Flash Drive

2022 Subaru WRX

April 12, 2022 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2022 Subaru WRX Premium

The all-new 20222 Subaru WRX is a great driver’s car, but it’s also a good all-around car.

Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat four, 271 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft torque

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

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined

Base Price: $31,605

As Tested: $32,600

Performance:

Strong, engaging turbocharged engine

Excellent 6-speed manual transmission

The 2022 Subaru WRX has performance styling cues, but not as radical as previous WRX STI models.

Smooth clutch action

Decent fuel economy—our best was 27.8 mpg

Sporty, but not obnoxious exhaust note

Legendary Subaru all-wheel drive

Strong brakes

Comfort:

Super stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom

Seat height pump

Three temp heated front seats

Front seat room, support and comfort are all excellent.

Deep, supportive seat bolsters

Tall, soft headrests

Thick, nicely contoured, flat bottom leather steering wheel

OK rear seat room if fronts moved up some

Adult can fit in middle position

Utility:

Flat trunk floor

Small, but deep bin below trunk floor

Split 60/40 folding rear seats fold almost flat

Rear seat room is good for adults if the front seats are moved up some.

Folded seats higher than trunk floor

Good size pass-through

Large, locking glovebox

Small, but deep console bin

Medium front door bins

Small rear door bins

One seat back pouch

Large 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen

Roof rack mounting brackets

WOW Factors:

Powerful, spirited engine

The excellent steering wheel has flat bottom and the 11.6-inch touch screen looks like a computer tablet.

Very smooth six-speed manual transmission

Quality clutch

Hill hold

Great fun on twisty backroads

Distinctive, but not obnoxious styling

Whines:

Trunk opening shape hampers cargo in/out

Heated seat controls are on touchscreen

Adaptive dampers only available with automatic transmissions

The 2.4-liter Boxer engine is turbocharged and quite responsive.

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX is the latest version of this very popular, sporty all-wheel drive compact sedan that owes its DNA to the Subaru WRX rally cars. The 2022 iteration is built on a new platform with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter Boxer engine. The available 6-speed manual transmission demonstrates that “row your own” road rockets are still viable. The WRX is refined enough for daily driving although bigger smiles are as close as the nearest winding backroad.