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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  Test drive multiple times.... - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By Luther Williams - May 24 - 8:00 am

  Great car if performance is main foucus. Plenty of low end torque for everyday driving. Drivability in everyday traffic is poor. Car really wants to be driven hard, when driven slow shifting is cumbersome. 1st gear has a rev hang that cause rough shift to 2nd. Sucks as an everyday driver, CVT maybe a better choice....

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  Sold after 9months - 2015 Subaru WRX
  By carolinaken69 - August 11 - 10:25 am

  Traded in a Mustang GT for a WRX with CVT. What a mistake. The cars electronics (radio/Bluetooth/seat heaters) are out of the early 90s. The radio has poor reception and sound quality was awful. The Bluetooth would randomly disconnect, whether using my iPhone or Android phone. The car developed a bunch of rattles. The ride was harsh and the road noise was unbearable. The front paint was flaking off. Most of the issues were well documented in service bulletins but no fixes identified. The AWD was not that good in snow. The back end would over drive and cause the back end to slide out. Traded in on another Mustang. What a mistake.

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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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  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.