Does the 2018 WRX have a turbo?
The 2018 Subaru WRX is powered by a turbocharged engine, rather than a naturally aspirated unit. This turbocharged setup is a defining feature of the model’s performance character.
For 2018, Subaru carried forward the WRX’s performance-oriented identity with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that uses a turbocharger to boost power. The car remains a compact sedan aimed at enthusiasts, with the turbo delivering strong midrange response and high-rev performance. Below is a closer look at how the turbo is configured and what it means for driving dynamics.
Engine and turbo configuration
Core specs
Before diving into the details, here are the essential figures that define the WRX’s turbocharged heart.
- Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder (FA20D)
- Turbocharger: single turbo with twin-scroll design
- Induction: air-to-air intercooler
- Power: up to 268 horsepower
- Torque: up to 258 lb-ft
- Redline: approximately 6,000 rpm
- Fuel system: direct injection
In short, the 2018 WRX relies on a small-displacement turbocharged engine that delivers a strong combination of late-kump midrange pull and high-end revs, a hallmark of Subaru’s performance-focused compact sedan.
Turbo technology and delivery
How the turbo works in the WRX
The WRX uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four with a twin-scroll design to optimize spool and reduce turbo lag. The intercooler helps maintain performance by cooling charged air before it enters the engine, which supports more consistent power delivery across the rev range. This setup is tuned to provide brisk acceleration and a tactile, responsive driving feel.
Performance implications
What these specifications translate to in everyday driving is a vehicle that feels eager off the line and lively at higher revs. The turbocharged engine enables spirited acceleration without sacrificing the practicality of a four-door sedan. Real-world efficiency varies with usage, but enthusiasts value the turbo for its punchy midrange and tractable power in a compact package.
Key performance takeaways include strong midrange torque for confident overtakes, a characteristic boxer engine note, and a chassis tuned to pair with the turbo’s delivery for balanced handling and cornering confidence.
What buyers should know
For anyone considering a 2018 WRX, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is the centerpiece of its appeal. Prospective buyers should:
- Expect a turbocharged power delivery that emphasizes midrange torque and high-rev excitement.
- Recognize that the WRX’s performance identity centers on agile handling and all-season practicality, not just straight-line speed.
- Remember that real-world performance depends on factors such as trim level, tires, and road conditions.
Summary
The 2018 Subaru WRX is definitively turbocharged, powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with a turbocharger and intercooler, delivering a compelling blend of midrange acceleration and high-rev performance. This turbocharged setup remains a core differentiator for the WRX within Subaru’s lineup, reinforcing its role as a performance-oriented compact sedan.
