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2018 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Subaru WRX received a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front-end styling, retuned suspension, and a quieter cabin. STI models received the biggest mechanical upgrades, including larger brakes and a fully electronic center differential.
About the 2018 Subaru WRX
VA generation (2015-2021), mid-cycle refresh year.
Subaru positions the WRX family as a rally-bred all-wheel-drive sport sedan that mixes turbo power and real four-door practicality. The main draw is that it delivers sharp performance and confident bad-weather traction in a package you can still use every day. Compared with front-wheel-drive sport compacts, the WRX leans harder on standard AWD, a usable rear seat and trunk, and a more all-season personality, while STI versions turn that formula into a more intense driver’s car.
The base, Premium, and Limited trims pair a 268-hp turbo engine with all-wheel drive, while the Limited adds leather, a power driver seat, and steering-responsive LED headlights. The 305-hp STI emphasizes harder-edged performance with 19-inch wheels and larger Brembo brakes, while the limited-run, 310-hp Type RA adds Bilstein suspension, forged BBS wheels, and a carbon-fiber roof.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The regular WRX received a smoother-shifting 6-speed manual. The STI moved to a fully electronic, driver-adjustable center differential, and the new STI Type RA used a 310-hp version of the 2.5-liter turbo engine with intake, exhaust, engine-control, and piston upgrades.
Styling
All WRX and STI models received a revised grille and front bumper. Premium gained a new 18-inch wheel design, STI moved to 19-inch wheels, and the Type RA added forged BBS wheels plus a carbon-fiber rear wing.
Safety
STI models gained larger Brembo brakes with 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers. Steering-responsive LED headlights were added to Limited and STI models, helping the lights follow the direction of a turn.
Tech
Displays and instrument details were updated, Premium gained an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, and the base WRX received a larger 5.9-inch upper display. Keyless entry and push-button start became standard on Limited, and heated exterior mirrors became standard across the lineup.
Structural
Subaru retuned the suspension for steadier steering and a more comfortable ride, reduced cabin noise, upgraded interior materials, and added a rear center armrest with cupholders. The Type RA received Bilstein suspension and a lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel.
2018 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 | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 305 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| 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 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Steering | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Subaru WRX fully redesigned?
No. The 2018 Subaru WRX was a mid-cycle refresh of the generation introduced for 2015. It brought updated front styling, revised suspension tuning, a quieter cabin, and several equipment upgrades rather than an all-new platform or body.
What changed on the 2018 Subaru WRX STI?
The 2018 WRX STI gained a fully electronic center differential, larger Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, revised suspension tuning, and steering-responsive LED headlights. It also shared the lineup’s updated front end and interior improvements.
What is the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA?
The 2018 STI Type RA is a 500-unit, track-focused special edition with 310 horsepower, Bilstein suspension, forged 19-inch BBS wheels, a carbon-fiber roof and rear wing, Recaro front seats, and a revised 6-speed manual with a shorter third gear.
Is the 2018 Subaru WRX meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
Yes. The 2018 WRX has a refreshed front end, retuned suspension, less cabin noise, improved interior materials, updated displays, and standard heated exterior mirrors. The changes are most substantial on the STI, which received major brake, wheel, and center-differential upgrades.
Did the 2018 Subaru WRX Limited gain standard keyless access?
Yes. Proximity keyless entry and push-button start became standard on the 2018 WRX Limited. It also gained a 10-way power driver seat, steering-responsive LED headlights, and LED fog lights.
2018 Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Subaru WRX.
4.4
2018 Subaru WRX
(240 reviews)
“If you are a car person and are aware of the Subaru WRX/STI community, highly recommend. The WRX is super fun to drive, and the community is highly active and supportive. There are tons of aftermarket mods available and tons of info out there on what works and what doesn't. Buy one and you'll find yourself throwing the "subi wave" to every WRX/STI you see.”
“I bought a 2018 WRX and the air doesn't switch from defrost to front vent sometimes, and the MFD (multi-functional display) no longer works for more than about 4 minutes. It's the turbo gauge and tells you the temperature of the air outside and in your car.”