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    2019
    New 2024
    Used 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

    Subaru WRX

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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    Overall Reliability
    Reliability Details
    Owner Satisfaction Details
    See All Ratings & Specs
    Road Test

    When the WRX first appeared here in 2002, we found this rally-car inspired version of the Impreza sedan very engaging: a genuine sports car with tons of power and super-sharp handling lodged within a mild-mannered, all-wheel-drive, four-door sedan. The current "Rex" carries on that tradition, and it tests out very well in some areas. But we like it a lot less, because the typical car became more civilized over the past decade and the WRX has not. Like a talented teenager who just won't grow up, after a while the lack of subtlety gets irritating.While staying true to the established formula, the current WRX is a little larger than the last generation, affording a more spacious rear seat; the five-speed manual transmission became a six-speed; and higher trims now offer a CVT automatic. For 2018, the WRX has a freshened exterior, revised suspension, upgraded interior, and new EyeSight features. Despite evolving, the car feels surprisingly raw, remaining a track-ready racer aimed at the serious driving enthusiast. Acceleration is ferociously quick and handling remains enormously capable. But the powerband is narrow and hard to moderate, so power delivery feels jerky. A stiff clutch and clunky shifter make everyday driving a chore.You have to be truly young at heart to enjoy the real-world driving experience. The ride is jarring on all but the smoothest roads, and nonstop engine drone fills the cabin. Controls are simple, arguably too simple for this car's millennial/digital-native target audience. The base audio system's Bluetooth, phone, and voice command structure are rudimentary and behind the times.On the plus side, the WRX shares the Impreza's practical four-door layout and easy visibility, with an adult-scale rear seat and roomy trunk. No one should doubt that the WRX serves up a hot meal. It's just that refinement and finesse aren't on the menu, and the chef tore the lid off the spice jar.

    2019 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

    This Car
    NA
    vs. Similar Cars
    See All Models Reliability

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    Good
    IIHS Side Crash
    Good
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA
    See All Ratings & Specs

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    Good
    IIHS Side Crash
    Good
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA
    See All Ratings & Specs

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands

    See How All Brands Stack up

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015

    2016
    NA
    2017
    NA
    2018
    NA
    2019

    2020
    NA
    2021
    NA
    2022

    2023
    NA
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    View all Owner Satisfaction

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands

    See How All Brands Stack up

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands

    See How All Brands Stack up

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    Good
    IIHS Side Crash
    Good
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA
    See All Ratings & Specs

    2019 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

    See All Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings
    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    AWD
    Warranty
    Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    sedan
    Transmissions Available
    • CVT
    • 6-speed Manual
    Engines Available
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (268 hp)
    • 2.5-liter 4 turbo (310 hp)
    • 2.5-liter 4 turbo (341 hp)
    Model History