2016 Subaru WRX Review

2016 Subaru WRX - Sporty WRX STI lives up to its billing and more.

By: Mark Bilek

Subaru's WRX is a single-minded compact sports sedan based on the Impreza. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, MINI Cooper JCW and Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, longtime WRX rival, has been discontinued for 2016.

Sharing a chassis and many interior components with the Impreza, the WRX is a compact four-door sedan that seats five passengers. It's offered only with all-wheel drive and comes in four trim levels: base, Premium, Limited and STI. All, save the STI, come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 268 horsepower. The STI gets a turbocharged 2.5-liter four with 305 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with both engines. The 2.0-liter engine is also available with a CVT automatic transmission.

Standard safety features include traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, rear-view camera and driver-knee, dual-front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. Blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning systems are also available. Offered only on the WRX Limited is Subaru's EyeSight front-collision mitigation system. EyeSight adds adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-keeping assist and steering-responsive fog lights.

Prices start at $26,695 for the base Impreza WRX and climb to $35,195 for the top-of-the-line Impreza WRX STI. All models have a $795 destination charge and are assembled in Japan.

Subaru's horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine is unique among mainstream automobiles. Subaru claims that the design is more compact, lighter and helps all Subaru models handle better. The 2.0-liter engine offers strong acceleration. Most experts peg the 0-to-60 mph time with the six-speed manual to be less than 5.5 seconds. The engine is smooth and responsive when called upon for additional passing power. The Impreza WRX STI's larger turbo four offers even more-impressive acceleration and blisteringly quick passing punch. Most pundits peg it's 0-to-60 mph time at 5 seconds flat. Though that performance comes at the expense of some smoothness and refinement.

The standard six-speed automatic is a joy to shift. It's short throws and positive-feeling clutch pickup are among the best in the class. If you opt for the CTV automatic you'll be happy to know that it offers steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that allow the transmission to emulate a manual - sans the clutch of course.

The WRX's all-wheel-drive system works well to deliver power to the wheels with the most traction. It's not intended for off-road use and does not have a low range. However, variable torque distribution is offered on the Premium and Limited and the WRX STI gets a driver-controlled center differential to help customize the traction depending on road surface and driving style.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the WRX STI are 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The closest competitor, the Volkswagen Golf R nets 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Thankfully, the fuel economy you get in your WRX STI greatly depends on driving style. If you can resist the urge to indulge your lead foot, you're likely to average about 25 mpg in routine suburban commuting. Subaru recommends premium-grade fuel in all WRX models.

First and foremost, WRX is a sport sedan. Even the base model is tuned to provide precise and athletic handling. As you might expect, there's some penalty in overall ride comfort. That's not to say that the base, Premium or Limited are hard riding, but they certainly have more impact harshness than your typical compact sedan. Step up to the WRX STI and you have to be fully on board with the mantra, "performance over all else." It has a firm ride and tenacious road-holding abilities. Adding to the fun is a great all-wheel-drive system that helps drivers of all aptitudes get the most out of the car.

Regardless of trim, all WRX models have firm and precise steering that tracks straight and true on the highway. Brakes have ample stopping power and a firm and easy to modulate pedal. With a fair amount of road rumble and engine noise, the WRX isn't exactly quiet. However, it's reasonably refined on the highway. Opt for the WRX STI and the engine becomes more vocal at all speeds.

The Impreza WRX's interior is fairly basic - as are most in the class. Materials seem appropriate for the price and assembly quality is top notch. Subaru has done a good job of adding a little flair with touches of chrome and brushed aluminum as well as offering a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Subaru's available navigation system is improved matches most competitors in overall refinement and ease of use. It does not support Android Auto and Apple Car Play but does offer Starlink which allows some phone apps to work through the vehicle.

Based on the Impreza, the WRX offers above-average interior room in the compact class. WRX models get sporty front seats that are nicely bolstered and do a great job of "hugging" you when the road gets twisty. STI models get Alcantara leather. Head and leg room are quite good. Outward visibility is great thanks to large windows and well-placed mirrors. Unfortunately, the WRX STI comes with a large spoiler that restricts the view to the rear (though it can be deleted if you so choose).

Rear seats offer good head and leg room for the class and will easily accommodate two adults without too much scrunching. Three can sit in back in a pinch but not for long periods.

With just 12 cubic-feet in the trunk, WRX doesn't offer the most cargo space in class. However, it is a trunk and most competitors are available only with a hatchback. The rear seats fold to increase usable capacity. Interior storage is par for the class, highlighted by a few open and covered bins throughout.

Subaru's WRX line is a near-perfect interpretation of a compact sports sedan. While some may claim it's gotten a bit soft, that attribute has actually made it more desirable. Those wanting a healthy dose of sport but not willing to give up a comfortable ride and quiet engine are served by the WRX. Buyers wanting full-blown sport are served by the WRX STI. Prices have climbed over the years but are in line with competitors - and in some cases less expensive feature-for-feature. If your heart longs for practical performance on a budget the WRX might just be for you.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2016 Subaru WRX Review

2016 Subaru WRX - Sporty WRX STI lives up to its billing and more.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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