2022 Subaru WRX
Overview
Rally-inspired sport compact cars are on the verge of extinction, but the new 2022 Subaru WRX aims to reignite interest for this enthusiast-focused breed. With the adoption of a new architecture aimed at better driving dynamics as well as the addition of more powerful 271-hp turbocharged flat-four engine, the new WRX promises to be an improvement over the outgoing version. Its contemporary interior design and available 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system also now better align with newer rivals that include the Hyundai Elantra N and the VW Golf GTI and Jetta GLI. Of course, among this group, only the WRX features all-wheel drive. Without the muscle to take on the 315-hp VW Golf R, Subaru has said there won’t be a gasoline-powered STI model this time around, but the vaunted WRX STI has a future as a performance-oriented EV. The company hasn’t commented on when that electric STI could come to production though. Until then, the 2022 WRX and its bold bodywork give enthusiasts something fast and fresh to be excited about.
What’s New for 2022?
The 2022 Subaru WRX is the latest generation of the well-known, all-wheel-drive sport compact. It rides on a new platform, boasts more distinctive bodywork, and is motivated by a larger and slightly more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We would choose the WRX’s Premium model with the standard six-speed manual transmission. It offers a good combination of equipment without getting too expensive like the loaded automatic-only GT model.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the WRX’s hood is a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine. Its 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque routes through either a standard six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Per tradition, every WRX has all-wheel drive. Those who opt for the automatic, which can also be controlled via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, can also select from three different drive-mode settings. The auto-only GT trim also comes with adaptive dampers. A set of 17- or 18-inch wheels shod with summer performance tires are also available. We’ve driven the new WRX and appreciated its smoother ride and improved refinement. But most importantly, it’s still very entertaining to drive. At our test track, the six-speed manual WRX powered through to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 101 mph. The GT model, with its standard CVT, managed a quicker 5.4-second zero-to-60-mph time but it was slower through the quarter-mile, eclipsing that marker in 14.1 seconds at the same 101 mph.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The WRX is rated by the EPA to deliver 22 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 21 mpg with the optional CVT automatic. On our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy route, both our six-speed manual WRX Limited and our automatic WRX GT test vehicles managed 28 mpg. For more information about the F-type’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the WRX looks a lot like other contemporary Subaru models, except that it’s dressed up with carbon-fiber-like accents and red contrast stitching. There’s a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel as well as a set of analog gauges. The top-tier GT trim comes with heavily bolstered Recaro front seat covered in microsuede. The trunk can be accessed from inside the car via the 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every WRX comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, but the base model features a 7.0-inch display while all other trims get a vertically oriented 11.6-inch one. The system relies primarily on touch inputs, although it does have some physical controls for the climate system and stereo. An 11-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system is also available. Otherwise, the WRX’s list of standard multimedia features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The WRX is available with a variety of popular driver-assistance technology, but such equipment is only offered on models with the automatic transmission. For more information about the WRX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Subaru’s limited and powertrain warranty aren’t anything special. Plus, rivals from Hyundai and Volkswagen benefit from some level of complimentary maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Subaru WRX Limited
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $36,990/$36,990
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in3, 2387 cm3
Power: 271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed manual
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.4-in vented disc/11.4-in vented disc
Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 A
245/40R-18 97Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.2 in
Length: 183.8 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 57.8 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft3
Trunk Volume: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 3401 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 101 mph
130 mph: 26.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 10.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 7.7 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 145 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 317 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.95 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 22/19/26 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
2022 Subaru WRX GT
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $43,390/$43,390
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in3, 2387 cm3
Power: 271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.4-in vented disc/11.8-in vented disc
Tires: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 A
245/40R-18 97Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.2 in
Length: 183.8 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 57.8 in
Passenger Volume: 98 ft3
Trunk Volume: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 3552 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 13.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.1 sec @ 101 mph
130 mph: 28.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 134 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 326 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/25 mpg
More Features and Specs
