The 2022 Subaru WRX is nothing if not fun personified.
Now is its fifth-generation of production, with almost 20 years of history, the rally-bred, all-wheel drive, iconic sports car continues to move forward.
My tester, the Premium trim level, was powered by a 2.4-liter, turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine mated to an old-school six-speed manual transmission. The combination delivers 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, with a broad torque curve with 258 lb-ft from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm.
With inclusion of a high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink Multimedia system and latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist technology, the 2022 WRX delivers greater performance, technology, and safety than ever before.
The four-door sedan seats up to five adults – four comfortably. And a surprisingly spacious trunk accommodated a full-size golf bag and Sun Mountain push cart with room to spare. Even with some rambunctious driving, WRX returned 26 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway as measured by the EPA.
What makes the WRX a fun driver’s car?
The suspension is track-tuned for an engaging driving experience. Optimized front suspension geometry reduces mass offset of the front suspension, and a new dual-pinion electric power steering system separates the driver’s input shaft from the motor assist shaft. These changes deliver a quicker response to driver inputs, improved accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.
Equipped with summer performance tires on 18-inch alloy wheels with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, the 2022 WRX has achieved the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history.
WRX looks the part as well. A wide-body design creates an aggressive stance and bold new look. At the front, Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille is partnered with compact LED headlights and a broad front hood scoop to emphasize the wide and low look.
Prominent character lines across the front, sides, rear of the vehicle further empathize the sports sedan’s strength and performance capability. The rear deck lid has an integrated low-profile rear spoiler in matching body color. Rear taillights are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma.
Creature comforts are not ignored, but accentuated. My tester’s highlights included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with 504-watt equivalent amplifier, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, dual-zone climate control, aluminum alloy pedal covers, cruise control, heated front seats and more.
Exclusive to the top-of-the-line GT trim, Recaro seats offer the driver and front passenger increased support for performance driving. The Y-shaped design at the center of the seat backrest embodies a design concept in which the sides and shoulder blades of the occupant are securely supported to maintain proper driving posture.
And, as expected with any Subaru, Eyesight Driver Assist technology puts the WRX across the
finish line safely. Standard on all trims, the safety suite now includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and automatic emergency braking and emergency steering work simultaneously to help avoid a collision at speeds under 50 miles per hour.
Didn’t even discuss all-wheel drive. But it’s safe to say, your WRX will whisk through the snow and rain without worry. Talk about having it all.
Base Price: $31,605
Price As Driven: $31,605
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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