Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension, rear
Independent double-wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Steering type
Electric-assist, rack-and-pinion steering
Steering ratio (x:1)
14.5
Tire make and model
Dunlop SportMaxx RT
Tire type
Summer performance front and rear
Tire size, front
235/45R17 94W
Tire size, rear
235/45R17 94W
Tire size
235/45R17 94W
Wheel size
17-by-9 inches front and rear
Wheel material
Alloy
Brakes, front
12.4-inch one-piece ventilated disc with two-piston sliding calipers
Brakes, rear
11.3-inch one-piece solid disc with single-piston sliding calipers
Track Test Results
Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.)
1.7
0-45 mph (sec.)
3.5
0-60 mph (sec.)
5.4
0-75 mph (sec.)
8.1
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph)
13.8 @ 99.8
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.)
5.2
0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.)
2.5
0-45 mph, trac ON (sec.)
4.3
0-60 mph, trac ON (sec.)
6.4
0-75 mph, trac ON (sec.)
8.8
1/4-mile, trac ON (sec. @ mph)
14.3 @ 98.0
0-60, trac ON with 1 foot of rollout (sec.)
6.0
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)
28
60-0 mph (ft.)
110
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)
70.1
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON
67.5
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g)
0.94
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON
0.93
Sound level @ idle (dB)
45.0
@ Full throttle (dB)
73.5
@ 70 mph cruise (dB)
67.7
Engine speed @ 70 mph (rpm)
2,500
Test Driver Ratings & Comments
Acceleration comments
As always, there's nothing subtle about launching the WRX. I prefer to bring the revs to around 5,000 and drop the clutch as engine speed rises toward 6,000. This technique overcomes the car's static intertia most easily. First gear is gone instantly, with only a wisp of wheelspin from the front tires. Second gear needs to be held to redline to hit 60 mph. Otherwise, 0-60 time suffers. I short-shifted 3rd gear around 6,100 rpm, as power falls off noticeably after that. Despite some horrid sounds from its drivetrain, the WRX survives this abuse time and again. And it's darned quick.
Braking comments
Pedal response is nothing special in the WRX, though its stability at full ABS is quite good. No distance or pedal fade during our testing.
Handling comments
Slalom: Wow. This is a very different car from the last WRX, which sacrificed precision for mass-market appeal. This WRX, however, offers immediate turn-in and flat cornering. Its torque vectoring is good at pulling it through corners, even during steady-state throttle. Responses are very, very rapid and keeping the car going where it needs to demands fast hands and rapid reflexes. Skid pad: "Traction" mode proved highly effective in alleviating understeer and keeping the WRX tracking where it's pointed. Steering feel is only OK, and once understeer is achieved it's slow to undo. Still, this is a solid-handling performance for the WRX.
Testing Conditions
Test date
12/17/2013
Elevation (ft.)
1,121
Temperature (°F)
78.1
Relative humidity (%)
14.1
Barometric pressure (in. Hg)
28.9
Wind (mph, direction)
3.31, Head
Odometer (mi.)
2011
Fuel used for test
91-octane gasoline
As-tested tire pressures, f/r (psi)
33/32
Fuel Consumption
EPA fuel economy (mpg)
24 combined/21 city/28 highway
Edmunds observed (mpg)
22.2
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.)
16.9
Driving range (mi.)
422.5
Audio and Advanced Technology
Stereo description
Six-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD/SiriusXM with Bluetooth audio streaming, satellite radio, an aux jack and USB port
iPod/digital media compatibility
Standard iPod via USB jack and/or generic aux jack