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2019 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest 2019 Subaru WRX change is updated touchscreen technology with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the regular WRX and WRX STI lineup. This is a trim-change year rather than a redesign, with added STI power, wider use of EyeSight safety technology, and the new STI S209 special model.
About the 2019 Subaru WRX
VA-generation WRX (2015-2021), fifth model year and one year after the 2018 exterior, suspension, and cabin-noise update.
Subaru positioned the WRX as a practical four-door performance car shaped by rally experience. Its defining combination was a turbocharged flat-four engine, standard AWD, responsive handling, and seating for five, giving it year-round traction and everyday usefulness that many front-wheel-drive sport compacts lacked. The STI versions pushed the same basic idea toward track-focused power, braking, differential control, and suspension hardware, while preserving the sedan body and usable rear seat.
The regular WRX ranges from a direct, six-speed-manual base sedan to the heated-seat Premium and leather-trimmed Limited, all with a 268-horsepower turbo engine and AWD. The STI is the more focused performance version, with 310 horsepower, larger Brembo brakes, and an adjustable AWD system, while the STI Limited adds Recaro seats, navigation, and Harman Kardon audio. At the top, the 341-horsepower S209 is a 209-car U.S. special model with a wider body, upgraded suspension, and carbon-fiber parts.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every regular WRX and WRX STI trim received an updated touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base WRX uses a 6.5-inch screen, while the other regular trims use a 7-inch system.
Powertrain
The WRX STI's 2.5-liter turbo engine rose from 305 to 310 horsepower through intake, exhaust, engine-control, and piston updates. Its six-speed manual also received a shorter third-gear ratio. The regular 268-horsepower WRX powertrain carried over.
Safety
EyeSight driver assistance became standard on WRX Premium and Limited cars with the CVT automatic transmission. It was not fitted to manual-transmission WRXs or STI models.
Styling
The U.S.-exclusive STI S209 joined the range with widened aerodynamic bodywork, a carbon-fiber roof, and a carbon-fiber rear wing. The STI Type RA was dropped for 2019.
Structural
The new STI S209 received trim-specific chassis reinforcement, Bilstein suspension, dedicated springs, and stronger brakes. These changes did not apply across the wider WRX lineup.
2019 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 | 15 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 341 hp | 305 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 330 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 | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 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
Is the 2019 Subaru WRX a major redesign?
No. The 2019 Subaru WRX is not a redesign; it is a lighter trim-and-equipment update within the 2015-2021 generation. The most widespread change is updated touchscreen technology with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on regular WRX and WRX STI trims.
Does every 2019 Subaru WRX have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every regular 2019 WRX and WRX STI trim has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base WRX has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the other regular trims use a 7-inch screen.
Which 2019 Subaru WRX models have EyeSight?
EyeSight is standard on 2019 WRX Premium and Limited cars equipped with the CVT automatic transmission. Manual-transmission WRXs and all STI models do not have it.
How did the regular 2019 Subaru WRX STI change?
The regular 2019 WRX STI increased from 305 to 310 horsepower and received a shorter third-gear ratio. Subaru also updated its 7-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What is the 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209?
The 2019 WRX STI S209 is a U.S.-exclusive special model limited to 209 cars. It has 341 horsepower, a wider body, Bilstein suspension, added chassis bracing, stronger brakes, and carbon-fiber body parts.
2019 Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Subaru WRX.
4.5
2019 Subaru WRX
(217 reviews)
“Every time I go somewhere in this car I enjoy it. It's a solid, rattle free car that handles and goes like something from Europe that costs three times as much.”
“This is an outstanding all around vehicle for any weather (with the right tires.) I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!”