2019 Subaru WRX
What’s new
- New limited-edition Series.Gray trim level
- The WRX STI sees small revisions to its drivetrain, including a 5-hp bump
- Updated infotainment system
- Greater availability of advanced safety and driver aids
- Part of the third WRX generation introduced for 2015
Pros
- In both the 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
- Excessive wind and road noise
- Interior quality lags behind competitors
- STI's high-performance suspension makes for a rough ride
2019 Subaru WRX pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich WRX does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.8 / 10Come rain or shine — or even snow — the 2019 Subaru WRX and WRX STI deliver speedy acceleration and engaging handling. These compact sport sedans aren't as quiet or refined as their competitors, but you won't find sport sedans with more power and all-wheel drive for less money.
The distinctive configuration of the WRX comes from its rally racing origins, a motorsport that involves driving as quickly as possible down largely unknown country roads. All-wheel drive is a necessity for varying surfaces, from dirt and gravel to asphalt, and a small, yet powerful turbocharged engine ensures quick acceleration away from corners.
Today's WRX is a fast and legitimate family car with a large interior, good outward visibility and comfortable seats. The 268-horsepower WRX is a little more comfortable and therefore commuter-friendly — it's even available with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a suite of advanced driver safety aids. The 310-hp WRX STI is still streetable, but its stiff suspension and lack of an automatic mean it's for purists only.
We do recommend checking out some rivals. Competitors such as the Honda Civic Si and Type R, as well as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, have superior fuel economy and interiors that are quieter and better-looking. Hyundai's out with a new Veloster, too. For an affordable all-weather sport sedan, though, the 2019 WRX is hard to beat.
2019 Subaru WRX configurations
The 2019 Subaru WRX is a five-passenger sedan offered in five standard trim levels (base, Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited) and two limited-edition variants (Series.Gray and Series.Gray STI). The base model comes reasonably well-equipped, while the Premium and the Limited add more convenience and luxury-oriented features. The STI variants have more standard features plus a more powerful engine and upgraded brakes and suspension.
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. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, performance tires, hill start assist, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Technology features consist of a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, Bluetooth, and satellite and HD radio.
Stepping up to the WRX Premium adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sunroof, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icers, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Stand-alone options for the Premium include a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. When equipped with the CVT automatic, Premium WRXs come with Subaru's EyeSight system, which bundles adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. EyeSight cannot be paired with the manual.
Optional with the manual only, however, is the Performance package that adds Recaro front seats (the driver's seat is eight-way power-adjustable), more durable brake pads, and red brake calipers. This package removes the sunroof in the interest of weight savings.
The limited-edition WRX Series.Gray, named after its special exterior paint, features the Performance package as standard and rides on black 18-inch wheels. It includes keyless ignition and entry, LED foglights, and automatic bi-LED headlights that also automatically adjust for height and turn in conjunction with the steering wheel.
The Limited comes equipped similarly to the Series.Gray, but instead of the Performance package and black wheels, it adds the eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, leather upholstery and a navigation system. Opting for the CVT automatic on the Limited also adds EyeSight.
STI models come equipped like the WRX Premium, but with performance upgrades such as a turbo 2.5-liter engine (310 horsepower, 290 pound-feet of torque), 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a driver-adjustable center differential, front and rear limited-slip differentials, and more aggressive suspension tuning. The bi-LED headlights and seat upholstery consisting of suede-like centers and leather bolsters are also included, while the sunroof is deleted. Options are Recaro sport seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and keyless ignition and entry.
Those features are standard on the limited-edition Series.Gray STI, which rides on black 19-inch wheels and an even stiffer suspension with Bilstein dampers.
The STI Limited is equipped with the same seats and keyless features as the Series.Gray. It also has a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The lone option is a low-profile trunk lip spoiler.
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.
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 Subaru WRX (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current WRX has received some revisions, including an updated entertainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support for 2019. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's WRX, however.
Driving
8.5Acceleration
8.5Braking
8.0Steering
8.5Handling
9.5Drivability
6.0Off-road
Comfort
6.0Seat comfort
8.0Ride comfort
6.0Noise & vibration
5.0Interior
8.5Ease of use
7.0Getting in/getting out
8.0Roominess
8.5Visibility
9.0Quality
7.0Utility
8.0Small-item storage
Cargo space
Technology
Audio & navigation
Smartphone integration
Driver aids
Voice control
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Subaru WRX.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite WRX safety features:
- EyeSight Assist Monitor
- Projects alerts and warnings (about pedestrians, potential collisions) into a head-up display in the windshield.
- Reverse Automatic Braking System
- Automatically applies the brakes if the 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 the center.
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Subaru WRX vs. the competition
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Subaru WRX vs. Subaru BRZ
The BRZ is smaller and less experience, but beyond that, its two-door, rear-wheel-drive layout presents an entirely different driving experience than the turbocharged and all-wheel-drive WRX. Think of the WRX as a fast, family-friendly sedan and the BRZ as an entry-level sports car. Alas, "sports car" applies to the BRZ's handling since its less powerful engine means it's slower than the WRX.
Subaru WRX vs. Ford Focus ST
The less powerful Focus ST only comes with a manual transmission, limiting its appeal, and its front-wheel-drive configuration means it's somewhat less capable in the snow compared to the WRX. On the upside, the Focus ST's hatchback layout provides more storage space, while its lower starting price and higher fuel economy mean it's a less expensive commuter car. On the extreme downside, though, you'll have to get one soon because it's been discontinued for 2019.
Subaru WRX vs. Honda Civic
The Civic Si's enjoyable to drive, but its greatest attribute compared to the Subaru WRX is value. The Honda starts at a lower price, and though it has no options, it comes with more standard features. While the Civic Si is not available with an automatic transmission, it's rated by the EPA at 32 mpg combined versus the stick-shift WRX's 23 mpg.
2019 Subaru WRX for Sale
MSRP: $43,538
MSRP: $28,600
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See your car's valueSixteen years ago, the Subaru WRX introduced many Americans to the notion of all-wheel-drive sport compact performance. The 2019 Subaru WRX powers forward with a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, just like the original, while the maximum-performance WRX STI variant gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder 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 310 hp, up slightly from last year. 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 automatics 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 (plus a special Series.Gray version for 2019) that include 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 for a car in this price range. The WRX family isn't for everyone. 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, but comes only with the optional CVT automatic. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the WRX a Top Safety Pick+ for its best-possible crashworthiness, crash prevention and headlight scores.
Fuel economy ranges from 23 mpg (21 city/27 highway) for the manual-transmission WRX to 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 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.
The 2019 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 2019 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.
2019 Subaru WRX Overview
The 2019 Subaru WRX is offered in the following submodels: WRX Sedan, WRX STI, WRX STI Limited w/Wing, WRX STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler. Available styles include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT), Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2019 Subaru WRX?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Subaru WRX and all its trim types. 0 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 2019 WRX.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Subaru WRX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 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
This review was 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's a good price for a New 2019 Subaru WRX?
2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,387. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2,697 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,697 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$40,691.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is6.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 7 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2019 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 $38,437. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2,629 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,629 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$35,808.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is6.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 24 2019 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2019 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 $28,080. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1,927 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,927 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,153.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is6.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 42 2019 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2019 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 $30,996. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2,161 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,161 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$28,835.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 22 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2019 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 $33,580. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2,408 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,408 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$31,172.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is7.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 10 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,055. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $3,327 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,327 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$39,728.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is7.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Low Profile Trunk Spoiler 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
The 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,487. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) is trending $1,725 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,725 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$33,762.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) is4.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2019 Subaru WRX Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
The 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,127. The average price paid for a new 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) is trending $1,925 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,925 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$31,202.
The average savings for the 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) is5.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2019 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2019 Subaru WRXES are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 Subaru WRX for sale near. There are currently 203 new 2019 WRXES listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $28,080 and mileage as low as 0 miles. 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 used 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 2019 Subaru WRX. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $3,565 on a used or CPO 2019 WRX available from a dealership near you.
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Find a new Subaru WRX for sale - 12 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $22,121.
Find a new Subaru for sale - 8 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $25,309.
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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.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Subaru WRX?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2019 Subaru WRX Information
- 2019 Subaru WRX Build and Price TMV®
- 2019 Subaru WRX Incentives & Rebates
- 2019 Subaru WRX Consumer Discussions
- 2019 Subaru WRX Consumer Reviews
- 2019 Subaru WRX Features & Specs
- 2019 Subaru WRX Pictures
- 2019 Subaru WRX Review
- 2019 Subaru WRX Dealer Price Quotes
- 2019 Subaru WRX Used For Sale Near Me
- 2019 Subaru WRX Ownership Costs