A Rally Car for the Everyday American: Meet the 2022 Subaru WRX

Anyone with a penchant for speed knows that a high-performance car isn’t always the most affordable option. Ask anyone who’s built a hot rod or started pricing all the mods for a rally car, and they’ll tell you the same. But what if we told you that your search for a Subaru dealer near me could lead you to a rally car you can afford? Would you believe us?
Meet the 2022 Subaru WRX, the fifth generation of Subaru’s rally-bred icon. Originating in the 1990s, the WRX made its debut in Japan and became an instant icon as it took home three major rally championships. Its legendary capability earned it a permanent place in the Subaru lineup, paving the way for the 2022 model that sits on our lot today. So, what makes the WRX so unique, and how does Subaru keep its promise to make it the most innovative and advanced rally icon over the last 20 years? You’re about to find out!

Rally Car Design

The 2022 WRX isn’t your average sports sedan, and its bold exterior design guarantees as much. The WRX’s front grille is instantly recognizable by Subaru’s signature hexagonal front grille that’s framed by LED headlights and grounds the sedan. In addition, the broad hood scoop in the front gives the WRX an aggressive aesthetic, making it appear wider and lower to the ground. These features are further enhanced by the WRX’s bold body lines, integrated rear spoiler, and rear LED lights that mimic the glow of volcanic magma. With the brake pedal engaged, the rear lights make it seem like the WRX is bubbling in anticipation for the moment it can satisfy your need for speed.

Pedal to the Metal Power

Although the WRX looks like a sports sedan, it has the heart of a warrior and anxiously awaits the moment to prove it. It combines two things that Subaru is renowned for in the industry–the BOXER engine and a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. So what does this mean for the award-winning WRX? Under its hood sits the 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. This power makes the WRX an impressive performer and incredibly agile thanks to the weight distribution of the BOXER engine that adds greater stability and control.

One unique feature that sets the WRX apart from many other sports sedans is that it comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Sports car purists, go ahead and celebrate. It’s hard to find a manual transmission these days, which makes the WRX even more special and gives you added control over how the sedan performs. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feel of engaging the clutch and shifting gears to get your heart pumping behind the wheel.

For those who don’t mind giving up this physical connection to the sedan, Subaru gives you the choice of a continuously variable transmission. Ironically, the CVT is the only choice for the top-tier WRX GT. Regardless, the CVT adds a few extra amenities like driver-assist features and manages to give you a manual-like feel. So how does it accomplish such a feat? The available 8-speed manual mode bypasses the need for a clutch and lets you use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to tailor the WRX’s performance.

An Engaging Ride at Every Speed

The thing about traditional rally cars is that they aren’t designed for comfort; they’re designed strictly for speed. Fortunately for drivers, this isn’t the case for the 2022 WRX. Instead, Subaru’s sports sedan combines performance, control, and comfort to deliver an engaging experience, whether you’re behind the wheel or riding as a passenger. This balance is a product of Subaru’s Global Platform that increases the stiffness of the chassis and lowers the WRX’s height and center of gravity for added stability.

In addition to the more rigid platform, Subaru moved the WRX’s rear stabilizer bar from the subframe to the body to increase efficiency and improve handling when cornering. The WRX’s suspension is also specifically tuned for the track, while the dual-pinion electric power steering system is finetuned to increase responsiveness. As a result, the WRX’s steering feels tighter and responds faster and more accurately for a more engaging and confident experience.

Tech-Savvy and Ready to Go

Subaru says the 2022 WRX is more technologically advanced than ever. But how does the automaker keep that promise? All it takes is getting in the driver’s seat to find out!

The WRX features a digital cockpit that puts everything you need within immediate view or reach. The expansive 11.6-inch touchscreen display is customizable and features Subaru’s STARLINK multimedia system, navigation, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. For the first time in Subaru history, the display offers a split-screen view that makes it possible to use multiple apps at once. This feature is especially beneficial since you can listen to your favorite music or podcast without losing sight of your navigation screen.

When equipped with the STARLINK Multimedia Plus system, the WRX adds a voice-activated navigation system that lets you use simple voice commands to navigate from Point A to Point B. The TomTom system also comes with three years of complimentary map updates. Other tech-related features include an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 504-watt amplifier that delivers an immersive listening experience courtesy of state-of-the-art GreenEdge technology that provides a crisp sound throughout the cabin.

The Power-Hungry GT

For 2022, Subaru extends the WRX’s lineup with the top-tier GT. Designed with performance in mind, the GT is distinguished by its 18-inch matte gray wheels, performance, tires, and Recaro seating with red accent stitching. Behind the scenes, the GT’s electronically controlled dampers enhance its handling and ride quality. Subaru takes the GT’s performance to the next level by giving you greater control via the Drive Mode Select feature that offers 430 customization options to finetune the feel of the steering wheel, dampers, and more for a bespoke experience behind the wheel.

Safety Comes Standard

One of the most surprising things about the 2022 WRX isn’t that it’s a Subaru; it’s that the WRX is a sports sedan that optimizes your safety even when pushing the limits of speed and capability. This balance is courtesy of the WRX’s advanced airbag system, lower center of gravity, rigid body, and cutting-edge safety features. Beyond passive features like its rigid frame and airbags, every WRX with the continuously variable transmission comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The suite includes Pre-Collision Braking with Automatic Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, all of which enhance your visibility and actively minimize the potential for a collision when you’re behind the wheel.

Speed and Performance You Can Afford

Since the 1990s, the WRX has built its reputation as a rally-inspired sports sedan that won’t break the bank. Today, that tradition continues with the 2022 Subaru WRX, which starts at $29,105 and makes it an affordable rally car for the everyday American.[a] When you consider everything the WRX offers and its ability to satiate your need for speed without sacrificing comfort or affordability, it’s easily the sports sedan that dreams are made of and a rally car destined for suburbia for all the right reasons. All that’s left is getting behind the wheel to bring that dream to life.

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.