Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a rally-bred legend built for drivers who crave turbocharged power and spirited handling. Owners rave about its brisk acceleration and dynamic all-wheel drive system, which delivers confidence-inspiring grip in any kind of weather. At the same time, its spacious cabin and trunk provide plenty of utility for everyday needs. On the downside, some find that the WRX suffers from an overly firm ride, higher-than-average road noise, and lower-quality interior materials than competitors. Fuel efficiency, although improved over the years, is also not a strong suit. But overall, the WRX remains a popular choice that offers a distinctive blend of driving performance and practicality.
The Subaru WRX is a rally-bred legend built for drivers who crave turbocharged power and spirited handling. Owners rave about its brisk acceleration and dynamic all-wheel drive system, which delivers confidence-inspiring grip in any kind of weather. At the same time, its spacious cabin and trunk provide plenty of utility for everyday needs. On the downside, some find that the WRX suffers from an overly firm ride, higher-than-average road noise, and lower-quality interior materials than competitors. Fuel efficiency, although improved over the years, is also not a strong suit. But overall, the WRX remains a popular choice that offers a distinctive blend of driving performance and practicality.
Subaru WRX Model Lineup
The Subaru WRX is a compact sports car with room for up to five passengers. Since 2015, it has been available exclusively as a four-door sedan, though earlier versions also came in hatchback and wagon body styles. Its most recent (fifth) generation first appeared in 2022, offering significant advancements in design, performance, technology, and safety. The automaker also offers a high-performance version called the WRX STI, which is reviewed separately.
The WRX comes in three main trims: Base, Premium, and Limited. The Base offers a nice complement of standard equipment, while the Premium adds some worthy upgrades, such as a sunroof and a larger infotainment screen. The top-tier Limited trim further adds leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, and additional safety features, among other items.
In 2015, Subaru revised the WRX’s engine from a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four with 265 horsepower to a more efficient 2.0-liter unit with 268 hp. With the introduction of the fifth-gen model in 2022, the engine was again upgraded to a new 2.4-liter mill, increasing output to 271 hp. Buyers have a choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic (CVT). All versions come with the automaker’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Fourth-gen models (2015-2021) come with either a standard 6.5-inch or an available 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration first appeared in 2018 and become standard the following year. In 2022, a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen became standard on all but the base model. Subaru added its EyeSight driver assistance suite as an option for CVT-equipped models starting in 2015, offering adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and more. In 2022, most of these features became standard across all trims.
We recommend shopping for fourth-generation and newer WRX models (2015-present), due to their notable advancements in design, handling, and power over prior generations. The Premium trim offers a good balance between price and features while still providing strong performance.
Popular Trims
Subaru WRX Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.5
124 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Ruben B. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Limited
Overall my wrx has been everything that I've wanted from a car. I don't think I'll ever want a different car unless it's an sti. Subaru, keep being Subaru and continue to make great affordable cars.
Alex W. from NM
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Limited
I love the look and sportiness of my WRX. The only downfall is the seats could be a little more comfortable.
David Z. from NJ
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Limited
Love the car overall, but a few issues: The rear interior plastic panel below the rear windshield (above the trunk) has started rattling loudly. Just today, the audio system froze and displayed ''check audio system'' or similar on the multifunction display, but returned to normal operation later. The CVT is slow off the line. The stock wheels are not pretty.
Andrew B. from VA
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Base
Overall very happy with the car. My only critiques would be the following: - Stock sound system (speakers/head unit) is absolutely horrible. By far the worst I've ever heard. - The interior design is a bit cheap (cloth seats, plastic dash, carbon fiber accents). Would be nicer with a classical feel. But that's not a big deal, still a very functional interior. I love the car with one exception. The stock head unit (radio) and speakers are by far the worst sound I have ever heard. I did not expect them to be great, but they were very disappointing. Many others who rode in the car also agreed with this point. The base-level sound system needs to be bumped up to something decent.
Stanley Z. from IL
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Limited
I like the car a lot. The looks are a little bland, but that's partially a good thing. I wish it had a dual-mode exhaust I like that it's reasonably quiet when I have to be professional, but I wish it would be louder for when I'm just out enjoying the car. The transition at >20% throttle as the wastegate closes is a little rough especially when taking off from a stop. Taking off from a stop when the idle is raised from a cold stop is a little more challenging, clutch feel is a little vague. Love the feel of the steering wheel. I would like the car to remember the previous traction control mode after restarting,
Craig G. from VA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX STI 2.5L Base
Bring back the hatchback body style for the STI, and please offer at least one full-sized wagon with a turbo and a manual transmission so I can buy one when my family outgrows the STI. Bring back the hatchback or wagon body style. I had to hold my nose and buy the sedan this time. Whatever manufacturer will sell me a high-performance wagon with a manual transmission will have me as a customer.
Joshua K. from PA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Premium
Radio controls aren't great. I should be able to scroll through channels more easily (without having to hold the steering button for what feels like forever) and scrolling through presets should automatically go on to the next set of presets instead of me having to click on the screen for it. Overall operation, layout, and look of the radio controls aren't good. Interior lighting isn't great. Placement of heated seat switches is poor and should be electronic and turn off automatically when turning off the car. Otherwise I generally like the vehicle.
Jim M. from NJ
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Premium
Power levels should be a little higher for a 2015 MY.
Louie D. from CA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX STI 2.5L Base
PERFECT NEED I SAY MORE
Tom P. from WA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX 2.0L Premium
So far, I find the Subaru to be very well designed and the WRX provides an extraordinarily satisfying driving experience, with immediate responses and great road feel at a reasonable price--exactly matching what I wanted.