- The Subaru WRX enters its third generation with a new platform, new engine, new looks, and a sporty GT model.
- It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four paired with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission.
- The 2022 WRX will go on sale in the U.S. early next year.
Subaru launched the all-wheel-drive, rally-inspired sport compact craze in the U.S. the early 2000s with the WRX. Others followed such as the Ford Focus RS, Mazdaspeed 3, and Mitsubishi Lancer. But those cars have all come and gone, leaving the WRX and the new Volkswagen Golf R as the only remaining vehicles in this space. The pioneering Subie is now entering its new generation with only a bit more power, but it rides on a new platform, boasts improved looks, and adds a new sporty GT model.
The new car is built on Subaru’s Global Platform that currently underpins all of Subaru’s vehicles, excluding the rear-wheel-drive BRZ sports coupe that’s jointly developed with Toyota. Subaru says the new platform improves strength and provides a lower center of gravity. And, of course, all-wheel drive with torque vectoring is standard. Subaru claims to have reduced body roll in the new WRX by mounting the stabilizer bar directly to the body instead of the subframe, and switching to a dual-pinion electric power steering rack should improve steering feel.
Either 17- or 18-inch wheels are available, wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires. The new WRX retains the same overall sedan shape as before, with a large hood scoop and wide fenders, and its aggressive styling seems to be borrowed from the BRZ. We see the resemblance especially in the taillights.
For 2022, the WRX gains only 3 horsepower. The new model is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The previous WRX used a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. You can choose from either a six-speed manual transmission (#SavetheManuals) or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
A new GT model (pictured in gray) is available that adds adaptive dampers with comfort, normal, and sport drive modes, suede Recaro front seats with red stitching, and GT-specific 18-inch matte gray wheels wrapped in the summer rubber. An STI model, which is expected to have around 400 horsepower, should also join the lineup soon.
An 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the center point of the new car’s interior. The old model had either a 6.5-inch screen or an optional 7.0-inch unit. Like the old model, the new WRX has a black interior with red stitching and carbon fiber accents, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is available.
The 2022 Subaru WRX will go on sale early next year in base, Premium, Limited, and GT models. Those waiting for a hatchback model will be disappointed because Subaru says it’ll only be offered as a sedan for now.
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