Subaru WRX:Review the specs, features and pros & cons
Overview of the Subaru WRX
Learn about the Subaru WRXSubaru WRX Summary
Subaru vehicles are often associated with power and performance, and the WRX is a prime example. The sporty sedan has earned an enviable reputation for its impressive handling and fast acceleration. This comes from the Subaru Boxer Engine and all-wheel drive system standard across all models, which has become something of a calling card for the vehicle range over the generations. It’s also the reason you’ll often see WRX’s featured in rally racing. You’re looking at some of the best all-wheel drive cars out there, and that goes for the older models as much as the new.
Subaru WRX Safety
Given the overall high performance of the Subaru WRX, safety features have to be top notch. The vehicle’s long been ahead of the game, with even its decade-old models boasting advanced airbags and slick features like Vehicle Dynamics Control, which sharpens torque (turning power) to give drivers even more precise handling. Braking systems can be upgraded for increased performance on newer models, which also come with safety features such as:
- EyeSight driver assist technology, which automatically monitors traffic and adjusts cruise control
- STARLINK safety system, which can connect to mobile devices and help with stolen vehicle recovery
- Radar sensors for blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic detection
- Rearview camera for better visibility when reversing
Models as old as 2010 come standard with antilock brakes and stability and traction control, which help prevent skidding and keep the vehicle steady. Rear child safety locks are included, as well as frontal, head-front and side-front airbags.
Subaru WRX Interior
The interior of the WRX reflects its primary purpose as a high performance, all-wheel drive sports vehicle, though optional add-ons like a moon roof let you customize it a bit. Sleek lines and trims lend a sharp yet functional look. Most models have a compact steering wheel typical of racing designs, which means you get a good view of the instrument panel. Should you have little ones in tow, you’ll find Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) seats in the back.
Subaru WRX Technology
The last 10 years of the Subaru WRX have seen a steady increase in tech touches. You’ll have to add on your own USB hookups in older models, while those from the mid-2010s start to see Bluetooth connectivity and touchscreen navigation. The newest models come raring to go with Subaru’s ultra-modern STARLINK system, which can play back and sort media, music and apps, as well as make calls. It also includes voice-activated Tom Tom navigation.
Subaru WRX Space
While there’s space inside the cabin of the WRX for adult passengers in both the front and back, there are other sedans out there better suited to family use. Space is limited in the rear seats, and the sloped floor of the trunk means storage space won’t really deliver above day-to-day demands.
Subaru WRX Comfort
Users across generations of the WRX report a comfortable driving experience thanks to roomy front seats and the car’s superb handling and response. Those who like a quiet drive may be put off by the noticeable wind and road noise, especially at higher speeds. Modifications to keep the WRX true to its sporty, super-responsive design mean you could be in for a rough ride due to rigid construction.
Pros and cons of the Subaru WRX
- Fast acceleration
- Impressive handling
- Premium safety options
- Noticeable wind and road noise
- Rough ride
- Limited space in rear seats
Safety ratings of the Subaru WRX
Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Number of airbags7
Specifications of the Subaru WRX
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats5
- Doors4
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionManual
- City consumption13.8 - 14.1 L/100km
- Highway consumption10.2 - 10.5 L/100km
- Width1795 mm
- Length4595 mm
- Trunk space340 L
- Cargo space340 L
Trims available with the Subaru WRX
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Subaru WRX 2015 - 2018 is available in 8 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Basic trim:
- Adaptive bending lights (optional)
- LED headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Basic trim:
- Touchscreen (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Sport Package trim features and specs
Available with the Sport Package trim:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Sport Package trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport Package trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Overtaking sensors (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Sport Package trim:
- Touchscreen (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Hikari Edition trim features and specs
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- Collision warning system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- Touchscreen
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Sport trim features and specs
Available with the Sport trim:
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Sport trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport trim:
- Collision warning system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Sport trim:
- Touchscreen
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Sport-Tech w/Wing Spoiler trim features and specs
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Wing Spoiler trim:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Wing Spoiler trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Wing Spoiler trim:
- Collision warning system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Wing Spoiler trim:
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Touchscreen
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Sport-Tech w/Lip Spoiler trim features and specs
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Lip Spoiler trim:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Lip Spoiler trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Lip Spoiler trim:
- Collision warning system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Sport-Tech w/Lip Spoiler trim:
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Touchscreen
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Type RA trim features and specs
Available with the Type RA trim:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Type RA trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Type RA trim:
- Collision warning system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Type RA trim:
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Touchscreen
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Sport-Tech Package trim features and specs
Available with the Sport-Tech Package trim:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Sport seats in the front
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- Heated front seats
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Power steering
Available with the Sport-Tech Package trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Four-wheel drive
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport-Tech Package trim:
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Overtaking sensors (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Sport-Tech Package trim:
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Touchscreen (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- CD player
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Hill start assist
- MP3-CD player
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- USB port for front passengers
Frequently asked questions about the Subaru WRX
The 2019 Subaru WRX has Apple CarPlay, but earlier models don't support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Yes. The WRX line is the high-performance version of the Subaru Impreza, so all WRX lines have turbocharged engines as standard.
This can vary by generation, but the 2018 Subaru WRX STI can reach 257 km/h. Earlier models reach about 240 km/h.
Yes, all generations of the WRX have the option of CVT automatic transmission (with manual mode) as well as standard manual transmission.
The WRX STI has increased performance compared to the standard WRX. The WRX STI can produce up to 305 hp at 6,000 rpm compared to the 265 hp of a typical WRX.
Dimensions of the Subaru WRX
Year | Height from | Width from | Length from |
---|---|---|---|
Exact values depend on trim choices. | |||
2018 | 1475 mm | 1795 mm | 4595 mm |
2017 | 1475 mm | 1795 mm | 4595 mm |
2016 | 1475 mm | 1795 mm | 4595 mm |
2015 | 1475 mm | 1795 mm | 4595 mm |