Is the WRX better as a manual or an automatic?
For pure driving enjoyment, the manual is generally the better pick; for everyday practicality, the automatic CVT is more convenient.
Overview: Subaru’s WRX continues to offer two transmissions—an enthusiast-oriented six-speed manual and a dynamic CVT—reflecting its blend of rally heritage and daily usability. The choice shapes how the car delivers performance, how it feels behind the wheel, and what ownership is like day to day.
Manual Transmission: Driving Engagement and Trade-offs
Before weighing the trade-offs, consider what the six-speed manual delivers in terms of involvement and daily use.
- Engagement and control: You select gears, control the revs, and can tune throttle response for twisty roads.
- Potential for quicker on-road feel: With practiced shifts, lane-fulling acceleration can feel more immediate and deliberate.
- Clutch and daily driving considerations: The clutch pedal and shifting can be tiring in heavy stop-and-go traffic; learning the feel can take time.
- Enthusiast appeal and resale: Manuals hold strong appeal for driving enthusiasts and can boost resale value in certain markets.
In practice, the manual is favored by drivers who crave direct feedback, a tactile connection to the car, and a sportier edge to the WRX’s character, especially on winding roads.
Automatic CVT: Convenience, Smoothness, and Efficiency
Before weighing the benefits, note how the CVT changes everyday use and highway efficiency.
- Smooth and predictable power delivery: The CVT removes traditional gear changes, delivering seamless acceleration that can feel effortless on longer trips.
- Lower driver fatigue in daily commuting: No clutch actuation and easier traffic maneuvering make city driving more comfortable.
- Performance trade-off: The CVT can feel less sporty, with revs climbing under load rather than crisp gear changes, which some drivers find less engaging.
- Efficiency and maintenance considerations: The CVT can offer better highway economy, but repairs or replacements can be more costly if issues arise over time.
For buyers prioritizing quiet, easy daily driving and smooth highway passing, the CVT is a compelling option that keeps the WRX usable as a daily driver without sacrificing performance when pushed.
Which WRX Should You Buy?
Choosing between the two transmissions comes down to your priorities. If you want a more engaging, road-focused experience and you enjoy shifting gears yourself, the manual is the clear pick. If you value effortless daily driving, refined torque delivery, and better ease in mixed driving conditions, the CVT is a practical alternative. Be aware that trim levels and model years can vary in transmission availability, so check current specs at your local dealer or on Subaru’s latest configuration guides.
Performance context
The WRX blends a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four with around 270 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The manual typically delivers sharper engagement and quicker edge-on-a-twist performance, while the CVT provides smoother, steadier acceleration and better highway efficiency. Real-world results vary with road conditions, tuning, and driver input.
Summary
Bottom line: If driving involvement matters most, the manual remains the sportier choice. If everyday practicality and smoothness are your priorities, the CVT delivers a more relaxed, user-friendly experience. Both transmissions reflect the WRX’s dual identity as a performance hatchback with rally-inspired roots and everyday usability.
Is the WRX automatic reliable?
The 2022 Subaru WRX continues to uphold its reputation for reliability, boasting a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Cars.com.
Is the automatic WRX faster than the manual?
But most testing organizations that in the conditions that they tested in tested a manual versus a CVT of a VBWRX. Generation there was a 0.2. Second 0 to 60. Difference.
Is manual really better than automatic?
A stick-shift driver, with skill and practice, can reduce how much gas their car burns. Typically, manual transmissions have a 3-4 miles-per-gallon advantage over their automatic rivals. Easier to Maintain – With fewer moving parts, a stick shift has the advantage of being easy to maintain.
Is WRX automatic or manual?
The Subaru WRX is available in both manual and automatic (CVT) transmissions. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on most trims, while the high-end GT model and other trims offer an automatic Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The automatic transmission is an 8-speed CVT with paddle shifters for manual control.
- Manual: A 6-speed manual is the standard transmission on most WRX models.
- Automatic: An automatic transmission is available, particularly on higher trims like the GT. This is Subaru's performance-oriented CVT, which includes manual modes.
- WRX STI: Historically, the higher-performance STI variant has been manual-only, but this may change in the future.
