The 2021 WRX's combination of a high-performance engine and standard all-wheel drive is rare for a small performance car. If you drive it hard, the WRX can be relatively quick in a straight line, and handling is entertaining. Unfortunately, unrefined or unavailable in-car tech, a bumpy ride, sluggish throttle response in town, and a high cost of entry are all major deterrents. We'd recommend taking a closer look at one of its many highly skilled rivals.
Keyless entry and push-button start now standard on the Premium trim
Based on the fourth Subaru Impreza generation introduced for 2012
What is the WRX?
The WRX is Subaru's high-performance compact sedan. It offers the practicality of a four-door sedan along with the utility of all-wheel drive and way more power than your average four-door Subie. Typically, the WRX is available in two performance levels: the standard WRX and the pumped-up STI.
While other Subaru models such as the Crosstrek, Forester and Impreza already ride on the Subaru Global Platform, the 2020 WRX didn't make the jump yet — we expect that will change for 2021. With the move to the new platform, the WRX will probably get an updated infotainment system, added driver aids and new interior touches. The platform is also slightly larger, meaning the WRX will get a longer wheelbase and a wider stance. And a bigger footprint will bring bigger power — likely in the form of Subaru's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (also known as the FA24).
Subaru's 2.4-liter engine already provides power for the Ascent and versions of the Legacy and Outback. In those applications, the 2.4-liter engine produces 260 horsepower, but in the WRX and WRX STI, it will likely make much more. With the current WRX putting out 268 hp and the STI producing 310 hp, we expect the next-generation models to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 to 350 hp. When you consider modern rivals like the Honda Civic Type R, the Hyundai Veloster and the Volkswagen Golf R, a 400-horsepower WRX would certainly have a leg up on the competition.
Edmunds says
The WRX is a fast, fun, practical option, especially if you need all-wheel-drive for winter weather — and the redesign coming for 2021 is likely to make it even faster and more capable. With such a big change in the offing, we'd certainly understand the temptation to hold off on buying a current-gen WRX. We don't expect full details on the next-gen WRX to be announced until late 2020.
Check back soon for more information on the WRX including photos, specs, and a complete look.
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2020 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
TL;DR: Seat adjustment is lacking on the Base and the manual trans makes itself just a little bit more difficult to use. But overall the car is simple and raw. It feels great and I love it to bits.
The base model WRX doesn't feel like you cheaped out. The only other options I would've liked would be the Performance Package which is only available from Premium Trim and up. However, … that adds a lot of weight and price to the car which I can live without.
My only serious issue with the interior is the driver's seat. The base has a basic manual adjustable, non-heated, fabric seat. Manual adjustment is fine, you set it once for life basically unless you share the car with someone and it's a whole bunch lighter than motorized seats. I would've like heated seats but a sacrifice I was willing to make to keep the price down. The big issue I have with the seat is no lumber adjustment at all. And even worse: no adjustment for your thighs/ knees. It's a common grumble amongst owners. The position and travel path of the clutch brings you in forward towards the dash but that squishes your legs if you are taller and the front of the seat cushion does not adjust up to meet and support your thighs.
The only other grumble I have is kind of a broad complaint of how shifting works with the 6MT and this engine. First and foremost, I am not a veteran of the stick shift. I have only driven other people's cars with it twice before buying this car. I stalled it 6 times getting it home, mostly at lights trying to get away too quickly. I am getting better, that's me not the car.
While shifting the 6MT (mine has the short throw shifter as well) is satisfying and entertaining and rewarding there are 3 things that make it somewhat challenging.
First is the clutch and it's travel which is sort of up and towards the dash rather than more of a natural forward push towards the firewall. Not a huge deal but it does play into the seat not being super comfy.
Second problem you may or may not notice depending on what your past cars have been is the throttle mapping. It's not linear, meaning 10% throttle does not mean you are using 10% of the engines power or load. There is a point where the slightest adjustment of the throttle will make your seemingly under control revs go shooting up while you're trying to shift.
Third is the rev hang which is well documented and grumbled about with this engine but it's definitely noticeable and often gets in the way. It's a deliberate feature that holds engine revs up when you depress the clutch. It helps with downshifting a bit. However, it is always on and works when you are up shifting as well. The shift from 1st to 2nd is where you will notice it the most. Say you take off in first nice and smooth, rev to 3k, depress the clutch to go into 2nd. Pretty standard right? The problem is at that point 2nd is usually between 1500 and 2k rpm and your engine is holding you at 3k for at least a full second. That particular shift is something I am still trying to smooth out and master.
This transmission is not the easiest in the world. It's a bit old fashioned and the only assist is the spotty hill assist which you have 0 control over. It makes it a bit of a learning curve but it's not super difficult. I am confident driving it in any situation and I've only been at it for 5 days.
That was a lot of words to describe just an issue with seat adjustment and a couple shifting woes but I think the detail will help some people.
Things I like about the car: The simplicity of the base model. It feels a lot like my first car, a 1996 Impreza, but obviously much quicker and more exciting. Visibility is incredible. It has the same "fishbowl" feel as the older Subaru's I've driven. There is a ton of space in this car, including the rear seats which can actually fit full size adults. They've maintained the mechanical feel of the car despite the electric power steering and drive-by-wire throttle. I am a huge fan of hydraulic power steering but this electric steering is surprisingly good. The only difference I've noticed is the lack of a bit of "rubber banding" feel from a hydraulic steering set up. Finally: obviously the car is pretty and obviously the car is quick. There are tons of videos on its performance available for you to peruse.
2020 STI v 2018 WRX
5 out of 5 stars
Krish Bellamkonda, 07/22/2020
2020 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
@12 months- I traded the 20 STI for 21 BMW 330i. STI was a great car, but I wish I had kept the WRX since at my age (early 40s) I wanted a more settled ride and didn’t want to worry about taxing the clutch( STI is way less forgiving than WRX). With the used car prices the way it is, I got 3000 more than what I paid 1 year ago with 7800 miles. Decided to switch to 330i until next STI. …
As the title says, I traded in a 2018 WRX base for a 2020 STI base. 2018 WRX was a great car, with excellent driving dynamics, awesome value and more than enough power for tooling around town. I was averaging 30 mpg consistently with spirited driving giving me around 25 mpg on premium gas. Life was good, but given the 2020 STI might be the last of the kind, I decided to test drive it and see if I wanted an upgrade. I had concerns over the ride quality, clutch engagement and general refinement which was a tad below WRX due to an older powertrain dating back to 2004. But I came back very impressed on how well it drove, how engaging it was compared to 2018 WRX. Since I believe cars should be left the way they came from the factory(no aftermarket engine tuning), I decided to move to a STI.
STI Strengths:- STIs drive very differently from the WRX. It is a much mature car at higher speeds and also the engine is free-r revving to redline. Although they look the same, the cars are entirely different from dynamics point of view. Also with the drivetrain's ability to switch between rear-bias to front-bias and drive modes(S,S#), the car handles like extremely well. The ride quality of 2020 is way improved over 2017 STI, but not as supple as WRX base trim(17 inch wheels).But suspension tuning and all the reviews about STI's ride harshness is exaggerated. If suspension is holding you back from STI, you should really test-drive the car. The car(STI) is much quieter with more quality materials than base WRX. Although with WRX and STI, quietness is not the forte of either. STIs offer very predictable handling and what I observe is that more you engage with the car, more you pay attention to the shift points and nuances of clutch engagement, it is way more rewarding than WRX. Also the WRX has very irritating lumpy power delivery where you get abrupt dropoffs when you rev hard. STI is way smoother and has much more linearity in the way power is delivered. Also, the clutch engagement point more sorted out than WRX although it is a tad harder. The shifter is much nicer with clear throws(with STI short shift kit). It is way shorter than WRX(with short shift kit). It feels more direct in terms of engagement and also, vibrations. With STI, my gas mileage is between 20-23 mpg. It has gone below 20 during the break-in period. So gas mileage is definitely not one of the strengths of this aging engine. But my goal was to become a better driver(more technical) and also take the vehicle to track in stock form at some point. STI is like 9/10s of a budget sports car which needs 9/10s of engagement from the driver to have fun, where WRX is like 6/10s of a budget sports car which needs 6/10s of engagement from the driver to have fun. Which brings us to WRX strengths.
WRX Strengths:- Whereas WRX is a much more chuckable, agile car with predictable body roll/handling, STI is more of a heavier feeling car(hydraulic power steering) with little/no body roll and more precise handling and built for more serious, precise driving. WRX is lot more fun than STI in "chuckability' factor and puts a smile no matter how you drive it. The ease of driving WRX is something I miss with the STI. STI is meant for more track duty and this is where it is a bit of a letdown "around town". So STI is more technical than WRX. So if you deeply engage with the vehicle it is fun, Whereas WRX is fun no matter whether you deeply engage or merely engage. So for a daily driver, I would pick WRX over STI to put you in a better mood no matter how your day has been. Also it is easier to drive, when it comes to overall effort. I have a Corolla Hybrid which I use for daily drive, so I don't miss WRX as much. In addition, gas mileage for WRX (30 avg, 25 worst) is amazing for a car a that's as much fun as it is. Also, the turbo spooling and whine is something which is more audible and fun with WRX. In STI, it is replaced by rumble. I personally liked WRX turbo whine better. Also, WRX has better overall drivetrain vibration management than STI. STI shifter(being direct, not cable) has a constant vibration which exaggerates over bad roads. It is not a big deal, but it does irritate you, depending on how engaged you are. In short, if you don't want to be engaged at 9/10s, then WRX is a vehicle for you. Because STI does not tolerate relaxed driving as much as the WRX
I've read numerous reviews before buying my WRX. It receives great ratings for acceleration and handling. Most reviews have scored it low for ride and amenities. This a sports car! The ride is firm like it should be, yes the road noise does come through, but in my opinion it's not distracting. As far as amenities go, I have the Limited with the Harmon Kardon stereo and Nav. It has just … the right amount of things I need. Some higher end cars have more things that are in my opinion too much and I would never use them. The WRX to me has the right balance for a performance sports sedan.
Back for my third WRX
5 out of 5 stars
Third one in a row!, 08/29/2021
2021 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
After a 2013 and a 2019 WRX, took an excellent Subaru trade-in offer and bought a 2021. Went from the Premium level to Base, and my first impressions of the 2021 are very positive.
What did I lose in going down one trim level? First, the sunroof. My response: Who will miss it? This WRX is to be a winter car anyway. (I have a Miata to drive in the summer.) Second, the heated seats. … Response: For $2500, I'll buy a new down jacket. Third, the slightly smaller tires/wheels. Response: I have to change out the wheels/tires for winter ones anyway, so who cares?
My driving impressions are quite positive: Car has a pleasing rumble, and the quad exhaust tips look good. .My 2019 was white with black wheels, but I went back to WR blue for this one. Great choice, as looking at two white Subarus in the garage is quite boring. (My wife has a Forester.)
This car, unlike my last one, has a short-throw shifter, which I initially thought was a "Who cares?" option. I've decided that I like it. I can feel the slightly-crisper throws, especially between 2nd and 3rd gears. It seems as if this option gives the car a more sporty feel. Note that there is no STI labeling on it, though.
Driving this car is a pleasure. I continue to think that, if you have to drive somewhere, why not make it a fun experience? With the WRX, one has immediate power, great traction and handling, fine visibility, and enough creature comforts to satisfy. I keep thinking that this car is well-thought out--accessible engine that seems to hold a lot of oil for its displacement, sturdy suspension, and of course all-wheel drive. It seems overbuilt (as a rally-based car), and I like the feeling that I have this sturdiness as a I drive it in non-rally situations.
It is a great feeling to have a 3 series BMW on my tail as I'm entering a freeway, touch the accelerator, and leave him in my unhealthy exhaust. On service and repair, it is comforting to know that my service manager at Subaru By the Bay in Northern Michigan has driven his own WRX, and my mechanic has built his WRX into an even more high performance machine.
Note that I am over 70 (thus out of the usual WRX driver demographic) but I feel that this car and I belong together. My wife likes the comfortable seats. Besides, I've read that a manual shift helps delay dementia. What more can I ask?
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Subaru WRX, so we've included reviews for other years of the WRX since its last redesign.
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