2025 Subaru WRX Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

8/10

C/D RATING

2025 Subaru WRX Review, Pricing, and Specs (7)

MSRP

$34,000–$46,000

est

At a Glance

HIGHS

Manual transmission is standard, agile and fun-to-drive, all-wheel drive offers all-weather performance.

LOWS

Has lost some of its edge, not fuel efficient considering its size, where’s the epic exhaust note?

VERDICT

Refinement has made this performance sport compact easier to live with, even if some raw immaturity has been lost.

By Larry Printz

Overview

WRX may stand for World Rally eXperimental, but for Subaru devotees, it actually means fiercely fun performance. This rally-bred sporty sedan offers Base, Premium, Limited, and GT trims, all powered by a 271-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine. All-wheel drive is standard; but you knew that. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, but a CVT automatic is optional on most trims and standard on the GT. The latest WRX, which is no longer as closely related to the Impreza compact as it once was, has an aggressively playful demeanor. That said, we find the current WRX has lost some of its raucousness in the name of refinement, which hasn’t been lost on competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N and the Toyota GR Corolla, both of which match or surpass the WRX’s boy-racer attitude.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#8 in Best Sport Compact Cars

1Honda Civic Type RSTARTING AT: $45,8902Honda Civic SiSTARTING AT: $31,0453Toyota GR CorollaSTARTING AT: $38,0004Hyundai Elantra NSTARTING AT: $35,0005Volkswagen Golf GTISTARTING AT: $33,1908Subaru WRXSTARTING AT: $34,000

What's New for 2025?

For 2024, Subaru dialed up the performance wick, adding a new manual-only WRX TR model. For 2025, Subaru turns up the heat even more, as the TR is being replaced by the WRX tS, short for "tuned by STI", words that should warm the heart of any hot-blooded enthusiast. It features upgraded brakes, an upgraded suspension, and a host of visual changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2025 Subaru WRX is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $46,000 depending on the trim and options.

With its six-speed manual transmission, we would go for the WRX Premium. It’s not as pricey as the automatic-only GT model or hot-blooded tS and it still has a decent assortment of features including heated front seats and keyless entry with pushbutton start. For some, only the tS will do, but if you’re into enhancing the WRX’s performance yourself, the Premium is the better bet.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All WRX models use the same powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine rated at 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s accompanied by all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission, the latter offered as an option on the Premium and Limited and standard on the GT. Depending on model, the WRX wears 17- or 18-inch summer tires. Look for the tS to improve on the outgoing TR with a reworked suspension that includes adaptive dampers and upgraded Brembo brakes with larger pads and rotors. Subaru claims the upgrades offer better resistance to fading, increased pedal feel, and stopping force. Other tS updates include black trim for the side mirrors, antenna, and rear spoiler. It’s offset by gold brake calipers and 19-inch satin gray wheels.

0-60 MPH Times

Our tests of a CVT-equipped 2022 Subaru WRX GT saw the WRX reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the same test of a manual transmission 2022 Subaru WRX Limited resulted in a 5.5-second 60 mph time.

View Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Although the CVT-equipped WRX holds a slight edge in acceleration, it trails the manual-transmission WRX in EPA-rated fuel economy, 22 mpg vs 21 mpg in combined driving. On our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy route, both our six-speed manual WRX Limited and our automatic WRX GT test vehicles managed 28 mpg. For more information about the WRX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The WRX looks a lot like other contemporary Subaru models, except that it’s dressed up with carbon-fiber-like accents and red contrast stitching. There's a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel. The trunk can be accessed from inside the car via the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. If you'd like such creature comforts as heated front seats, exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper deicer; aluminum-alloy pedal covers; USB-C ports, and the option of adding an 11-speaker, 504-watt Harman Kardon audio system, you must at least pop for the Premium trim, not the Base. WRX tS upgrades include eight-way black synthetic suede Recaro bucket seats, blue cabin accents and WRX tS logos.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on all trim levels, although the tS gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while other models have traditional gauges. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The WRX is available with a variety of popular driver-assistance technology, but such equipment is only offered on models with the automatic transmission. For more information about the WRX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Subaru's limited and powertrain warranties aren't anything special. Plus, rivals from Hyundai and Volkswagen benefit from some level of complimentary maintenance.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Subaru WRX Limited
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $36,990/$36,990

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in³, 2387 cm³
Power: 271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.4-in vented disc/11.4-in vented disc
Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 A
245/40R-18 97Y

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.2 in
Length: 183.8 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 57.8 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft³
Trunk Volume: 13 ft³
Curb Weight: 3401 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 101 mph
130 mph: 26.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 7.7 sec
Top Speed (C/Dest): 145 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 317 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.95 g

C/DFUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/26 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

2022 Subaru WRX GT
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $43,390/$43,390

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in³, 2387 cm³
Power: 271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.4-in vented disc/11.8-in vented disc
Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 A
245/40R-18 97Y

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.2 in
Length: 183.8 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 57.8 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft³
Trunk Volume: 13 ft³
Curb Weight: 3552 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 13.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.1 sec @ 101 mph
130 mph: 28.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 134 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 326 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.93 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/25 mpg

More Features and Specs

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FAQs

What is the WRX 2025 specs? ›

Under the hood, you'll find a turbocharged 2.4-liter Subaru BOXER engine that delivers an impressive 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, providing an engaging driving experience that purists will love.

Read On ›

How much is the 2025 WRX? ›

The price of the 2025 Subaru WRX is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $46,000 depending on the trim and options. With its six-speed manual transmission, we would go for the WRX Premium.

Know More ›

What will the 2025 WRX look like? ›

The 2025 WRX tS rolls on satin gray 19-inch wheels and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. Stopping power comes courtesy of gold-painted Brembo brakes with six pistons up front and two in the rear. Cosmetic tweaks to the exterior include Crystal Black Silica finish for the side mirrors, shark fin antenna, and rear spoiler.

See Details ›

How long will a WRX engine last? ›

WRX and WRX STI: The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are high-performance sports sedans known for their powerful engines and agile handling. Despite their sporty nature, WRX and WRX STI models can still provide long-term reliability, lasting 150,000 miles + with proper maintenance and care.

Learn More Now ›

Will WRX hold value? ›

A Subaru WRX will depreciate 45% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $20,487.

Know More ›

What does WRX stand for? ›

Subaru tells us that the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental." Fast forward to 2015, and the WRX lineup was split from the Impreza range along with a different body style to simply be marketed as the stand-alone WRX.

Read On ›

Is the WRX a good car? ›

Yes, the 2024 WRX is a solid choice if you're seeking an affordable sports sedan. The WRX packs a zippy turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard four-wheel drive, and while it feels quieter and more refined than some WRXs of the past, it's still lots of fun on twisty roads.

Tell Me More ›

Are the new WRX selling well? ›

It's dropped 45 percent so far this year. And then there's the Forester, up 61.4 percent through May 2024. It's easily the best-selling model in Subaru's lineup and a reminder that SUVs are king when it comes to profits. It's no secret that the current-generation WRX hasn't had the best reception from enthusiasts.

Why are they discontinuing WRX? ›

Subaru intends on meeting the regulations and standards of the ZEV (zero-emission cars), CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy), and GHG (greenhouse gasses). The company, therefore, doesn't plan on continuing with the production of the gas-powered WRX STI model from Subaru.

Tell Me More ›

Will there be a 2024 WRX? ›

With 2024 marking the return of the WRX TR to the model line, this top trim level will be available nationwide at Subaru retailers early next year.

Read The Full Story ›

What are bad years for WRX? ›

If you're interested in the Subaru WRX STI, we recommend staying away from the worst years. The 2000-2002 and 2008-2016 versions are the worst on the market.

Know More ›

Do Subaru WRX have engine problems? ›

Common Subaru WRX Problems

Here are some of the most common reliability woes for the WRX: Engine issues: Apparently, the WRX had some troubles with internal engine issues. Some of the weak points of the internal engine that tend to fail are the rods, rod bearings, and piston rings.

Learn More ›

How long do WRX injectors last? ›

There is no set life expectancy on fuel injectors. Subaru fuel injectors have been know to last much longer than 50-100k miles. There is no service interval at which the injectors "need" to be replaced as part of any maintenance schedule.

What is the 0-60 time for the 2024 WRX? ›

The 0-60 time for the 2024 Subaru WRX is 5.4 seconds.

How much HP does a 2024 Subaru WRX have? ›

The latest in a long line of iconic BOXER powerplants, it produces 271 horsepower and features a twin-scroll turbocharger with an electronic wastegate for near-instant boost response and 258 pound-feet of peak torque with a broad, flat power band.

Find Out More ›

What are the changes for the WRX in 2024? ›

What is New for 2024? As for the 2024 Subaru WRX changes, the most noticeable being the new TR time level that is designed for performance. Enhanced brakes, suspension, and bucket seats make the TR trim feel as though you are in a rally vehicle, ready to conquer everything from a minor bump to a large hill.

Discover More Details ›

What is the fastest Subaru in 2024? ›

This week, Subaru Motorsports has debuted something groundbreaking– the quickest and fastest Subaru WRX. Enticingly nicknamed “Project Midnight,” this vehicle will be making its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking place from July 11th to 14th.

Discover More Details ›

2025 Subaru WRX Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2025?

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

0-60 MPH Times

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Infotainment and Connectivity

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Specifications

Shopping Tools

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FAQs

What is the WRX 2025 specs? ›

What are bad years for WRX? ›