The Subaru WRX is known as a performance-oriented compact sedan that blends rally-inspired handling with modern comforts and tech. While the WRX doesn’t have the raw power of its STI predecessors, it’s fun to drive, is a good mix of athleticism and practicality, and has a reasonable price. But a tight second row and cargo area and below average fuel economy may be drawbacks for some.
Base Price: $47,705
As Tested: $49,270
Horsepower: 271
Mileage: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined
The WRX was fully redesigned for 2022, after Subaru discontinued the WRX STI. For 2025, some trims are reshuffled. The Premium trim is now the base trim, and the tS trim replaces the TR trim.
The 2025 Subaru WRX comes in four trims: Premium, Limited, tS and GT. Starting prices range from $35,750 to $47,705. All come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
While these prices place the WRX in the upper tier of sport compact pricing, the WRX offers standard AWD and the available manual transmission that few rivals can match.
All WRX models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Driving enthusiasts love that the WRX has a standard six-speed manual transmission on the Premium, Limited and tS trims. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard on the GT trim and available on the Premium and Limited trims. The tS trim only comes with the manual transmission.
Despite its rally heritage, the WRX is good as a daily driver. The ride quality is firm but not jarring and the cabin is quieter than older models. Steering is accurate and brakes are responsive. The WRX feels planted when you’re zipping around corners. Acceleration is brisk – the WRX can sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Visibility is good all the way around. It’s fair to say that the WRX has some of the best handling around among sport compact cars.
The new tS trim is the most performance-focused WRX. It has electronically controlled dampers, Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers, and Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires mounted on satin gray 19-inch wheels. These upgrades give the tS sharper handling and braking. While it has the same engine and horsepower as the other trims, the tuning and suspension tweaks make for more spirited driving.
The 2025 WRX gets below average fuel economy for the class. EPA ratings for models with the manual transmission are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with a combined rating of 22. I got 25 mpg during my week with more highway than city driving. The models with the CVT get 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg highway.
The cabin is attractive with many soft-touch surfaces. Cloth seats are standard. All trim levels except the tS have red contrast “WRX” stitching in the dash, and WRX Limited and GT trims get updated interiors with bold, red contrast stitching on seat bolsters and headrests. My tS test vehicle comes with Recaro Ultrasuede seats with blue stitching and STI-inspired accents throughout the cabin. Front passengers have decent leg and headroom and the seats offer good support for both commuting and carving corners. The second row is tight, but can accommodate a couple of kids or smaller adults. The new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on the tS is a first for the WRX and adds a modern touch. And Subaru’s 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the lineup. One drawback is the noticeable wind and road noise in the cabin, especially at higher speeds.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, rearview camera, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, heated front seats, seven-inch analog gauge cluster, Subaru Starlink infotainment system with 11.6-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, HD radio, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, one USB-A port, Wi-Fi hot spot, and windshield wiper de-icer.
Available features include proximity keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery, Recaro ultrasuede front seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, three additional USB ports (one USB-A and two USB-C), adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a power moonroof.
All 2025 Subaru WRX models come standard with Subaru EyeSight Standard driver assistance technologies including forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, evasive-steering assist (helps steer the WRX to avoid a crash) and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Available driver assistance technologies include blind-spot monitoring, reverse collision warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The vertically-oriented infotainment system looks good with its sharp graphics and the system responds quickly to inputs. However, it can be cumbersome because you have to go through the touchscreen for many functions. On the plus side, there are physical knobs for volume and tuning, and buttons for some climate settings.
Cargo space is below average for a sport compact car with just 12.5 cubic feet behind the second row seats. The rear seats split-fold 60/40, providing some flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo. A power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Nimble handling
Quick acceleration
Available with manual transmission
Standard AWD
New performance-oriented tS trim
Many standard and available features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Tight second row and cargo area
Cumbersome infotainment system
Below average fuel economy
Lots of wind and road noise at higher speeds
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $47,705. Galaxy Purple Premium paint is $395. The destination fee is $1,170 bringing the grand total to $49,270.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Subaru WRX is a well-rounded sport compact that stays true to its rally roots while offering modern comforts and tech. The new tS trim is a welcome addition for those who want sharper handling and exclusive styling tweaks. While subpar fuel economy, a tight second row and below average fuel economy may steer some elsewhere, the 2025 WRX remains a top contender among sport compact cars.
