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:

• 

  turbo lag, too much, cant stand it - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By jase - September 8 - 8:21 am

  this is my first sti, Turbo lag, cant stand it. worst than the mini jcw I own couple years back. its powerful as far as 4 cylinders goes, but makes me feel like driving one of those Honda civic si, high rpm all the time but a lot faster. I bought it cause its a all season car and Im in NYC. STI in japan has more power, s207. I hate Japanese products including cars now. They keep their best products in their domestic markets like their phones and Walkman in the 90s. trade it in for a m2 recently, the dash of a M2 is hideous, worst than the STI. But no more turbo lag.

• 

  2016 base model WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Pearl White WRX - August 29 - 4:41 am

  I went from a 2007 stage 2 STI to a bone stock 2016 WRX. During the 1st 1,000 miles it was hard to tell just how fast the WRX would end up being after break-in. The turbo spools so much faster than the STI but then I was shifting around 3k RPM. Luckily I had read many reviews about the touchy throttle, quick spool and then running out of steam around 5k RPM so I knew what to expect once I did get past the break-in. If youre looking for a dragster this is not the car for you, especially in stock form. The turbo spools very quickly and very suddenly, at 5,000-5,750 RPM there is a very noticeable dip in power and then it starts picking up again and then you have to shift. The stock tune is really my main complaint, but I understand Subaru intentionally tuned it very conservatively for longevity. It handles better than the 2007 STI without a doubt. The STI had very stiff suspension but noticeably more body roll and under steer. Where the STI could really stretch its legs on a racetrack, the WRX really shines blasting through the canyons. With its short gear ratios and instantaneous spool, the windier the road the better. My other critiques would be the gear shifter feel, the STI was not a smooth shifter either but the WRX is very notchy. The stock speakers and Bluetooth are not great, sometimes the stereo will refuse to connect to Pandora. The all black interior shows off every speck of dust no matter how often you clean it. The initial bite of the break peddle is not as good as the STI (but most cars arent). The dreaded Rev hang is definitely noticeable but actually doesnt bother me at all, but it was weird at first. I know Im way in the minority on this issue, but I think the stock exhaust is a little loud and boomy (my stage 2 STI was catted, resonated and I had the stock mufflers on it. I know, weak!) And seriously this is just nitpicking. 99% of WRX owners will replace the stock tune, shifter and bushings, add louder exhaust and upgrade the stereo. So basically all my "complaints" are extremely fixable. Now what I love about the WRX. The looks, I absolutely love this body style! The lip spoiler, the 17 inch dark grey stock rims. The interior is very well laid out and the steering wheel is awesome! It handles amazing, unbelievable for a $27k car! The fuel economy is great. The gauges and touch screen interface with the backup camera are really nice. The seats and the driving position are perfect in my opinion. The extra 2 inches of legroom in the backseat go a long way, 6+ feet tall passengers can comfortably fit back there now. The truck space and folding rear seat backs make it very practical. The outward visibility with the little split windows up front are great. Overall there is very little to dislike about the 2016 WRX base model. For a $27,000 non front wheel drive, 4 door, 6 speed manual sporty car, I couldnt find anything else I would rather have.

• 

  what a blast to drive & own - 6,500 mile review - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By subaru_colorad - July 21 - 9:36 pm

  Purchased the WRX after test-drive & reading reviews of WRX and WRX STI - I liked the STIs acceleration, handling, and in particular the brakes, but did not care for the appearance of fin or stiffness. As a 40+ yr old, I was looking for a car that was fun, but non-descript in a corporate parking lot and comfortable as a commuter/pick up the kids vehicle. Ive driven the WRX 6K+ miles, and live in the Colorado foothills, windy road. It is a blast! Took awhile to get used to timing (turbo lag) and too many RPMs while shifting does release a horrible smell, but this only occurs when not careful. The car is very light; braking and acceleration = very responsive. Im 62 200 lbs.

• 

  Two weeks in... - 2018 Subaru WRX
  By Tommy Tunes - July 14 - 1:16 pm

  After reading reviews, I was hesitant about buying the WRX. I read things about "tinny" feeling when closing doors, painfully harsh ride, etc. But I test drove and bought the car anyway. Two weeks in and Im not a bit sorry. Its a stiff "sports car" ride...and thats great. Acceleration is good, even though Im still in the break-in period and not exceeding 4K rpm. I bought excellent quality snows (Michelin Alpin PA4) and the car rides great, feels solid on the road, and handles great, too. I previously owned a Honda Civic SI with the V-TEC engine. Loved that car but it was FWD only. The WRX is every bit as good, with 4WD.

• 

  Lot of bang for your buck - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By John Morin - June 9 - 12:01 am

  This is my second all wheel drive Subaru and my fourth 4 wheel drive vehicle all together , and its a joy to drive , I love my new one just it was a long wait to get the color I wanted, i had to wait and extra 4 months to get it right , other than that alls good. I"m able to keep it out of the snow now, and use my Outback for the snow .

• 

  Fun car with a few downsides - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Nick - April 3 - 4:57 am

  This is my second Subaru WRX. My first was a 2016 base model with the 6 speed manual. I originally got rid of the 2016 because I was sick of daily driving a manual transmission car in traffic. I traded it for a 2017 Premium trim with the CVT. The Premium trim has a few nice extras like a sunroof and fog lights and the car is built well and has a good firm ride and feels sturdy. The big problem I have with this car is that the CVT. It just doesnt belong in this car. I like that it has 3 driving modes that you can choose from but the shifts are noticeably artificial. My second problem is the fuel economy. I thought the CVT would help the mpgs over the manual but its actually worse. I was averaging 22-23 mpg in the city with the manual and the CVT is averaging 18-19 in intelligent (economy) mode. I absolutely love this car with the manual, especially if you live someplace where you can really use it and have fun with it. At this point I really regret getting the CVT.

• 

  WRX squared - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Chad Garcia - January 20 - 3:57 am

  Loved the wifes STI so much we went and bought a WRX to match...

• 

  Cant Find Much to Like - 2016 Subaru WRX
  By Christopher - May 2 - 5:51 pm

  I hate this car. Maybe Im just too old (55), but I struggle to find anything I like about it. OK, the handling is definitely great, and the climate control, too, but thats about it really. The acceleration, while good, is uneven and falls off suddenly at higher RPMs. But even that is OK, its just everything else. Most of my complaints are small issues, but when added up just make for a crappy experience, especially considering this is a 30k-ish car in premium trim like mine. My biggest gripe is comfort. I heard nothing but good things about the seats when reading reviews, but they just dont work for me. Ive had chronic neck and shoulder pain since the day I bought it. The arm rest with the extension and heated seat switch positions are a ridiculous afterthought. Add to that, that the engine races when started cold, even on warm days, and takes a long time to settle into a solid normal idle, the clutch feel is poor (Ive driven sticks all my life, I know), the transmission is reluctant (maybe its the STI short throw in mine) and sometimes will not go into first when the light turns green leaving you screwing around letting the clutch out and retrying. The interior materials are pretty substandard, its ride overly harsh (they should save that for the STI), lots of road noise, and perhaps worst of all is the stereo, so you cant even drown out all the annoyances with some good music. Ill close with the comment that my 16 year old Jetta GLX was a better car in every respect except acceleration (not that bad with the vr6) and handling (too soft). I really miss that car... Be warned, this is not an enjoyable daily driver. [12/19/16] Update. After trying to live with this for a year, I finally sold it. I never warmed up to this car, and never looked forward to driving it. The transmission shifting that I complained about was the only thing that improved with time. That said, after about 1000 miles the throwout bearing started making noise on cold mornings. Reading up on that issue revealed comments that said "they all do that" and others that said they went to the trouble of trying to get it fixed, only to have it do it again in short order. I totally lost confidence over that issue. In spite of me saying I liked the climate control, that changed to not liking it when the weather turned warm. On hot days It just continues to blast you with cold air, never seeming to get a clue when enough is enough. Id have to turn it up to 85 to get it to stop, otherwise it would just blast cold my whole 10 mile ride home from work. Never had that issue with my VW, it would almost immediately start dialing it back automatically. One of the final "last straw" issues for me was when one cool damp day I left it out and the side windows were all misted - I thought, "oh, Ill just roll the windows down to wipe them clean". Good luck with that, the windows in this piece of crap dont even touch the wiper trim. I literally had to push out on the windows while rolling them down and up to try to get them to wipe clean. Give me a freakin break! If you have ever had a nice car and you buy this, you will forever be disappointed. I did have a happy ending, though. I managed to get out of the WRX and into a GTI for almost a wash due to the deep discounting at VW, and in the process picked up everything I was missing including leather interior, an awesome Fender stereo, push button entry/start, adaptive xenon lights, rain sensing wipers, etc, etc. If you must buy a WRX, I would advise buying a base model, spending more for any higher trim level is a waste, and will not somehow transform it into a better experience. Its like putting lipstick on a pig. It is what it is, a track weapon, not an enjoyable daily driver.

• 

  Rex Rules - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By jsc - April 26 - 5:31 pm

  Still under 1000 miles and have been babying the motor to break it in; have not been able to unleash the full fury of 268 horses and 258 lb-ft. That said, it is pretty obvious that the torque curve is steep to 2500 rpm and then flattens out after that- one can really feel the engine pulling at 3000. Ride is rough- but thats to be expected; the base car, which I purchased, has 18" wheels wearing the Dunlop Sport Maxxs have stiff enough sidewalls as it is without the need to go any wider or squatter. The car will definitely get winter tires when the season changes. The infotainment (if one can call it entertainment) works well enough, but the interface is klugey and having both "Home" and "Apps" softkeys seems redundant. Sound quality is good enough, but no one buys the WRX for the radio. Hearing the chug-chug when the engine starts is the kind of sound you do want to hear. The interior is nice, if a bit spartan, but the motive technology is what sells the car. The car has been averaging 25 mpg combined; I notice it will get exceptional mileage (30s) on the highway when driven exclusively that way, so while it may not be the most comfortable tourer, at least it can be called efficient. I would have preferred leather seats but you have to get the sunroof-equipped Limited to do so, and I did not want to give up 2" of headroom.

• 

  A Few Observations - 2017 WRX w/CVT - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Bob in Tampa - April 5 - 8:54 am

  CVT: In normal driving, this CVT out performs a MT for most of us because it always upshifts and downshifts when it should (while the best drivers with MTs will usually but not always shift precisely at the right time). For a good time, a MT always wins. And while I really like this CVT, I feel like I have more control with a MT. Brutal Suspension: Ive seen at least one review saying the WRX has a brutal suspension. There must be something wrong with mine. Yes it is firm, but even my 96 year old mother likes the way the car rides. Nanny Controls: Excluding Eyesight, Ive found basic nanny controls are introverts, shy and rarely making themselves known. Eyesight is an extrovert, looking over your shoulder, beeping to get your attention, flashing warnings, even sharing steering, brakes and accelerator if you let it. Eyesight is a glimpse of more good things to come and cars that will do things we havent yet dreamed of.