2018 Subaru WRX Review

Name: 2018 Subaru WRX
Brand: Subaru

Price Range: $12,995 - $34,990

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio

Pros

In both WRX and WRX STI, acceleration is swift and among best-in-class
Delivers superb handling and steering response on twisting roads
Full-time all-wheel drive enhances traction and performance
Offers several premium safety equipment options

Cons

Above-average amounts of wind and road noise
Interior quality lags behind competitors
STI's high-performance suspension makes for a rough ride

What’s new

The WRX receives a handful of useful changes for 2018, including an updated front-end design, revised suspension and steering tuning, and thicker glass, seals and insulation aimed at better suppressing road noise. Subaru also adds a few new features to its EyeSight safety package.

Vehicle overview

The 2018 Subaru WRX is among the swiftest and best-handling compact cars around. It's not especially quiet or comfortable, but it's a reasonably priced performance car you can drive daily.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2018 Subaru WRX
Premium Sedan
$17,885
fair price
$836 above market
- 65,698 miles
- 2 accidents, 5 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 21 City / 27 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Auto Expo (17 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (21 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VA1C62J9817367
Stock: 817367
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Subaru WRX
Base Sedan
$16,995
- 96,746 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 21 City / 27 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Auto Expo (17 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (21 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VA1A6XJ9804420
Stock: 804420
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

You might reasonably expect some rough edges in a car born of Subaru's decades-long participation in rally racing, a form of motorsport largely run in dirt, mud and gravel. But the real surprise is just how domesticated these cars really are. The WRX and even-faster WRX STI are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines optimized for performance but capable of decent fuel economy. The WRX delivers 268 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined with the manual transmission, while the STI wrings out 305 hp and 19 mpg combined.

The WRX also offers a good serving of modern tech and convenience, either as standard equipment or options, including a choice of two multimedia systems, two audio systems, smartphone app integration, navigation, and driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These attributes, plus comfortable seating, a roomy cabin and excellent visibility, make the WRX a legitimately practical daily driver and family car.

But there's no denying that the WRX can be a loud and raucous car. You'll hear plenty of road noise and feel plenty of road surface inside the cabin, especially in the STI, which can drive from dealer lot to weekend rally race and be instantly competitive. Key rivals such as the Volkswagen GTI and Ford Focus ST far surpass the Subaru for daily civility. To be fair, Subaru says it has made efforts to quiet the 2018 model with thicker glass, seals and insulation. We haven't yet driven the most recent model to hear the difference.

Notably, we picked the 2018 Subaru WRX as one of Edmunds' Best All-Wheel-Drive Sedans for2018.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

The 2018 Subaru WRX is among the swiftest and best-handling compact cars around. It's not especially quiet or comfortable, but it's a reasonably priced performance car you can drive daily.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Subaru WRX (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | AWD)

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	6.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.0

Driving

8.5

Though its acceleration numbers may be hard to duplicate in the real world, the 268-hp WRX provides continual thrills in a straight line or around corners. It doesn't disappoint in the areas that matter most to enthusiast drivers.

Acceleration

8.5

A deluge of midrange power makes it easy to keep the 2.0-liter turbo engine in its sweet spot. The 0-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds is a second quicker than most rivals but requires a violent, high-rev launch technique.

Braking

8.0

The WRX stopped from 60 mph in 110 feet, typical for a sport compact with performance tires. The brakes show good resistance to fade, but pedal response is unremarkable.

Steering

8.5

The steering feels direct with lots of feedback, one of the better electric-assist systems out there. Midcorner response and feel are especially impressive. Not hyper or fidgety on the highway.

Handling

9.5

Grip is truly impressive (0.94g on the skidpad), allowing for a rapid pace on our mountain road test route. All-wheel drive keeps the car planted no matter how hard you push.

Drivability

6.0

The heavy clutch becomes tiresome in traffic, and the engagement point can be tricky. The throttle causes jerkiness in certain situations. Not the easiest car to drive smoothly when equipped the manual transmission.

Off-road

We didn't take the WRX off-road for testing, but its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system has years of rally racing technology behind it. Not tall enough for Jeep-like moves, but more than capable in dirt and mud.

Comfort

6.0

Excessive and tiresome noise inside the cabin could be a deal-breaker for many, even compared to other sport compacts. The supportive and highly adjustable front seats, however, are fantastic. They stand out in this segment.

Seat comfort

8.0

Supportive seats offer consistent comfort during a full day of driving. The eight-way power driver's seat adjusts broadly and is friendly for tall and short folks alike. Lacks lumbar adjustment.

Ride comfort

6.0

Drivers unaccustomed to sporty cars will find the WRX stiff, but it's actually well-damped and comfortable for its class, and good enough to mask the incessant bobbing of choppy L.A. highways.

Noise & vibration

5.0

This car is louder than average on the inside with an abundance of road and wind noise. After a day behind the wheel, our ears were getting tired. Even worse, the weak base stereo can't compensate.

Interior

8.5

What the WRX lacks in good looks, it makes up for in usefulness. The WRX's spacious cabin is simple to use and offers good visibility. Would be even better if offered as a hatchback like competitors, but even as a sedan it's hard to beat.

Ease of use

7.0

The climate control system couldn't be simpler. The radio faceplate is easy to use, but the display is too small for iPod or satellite radio readout. You must use the redundant audio screen in the dashtop trip computer.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

A tall roofline and sporty seats with slim side bolsters make it relatively easy to get in and out, despite the WRX's sports car nature. Same goes for the backseat.

Roominess

8.5

A 6-foot-tall rear passenger can sit behind a 6-foot driver. The driver's seat offers more adjustment, and therefore room, than expected of a compact car. Headroom may be tight for those with long torsos.

Visibility

9.0

The low dash and hood create an expansive view of the road reminiscent of Japanese cars from decades past. The tall windows and huge mirrors further benefit visibility. The rearview camera is standard but tiny.

Quality

7.0

Approaches level of the VW GTI and Ford Focus ST (although still falls short). Soft-touch materials, no flimsy bits and the switchgear feels nice to use. Rivals cost less and give you more, but if you prioritize performance over equipment, the WRX represents excellent value.

Utility

8.0

Although no longer offered as a hatchback, the WRX still offers a decent-size trunk and split and folding rear seats to accommodate the active lifestyles of many WRX owners. Abundant dealer and aftermarket accessories, such as roof-mounted bike racks, further enhance the WRX's utility.

Small-item storage

Modestly sized glovebox and armrest compartment, but usefully sized cupholders and center stack bin.

Cargo space

The 12-cubic-foot trunk has a large opening and the rear seat is a 60/40-split folding arrangement. Useful for packing tools and toys for other outdoor/lifestyle pursuits.

Technology

Offers a suite of tech options and features typical for this class, including two different sizes of touchscreen display, a navigation system, a premium audio system upgrade and app-based cloud services such as remote lock and unlock, roadside assistance and emergency notification.

Audio & navigation

Base infotainment includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and CD player. Top-level system comes with 7-inch touchscreen, navigation and more. New Multimedia Plus system sits in between — 7-inch screen, voice commands, Siri Eyes Free — and comes standard on Premium and above.

Smartphone integration

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but Pandora and Aha music app streaming comes standard on base models. Siri Eyes Free and MirrorLink (a universal smartphone interface) are standard on the Premium trim and above.

Driver aids

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are bundled together, while more robust features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking are available in the optional EyeSight package.

Voice control

New Multimedia Plus infotainment includes voice commands, including hands-free text messaging feature, and Siri Eyes Free. The top-level system offers the same, with voice commands also available for navigation functions.

Compare 2018 Subaru WRX trim levels

2018 Subaru WRX models

The 2018 Subaru WRX is a five-passenger sedan offered in five trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited. The base model comes ready for action with 268 horsepower and performance tires, while the Premium adds larger wheels and heated front seats. The Limited adds luxuries such as leather upholstery and has more available options. STI models start with Limited equipment but add a 305-hp engine and performance brakes and suspension. The STI Limited goes all in with sunroof, navigation, driver aids and more.

Base WRX models start with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (268 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. The standard equipment list also includes 17-inch wheels, performance tires, heated side mirrors, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connection, and a six-speaker media system with a 6.2-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, CD player, USB and auxiliary inputs, and smartphone app integration.

The WRX Premium adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sunroof, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icers, and a 7-inch touchscreen.

The Limited builds on that with LED headlights and foglights, automatic high beams, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, leather-trimmed upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, and an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters.

Options for WRX Premium models with manual transmission include the 7-inch touchscreen, an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system, and a new Performance package that bundles Recaro front seats (including an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat), upgraded brake pads, and red-painted brake calipers. This package deletes the sunroof, however, in the interests of weight savings.

A manual-equipped WRX Limited is eligible for options including navigation, upgraded audio, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, while Limited models equipped with the CVT can add Subaru's EyeSight system, which bundles features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive ("bending") foglights that help illuminate corners and curves. The EyeSight system is not available with the stick shift, though.

STI models come equipped like the WRX Premium but with a bigger engine, 19-inch wheels, and no sunroof. The base STI adds a more powerful 2.5-liter engine engine (305 hp, 290 lb-ft), Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, and more aggressive suspension tuning. Options include Recaro sport seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, and keyless ignition and entry.

The STI Limited adds back the sunroof plus keyless ignition and entry, an eight-way power driver seat, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and the premium audio system with navigation. The lone option is a low-profile trunk lip spoiler. EyeSight is not offered for the WRX STI.

Several dealer-installed options are available for the WRX and STI, including a performance exhaust (base WRX), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, short-throw shifter, carbon-fiber trim, unique shift knobs and interior lighting accents.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$191/mo

$152/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2018 Subaru WRX has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #39 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#39 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$680/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

0.6x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

20.9%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 22V522000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRE-22
Manufactured from:: 2013-11-14 to 2021-10-21
Number of vehicles affected:: 59934
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Defect Consequence:: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Recall Number:: 21V587000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRG-21
Number of vehicles affected:: 175968
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Subaru WRX Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

26 reviews

5(81%)

4(7%)

3(8%)

2(0%)

1(4%)

See all 26 reviews of the Subaru WRX

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Treat yourself

Michael Kelly, 02/14/2018

2018 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Great fun at a reasonable price. Not a sports car, but handles well. Very capable in ALL weather. I put 290,000 miles on my '02 with no engine work. This is my third WRX, it has 26,000 miles on it after just over a year of ownership. I've driven it in two ice and snow storms this winter and it has been very stable.

Value buy! What do you compare the WRX against?

Dominic, 01/16/2018

2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

All the comparisons are against 2 wheel drive cars, and many are front wheel drive. If you want all wheel drive, great handling, and good engine performance..look around. You are now comparing against Audi, BMW, and a couple of domestic models, and they will be much more money to get the same feature set. Better quality interior materials? yes. But for a great driving experience this …

No regrets!

Teiwaz, 02/20/2018

2018 Subaru WRX STI Limited 4dr Sedan AWD w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I am very happy with this purchase. Just to give you background my previous vehicle was a BMW 335i. The 335i was a power plant for a small sedan, had quality interior, and was a quiet ride (luxury feel). The BMW had most of the features that this new vehicle is just now offering (except the backup camera and blind spot monitoring) so I was on the fence on whether to upgrade or not. The … problem for me was the long term maintenance cost. For the amount of money I was putting into the maintenance I could have well make monthly payments on a new car. (Maybe it was my bad luck that I received a bad one off the production line? I did keep up w/the scheduled maintenance fyi) I spent time researching the subcompact category since this will serve as my everyday commuter and I didn’t want to feel like I was driving a boat. I wanted something small enough to slide into tight spots when driving in traffic as well as when parking in tight spaces in the city yet have enough acceleration punch when required and would have lower maintenance cost in the long run. Being able to drive in rough weather would also be a plus. I visited different dealerships looking @many vehicles including the Focus RS, Civic Type R, and Golf R. I was concerned with Ford’s reputation for reliability (the recent head gasket issue) and VW’s maintenance cost (Being a German vehicle). The Type R is only a 4 seater (this alone is not an option for me). I then visited Subaru and my initial thoughts were negative in that I felt I was getting something less than the BMW. It wasn’t until I test drove the WRX STI that I understood the attraction (they are fun to drive). You really do feel more involved and although it wasn’t as quiet & luxurious as my BMW it definitely wasn’t boring. The 335i felt like it had much more torque than the STI during startup. I did experience being a passenger in a 2015 WRX and it was a much harsher ride than the 2018 STI. In my opinion my STI is more bouncy but not as hard a ride as my 335i. I’m not sure if the run flats on the 335i is the reason for this. Summary: Cons- horsepower is mediocre by today’s standards, no passenger side power seat, no climate control/vents for rear seat passengers, seat heaters toggle on/off instead of staying on constantly, only 19mpg. Pro’s- fun to drive, manual 6 speed (keeps me awake during traffic 🙂), great handling, very good visibility (@least w/out the large rear wing for my situation), folding rear seats, cargo capacity, spacious seating (compared to my 335i), recaro seats (love the red accents & seatbelts), spare tire (yes! No more run flats!), highlighter colored brakes (I actually like how these look different from the typical Bembo red), 19 inch wheels (could be a con if you are traveling in snow as it comes w/summer tires). Bottom line is that I have no regrets In buying this car. This is worth consideration if you are searching for a compact car that’s fun to drive (by this I mean visceral and more involved) yet practical. I hope that the maintenance cost will be lower than the BMW as I have only put 3k on this vehicle so far.

NO CONS!

Kevin, 01/30/2018

2018 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

I came from a 2017 VW GTI, which was totaled recently. While i loved that car.. the 2018 WRX is in a whole different league. The handling is magnificent on turns and curves. The acceleration is fun and solid. Yes, the road noise is *slightly* louder than other vehicles, but I doubt anyone interested in buying an AWD, 270HP car that isn't a luxury brand is extremely interested in a …

2018 WRX Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$191/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the WRX models:

EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM): Projects alerts and warnings (about pedestrians, potential collision) into a head-up type display in the windshield.
Reverse Automatic Braking System (RAB): Automatically applies the brakes if driver fails to respond to alerts and obstacles.
EyeSight Lane Keep: Recognizes lane markings on both sides of the car and will guide you back to the middle if you drift too far from center.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 Subaru WRX Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2018 Subaru WRXPremium Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 Subaru WRXBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which WRX does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Subaru WRX models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Subaru WRX Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Treat yourself

Value buy! What do you compare the WRX against?

No regrets!

NO CONS!

2018 WRX Highlights

Safety

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