Are all WRX turbocharged?
Yes. In every generation and market, the WRX has used turbocharged engines rather than naturally aspirated powerplants. The specifics have shifted over time—engine size, tuning, and market availability—but turbocharging has remained the defining feature of the WRX lineage.
The WRX, short for World Rally eXperimental, is Subaru's performance-oriented variant of the Impreza. Since its debut in the 1990s, the WRX badge has been paired with forced induction to deliver the sporty, all-wheel-drive character that enthusiasts expect. This article explains why it's turbocharged across generations and what buyers can expect today.
Turbocharging through the decades
Here's a concise timeline of how Subaru has applied turbocharged power to the WRX across generations and markets.
- Early generations (1992–2007): Impreza WRX used turbocharged flat-four engines (EJ20) and, later, 2.5-liter turbo variants (EJ25) across most markets, paired with all-wheel drive.
- 2008–2014: WRX continued with a larger 2.5-liter turbo (EJ25) in most markets, refining turbo response and midrange torque.
- 2015–2021: The WRX moved to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (FA20D) with a new chassis and drivetrain, while maintaining AWD.
- 2022–present: The current WRX lineup uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four (FA24), delivering around 270 horsepower in most markets, with all variants sharing turbocharged power.
- WRX STI reference: The high-performance STI variant has consistently been turbocharged as well, reinforcing the turbocharged identity of the WRX family.
Across generations, turbocharging has remained the constant that defines the WRX experience—smaller displacement engines boosted to deliver higher power, while all-wheel drive sustains grip in varied conditions.
Markets and trims: turbocharged across the board?
In today’s Subaru lineup, the WRX badge is paired with turbocharged power in most major markets, including the United States and Europe. Subaru also offers naturally aspirated Impreza variants, but these are not sold under the WRX name. If you want a non-turbo Subaru, you’d look to Impreza trims such as the 2.0i or 2.5i rather than the WRX.
For buyers comparing trims, it’s important to verify the exact engine and tune for the model year and market, as there have been regional differences in available options and emission standards. However, turbocharging remains the core characteristic of the WRX lineup.
What turbocharging means for performance and maintenance
Turbocharged engines deliver more power from smaller displacements, providing a lively output and quicker response when combined with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive. They also introduce considerations for maintenance and reliability, including:
- Requires good quality engine oil and timely service to protect turbo bearings and intercooler systems.
- Turbo lag is minimized by modern engine management, but throttle response can vary with altitude and gearing.
- Intercoolers, intercooler piping, and charge-air cooling are integrated into the design to preserve performance under sustained driving.
Therefore, while the WRX remains turbocharged across its current lineup, potential buyers should factor in turbo-specific maintenance in their ownership plan.
Summary
Yes — all WRX models have been turbocharged since the badge’s inception. The displacement and exact tuning have evolved—from 2.0L and 2.5L boxer engines in the early years to the current 2.4L turbo in the latest generation—yet the turbocharged setup has been the consistent thread. For enthusiasts seeking a non-turbo experience, the Impreza line offers naturally aspirated options, while the WRX remains the turbocharged performance variant.
