What's New
With the death of quite a few performance compact vehicles, the 2020 Subaru WRX sees itself in a dwindling segment. Compared to what little competition is left, the WRX is old, sharing a lot of the same components found on the 2015 WRX, which itself is based on the last-generation Subaru Impreza. As such, other vehicles have better performance and more modern interiors.
Still, few vehicles can match the WRX’s rally heritage, standard all-wheel-drive system, and engaging character. The trade-off for having a vehicle that’s fun to drive and capable on any tarmac, or in any weather, is a high price (on higher trims), a stiff ride, and a noisy cabin.
Choosing Your Subaru WRX
The WRX is available in three trims: WRX, Premium, and Limited. Pricing starts at $28,395 including destination for the base WRX and rises to $32,995 for the Limited.
Engine Choices
There’s only one engine available for the WRX: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Power is rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the range, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available on the Premium and Limited for $1,900. The WRX achieves an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined with the manual, or 18/24/21 mpg (city/highway/combined) with the CVT.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All WRX models have seating for five and a 12-cubic-foot trunk. Compared to the competition, many of which are offered in hatchback body styles, the WRX falls behind.
Safety Features
The WRX doesn't come standard with any active safety features, but they're available on the Premium and Limited. Buyers who select the optional CVT also get the Subaru EyeSight suite of driver-assist safety features. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are included in the suite.
On the range-topping Limited, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are bundled with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system for $2,100. With the CVT, the package grows to also include high beam assist and reverse automatic emergency braking for $2,400.
Connectivity
The base WRX comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, an auxiliary audio jack, and two USB ports. A six-speaker audio system is also included. Premium and Limited trims come with a 7-inch unit.
WRX - From $28,395
Standard features on the base WRX include 17-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets. The interior is equipped with a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Keyless entry is also included.
Premium - From $30,695
The Premium trims adds larger tires, fog lights, automatic headlights, heated front seats, and the larger 7-inch touchscreen. Recaro front seats and brembo brakes are bundles together on models with the manual transmission in the Performance Package ($2,850).
Limited - Front $32,995
Standard features on the Limited include a moonroof, LED headlights and fog lights, a 10-way power driver's seat, push button start, and leather upholstery.
The only available package is the aforementioned bundle that brings blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system for $2,100 ($2,400 on CVT-equipped models and also includes high beam assist and reverse automatic emergency braking).
Compare WRX Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Subaru WRX might be showing its age, but few vehicles can corner and perform like this one, which is why it should be on every enthusiasts’ shopping list. With a larger touchscreen, the available Performance Package, and a few extra features over the base trim, the Premium trim is a much better starting point for the majority of consumers.