2025 Subaru WRX

Subaru’s WRX is based on the Impreza, but it’s harder to tell now that the current generation Impreza is only sold as a hatchback and the WRX is only available as a sedan. The mechanical differences are even more meaningful, as the WRX is thoroughly reengineered as a rally-bred hooligan with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four making 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and an available six-speed manual transmission sending power to all four wheels.

Edmunds spotlight: Fuel economy isn't a strong suit

For all the joy it delivers on the road or on a track, the WRX's powertrain is at a disadvantage when it comes to delivering competitive fuel economy. A relatively large four-cylinder, forced induction and all-wheel drive conspire to make the WRX far thirstier than its direct rivals. Its EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 mpg (with the manual transmission) is 8 mpg behind the manual Volkswagen GTI. The WRX’s 22 mpg combined rating trails the GTI by 6 mpg. For budget performance cars burning premium fuel, the difference adds up fast.

Competitors to consider

The WRX is one of the original sport compacts, and its competitors are a mix of longtime rivals and fresh challengers. In the former category, the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI have been brawling with the WRX for generations, and all three are outstanding in their current iterations. In the newcomers’ corner are the Hyundai Elantra N and — if you’re considering one of the WRX’s more expensive trim levels — the Toyota GR Corolla. Shoppers in the snowbelt should note that only the WRX and GR Corolla are all-wheel-drive.

More mature and comfortable than previous generations, the Subaru WRX is still a turbocharged riot, with a playful chassis and powerful flat-four.