Subaru WRX 2021 Review

The 2021 Subaru WRX is one of the more affordable performance cars on the market. It's got a relatively powerful turbocharged engine that sends power to the wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. It handles well too, with responsive steering and plenty of grip. Subaru also offers the top-level STI trim with a more powerful engine and a variety of other performance upgrades.

The WRX is showing its age, though, especially inside. While it's had some small updates over the years, the basic design dates back to the previous-generation Subaru Impreza that debuted nearly a decade ago. As such, the WRX isn't as refined or fresh as rivals such as the Hyundai Veloster and Honda Civic. It's loud on the street, too, and not in the way we want a sports car to be. Are these deal-breakers? Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to help you decide.

Which WRX does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Subaru WRX sedan is available in five trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited. The base, Premium and Limited trims use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. An automatic is available as an option on certain trims. Stepping up to the WRX STI gets you a turbocharged 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (310 hp, 290 lb-ft of torque) paired exclusively with a six-speed manual.

Base A base WRX is somewhat of a performance bargain. It lacks some of the creature comforts you'll find on other trims, but it does offer the same level of performance as other non-STI models. Standard features include:

• 17-inch wheels with performance tires
• Manually adjustable front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Two USB ports
• Automatic climate control
• 6.5-inch infotainment screen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Premium The WRX Premium includes all of the base trim's features, adding:

• Optional automatic transmission
• Sunroof
• 18-inch wheels with performance tires
• Foglights
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Automatic headlights
• 7-inch infotainment display
• All-Weather package
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• Heated front seats

Automatic-equipped models also include Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system that includes:

• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

Limited The Limited trim builds off the WRX Premium with:

• LED headlights and foglights
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather upholstery

An option package for the Limited adds:

• Navigation system
• Harman Kardon audio system
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Reverse automatic emergency braking (CVT-equipped only; warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

STI The WRX STI is the hottest and most powerful model in Subaru's lineup. It's only available with a six-speed manual transmission with shorter gearing than the WRX's manual, so EyeSight isn't available. Standard features generally mirror those on the WRX Limited. Changes and upgrades include:

• 19-inch wheels with performance tires
• Adjustable drive modes
• Adjustable center differential
• Quicker-ratio steering
• STI-tuned suspension
• Brembo brakes
• STI rear spoiler
• Manually adjustable front seats
• Leather and simulated suede upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• No sunroof
• No foglights
• Optional Recaro front sport seats

STI Limited The top-level WRX model features all of the STI's performance upgrades. Additional features include:

• Sunroof
• Front Recaro sport seats
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Navigation system and Harman Kardon audio system
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Optional low-profile spoiler