Whats so special about a Subaru WRX?
The WRX stands out for rally‑bred performance wrapped in a practical compact sedan, featuring a turbocharged boxer engine, symmetrical all‑wheel drive, and a driver‑centric manual transmission.
Origins of its appeal
The WRX inherits its reputation from Subaru’s World Rally Championship program, translating competition hardware into a road car that emphasizes grip, balance, and driver involvement. This rally heritage informs both its performance characteristics and its culture among enthusiasts.
Key attributes that define the WRX's allure include:
- Turbocharged flat-four engine (2.4L) delivering about 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, tuned for quick, responsive acceleration.
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive for consistent traction on dry, wet, or snowy surfaces.
- Six-speed manual transmission as the standard and preferred gear choice for driving enthusiasts (no factory CVT option on WRX).
- Sport-tuned handling and chassis dynamics, aided by a balanced suspension and careful weight distribution.
- Active torque vectoring and drive-mode settings to help rotate the car through corners while maintaining stability.
- Rally heritage and a passionate enthusiast community that shapes aftermarket support and culture around the WRX.
Together, these traits produce a car that blends performance with practicality, offering engaging driving dynamics without sacrificing everyday usability.
Power, drivetrain, and driving experience
Here’s what powers the WRX and how its drivetrain translates power to the road, along with what you can expect in terms of handling and technology.
The following list highlights the core mechanical and tech elements that define the WRX’s on‑road character:
- Engine and performance: A 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing about 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, designed to deliver strong midrange torque and eager response.
- Drivetrain: Symmetrical all-wheel drive with a center differential and selectable drive modes that optimize grip in varying conditions.
- Transmission: A 6-speed manual is standard and beloved by driving enthusiasts; Subaru has not offered a factory CVT for the WRX in recent generations.
- Handling and chassis: A balanced chassis, tuned suspension, and precise steering deliver sharp turn-in and confident cornering, with wheels and tires chosen to maximize grip.
- Technology and safety: Modern WRXs offer Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a straightforward infotainment system, and EyeSight driver-assistance features in higher trims for added safety and convenience.
These mechanical and electronic elements together create a compact sedan that feels purposeful and engaging, while remaining practical for daily driving.
Rally-inspired design and community
Beyond hardware, the WRX carries a design language and a culture rooted in rally competition, which informs everything from aerodynamics to enthusiast events, clubs, and a robust aftermarket ecosystem.
The current lineup and market context
As of 2024–2025, the WRX remains the street‑legal descendant of Subaru’s rally programs, with no current WRX STI in production. The most recent generation uses a larger 2.4L turbo engine and retains a manual transmission as standard. Subaru continues to refine the WRX to stay current while honoring its pedigree.
Before discussing buying considerations, here’s a quick snapshot of where the WRX stands in the market:
- STI status: The high‑performance WRX STI variant has not been in active production for several years; there has been no official release of a new STI model as of 2025. The WRX remains the sport‑focused option in Subaru’s lineup.
- Pricing and trims: The WRX lineup typically starts in the mid‑to‑high‑twenty‑thousand‑dollar range, with prices climbing based on trim, packages, and available equipment. Market and year can affect exact figures.
- Safety and technology: EyeSight driver‑assist is commonly included on newer trims, with features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane‑keeping assist available depending on configuration.
Understanding these realities helps prospective buyers gauge what to expect in terms of performance, features, and ownership costs.
Buying considerations and practical tips
For shoppers, here are practical considerations to help decide if a WRX fits their needs and budget, and what to look for during a test drive or when browsing used examples.
The following checklist highlights essential factors to evaluate when considering a WRX purchase:
- Test drive focus: Pay attention to throttle response, how the manual shifts feel, clutch bite, and how the AWD system communicates grip through corners.
- Weather and conditions: AWD and a well‑tuned chassis make the WRX especially capable in rain, snow, or slush—great for regions with varied climates.
- Trim and option choices: Compare steering feel, suspension tuning, braking performance, and infotainment features across trims and any available performance packages.
- Maintenance and tires: Review maintenance history and ensure tires are in good condition, since grip and handling depend heavily on tire quality and tread life.
In practice, the WRX offers a compelling blend of involvement and practicality that appeals to drivers seeking more engaging dynamics without sacrificing everyday usability.
Summary
The Subaru WRX stands out because it combines rally‑bred performance with everyday practicality: a turbocharged boxer engine, symmetrical all‑wheel drive, and a driver‑focused manual experience come together in a compact sedan that’s as comfortable on a daily commute as it is thrilling on a back‑road run. Its rally heritage, strong aftermarket culture, and ongoing refinements keep the WRX relevant in today’s market, even as the manufacturer has paused the STI program for the time being. For drivers who crave engagement, confidence in poor weather, and a clear sporting identity, the WRX remains a compelling option.
Does a WRX really need premium gas?
Performance models such as the WRX and BRZ require premium fuel to support higher compression engines and advanced performance tuning. Using the appropriate fuel keeps your Subaru running smoothly and gives you optimal gas mileage, saving money at the pump.
Why are WRX being discontinued?
The Subaru WRX is not being discontinued, but the high-performance WRX STI model was. The STI was discontinued due to Subaru's pivot towards electrification, tightening emissions regulations, and the high cost of developing a new performance sedan with a short lifespan, especially as the market shifts from sedans to SUVs and electric vehicles.
- Electrification: Subaru is focusing on its future sports and performance cars being electrified to meet new regulations for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) and improve corporate average fuel economy (CAFE).
- Emissions Regulations: Tighter greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations made it difficult to continue producing the gas-powered STI, particularly in key markets like California.
- Short Lifespan: Subaru stated that the return on investment for developing a new, gasoline-powered WRX STI would be poor given its predicted short lifespan under the new regulations, according to Road & Track.
- Market Shift: The market has shifted significantly from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers, and the WRX is now the only sedan remaining in Subaru's lineup.
- Future Possibilities: Subaru is exploring opportunities for a next-generation STI, which may include electrification, but it will not be based on the new WRX platform. The company has also indicated that the STI brand may live on through other models.
What is the least stolen Subaru?
Another Kudo for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: It's on the “Least Stolen” List. Great news, Subie lovers! Not a single Subaru model is included on the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI)'s “Most-Stolen Vehicles” list.
What is special about the WRX?
The Subaru WRX has long been a favorite among performance enthusiasts. With its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, it's a car that promises excitement on the road.
