The Subaru WRX will be redesigned for the 2022 model year. Although the current WRX generation is only 5 years old, Subaru has confirmed that the next-gen car will debut by the end of 2021. Its on-sale date has not yet been announced, and details regarding engine specs and horsepower remain a mystery.
The current WRX is a performance value, but our last review found that the interior was dated and that an optional CVT detracted from the car's sportiness. Rumors suggest that the next WRX could be heavily inspired by Subaru's Levorg sold in Japan (pictured). However, no official info has been released as far as styling.
A hatchback version of the WRX was discontinued years ago and is unlikely to return. That leaves the hot-hatch segment to vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R, although the WRX sedan's competitors can include coupes like the Ford Mustang as well as 4-door vehicles like the Kia Stinger. A high-powered version of the Hyundai Elantra called the Elantra N will arrive this year and could be a WRX competitor.
It's possible that there may not be much change in store for buyers under the hood as the WRX received the new 2.0-liter turbocharged FA20 BOXER motor when it was fully redesigned back in 2015. This engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque based on current WRX specs.
If there is a boost in performance that enthusiasts have been waiting for, odds are it's the next WRX STI, which still features the brand's 2.5-liter turbocharged EJ25 BOXER motor from the previous generation. A report from Forbes suggests that the new STI will gain a 2.4-liter turbocharged FA24 BOXER motor that will put out over 400 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque.
We expect the new WRX to continue coming in both CVT and manual transmission options.
