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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 80.00-
The Best WRX yet - 2018 Subaru WRX
By Vlad - April 22 - 12:49 amI drove 2018 WRX Premium with Performance package. Outstanding! This car handles like a king and the RECARO seats deliver great support and firmness. Shifting is precise and steering gives you a great feedback. I would recommend to test drive different trims and packages before you make your decision. Now Subaru has a car for every driver
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A long time dream fulfilled - 2017 Subaru WRX
By Vernon Meade Jr - April 13 - 7:55 pm -
Practical and a blast to drive. - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Robert Van Ackooy - March 24 - 8:02 amThis is my second AWD turbo (I had a 91 Eagle Talon TSi AWD for about 16 years) and first with an automatic. I picked up my white WRX in August of 2015. I love a manual with AWD, but with a 5 speed Mach 1 as my other car, I wanted one of my cars to be an automatic. The CVT in the WRX really mimics a manual very well. Responsive and not too smooth, so that you feel like you are driving a performance car and not a family sedan. Not gonna deny that a manual would be awesome in this car, but the CVT is not time spent in the penalty box at all. The technology in this car is pretty amazing. Never thought I would ever drive a fun, sporty car like this with so many bells and whistles. Lots of safety technology too. Maybe my all time favorite interior (I like it even better than my previous 2011 VW GTI). Seats are comfortable and the instrumentation looks terrific in red. The upgraded (HK) stereo really sounds amazing. The car is fast and feels fast. Very satisfying to drive. Love the signature hood scoop and the quad exhaust looks very sharp. I havent had one regret about buying this car. Practical (4 doors, plenty of rear seat space, spacious trunk), safe (blind spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear camera, awesome AWD), and fun (great acceleration, nice exhaust note, athletic handling) all combine to make this car a total package. No boring drives in a WRX. Update (2/8/18): I had a Borla Catback Exhaust installed recently and it made a big difference in the sound. Factory exhaust was fine, but a bit tame. The Borla Exhaust added more tone and a lot more personality to the car. It simply has made a fun car to drive, even more fun to drive.
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Everyday Dad Mobile!!! - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Lance - March 24 - 1:09 amThis car can easily fit a family of 5 as long as your kids are all 12 and under. A lot of fun to drive and extremely easy to drive. I do agree the clutch is a little touchy compared to others Ive had before. I see myself enjoying this car for years to come, and who knows I might get another one when I pass this on to the kids!!
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A blast to drive!!! 2016 base WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Josue Lopez - January 17 - 2:03 amIm loving this car, I had a 2009 WRX and this car is completely different, interior, engine and suspension wise. This car turns flat there is no roll, the suspension is stiff, you feel like you are really driving a sports car. Tire and wind noise can be improved. Interior is a big improvement over old WRXs, now it is a nice place to be. Materials and design are much better and the sound system even though is not the best is much better than the one that I had before. ( Hate that sound system ). I got the short shifter and is also way better than the long throws of the old 5 speed WRXs. The engine delivers very good torque starting from 2300 RPMs. When driving on the highway on 6th gear you dont need to downshift to get the car going, with the old engine you had to wait until 4000RPM for it to really start moving. As one reviewer said on this new engine, it feels like in Research and Development stage. When you press the gas pedal halfway (maybe much less) from 2300RPM you feel like a nice surge of power that decreases around 4300RPMs it feels very nice and fast without using the whole tachometer. Now if you press the gas pedal all the way down there is no linearity in the power delivery, is like you can feel the turbo easing up then spooling up a couple of times before reaching redline. It is part of its personality. The sense of solidity and good grip give you a nice secure feeling. The WRX that i had got flooded 5 years ago with 7k and truth is I didnt like that car. After reading the reviews of the 2015 model year I decided to give it a shot , test drove it, like it, and now after 2k I want to go to work, and after work home just to drive it. It is not perfect but you learn to appreciate how good it is!!
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Best I have ever owned! - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Jonathan Guzman - May 23 - 7:49 pmGreat control, great ride, and great style. This is the best car I have ever owned and it just keeps getting better every time I drive it. The limited edition has sooo many features that I wonder how it feel without them. The performance is so great I honestly dont know the difference between the STI and the Limited edition. Either way this is a great car and if you havent test driven it yet, you need to. O and before I forget, I am a family man and this car has plenty of space for two baby car seats, which means if youre single youll have plenty of space for those party weekends.
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2016 WRX - 2016 Subaru WRX
By Ron - April 30 - 12:07 pm -
The sport compact for the auto enthusiast - 2017 Subaru WRX
By Keith G. - November 19 - 6:05 pmAbsolutely love the WRX sedan. Have mine in the base trim with the 6 speed manual. It was always a dream of mine to have one of these cars for years now and I finally have it. I bought mine right before the snow storm here in NY and had the opportunity to enjoy the weather with the car but it left me with one of my biggest complaints I think I will ever have : it comes with summer tires and they are awful in the snow. If you think youre getting a "subie" to show off in the snow, please remember to either get yourself a set of all season shoes or another set of rims with winter tires. I know this is painfully obvious but it really isnt an option either way. Otherwise, the interior is pretty cheap but it fits the nameplate, honestly. I really love the hell out of this car and couldnt be happier.
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Lots of good things in this WRX - 2015 Subaru WRX
By jlevy2 - August 9 - 7:43 pmI had one of the original 2002 WRX cars and loved it. The trouble was that stock it had way too much squishy rubber to satisfy any potential buyer. New motor/trans mounts, ALK, smaller brake booster, and a bunch more urethane parts finally made it feel like a sports sedan. The 2015 feels like a sports sedan right out of the box. I hear people complain about road and wind noise, but dont find it to be an issue at all. My wife and mom dont find the ride too harsh, which surprised me. Its definitely firm, but not jarring.
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2017 WRX Limited - 2017 Subaru WRX
By mariusz gajdka - July 30 - 6:47 pmIt is my first Japanese car ever and I love it. One comment though. If you are not fammiliar with manual transmission this car is not for you. Clutch is unforgiven buy it if you are confident in your abilities. For sure you will start smiling from the first day you owe your WRX
