2022 Subaru WRX

A black 2022 Subaru WRX GT is angled left.

When some people think of Subaru, they picture boxy SUVs with all-wheel drive perched on the precipice of adventure, but Subaru understands that there is more than one definition of the word "adventure." Sometimes this means purposefully and elegantly making your way through the mud and grit. Other times, you just need to put the pedal down and let the car's own performance take your breath away. The 2022 Subaru WRX fits into both categories eagerly.Subaru's vision for the WRX is simple: "A multi-purpose all-weather sports sedan capable of driving on any kind of road and suitable for all kinds of uses." From this somewhat broad definition comes a very specific vehicle. The WRX has been re-engineered to handle the bumps, but also the tight turns, the sloppy surfaces, and even rush hour on the outer belt. It's the kind of car that makes you eager to get behind the wheel. In fact, it might just be the type of car that makes you look at your current sedan and think, "what if I could have more fun driving?" While it might seem silly to consider buying something super sporty for your daily commute, why wouldn't you want to add some excitement to your everyday life? Perhaps it's time to get more excited about driving. Perhaps it's time to explore the 2022 Subaru WRX.

MSRP: est. $30,000[a]
Cargo Space (cu.ft.): 12.5
Torque (lb-ft): 258
Horsepower (hp): 271

An orange 2022 Subaru WRX is shown from the rear overlooking a mountain view.

Performance

Do You Dread Your Morning Commute? The 2022 Subaru WRX Can Help

A friendly disclaimer: The 2022 Subaru WRX is not going to change how much you enjoy going to work or school. The destination will remain the same, but behind the wheel of the WRX, getting there is so much cooler. The reason? Adrenaline-based engineering.

Like any other great Subaru vehicle, all-wheel drive is standard on the WRX, and drivers have a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or the newly re-designed Subaru Performance transmission, an automatic version now with faster up and downshifts and less lag in second gear. Seasoned WRX drivers will be impressed at this update, while newcomers to the model will be very pleased with the smooth transitions.

Perhaps the most compelling feature of the newest generation of Subaru's street-friendly rally car / rally-friendly streetcar is its overall responsiveness. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, this high-strength steel base provides a more rigid ride. Enhanced by dual-pinion electric power steering and an exclusive track-tuned suspension system, the 2022 WRX is capable of conquering swerves and curves with the utmost nimbleness. It's not magic defying physics-it's simply how the WRX was engineered.

The exterior may appear very car-like at first glance, but everything you see has a purpose. The overall body has been designed with aerodynamics in mind, enhancing the performance of that stable platform and reducing the impact of exterior elements. Even the wheel arches are molded to help with airflow across and through the WRX. Suffice to say; it's the type of car that makes you glad to take the long way home.

The black rim and tire is shown on a grey 2022 Subaru WRX GT.

WRX GT

Have You Found Yourself Feeling Less Motivated Behind the Wheel? The 2022 Subaru WRX May Provide Relief

The WRX has been around since 1992, and the fifth generation starts here, in the model's 30th year of production. There have been many changes and updates over the years, but the WRX has never been afraid of flaunting its high-performance habits. For this very special year in WRX history, Subaru has released the GT trim. That's right; this seemingly unassuming sedan is offered with all the trappings that can take you from the street to rally as often as you like.

Perched on 18-inch matte gray aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires, the GT trim is a very special beast. Electronically controlled dampers and the new Drive Mode Select system allows drivers to update their car's driving feel to match the circumstances. In fact, there are up to 430 different customization options offered, which means the circumstances can change as often as they need to. "Bring Your Rally Car to Work Day" comes to mind.

The GT trim takes its sporty heritage seriously, with Ultrasuede-covered Recaro seats supporting the driver and front passenger and a Y-shaped support structure in the rear seat to keep those passengers comfortable, as well. There's also a precision-tuned 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system onboard if a stunning sound system blasting your favorite tunes at the perfect volume does anything for your relative adrenaline levels, too. Therefore, if you're not as excited about driving as you think you should be, perhaps the WRX GT can encourage you to re-think the possibilities… and possibly create a very motivational playlist.

A close up of the steering wheel in a 2022 Subaru WRX is shown.

Technology

Driving the 2022 Subaru WRX May Provide Relief From Driving Doldrums

There's more to the Subaru WRX than its stunning performance and the jealousy-inducing visual appeal that you see upon first glance. In fact, there's a lot more. Subaru has worked hard to put a lot of very cool standard equipment in the WRX. For example, Subaru Starlink In-Vehicle Technology is a multimedia center and vehicle information system controlled by an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen with a split-screen display. Starlink includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, HD Radio, and SiriusXM services. At the same time, a few knobs and buttons are still available for those who appreciate the fine-tuning capabilities of manual controls.

Those who select the Limited or GT trims with an automatic transmission will be treated to Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This driver assistance package combines the latest in traffic and road monitoring technology to keep your vehicle moving smoothly in its lane at just the right speed. Automatic Emergency Steering makes its debut this year, providing drivers with an escape from oncoming obstacles when the coast is clear. Also included in the WRX's safety toolbox are automatic pre-collision braking and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, which takes on the burden of traffic headaches while you supervise the drive.

The essentials are all aboard, as well, including LED headlamps and fog lights, keyless entry and ignition, heated mirrors and seats, and voice-controlled climate control. From these options, it's hard to tell which might become your favorite feature when settling in for the ride. Regardless of which trim you choose or the options involved