Fifteen years ago, the Subaru WRX introduced many Americans to the notion of all-wheel-drive sport compact performance. The 2018 Subaru WRX powers forward with a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, just like the original, while the maximum-performance WRX STI variant gets a 2.5-liter boxer with even more verve.
Either way, there's certainly no shortage of speed. The base WRX checks in at 268 horsepower, while the STI boasts 305 hp. That's a lot of ponies for a sedan the size of a Corolla. Sure-footed all-wheel drive makes the most of that impressive output whether the road is wet or dry, joining with accurate steering and crisp handling to provide a true sport sedan driving experience.
A purist-pleasing six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, while a commuter-friendly continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. Because gearless CVT transmissions can be unsettling for drivers accustomed to moving through the gears one step at a time, Subaru has programmed this one to "shift" through a series of simulated gear ratios. Consequently, it feels much like a regular automatic to the driver, even though there's no actual shifting going on.
Glancing at the sticker price of the WRX or especially the STI, some shoppers might expect luxurious appointments and a refined ride. These aspects are notably absent. The WRX is available in three different trim levels with a number of appealing amenities. But the overall experience remains relatively austere and intense, particularly with the STI's firmer suspension. There's also a fair amount of hard, cheap-looking interior plastic, which is disappointing in a car in this price range. The WRX family isn't for everyone; in other words, it's aimed at enthusiastic drivers who are willing to forgo some comfort and polish in return for performance that inspires.
On the safety front, Subaru's EyeSight bundle — including lane departure prevention and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking — is available, though only on the high-end Limited model (and only when equipped with the CVT). According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, crashworthiness improves from Good for the regular WRX to Superior for the EyeSight-equipped model.
Fuel economy ranges from 23 mpg (20 city/27 highway) for the manual-transmission WRX to 19 mpg combined (17 city/23 highway) for the manual-only STI, with the self-shifting WRX splitting the difference. You can certainly find more fuel-efficient performance cars in this day and age, though the endearingly quirky character of Subaru's engines will add value for some shoppers.
At the end of the day, the 2018 Subaru WRX is an all-season athlete meant for those who want every trip to be a thrill ride. Just like the original all those years ago, the standard 2018 WRX is a no-brainer if you're looking for AWD performance on a budget, though again, pricier versions bring cosseting luxury-brand alternatives into play. If you're a fan, Edmunds' peerless reviews and pricing data can help you find the WRX that's right for you.
2018 Subaru WRX Overview
The 2018 Subaru WRX is offered in the following submodels: Sedan, STI, STI Limited. Available styles include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). WRX models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 WRX comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual. The 2018 WRX comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
The 2018 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33398. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2617 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2617 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30781.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 7.8% below the MSRP.
We are showing 3 Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31098. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1784 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1784 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $29314.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 5.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 4 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27855. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1663 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1663 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $26192.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 4 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37716. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1531 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1531 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $36185.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 4.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32966. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $500 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $500 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32466.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 1.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31267. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1709 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1709 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $29558.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 5.5% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
The 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30916. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1977 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1977 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $28939.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 6.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28169. The average price paid for a new 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $500 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $500 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $27669.
The average savings for the 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 1.8% below the MSRP.
We are showing 2 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Subaru WRX a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Subaru WRX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 WRX featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2018 Subaru WRX? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Subaru WRX and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 WRX a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 WRX.
Vehicle Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review I drove 2018 WRX Premium with Performance package. Outstanding! This car handles like a king and the RECARO seats deliver great support and firmness. Shifting is precise and steering gives you a great feedback. I would recommend to test drive different trims and packages before you make your decision. Now Subaru has a car for every driver
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2018 Subaru WRX
2018 Subaru WRX inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Subaru WRX for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 220 new and 138 used and CPO 2018 WRXs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 24988 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Subaru WRX. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 3559 on a new, used, or CPO 2018 WRX available from one of 2630 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
2018 subaru wrx STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 6-speed manual, premium unleaded (required) 19 combined MPG 17 city MPG/22 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 Subaru WRX?
Available Subaru WRX 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan, STI, STI Limited, STI Series.HyperBlue, STI Launch Edition
Available Subaru WRX 2018 Trims: Base, Premium, STI, Limited, STI Limited, STI Series.HyperBlue, STI Launch Edition
Exterior Colors: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Lapis Blue Pearl, Hyper Blue, Lightning Red, Galaxy Blue Pearl
Interior Colors: Carbon Black cloth, Carbon Black leather, Black/Carbon Black leather/sueded microfiber, Black alcantara
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Heated seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Upgraded Headlights, Power Driver Seat, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Leather Seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Upgraded Stereo
