2015 Subaru WRX Review
2015 Subaru WRX Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Very quick acceleration
- impressively sharp handling, especially with the STI
- secure grip provided by standard all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Above average amounts of wind and road noise
- weak-sounding base stereo
- tricky-to-use optional touchscreen
- STI's jarring ride quality.
What’s new
The 2015 Subaru WRX is fully redesigned. Highlights include new styling based on the latest-generation Impreza, a new engine for the base WRX, a stiffer body structure with a retuned suspension, and a slightly roomier interior with higher-quality interior materials.
Edmunds says
The redesigned 2015 Subaru WRX reclaims its place as a sport compact performance benchmark. It's got the power and handling that few can match. Overall refinement, however, remains an issue.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$203/mo for WRX Base
WRX Base
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Ever since its debut back for 2002, the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Subaru WRX has been a cult favorite with drivers drawn to its considerable performance and affordable price. Now, for 2015, enthusiasts again have a reason to smile as a fully redesigned WRX arrives and, yes, it still offers massive bang for the buck. But Subaru also hopes this new 2015 WRX will gain an even wider audience, thanks to a slightly roomier cabin, increased performance and improved fuel efficiency.
As before, the 2015 WRX is based on the Impreza sedan, though Subaru has dropped "Impreza" from the WRX's name to signify a higher-performance bloodline. Compared to its humble relative, the 2015 WRX features a stiffer chassis, a retuned suspension and a major power increase. As a result, its performance capabilities are far beyond those of the standard-duty Impreza.
For that power surge the base 2015 WRX relies on a new, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's smaller than the previous-generation WRX's 2.5-liter engine, but peak horsepower is up slightly -- now 268 -- and, more importantly, it makes more usable midrange power and returns better fuel economy. That power goes to all four wheels, naturally, but this time it's through a revised, torque-vectoring AWD system that improves traction and car control when driving out of turns. You also get your choice of two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual-like shifting when the desire strikes. With either transmission, you're looking at a 0-60 mph dash of under 6 seconds, which is excellent for this class of car.
The winged wonder, the high-performance WRX STI, is back as well, but it carries on with its larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 305 hp. This could be seen as disappointing given that the STI has effectively had the same power output for more than a decade. But Subaru says it's sufficient and wanted to focus more on making the STI an even better-handling car. To that end, there's even stiffer suspension tuning, quicker and more communicative steering (it's still hydraulic-assist, unlike the regular WRX's new electric-assist power steering system) and an adjustable center differential that can be used by the driver to fine-tune the car's traction characteristics. The results are impressive, as the STI grips heroically through turns and feels sharper and better balanced than any previous WRX sold here.
Outside of performance, though, the WRX comes up a little short in a couple areas. The new car grows 1 inch in length, which opens up trunk and passenger space a bit, but the 2015 WRX's interior design and materials quality, though noticeably improved, are still nothing special. Forward visibility is excellent, but the cabin is still excessively porous to wind and road noise, and the suspension is undeniably stiff-riding, especially in the STI. Finally, Subaru's optional touchscreen navigation system is merely adequate relative to the competition and needlessly ties up basic audio functions within its screens and menus.
Despite its flaws, the WRX remains nearly peerless. Its only true current performance rival is the aging Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R will change that however, with 292 hp, standard all-wheel drive and hatchback versatility that the WRX no longer offers. More affordable alternatives include the 2015 Ford Focus ST and 2015 Volkswagen GTI. Both offer nicer interiors with easier-to-use touchscreens, but they're also slower than the Subaru, and their front-wheel-drive layout will appeal less to hard-core drivers.
In the end, your choice will likely depend on what you want from your high-performance sedan. And the 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI, though flawed, continue to offer a level of performance and driver engagement that's rare at this price point.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Subaru WRX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system are standard. A new CVT is optional and features steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and settings that mimic either a six- or eight-speed automatic.
In Edmunds testing, a manual-equipped WRX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in an impressively quick 5.4 seconds. Subaru claims a WRX with the CVT requires 5.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy with the manual transmission is 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). The CVT model is rated at 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway).
The STI uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine rated at 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered. Fuel economy rates 19 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway). During Edmunds testing, the STI Launch Edition went from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Safety
Every Subaru WRX comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and active front head restraints.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Subaru WRX earned a highest possible rating of "Good" in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap frontal offset impact tests. It also earned a "Good" rating for its performance in the side impact, roof-strength and whiplash protection (seat and head restraint design) tests.
During Edmunds testing a WRX STI Launch Edition came to a stop from 60 mph in 108 feet, which is a very short distance for a sport compact car.
Driving
The 2015 Subaru WRX delivers the power and handling performance of cars nearly twice its price. The new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is strong throughout its rev range, and its rush of midrange power will surprise you at first, and then quickly become addictive. This is a car that feels even quicker than its acceleration numbers indicate. The manual transmission is a little tricky to use because of its heavy clutch action and the sensitive gas pedal, though it's still the obvious choice for gearheads. The new CVT is surprisingly capable, and its different driver-selectable modes and shift paddles make the most of what the WRX has to offer.
Thanks to a firmer chassis (up to 40 percent stiffer than last year's WRX), a retuned suspension and the new torque-vectoring feature for the all-wheel-drive system (which helps the car's handling balance when exiting corners), the new WRX is a noticeably tighter and more precise-handling car than before. It absolutely devours tight, twisty roads and imparts a feeling of driver confidence that its front-wheel-drive competitors simply can't replicate. The ride quality is undoubtedly stiff, but for this class of car we don't think many drivers will take issue. Less forgivable, however, is the large amount of wind and road noise coming into the cabin at freeway speeds.
As for the WRX STI, it simply kicks everything up a few more notches with its trick limited-slip differentials, powerful Brembo brakes and stronger engine. It's an even sharper tool than the standard WRX to be sure, and will win favor with drivers wanting a car for track days. But the firmness of the ride quality gets kicked up a few notches, too, and it presses the limit of acceptability in our opinion. There's more power and cornering ability with the STI but the performance benefits definitely come at the cost of comfort. You'll have to be a dedicated WRX fan to put up with the STI's rough ride on a daily basis.
Interior
Interior quality has never been the WRX's strong suit, but the 2015 WRX can claim to be the best of the breed so far. The cabin design is simple and straightforward and the controls are very easy to locate and use. The new 4.3-inch multi-information display atop the center stack relays audio, Bluetooth and climate control information, as well as a turbo boost gauge display, all-wheel-drive operation and the rearview camera.
That said, most competitors in this price range give off a more premium vibe, and the difference will likely be most apparent (and bothersome) to buyers who pick out a loaded WRX and expect more in the way of interior refinement. We're also not very keen on the base audio system's poor sound quality or the finicky touchscreen interface that comes with the optional navigation system.
On the upside, the cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. One inch of added wheelbase gives the new WRX even more generous rear legroom. A new thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel imparts the proper sporty vibe after you slide into the firm, well-bolstered driver seat. The driver positioning is particularly excellent, as is outward visibility thanks to thin roof pillars and large side mirrors. Trunk space measures 12 cubic feet, a respectable figure, though hatchback competitors have an edge when it comes to total versatility.
2015 Subaru WRX models
The 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are high-performance sedans that seat five. The WRX is offered in base, Premium and Limited trim levels. The WRX STI is offered in base, Limited and Launch Edition trims, the latter limited to 1,000 units.
Standard WRX features include 17-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, cruise control, full power accessories, automatic climate control, 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, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 4.3-inch central display, a rearview camera, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB/iPod interface.
Upgrading to the Premium trim adds foglights, a sunroof, a trunk lid spoiler, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The Limited model gains LED headlights (low beams only), leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat.
The base WRX STI builds on the base WRX's equipment list by adding a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, foglights, Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, driver-selectable modes for the center differential and a more aggressively tuned suspension. STI Limited models add an eight-way power driver seat, lighter weight 18-inch BBS wheels, leather upholstery and a premium nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The small production-run Launch Edition gets gold-painted lightweight BBS wheels, leather upholstery with simulated suede inserts, keyless ignition and entry and a short-throw shifter.
A touchscreen navigation system is available on all but the base model WRX. It also comes bundled with a 6.1-inch display, voice controls, smartphone app integration (Aha radio), satellite radio and, depending on the trim level, keyless ignition/entry and the nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other major options for the WRX and WRX STI include a performance exhaust, upgraded speakers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Subaru WRX.
5 star(63%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(8%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
still feeling the love mostly - 71,000 mile review
subaru_colorad, 12/17/2014
2015 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Purchased the WRX after test-drive & reading reviews of WRX and WRX STI - I liked the STI's acceleration, handling, and in particular the brakes, but did not care for the appearance of fin or chassis stiffness. As a 40+ yr old, I was looking for a car that was fun, but non-descript in a corporate parking lot and comfortable as a commuter/pick up the kids vehicle.
I've driven the WRX … 71K+ miles, purchased new, and live in the Colorado foothills, windy road. It is a blast! The car is very light; braking and acceleration = very responsive. I'm 6'2 200 lbs.
After nearly 4 years of ownership, I enjoy the vehicle enough to intend to keep using it for daily transportation likely for another 2 years; the maintenance items below have been completed, and I cannot find a vehicle to upgrade to that retains the AWD and manual transmission (Audi why don't you offer manual transmissions in the S4 or S5?? BMW, what gives with the M2 and M3 not offering xDrive??)
Four concerns about the car overall -- 1) clutch was replaced @ 46K miles. This is the 3rd manual transmission that I've owned, have driven approx. 100,000 miles with manual cars prior to purchasing the WRX. This seems soon for the clutch to go. "burning" smell when shifting gears since the car was almost new when first driven in the morning.
2) The car sold to me in Colorado came with summer tires that were not marked as such & this was not mentioned at the dealership; had some very slippery experiences in early winter before parking the car until replacement all-season tires could come in & be installed. Subaru replaced the tires.
3) A/C stops working in summer after awhile when the car is parked at 46K miles, compressor just had to be replaced at 71K miles. There is a technical bulletin on this, indicating it is a known issue with this vehicle.
So, these may just be fairly normal maintenance issues, spouse drives '14 Forester XT (automatic) purchased new, has not experienced any of these issues in 4 years of ownership.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Lots of good things in this WRX
jlevy2, 10/28/2014
2015 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I had one of the original 2002 WRX cars and loved it. The trouble was that stock it had way too much squishy rubber to satisfy any potential buyer. New motor/trans mounts, ALK, smaller brake booster, and a bunch more urethane parts finally made it feel like a sports sedan. The 2015 feels like a sports sedan right out of the box. I hear people complain about road and wind noise, but … don't find it to be an issue at all. My wife and mom don't find the ride too harsh, which surprised me. It's definitely firm, but not jarring.
5 out of 5 stars
Raw, uncouth fun!
Sean, 05/04/2016
2015 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
If absolute refinement is non-negotiable, the WRX is not for you. Don't bother reading any more reviews - go and buy a VW GTI!
Subaru have built a great car, but it is one with compromises. Ride quality is firm to rough. Wind and road noise (OEM-equipped Dunlop Sport Maxx RT rubber to blame) tend toward the higher end of the spectrum. Interior fit and finish is lacking. The … cable-linkage shifter-feel is rubbery, loose and inconsistent. Throttle mapping is anything but linear - closer to binary or step function; expect a herky-jerky ride if less-than-spirited acceleration is demanded. Rev-hang is quite pronounced in 1st or 2nd gear, requiring slow clutch release when shifting while driving slowly (think stop-and-go traffic). My early manufacturing cycle specimen has a heavy clutch, necessitating greater finesse while shifting (this seems to have been fixed later on based upon driving a friend's late-2015 WRX). Steering is tight but somewhat vague. The general feel of the WRX gives the impression of a bigger, heavier car.
All that said, I wouldn't trade the WRX. The car driven is a raw experience but the extra effort required to drive it smoothly is very rewarding. Every (non-stop-and-go) commute is a blast; every heel-toe or shift nailed perfectly or the wave of acceleration following the lag leaves a grin plastered wide across my face. With the inevitable winter storms here in the midwest, inclement weather is joyfully anticipated once the Blizzaks have been slapped in place. Passenger comfort is quite good. Cargo space is sufficient for short car-camping trips for four. Fuel economy is solid at 27 mpg mixed. The WRX covers all bases while offering great entertainment as a daily driver.
4.75 out of 5 stars
3 weeks and 3000 miles
guzziman, 06/26/2014
2015 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The Limited in stunning World Rally Blue is a work of art. A true drivers car. I am 6'2 275 lbs and plenty of room for me front and back. Excellent seats and position of controls. Superb build quality and extensive use of lightweight body panels. Engine sound and performance is designed for those who are truly drivers. Clutch feel is progressive and light enough for all day city driving. … Turn in and braking is spot on. Dunlop performance rubber is a good choice. No needs for any after market upgrades.
Many comments about Clarion radio..Simple reset of some settings solve this.Check on line for tweaks.
Road noise is evident on anything less than smooth asphalt. Could be the tires.
2015 Subaru WRX video
One of the most hotly anticipated cars at this year's LA auto show comes from uncle Subi. This is a new WRX. And while it looks are well, predictable, there's some important changes under here. Gone is the old 2.5 to be replaced by what is effectively a turbocharged version of the 2 liter 4 found in the BLZ coupe. It develops 268 horsepower and 258 pounds feet of torque. And it's available with either a six feet manual transmission, or controversially a CVT, which might take some getting used to.
Subaru says the manual versions good for zero to 60 in just 5.4 seconds. Helped of course by the standard four wheel drive. Subaru is not giving up on that rally heritage just yet. Subaru's adamate that the WRX will have all the poise and finesse of the brilliant VTC coupe. Although the electrically assisted steering might worry the purist, what the WRX adds as of course, is versatility. And while this cabin might not win any design awards, it does have decent chunk of space.
The WRX goes on sale a March, priced at $25,000 for the stick shift, and $27,000 for the CVT. So it is, as always. Good value. It's part of a performance offensive in Subaru. In Detroit will see the STI version, complete with a 2 and 1/2 liter turbocharged engine and over 300 horsepower. That'll be the one for me with blue paint and coveted gold wheels.
2015 Subaru WRX Unveiled | Los Angeles Auto Show
One of the most hotly anticipated cars at this year's LA Show is this, the new 2015 Subaru WRX. The looks might be predictable and, if we're honest, a bit dull, but there is more interesting news under the hood.
2015 WRX Highlights
Sedan
Base
Base MSRP | $26,295 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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