“I am disappointed in the stereo system and radio. In fact, I purchased a sound system because the one in the WRX was the pits. (I owned two Mazda RX 8, both of which had Bose sound. Not only was the sound system poor, especially considering the cost of the car, but the radio was worse. I'm not sure if it is the radio or antenna -- but it's horrible.”
2015 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 Subaru WRX is a full redesign and the first model year of the VA generation. Its biggest change is an all-new, stiffer sedan platform; the regular WRX also gets a new 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine.
About the 2015 Subaru WRX
VA generation, first year; first U.S. WRX/STI sold as a standalone model apart from the Impreza name.
Subaru positions the 2015 WRX as a rally-bred compact sport sedan that mixes everyday four-door usefulness with serious all-weather grip and strong turbo performance. Its core appeal is standard all-wheel drive, sharp handling, and a driver-focused cabin, not luxury softness. Against front-wheel-drive sport compacts, the WRX stands out by pairing real back-road pace with bad-weather confidence and sedan practicality, while the STI pushes that same formula toward a more hard-core performance audience.
The regular WRX is the practical performance model, with standard all-wheel drive, a 268-hp turbo engine, and a 6-speed manual in base form. Premium and Limited trims add commuting comforts such as heated seats, a moonroof, and leather upholstery, while the 305-hp STI brings stronger brakes and driver-adjustable all-wheel drive. The short-run STI Launch Edition marks the redesign with blue-and-black upholstery, keyless entry and start, and a shorter-throw shifter.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The regular WRX switches to a new 268-hp 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo engine and a 6-speed manual. A Sport Lineartronic automatic joins the lineup. The STI keeps its 305-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine, while Active Torque Vectoring is added to help the car turn more precisely.
Styling
The WRX and STI move to a new wide-body sedan design for the VA generation.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard across the range.
Tech
A new 4.3-inch multi-information center display is standard across the lineup, showing information such as the rearview-camera image and turbo boost in regular WRX models.
Structural
The redesigned body and chassis are much stiffer, with more passenger room. The STI combines the new structure with its performance-focused suspension, brakes, and all-wheel-drive controls.
2015 Subaru WRX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 305 hp | 305 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 3000 lb | ||||
| Trunk/Cargo | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 Subaru WRX fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2015 WRX begins the VA generation with a new wide-body sedan, a much stiffer structure, more cabin space, and updated in-car technology. It is also the first U.S. WRX and STI generation sold apart from the Impreza name.
What changed under the hood of the regular 2015 WRX?
The regular 2015 WRX gets a new 268-hp 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo engine. It is paired with a new 6-speed manual or a Sport Lineartronic automatic, and all-wheel drive remains standard.
Did the 2015 WRX STI get a new engine?
No. The redesigned 2015 STI keeps its 305-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine, but gains the new body and chassis plus Active Torque Vectoring to help it turn more precisely.
What is special about the 2015 WRX STI Launch Edition?
The 2015 STI Launch Edition is a short-run model celebrating the redesigned STI. It keeps the STI’s 305-hp engine and performance hardware while adding blue-and-black upholstery, keyless entry and push-button start, and an STI short-throw shifter.
Is the 2015 WRX a bigger change than the 2014 model?
Yes. The 2015 model is a new generation rather than a light update, bringing a new sedan body, a stiffer and roomier structure, revised cabin technology, and a new engine and transmission choices for the regular WRX.
2015 Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Subaru WRX.
4.5
2015 Subaru WRX
(144 reviews)
“It was a good vehicle up till the point of mechanical failure with the thermostat and almost overheating the block. Car was not abused under my ownership (2nd owner). I'd stay away from used sports cars without a warranty of some kind never know how the previous owner treated it or mistreated it.”
“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.”