2019 Subaru WRX Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCarlos LagoCarlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.

　　

What's new

New limited-edition Series.Gray trim levelThe WRX STI sees small revisions to its drivetrain, including a 5-hp bumpUpdated infotainment systemGreater availability of advanced safety and driver aidsPart of the third WRX generation introduced for 2015

　　Come rain or shine — or even snow — the 2019 Subaru WRX and WRX STI deliver speedy acceleration and engaging handling. These compact sport sedans aren't as quiet or refined as their competitors, but you won't find sport sedans with more power and all-wheel drive for less money.

　　The distinctive configuration of the WRX comes from its rally racing origins, a motorsport that involves driving as quickly as possible down largely unknown country roads. All-wheel drive is a necessity for varying surfaces, from dirt and gravel to asphalt, and a small, yet powerful turbocharged engine ensures quick acceleration away from corners.

　　Today's WRX is a fast and legitimate family car with a large interior, good outward visibility and comfortable seats. The 268-horsepower WRX is a little more comfortable and therefore commuter-friendly — it's even available with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a suite of advanced driver safety aids. The 310-hp WRX STI is still streetable, but its stiff suspension and lack of an automatic mean it's for purists only.

　　We do recommend checking out some rivals. Competitors such as the Honda Civic Si and Type R, as well as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, have superior fuel economy and interiors that are quieter and better-looking. Hyundai's out with a new Veloster, too. For an affordable all-weather sport sedan, though, the 2019 WRX is hard to beat.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Subaru WRX as one of zzdcar' Best All-Wheel-Drive Sedans for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

　　The 2019 Subaru WRX definitely won't be for everyone. It's loud and a bit rough, and it has an interior that comes off as a tad cheap given the price tag. But nothing else in the class provides all-season driving fun and performance as well as the WRX.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Subaru WRX (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current WRX has received some revisions, including an updated entertainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support for 2019. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's WRX, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	6.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.0

　　

Driving

8.5

　　Though its acceleration numbers may be hard to duplicate in the real world, the 268-hp WRX provides continual thrills in a straight line or around corners. It doesn't disappoint in the areas that matter most to enthusiast drivers.

　　

Acceleration

8.5

　　A deluge of midrange power makes it easy to keep the 2.0-liter turbo engine in its sweet spot. The 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds is a second quicker than most rivals but requires a violent, high-rev launch technique.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The WRX stopped from 60 mph in 110 feet, typical for a sport compact with performance tires. The brakes show good resistance to fade, but pedal response is unremarkable.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　The steering feels direct with lots of feedback, not hyper or fidgety on the highway. It's one of the better electric power-assisted systems out there. Midcorner response and feel are especially impressive.

　　

Handling

9.5

　　Grip is truly outstanding (0.94g average on the skidpad), allowing for a rapid pace on our mountain road test route. All-wheel drive keeps the car planted no matter how hard you push.

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　The heavy clutch becomes tiresome in traffic, and the engagement point can be tricky. The throttle causes jerkiness in certain situations. It's not the easiest car to drive smoothly when equipped with the manual transmission.

　　

Off-road

　　We didn't take the WRX off-road for testing, but its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system has years of rally racing technology behind it. It's not tall enough for Jeep-like moves, but it's more than capable in dirt and mud.

　　

Comfort

6.0

　　Excessive and tiresome cabin noise could be a deal-breaker for many, even compared to other sport compacts. The supportive and highly adjustable front seats, however, are fantastic. They stand out in this segment.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The supportive seats offer consistent comfort during a full day of driving. The eight-way power driver's seat adjusts broadly and is friendly for tall and short folks alike. Lumbar adjustment is only included on the Limited trim.

　　

Ride comfort

6.0

　　Drivers unaccustomed to sporty cars will find the WRX stiff, but it's actually well-damped and comfortable for its class (even on incessantly choppy L.A. highways). The STI, on the other hand, may be intolerably stiff even for sporty-car vets.

　　

Noise & vibration

5.0

　　This car is louder than average on the inside with an abundance of road and wind noise. After a day behind the wheel, our ears were getting tired. Even worse, the weak base stereo can't compensate.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　What the WRX lacks in good looks, it makes up for in usefulness. The WRX's spacious cabin is simple to use and offers good visibility. It would be even better if offered as a hatchback like competitors, but even as a sedan it's hard to beat.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　The climate control system couldn't be simpler. The radio faceplate is easy to use thanks to a new, larger screen in the base trim level and Subaru's user-friendly interface.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　A tall roofline and sporty seats with slim side bolsters make it relatively easy to get in and out, despite the WRX's sports-car nature. Same goes for the back seat.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　A 6-foot-tall rear passenger can sit behind a 6-foot driver. The driver's seat offers more adjustment, and therefore more room, than expected of a compact car. Headroom may be tight for those with long torsos.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The low dash and hood create an expansive view of the road reminiscent of the experience in Japanese cars from decades past. The tall windows and huge mirrors further benefit visibility.

　　

Quality

7.0

　　With quality approaching the level of the VW GTI and Ford Focus ST, it boasts soft-touch materials and no flimsy bits, and the switchgear feels nice to use. Rivals cost less and give you more. But if you prioritize performance over equipment, the WRX represents excellent value.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　Although no longer available as a hatchback, the WRX offers a decent-size trunk, as well as split and folding rear seats to accommodate the active lifestyles of many owners. Abundant dealer and aftermarket accessories, such as roof-mounted bike racks, further enhance the WRX's utility.

　　

Small-item storage

　　Smallish glovebox and armrest compartment, but usefully sized cupholders and center stack bin.

　　

Cargo space

　　The 12-cubic-foot trunk has a large opening and the rear seat is a 60/40-split folding arrangement. It's useful for packing tools and toys for other outdoor pursuits.

　　

Technology

　　It offers a suite of tech options and features typical for this class, including two sizes of touchscreen display, a navigation system, a premium audio system upgrade, and app-based cloud services such as remote lock and unlock, roadside assistance and emergency notification.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The base infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and CD player. Most trims have a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation and more. Either screen size features one of the more user-friendly interfaces out there.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and Pandora and Aha music app streaming come standard on base models.

　　

Driver aids

　　Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are bundled together, while more robust features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking are available in the EyeSight package that's included with the optional CVT automatic.

　　

Voice control

　　With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support standard on all WRX models, voice controls mirror the system you're already familiar with on your phone.

　　

Which WRX does zzdcar recommend?

　　While the additional power and sporty hardware make the STI appealing on paper, its high-strung engine, harsh suspension, and manual transmission-only configuration mean only serious enthusiasts need apply. The WRX Premium is a better starting place for most shoppers since it features a larger and more powerful touchscreen infotainment system with navigation versus the base trim level, and it can be optioned with additional performance and safety features. When equipped with the commuter-friendly continuously variable automatic transmission, this trim level comes with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. If you stick with the manual, you can get the Performance package for its eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and high-performance brake pads.

　　

2019 Subaru WRX models

　　The 2019 Subaru WRX is a five-passenger sedan offered in five standard trim levels (base, Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited) and two limited-edition variants (Series.Gray and Series.Gray STI). The base model comes reasonably well-equipped, while the Premium and the Limited add more convenience and luxury-oriented features. The STI variants have more standard features plus a more powerful engine and upgraded brakes and suspension.

　　Base WRX models start with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (268 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, performance tires, hill start assist, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Technology features consist of a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, Bluetooth, and satellite and HD radio.

　　Stepping up to the WRX Premium adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sunroof, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icers, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Stand-alone options for the Premium include a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. When equipped with the CVT automatic, Premium WRXs come with Subaru's EyeSight system, which bundles adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. EyeSight cannot be paired with the manual.

　　Optional with the manual only, however, is the Performance package that adds Recaro front seats (the driver's seat is eight-way power-adjustable), more durable brake pads, and red brake calipers. This package removes the sunroof in the interest of weight savings.

　　The limited-edition WRX Series.Gray, named after its special exterior paint, features the Performance package as standard and rides on black 18-inch wheels. It includes keyless ignition and entry, LED foglights, and automatic bi-LED headlights that also automatically adjust for height and turn in conjunction with the steering wheel.

　　The Limited comes equipped similarly to the Series.Gray, but instead of the Performance package and black wheels, it adds the eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar adjustment, leather upholstery and a navigation system. Opting for the CVT automatic on the Limited also adds EyeSight.

　　STI models come equipped like the WRX Premium, but with performance upgrades such as a turbo 2.5-liter engine (310 horsepower, 290 pound-feet of torque), 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a driver-adjustable center differential, front and rear limited-slip differentials, and more aggressive suspension tuning. The bi-LED headlights and seat upholstery consisting of suede-like centers and leather bolsters are also included, while the sunroof is deleted. Options are Recaro sport seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and keyless ignition and entry.

　　Those features are standard on the limited-edition Series.Gray STI, which rides on black 19-inch wheels and an even stiffer suspension with Bilstein dampers.

　　The STI Limited is equipped with the same seats and keyless features as the Series.Gray. It also has a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The lone option is a low-profile trunk lip spoiler.

　　Several dealer-installed options are available for the WRX and STI, including a performance exhaust (base WRX), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, short-throw shifter, carbon-fiber trim, unique shift knobs and interior lighting accents.

　　

2019 WRX Highlights

Type: STI LimitedSedanSTISedan

　　Trim: BasePremiumLimitedSTISTI LimitedBase

　　

Base MSRP	$27,195
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$199/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles