What makes a Subaru a WRX?
The WRX is Subaru’s rally-inspired performance variant of the Impreza, defined by a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and chassis tuning that emphasizes grip and agility. It blends everyday practicality with a heightened emphasis on driving dynamics.
Heritage and identity
The WRX name hails from Subaru’s World Rally Championship program and the World Rally eXperimental badge used to bridge road cars with rally homologation goals. Since its inception, WRX models have combined turbocharged power, all-wheel drive, and sport-oriented handling to translate rally tech into a road-going package.
Core mechanical identity
Key elements that consistently define what makes a WRX a WRX across model years.
- Turbocharged flat-four engine
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard
- Sport-tuned suspension and chassis tuning
- Upgraded brakes and handling hardware
- Distinctive exterior styling and performance-focused interior touches
In combination, these fundamentals set the WRX apart from standard Impreza models and signal its performance intent.
Powertrain and performance tuning
Overview of the engines and transmission options across generations, with the current lineup emphasizing the 2.4-liter turbo boxer and a choice of manual or CVT.
Current-generation engine and output
In the latest generation, the WRX uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing about 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continuously variable transmission available on select trims.
Drivetrain and drive modes
All WRX models rely on Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive layout to maximize traction, with selectable drive modes that adjust throttle response and steering feel to suit conditions or the driver’s preference.
Notes on the higher-performance option
The WRX’s higher-performance counterpart, the WRX STI, offered more extreme power and chassis tuning. Subaru discontinued the STI in the United States after the 2021 model year, with the WRX lineup continuing to emphasize balanced performance and daily usability instead.
Styling and cabin experience
Visual cues and interior touches that communicate the WRX’s performance intent while preserving practicality for everyday use.
- Aggressive front-end styling, hood scoop on many generations, and a wider stance
- Sport seats with enhanced bolstering and WRX branding
- Distinctive exterior graphics and performance-oriented trim elements
- Interior touches such as sport-oriented gauges, tactile accents, and available leather/alcantara options
- Infotainment and safety features, with EyeSight available on select trims
These design choices reinforce the car’s rally heritage while delivering a practical, everyday driving experience.
Where it sits in the Subaru lineup
Clarifying how the WRX relates to other performance models and the Impreza lineage in today’s market.
Across most markets, the WRX remains Subaru’s primary performance variant based on the Impreza platform. The WRX STI, once the more extreme sibling, was discontinued in the US after 2021. The modern WRX focuses on delivering energized performance, improved dynamics, and contemporary technology within a more accessible package than the old STI.
Summary
The WRX is Subaru’s rally-inspired performance derivative of the Impreza. It centers on a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and sport-tuned handling, paired with distinctive styling and a driver-focused cockpit. While it maintains practicality for daily use, its core appeal lies in delivering spirited acceleration, solid traction, and engaging driving dynamics in a compact, all-weather package. The lineup today emphasizes the balance of power and usability, with the STi legacy no longer part of the US market.
What does WRX mean on a Subaru?
WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental, reflecting its origins as a high-performance model built for the World Rally Championship. The name also can be interpreted as "World Rally Cross," highlighting the car's association with competitive rally racing.
- World Rally eXperimental: This is the official meaning, signifying the car was developed for rally racing, which involves navigating challenging terrains and competing against others on a global stage.
- World Rally Cross: Some regions use this interpretation, where the "X" represents the "cross" in "cross" racing, as seen in the World Rally Championship.
- Connection to motorsports: The WRX is a performance-oriented version of the Subaru Impreza, and its design and features are a direct result of Subaru's success in world rally competitions.
What's the difference between WRX and STI?
The main difference is that the WRX STI is a higher-performance, track-focused version with a larger 2.5L engine, stronger transmission, hydraulic steering, and specialized suspension and brakes, while the WRX is the standard sports sedan with a smaller 2.0L engine, electric steering, and a more comfortable daily-driving feel. The STI is the more powerful and capable car for aggressive driving, while the WRX is generally more fuel-efficient and can be a better value for a daily driver.
| Feature | Subaru WRX | Subaru WRX STI |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged flat-four (FA20) | 2.5L turbocharged flat-four (EJ257) |
| Horsepower | ~268 hp | ~305–310 hp |
| Torque | Higher at lower RPMs, better for city driving | Built for power to be delivered higher in the RPM range |
| Transmission | Cable-driven 6-speed manual | Stronger, more direct-drive 6-speed manual |
| Differentials | Typically a standard center differential | Driver-controllable center differential (DCCD) and front/rear differentials |
| Steering | Electric power steering | Hydraulic power steering |
| Suspension & Brakes | Standard suspension and brakes | More performance-oriented suspension (stiffer springs, struts) and larger Brembo brakes |
| Driving Feel | Tuned more for daily driving comfort and efficiency | More raw and responsive for track performance |
| Price | Lower entry price | Higher entry price |
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What's faster, WRX or Elantra N?
With all four tires laying down power off the line, the WRX manages to beat the front-drive Elantra to 30 mph, but after that, it sees the Hyundai's taillights. The Elantra wins to 60 mph, to 100 mph, and in the quarter-mile, which it knocks out in 13.8 seconds at 103 mph, while the Subie takes 13.9 at 101.
What makes a car a WRX?
The name itself stands for "World Rally eXperimental" or is even simply referred to as "World Rally Cross," in some parts of the world for the crossing lines that form an "X." The first WRX versions were manufactured as the ideal rallying vehicles, complete with a stiffer suspension, all-wheel drive and turbocharged ...
