2018 Subaru WRX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The latest-generation Subaru WRX, now a separate model from the Impreza on which it is based, is still a fairly fresh design. The 2018 model therefore doesn’t make much of a splash when it comes to updates, but both the WRX and its hotter WRX STI sibling do get some cosmetic tweaks and new optional features. Unfortunately for fans of the old WRX hatchbacks, the sedan is still the only body style available.
Compared to the Impreza, the WRX has its own hood, fenders, bumpers, and lights. It still looks like barely more than a hotted-up family car, even though it’s a precisely engineered all-wheel-drive (AWD) performance car underneath the surface. For 2018, the WRX gets a new front bumper, a larger grille, and different black exterior trim. The Limited trim also comes with new steering-responsive LED headlights, which STI buyers get standard, while the Premium trim offers a $2,050 Performance package with Recaro front seats, red brake calipers, and premium brake pads. The 2018 Subaru WRX starts at $26,995, which is a bit more than the comparable $24,775 Ford Focus ST or $25,595 Volkswagen Golf GTI. That said, the WRX is still an all-time favorite among the tuner crowd, and it offers a lot of performance for the money no matter which way you look at it.
Under its skin are the ingredients that have served the WRX so well for years and years: a boxer 4-cylinder engine, a turbocharger, and AWD. The motor is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbo good for 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The standard gearbox is a good old-fashioned 6-speed manual, although a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an available option. Manual models come with an AWD system with a viscous coupling that divides power 50:50 front-to-rear but can split torque from side to side as well. CVT models get a slightly different AWD system, with several driving modes that alter the shift pattern and a 45:55 front-to-rear power split. For a 4-cylinder car, the WRX has never been all that frugal on gasoline. 2018 models should get 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined with the manual and 18, 24, and 21 with the CVT, which certainly isn’t terrific but is livable. Because of its performance-tuned, turbocharged engine, the WRX also runs on premium gas.
With a flat-four engine sitting low in the chassis and rally-bred underpinnings, the WRX is a tight-feeling driver’s car under its somewhat pedestrian appearance. The latest model has revised suspension settings as well as small changes to the shifter and electric power steering system for improved handling, not that the car needed it.
The WRX has never been about showing off, focusing instead on the business of driving and driving quickly, and therefore typically has an interior that’s even less exciting than its bodywork. The 2018 model still doesn’t look like much on the inside, but it does get the latest version of Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, a larger 6.2-inch screen, and supposedly better-quality interior materials (such as the available leather upholstery). Standard features include new heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control, steering-wheel audio controls, and a multifunction display with a turbo-boost gauge and traction monitor. At the top of the WRX lineup, the Limited trim gets a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and exclusive available options such as a navigation package with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Harmon Kardon audio system.
Available on WRX Limited models equipped with the CVT—but not the hotter WRX STI—is Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which uses onboard cameras to provide adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The 2017 WRX has also earned the admirable Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
User reviews for 2018 Subaru WRX
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Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 6.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: lock operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
