. If you need more feel for the handling prowess obviously get the STI. I test drove both and I know I will never get close to the limitations of the STI. You can feel the hardware in the STI. But as far as acceleration I would put the WRX and STI neck and neck in terms of acceleration with the STI just ahead by a little bit. The only minor negative issue with the WRX I feel is the shifter. Im at roughly 1,500 miles right now and Im finally feeling comfortable shifting quick. There is a minor notchy feeling going from first to second. But youll figure it out in a couple days by maybe holding the shift knob in a certain way and shifting in a certain way that can alleviate that notchy feeling. Otherwise I read Perrin has a shifter stop that can help. Id definitely recommend using the Costco auto buy program. I paid $200 dollars below invoice for my WRX. It was no hassle. The Subaru dealer in my local area showed me the Costco price and it matches my researched internet invoice price. Also they subtracted the $200 dollars. Super Easy. Heres my down payment and I was out the door having fun. If youre looking for something cheap, practical, fast, and fun I totally recommend the WRX. Also the WRX is a Lego. It has so much potential for upgrades and customization because theres an abundant amount of tuner parts available.

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  Is it really a performance car? - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By AirLokita - November 8 - 9:07 pm

  So I always wanted a WRX and decided to buy one to replace a BMW 135i. I have to say, a little disappointed. Everything everyone has written is mostly true regarding outward visibility, ergo, handling -- all excellent. Very confidence inspiring in the twisties. But theres a big problem: its slow. Its just a slow car. Would be quite surprised if this dynod at the advertised 270hp. Not Prius slow, or stay out of the left lane slow, but its really not quick. The aforementioned BMW - and Id guess any x35/40 series of BMW, would eat this for breakfast/lunch/dinner on almost any given road. The salesperson insisted I keep it under 4K RPM on the test drive, and I just sort of assumed there was a more active part of the powerband above 4K. Nope. I like the car though. Its companionable, and I trust it (unlike the BMW). Not a bad value. Shoulda bought the STI.

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  STi: An engaging drivers car - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Jamie - October 24 - 5:14 am

  If you want a car that will engage you and keep you interested, this is the car for you. The strong performance and responsive handling make it fun and involving to drive. It does not isolate you from the driving experience, you can hear all the widgets working. Some might see that as an excuse for poor NVH, but thats a part of the experience. While some may consider the drivetrain un-evolved, the long history means a diverse aftermarket and deep knowledge base about every facet of the car. Its also a Swiss army knife of a car that can do practical daily duties in all conditions, (though somewhat less so since they took away the integrated roof racks and the hatchback options). However, it is not the car for people who are looking for the most refined experience, latest and greatest electronic gadgets, best raw performance or best gas mileage. This is my 3rd Subaru, so I guess Ive drunk the cool-aid. Buy it before the EJ engine goes away.

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  NO CONS! - 2018 Subaru WRX
  By Kevin - September 20 - 2:53 am

  I came from a 2017 VW GTI, which was totaled recently. While i loved that car.. the 2018 WRX is in a whole different league. The handling is magnificent on turns and curves. The acceleration is fun and solid. Yes, the road noise is *slightly* louder than other vehicles, but I doubt anyone interested in buying an AWD, 270HP car that isnt a luxury brand is extremely interested in a purely silent cabin. Im sensitive to noise and its fine for me. Love this car and finally do not have any buyers remorse or looking longingly at other cars. Go take it for a test drive and push it!

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  fast fun car electronics suck - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Wayne Boucher - March 21 - 9:35 am

  I bought this car the day after Christmas and I love the handle and acceleration, I have a 2006 Miata 213,000 miles which I love and kept, the new Miata looks nice but driving it was very disappointing the new Miata is a dog because of the electronics. I wanted a manual transmission, yes corporate America not every is lazy and wants an automatic, some people like driving and hate cars that drive themselves. I love the acceleration of the car and the handling is awesome, once you shut off all the electronics crap that is. I hate the electronics, the hill assist I would not have bought the car if I could not turn hill assist off because it screws up driving the car, I shut the traction control off unless I forget, I wish I could shut off the antilock brakes, those suck. The airbags are dangerous, my daughter sits in the front and the airbags do not work by weight but by electric capacity and you cant shut them off so I am looking at how to disable them so my daughter doesnt get killed. The radio is the biggest piece of crap, it has 9 options which most of them try to connect to your phones internet, I want to delete those apps but cant. Touch screen radios in my option should be outlawed and I will be removing that crap radio from the car. They put a lot of annoying electronics in the car but if you search the net you can shut a lot of it off, wish I could shut off their annoying driving suggestions that come up when the car starts or its icy out, I know how to drive, dont need a car telling how to drive. On the plus the car has tons of room inside even in the back seat, more room than you would think for the cars size, they kept the interior simple which I like, I hate a lot of fancy crap, the truck is huge which is a plus because the new Miatas trunk was no bigger than a back pack. Acceleration is incredible, when you hit the throttle the car launches, it is more fun than the Lamborghini Galardo I drove because of the manual transmission. The handling is awesome too, not as nimble as the old Miata because it weighs 1000lbs more, it is still great for windy roads, lots of fun. I like the styling and you can get it real colors instead of just silver and black, I got bright blue, looks awesome. I wish I could have got a sun roof but they only came with leather and I will never own a car with leather so I will have to add the sun roof later. If you want a fun car try a wrx, they for people who like to drive, I like to drive and will never own a self driving car.

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  Vrroom Vrrroooom! - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Kimberly Minton - March 21 - 12:55 am

  How to be a responsible driver! This car has got it all. Great ride, sleek, stylish and just plain FAST! Ive found I can get better gas mileage driving in sport mode when traversing Ca. Foothills and traffic. Im what youd call a very defensive driver. Way too many bad drivers out there. The similar design of the Impreza, this hot little car stays in incognito. Love, love, love this car!!!

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  2016 WRX base model w/ Short Shifter & Mirror pkg - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Mark Leestma - December 4 - 3:10 am

  Actual Gas Mileage ranges from 27 -33 mpg. Best value for the money. Great styling. Torque can beat with a Lexus GS300 F-Sport @ 306 HP off the line. Handling feels better than a BMW especially on turns.

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  Finally a timing chain - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Calarco - November 1 - 9:44 am

  Quick engine. twin turbo kicks your head back at 3500rpms. ride is smooth, road noise due to 17inch rims with skinny tire side walls. great clutch and smooth shifting 6 speed. The Stereo just stinks. rear speakers mounted in rear door. WHY WHY WHY. HD FM reception fades in and out and with your windows down and sitting on I95 the volume is cranked to 40. Needs a AMP. OK on gas but likes the cooler burning 93 octane. Expensive. With heated seats and sunroof plus shipping and taxes, 30,000. And get the 500.00 5yr rim and tire replacement. Still breaking motor in. My last car was a 09 Mustang and this WRX beats the stang in everway except the stereo, and too much eye candy gauges.

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  2017 Subaru WRX Premium - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Mark - October 1 - 10:23 pm

  Just leased a 2017 WRX Premium (M6) in white. I love this car! Has excellent performance and overall value. Ride isnt the smoothest nor quiet. But if youre wanting ride comfort and a quite car, then look elsewhere! Overall interior looks good and a major improvement from last generation, but Subaru could do better. Subarus arent known for quality audio, but you can always upgrade through Subarus accessories or aftermarket. Again, Im happy with my new WRX and looking to purchase in the near future!