2021 Subaru WRX 2.4L 6MT AWD (271 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Subaru introduced the second generation of the WRX in 2021 for the 2022 model year, and the automaker managed to keep the car close to the hearts of rally enthusiasts, despite ditching the Impreza nameplate from it.

In the past, the WRX was the punchier version of the Impreza lineup, being overtaken just by the hard-core Impreza WRX STI. With those versions, Subaru claimed 122 podiums out of 193 rally starts. That was an impressive record, and so were the six world titles in the drivers or the manufacturer’s standings. On the streets, fans all over the world bought the WRX as the legit successor of the Impreza. It impressed them thanks to its snappy acceleration times and excellent handling thanks to its unique symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Furthermore, it was quicker than many other more expensive sports cars. Last but not least, it was a four-door sedan that could easily do the job as a family vehicle. Subaru kept the same recipe; it just improved. For the 2022 model year, the WRX returned to satisfy its customers with an even better vehicle in terms of driving experience and modern features that matched the competition.

The redesigned front fascia featured a pair of angry-looking headlights flanked by the C-shaped LED daytime running lights. Between them, there was a hexagonal-shaped grille where the Subaru badge took center stage. On the lower side of the bumper, Subaru added a black, unpainted section that included an additional air intake flanked by oversized scoops, which housed the fog lamps.

From its profile, the car boasted an unusual, for a regular sedan, body kit consisting of plastic moldings around the angular-shaped wheel arches and the side sills. The automaker knew that the WRX was an excellent vehicle to be thrashed around on gravel roads, so it protected the bodywork with these. The greenhouse sported slim A-pillars, and a curved roof line sloped down towards the rear deck by the C-pillars and the rear window. Finally, out back, the WRX featured corner-mounted taillights with horizontal V-shaped LED lamps, while below, under the bumper, a large diffuser flanked by four exhausts completed the image of this sports sedan.

Subaru offered the WRX in a few trim levels, and only the top version, named the GT, sported Recaro sports seats. The rest of the range was sold with high-bolstered seats covered with a mix of fabric and leather. Fronting the driver was a mixed instrument panel that housed large dials of the speedometer and the rev counter, flanking a TFT display showing data from the car’s onboard computer. The automaker installed an 11.6-inch multimedia screen on the center stack. Between the front occupants, the WRX featured a center console that housed the gear stick and the manual handbrake. The 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the back could accommodate up to three passengers.

Under the hood, there was only one engine option: a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, which produced 271 PS (267 hp) and was sent to all corners via a six-speed manual. Depending on the grade and market, a CVT with fixed gear ratios was also available.