Used 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX
Type:
Pros & Cons
- Standard all-wheel drive
- powerful engines
- impressive handling.
- Below-average fuel economy
- disappointing interior materials
- substandard sound systems.
Other years
Edmunds' Expert Review
Although they're still wildly entertaining to drive, the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models are showing their age as newer hot hatchbacks hit the market.
Vehicle overview
The 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI are a family of high-performance sedans and hatchbacks. Based on the previous-generation Impreza and inspired by Subaru's years in international rally competition, these cars are aimed at serious driving enthusiasts who spend their weekends carving up back roads and tearing up racetracks. Although entertaining to drive, the 2014 WRX and WRX STI represent the last hurrah for the current car, as Subaru is preparing a redesigned Impreza WRX for 2015.
Accordingly, if you decide to purchase a 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX or WRX STI, you're either buying a classic streetable rally car or a performance car that's a bit past its "best by" date. Certainly, it's hard to argue with their performance numbers on paper. The base WRX has a turbocharged, 2.5-liter "boxer" four-cylinder engine rated at an impressive 265 horsepower. The STI uses a higher-performance version of this engine that makes 305 hp. In either case, getting the power to the ground is no problem thanks to standard all-wheel drive. The addition of front and rear limited-slip differentials on the STI translates to ridiculous grip, making it a cult favorite among car enthusiasts who regularly drive in foul weather.
Outside of performance, however, the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI come up short in the face of newer competition. The interiors of these cars betray a significant lack of refinement: Hard plastics abound and the overall fit and finish is unimpressive for cars in this price range. What's more, the factory audio system is weak, while the optional navigation system has dated software and is more difficult to use than rivals' systems.
If you're looking for alternatives, there's really just one car that's very similar: the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the STI's longtime rival. It, too, generates close to 300 hp that's put to the ground through a rally-bred all-wheel-drive system. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's also stuck with a similarly dated and underwhelming interior design. However, the availability of an automated manual gearbox gives the Evo potentially broader appeal in households where not everyone wants to deal with a conventional manual and its associated clutch pedal.
On the more affordable side of the spectrum, the 2014 Ford Focus ST and 2014 Volkswagen GTI offer much nicer interiors, and they're easier and more comfortable to drive on a daily basis. That said, they're both slower than the Subaru, and their front-wheel-drive layout will likely have less appeal for hard-core drivers. In the end, your choice will likely depend on what you want from your high-performance sedan or hatchback. From our standpoint, the WRX and WRX STI, though flawed, continue to offer a level of performance and appeal that's rare at this price point.
Subaru Impreza WRX models
The 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models are available in either sedan or five-door hatchback body styles, both of which seat five. The WRX is offered in base, Premium and Limited trim levels, regardless of body style. The WRX STI is offered as a single base trim level on the hatchback, while the sedan comes in base and STI Limited trims.
Standard WRX features include 17-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, cruise control, full power accessories, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, sport front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel (with audio controls), aluminum-trimmed pedals, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, USB/iPod integration and an auxiliary audio input. The hatchback also features a roof spoiler, a rear wiper, and a cargo cover and tie-downs.
Upgrading to the Premium trim adds foglights, a sunroof, a trunk lid spoiler (for sedans), heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The Limited model gains xenon headlights (low beams only) and leather upholstery.
The base WRX STI builds on the base WRX's equipment list by adding a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels (hatchbacks get lighter-weight BBS wheels), Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, a more aggressively tuned suspension and a bigger hood scoop. It also comes standard with xenon headlights (low beams), foglights (hatchbacks only), heated seats and simulated suede/leather upholstery. A rear spoiler is standard on both body styles. The WRX STI Limited sedan adds foglights, the BBS wheels, a sunroof and leather upholstery.
A touchscreen navigation system is available on the WRX Limited and all STI models. It includes voice control, traffic data, text messaging capabilities, smartphone-based Internet radio (Aha), HD radio and satellite radio.
2014 Highlights
Smartphone app integration (featuring Aha Internet radio) is now included on 2014 Subaru Impreza WRXs and WRX STIs equipped with the optional navigation system. Otherwise, the 2014 WRX and WRX STI are unchanged.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 265 hp and 244 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system are standard. In Edmunds testing, a WRX sedan went from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is very quick among similarly priced, high-performance compact cars. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in combined driving (19 mpg city/25 mpg highway) for both the sedan and hatchback. Cars like the Focus ST and VW GTI earn significantly better mpg ratings.
The STI gets a more elite version of this engine tuned for extra performance and rated at 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway). These numbers aren't great, but they're comparable to the STI's chief rival, the Lancer Evolution.
When we instrument-tested a 2009 WRX STI, it went from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds, but two 2011 STI sedans we tested were a full second slower. Although Subaru has never confirmed that any drivetrain changes were made to the STI, there's a good financial case to be made for buying the less expensive base WRX if you can do without the STI's fancy differentials and lightweight wheels.
Safety
Every 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, hill-hold assist, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The STI features ventilated disc brakes front and rear. In Edmunds brake testing, a WRX sedan came to a stop in an excellent 114 feet, while an STI hatchback did it in an even better 106 feet (the STI sedans we tested did no better than 112 feet, however).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the regular, non-WRX versions of the previous-generation Impreza the highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.
Driving
The 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX offers an impressive amount of performance for the money, featuring plentiful power and tenacious cornering grip thanks to its firm suspension and summer performance tires. The WRX STI kicks it up a few more notches with limited-slip differentials front and rear, powerful Brembo brakes, a six-speed manual transmission and truly thrilling acceleration when the throttle is wide open. Ride quality for either version is acceptable considering the performance, but some drivers might object to the high levels of road noise.
Interior
Interior quality is not the WRX's strong suit. The cabin design is simple and straightforward, but there's an overload of cheap, hard plastic trim for a car in this price range. We've not been impressed by the assembly quality of the test cars we've examined, either.
The outdated touchscreen interface for the navigation system is frustrating to use, and when equipped, it makes the audio system complicated to operate. The sound quality is subpar as well, making aftermarket audio upgrades a virtual necessity.
There is, however, plenty of room inside the cabin for passengers and cargo. Generous head- and legroom provide enough space for taller adults, and the front seats feature aggressive bolstering to keep passengers securely anchored to their seats when cornering. When it comes to hauling stuff, the hatch can accommodate up to 19 cubic feet of cargo while the seats are in place. Folding the rear seats expands that space to a generous 44 cubes. The sedan has an 11.3-cubic-foot trunk.
Scorecard
| Overall | undefined / 5 |
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX.
Trending topics in reviews
- interior
- appearance
- seats
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- comfort
- warranty
- fuel efficiency
- engine
- sound system
- road noise
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.625/5 stars, Last of it's kind
bnewton_xp,
STI 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
After owning a 2007 STI, I consider the 2014 STI a great improvement. Much improved seats and lower road noise over 2007 STI. 2014 STI is a bit more refined than 2007 STI, however the 2007 STI car was a bit more raw and in-your-face.
I chose the hatchback over the sedan as it offers the best of both worlds in performance and utility. Plus the hatchback does not appear to draw as much attention as the sedan with the big wing.
While I could've waited for the new 2015 STI,
but with the next STI/WRX being more road focus I felt like the next car would lose little bit of it's rally heritage and that what makes STI unique.
4/5 stars, Good car but not great
hookshot,
STI 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I got the 2014 hatchback STI in white.
Engine: strong mid-range power, but weak top end.
Some turbo lag, power comes on around 3k rims and dies off around 5.5k rpm.
Redline at 7k.
Fuel economy is poor even in intelligent mode which saps the power.
I avg 22 mpg and I mainly drive like a grandma.
Expect 18 mpg avg if you have heavy foot.
Exterior: what can I say it looks aggressive.
I swapped the gun metals for gold bbs and it looks good.
Custom molded the base impreza mud flaps to fit.
Looks great.
Interior:
the stock Bluetooth sucks.
Seats are good not brz good.
Nice overall not great.
Hatchback folds down, tons of space, although u don't wanna stratch that leather.
4/5 stars, Awesome Ride! Won't Let you down!
Jeremy Doss,
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
This car is pretty much awesome in every aspect, especially with Subaru's awesome drive train and other warranties. It's super reliable and he'll a fast! Not to mention it's got a huge community for modding.
The only drawbacks were the stereo head unit and some interior rattle. If that bugs you do what I did and get a new head unit and it'll sound great!
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $25,995
- MPG & Fuel
- 19 City / 25 Hwy / 21 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Flat 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 265 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 173.8 in. / Height: 58.1 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.7 in.
- Curb Weight: 3208 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 19.0 cu.ft.
Safety
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FAQ
Is the Subaru Impreza WRX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2014 Impreza WRX both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Subaru Impreza WRX fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Impreza WRX gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg to 21 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Impreza WRX has 19.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Impreza WRX. Learn more
Is the Subaru Impreza WRX reliable?
To determine whether the Subaru Impreza WRX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Impreza WRX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Impreza WRX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2014 Impreza WRX is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX?
The least-expensive 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX is the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,995.
Other versions include:
- STI 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $36,495
- Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M) which starts at $28,495
- 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M) which starts at $25,995
- Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M) which starts at $29,495
What are the different models of Subaru Impreza WRX?
If you're interested in the Subaru Impreza WRX, the next question is, which Impreza WRX model is right for you? Impreza WRX variants include STI 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), and Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M). For a full list of Impreza WRX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more