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2024 Subaru WRX Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
34 reviews

Pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay
$32,081
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Prices based on sales in AZ thru 6/2/25
Final assembly in Japan

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 WRX, so we've included reviews for other years of the WRX since its last redesign.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Indominus WRX (base model review)

Rush2112, 08/08/2022
updated 02/15/2023
2022 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
68 of 73 people found this review helpful

This is my fifth Subaru since 2010, and my second WRX. My first was a 2014 hatchback (wagon), so much of my review on the 2022 model is in comparison to my past experiences with my 2014, and lessor to the common attributes of Subaru manufacture in general. First off, you'll see a large discrepancy between "shop" reviews and user reviews. Shop reviews tend to follow each other in lockstep, with an emphasis on creating "views" more than focusing on an objective honest review from a purchaser standpoint. My first advice to you if you are interested in the WRX, is to quit reading/watching shop reviews online and go test drive one immediately. It's highly likely (I won't speak for you) that the experience you have in person will be much different than any review you read online. In fact, I would say it's likely much more positive than the cookie cutter/lock step shop reviews out there. Secondly, come back here and write your own review and mention the differences of your experiences vs. the shop reviews. Consumers want consumer reviews, be detailed and take your time- we all benefit. Here is my review: Refined. That was the word that summed up my first test drive. Every detail of the WRX seemed better than my 2014 WRX, and there were even refinements over my 2018 Crosstrek, and 2021 Ascent that I appreciated (mainly, but not limited to, the refinement of the firmware in the interface and electronics). I was impressed. My second test drive was extended, over a half hour long, and I could dig deeper into the way the drive train, handling, and engine performed. Overall I left more impressed than my first test drive and that experience caused me to custom order my own. My 2022 WRX was delivered almost a month early than the expected delivery date. I've had it for 3 days and I've driven it in every condition that I will experience. Freeway, mountains, wet weather (monsoon storm in the desert), and in town. I am still in the break in period so I'm paying attention not to go over the 4K rpm mark, and I have not used cruise control (both recommendations from the dealer). Since I took ownership, my impression has only improved further. You get a lot for your money here, even with the base model- but I do recommend getting the short throw shifter, its pretty much an affordable must. There's too much to list in terms of positive experiences, but all I can keep thinking is how refined it is in every way. From the aluminum hood with gas struts, to the awesome instrument cluster, the excellent vision out of the windows, the thrill of the handling (which is amazingly good), to the spirited acceleration, it's all fantastic. Unless you want obnoxiously loud exhaust, you'll find the sound of this WRX is near perfection. Just enough growl and beautiful harmony to keep a smile on your face, without waking up the neighbors and getting shoes thrown at your car. I was able to easily get over 30mpg on the highway (as high as 35mpg, and as low as 28mpg) and even with all the back roads driving and in town start and stops, I had no issues getting 25mpg or more. Those numbers will likely change after break in when I can use the full rev range and/or I'm able to use cruise control (I expect a wider range of high and low MPG). Many positive details will reveal themselves the more time you spend driving a 2022 WRX. For instance, the dual screen set up- I prefer this to the 11" screen. It's a more organized way to divide up the functions for both the car (bottom) and infotainment (top). There are also a few more analog controls which I prefer to most touch screen interfaces. I find more reliance on touch screens tend to demand more attention away from the road. Fancy, but overkill for my needs. The dual screen set up is a good overall compromise between modern tech and analog. Now as far as the drive train, whoa. I can tell you the sound and smoothness of the engine are far superior to my 2014 WRX. The power comes in just over 2K, so much sooner than the older (and more quirky/less reliable 2.5), and wow is it just a treat feeling it push you back in your seat. The gear box really shines on mountain roads to whit I feel it is best suited. Going up hill you'll practically live in 3rd gear which gives you plenty of punch as low as 25mph, and yet can be revved up comfortably to well over 65mph. Its nearly perfect for the twists and turns and that mixed with the incredible grip on hard turns, gives you complete command of the road. It's an awesome experience that I can't properly describe with text. The gear box feels a bit low for around the town driving, 1st gear especially, but that gear is awesome in bumper to bumper traffic, to whit I believe is its main purpose. At first I wasn't sure I'd like the gear ratios but after driving it in so many different circumstances, I see the brilliance of the engineering and decisions to design it as such. Again, driving it will enlighten you. Reviews do not do this car justice. It's roomier, more refined and well thought out, faster, handles better, and has better gas mileage than my old 2014. On top of that, is that its engine can stand for some serious upgrading without fear of it blowing up (like the old 2.5's did). When the aftermarket gets rolling on WRX mods, I think this car will be the most popular WRX yet, proving all the naysayers wrong. If I have the option to update this review in the future I will, for now, I've pretty much covered the basics. There are many little details that I wanted to include in this review, but I'd rather leave some room for surprise and to your own experience to find. If you live in So Cal give Irvine Subaru a try, I can't recommend them enough. Family owned and awesome down to earth staff, they will take care of you like a friend, no hassle, top rate service. Update: Just reread my review, I agree with everything that I've said previously still. It's because my weekend driver. I hope I have it the rest of my life. Cobb tuning now has a tuning kit available you can purchase if you want more horsepower out of your WRX. Check it out online you can bring the torque up to 400 foot pounds and the horsepower over 300 (barely). I may look into that in the future. Still 100% satisfied with my purchase I have no real complaints about my new WRX I just wish Subaru would make a hatchback version. Subaru do not get rid of the gas powered WRX. Subaru do not get rid of the manual transmission. If you do both you will kill the spirit of driving.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

The Jack-Of-All-Trades (Premium Trim in Manual)

Flynn Joseph, 12/20/2022
updated 06/21/2023
2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful

"A jack of all trades is a master of non, but often times better than a master of one" This is true for the 2022 WRX. The engine produces pretty good horsepower, excellent handling, comfortable seats, actual usable back seats for adults and good space in the trunk, enough technology, good price and with good resale value. I dig the looks and functionality of the plastic cladding around the car (not exaggerating). My premium manual trim cost $33k which I feel is a very good deal for what the car comes with. My brother had a 2017 WRX Premium and upgraded to a 2021 STI and both I've test drove, but the tuning of the 2022 and in all areas (interior, engine -power delivery, handling, tech) is just better. Are there any other car brand/model that'll offer what the WRX can (270hp, AWD) starting at $30k? Probably not. No, it's not as fast as the Elantra N, does not have the gas efficiency of a Civic SI, or excellent interior like the Mazda 3, but if you are looking for sporty, practical, and fun sedan, the 2022 WRX is a wonderful bang for the buck car!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Go Drive It - you'll be glad you did...

Marky_Mark, 10/07/2022
updated 04/26/2023
2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful

UPDATE - I'm not wild about the touchscreen infotainment system. During daylight hours it catches glare and is difficult to see even with sunglasses. It's not intuitive, and there's no knobs or switches to control common heat/ac functions. I have to take my eyes off the road to make changes - not cool. I traded in my 2015 silver WRX premium cvt (88,000 miles) for a 2022 black WRX premium 6 spd, and I'm ecstatic! I didn't plan on getting black, but it looked way better to me in person than the silver or blue - the black cladding on the fenders is more noticeable on the non-black cars. My neighbors love it, and they're not even sure what it is. The new platform is an improvement in every respect, and the ride is more refined, while still firm and sporty. The 6 spd is a joy to shift, and a huge improvement over my last stick (2005 STI). This car is marginally bigger than my 2015, but seems larger inside because the space is better utilized. The front seats are more comfortable too. From 1900 rpm to redline, you get maximum linear torque. I had to pay sticker, but until recently that was just a dream. I'm not sure why people are bashing this car in online reviews. There are MANY good reasons why the 2022 WRX only stays on a dealer's lot for an average of 8 days, an industry low.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Stealth speedster

JDW, 10/29/2022
2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful

I bought the premium model with the sunroof and updated radio package. Added the short shifter too. This car is AMAZING. Powerful, shifts smoothly, comfortable interior. Bought it in the mag grey. Hides the wheel cladding. You will have zero regrets buying this car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely not what automotive press claims!

Iodoxy, 08/13/2023
2023 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

First of all Rush2112's review is spot on. Here is what you read online: ugly, slower than last version, no STi, not as fast as an Elantra N or CTR, yada, yada, yada. Here is what you get: A powerful driver's car for $30k with AWD. My '19 Q5 was killed by a deer, and I was looking for an AWD sports sedan for the NW PA winters. With my kids almost all driving now, I wanted to get back to a car for me rather than a CUV/SUV for a part-time family hauler. My WRX is a Premium, with the Harmon Kardon stereo and moonroof with a 6 Spd. manual. First of all I think it is a gorgeous car and looks better than the last generation. Mine is the Silica Black. The amount of cladding is no different than my wife's Ascent, which the automotive press had no issues with. Here in NW PA most roads out of town are tar&chipped, and this keeps the painted work free of dings and scratches. The WRX looks like everything else Subaru, which is a good thing because Subaru still believes in making its vehicles look unique. They have always been frumpy and quirkly looking, they are not street show cars. Everything else looks like a bubble. No one will mistake a WRX for anything else. Second, this is not a drag racing car. The automotive press, especially in the US is obsessed with drag racing. Sorry, if that is what you like, you will live an unhappy life, and never be satisfied with any car, as someone will just have those extra $$$ that you don't and leave you in the dust. I autocrossed through the 90s, and spent tons of time on track days and time-to-distance events. Find a car that makes you smile driving, and that you can learn the art of driving, and you'll be more satisfied for your money. The 0-60 numbers from C&D and others are from people who don't own the car who can do clutch drops and abuse the F out of the car. Don't fall for the numbers game. The transmission. The torque is amazing, and the clutch is light, direct and incredibly predictable. A new driver of manuals will pick this up easily. I had the STi shifter installed on delivery and it makes a huge difference in tightness. Pushing into each gear has definite tactile feedback. The gears are short, and remind me of the 99.5 Audi A4 I had, where you won't reach 60 in 2nd. Even in 6th gear you are at 2k rpm at 55-60. Yes the mpg is not stellar, but this car is always AWD, and is tuned for the close ratios. The engine. Roars on startup. If you want a quiet car, this is not the one for you. The cold exhaust does drone for 1-2 minutes after start up at idle. After that it is sheer rumble when you are on the gas, and quiet when you are not. There is a hint of turbo noises, but nothing obnoxious. At my age I still love a rumbling exhaust, but not a fan of turbo noises (those are for the younger set). The engine has almost no lag. The 2.4L could pull the car on its own with no turbo and probably still put down a 7 sec 0-60. That and the twin scroll turbo make any lag minimal. My last car ('19 Q5) had far more lag. Car pulls from 2k all the way to redline linearly. Revs drop immediately on letting off gas to shift. Everything under the hood is accessible (except spark plugs, obviously). My wife's Ascent limited has a cheap prop rod for the hood, the WRX has a pair of real pressurized struts. Tuning. I tuned my last three turbo cars, but to tell you the truth, I am going to leave this one stock other than an AWE exhaust, some Red Stuff pads and some dress up items. The Audis and Volvos I just had lacked any sense of speed, they were too quiet, too smooth too refined to enjoy any bit of the driving experience. 100 MPH and you thought you were doing 50. This car engages you in the driving experience, and I think it has all the power it needs. I also want to keep the warranty and still drive it hard. That is more genius from Subaru, as this engine has more headroom for tuning, but also gives stock power at lower boost than the previous model. We have 70k in our Ascent and no issues (CVT is another issue). The Ascent has more boost at lower rpm to increase towing torque and moving a bigger vechicle. The WRX works at lower boost peak, but shifts that to higher rpm to get more hp. Ascent takes 87 octane, the WRX takes 91. Interior. Simple and livable. I can't fault my Q5 or the Audi virtual cockpit, that was flawless. But really once all those gizmos are set up the way you want, you simply need rpm, speed, coolant and oil temperature and won't bother with anything else. The WRX instrument display is straightforward and direct. Two big analog gauges for tach and speedo, and a changeable middle display for instant mpg, average mpg/range, tire pressure, media and then the turbo boost gauge that has a peak function. The 11.5" middle display combines the three from my wife's Ascent into one. A top 1/6 of the screen that scrolls L/R for media and a display for coolant temp, oil temp and average speed is cool. The main screen has the coolest feature in that it will do portrait mode of Apple car play. Bottom 1/6 of screen is HVAC controls, and YES, SUBARU FIXED THE HEATED SEAT CONTROLS!!! One push and you toggle through the heated seat levels, just like a physical button. Physical buttons are there for auto temp and volume, and push to pause music. Yes, the looks of the system are a little Windows Vista era, and I would beg Subaru to allow users to personalize background color and fonts (Volvo does that better than anyone). The system has been labelled as laggy by some reviews, but it is faster than in our '19 Ascent by a long shot. Seats have great side bolsters for cornering that really hold you in. I'm tall and thin, and can see how a larger person may think they are too tight. Lumbar support actually gives me backaches, so I'm happy without it. Seats raise/lower, setback angle and front back, that's it. Moonroof is simple, but I wish controls were backlit, no biggie. I did have the LED interior lights as an option. No rear seat ducts for HVAC, don't see where that saved Subaru any money, but the car is small enough that it should not be an issue come winter. I can comfortably sit in the rear seat behind my driver seat (I'm 6'0"). Visibitliy is awesome. Comfort. This is a sports sedan with a suspension made for a dirt track, you are not going to get a comfy detached ride. Buy another car for that. You will feel the road. Is it obnoxious or painful? No way. But the ride should be expected in this type of car. Big impacts ARE smoothed better than a comfy car, little undulations are really what you will feel in return. Handling? A dream. All reviews of electric steering have been poor from Audi, BMW, etc. don't expect miracles from Subaru in a $30 car. I find no issues with knowing where the car is pointed vs. wheel position, and I used to amateur race. Car corners flat, and with the summer rubber will scare most drivers long before it lets go. Subaru opted for understeer at the limit, which is probably wise. I haven't pushed mine to that limit yet, but we'll see. Trunk and storage are fine. Only quibble is the center armrest is a joke. I think they cut back since most people get manuals and you don't want your elbow constantly bumping a big console. For the lack of rear ductwork, Subaru could have put some cupholders in back (other than the ones in the rear armrest). Subaru has a hit!!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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