Flash Drive

2020 Subaru WRX

July 27, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Subaru WRX Premium Series White

The 2020 Subaru WRX Series White features a crisp Ceramic White paint and Bronze finish alloy wheels.

Engine:2.0-liter turbocharged flat 4, 268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined

Base Price: $29,795

As Tested: $35,259

Performance:

Very athletic, nimble

Impressive cornering

Strong responsive acceleration

The Bronze finish wheels showcase the performance Brembo brakes.

Smooth 6-speed manual transmission

Hill hold

Great Brembo brakes (4 pistons front, 2 rear)

Sport tuned suspension

Bilstein dampers

Firm ride, but not objectionable

Good fuel economy—our best was 28.2-mpg

Comfort:

Super comfortable, supportive Recaro

The Recaro front seats are both highly supportive and very comfortable on long drives,

seats

Semi-deep side bolsters

Ultrasuede upholstery

Heated from seats (2 temps)

Stretch-out front legroom

Large dead pedal

Super slick flat bottom, aggressively contoured leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Manual tilt/telescopic column with ample range

Good rear seat room if fronts up slightly

Very good headroom

An adult can fit in middle rear

The 2020 WRX has a little less power and flash than the top-of-the-line WRX STI, but it’s almost as much fun and a great value.

Soft armrest with drink holders

Utility:

Split rear seats fold flat, but higher than trunk floor

Wide trunk opening, flat floor

Very wide pass-through

Small bonus storage under floor

Nice seatback storage pouches

Medium size locking glovebox

Narrow, medium capacity front door bins

Small console bin

Rear door bins are just bottle notches

The 2020 Subaru WRX has excellent acceleration. It easily keeps up with more powerful, more expensive competitors.

WOW Factors:

Smooth manual transmission

Great driving fun; a joy on back roads

Sharp styling, sporty, but slightly conservative

Agile city car

Great winter weather car—big fun in snow

Whines:

Lots of road noise transmitted to interior

More sound deadening material needed

The WRX has a small trunk spoiler instead of the big wing on the STI. This can be a plus if keeping a lower profile is desired.

Heavy plastic content for interior

Bottom Line:

Enthusiasts love the various iterations of the legendary Subaru WRX. The raucous WRX STI gets the most attention, but the 2020 Subaru WRX sedan is almost as much fun for less money. The WRX delivers tons of fun and performance handling while still being practical and affordable. The Subaru WRX thrives on twisty backroads, but it’s also a great urban traffic warrior.