2020 Subaru WRX

More choices yield comparison and comparison brings out the best in the game. The Subaru has everything to be at the forefront of this compact sports segment. However, other brands are not dropping the ball either. Cars like Mercedes Benz CLA, Honda Civic Si, and its own cousin the Subaru BRZ are all set for the race.

Subaru bore 3 offerings for the WRX family, the entry-level WRX, Premium, and Limited. A mono-chromic 2.0L Turbo Boxer-4 engine is standard on every trim level. The base trim pairs a 6-speed manual. Climbing up the trim ladder you get upgrades in the standard feature list and an option for CVT transmission. The Premium and Limited trims add upgrades for safety, convenience, driver-assist features.

Trim	Base	Premium	Limited
MSRP(Manual)	$28,080	$29,495	$31,795
MSRP(CVT)	N/A	31,395	$33,695
	Standard features-	All Features on the Base WRX plus-	All Features on the Base WRX plus-
	Heated side mirrors	18-inch alloy wheels	Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
	17-inch wheels	Power-tilt/sliding moonroof	LED Steering Responsive Headlights
	Automatic climate control	All-Weather Package w/ heated front seats	10-way power driver's seat
Key Features	Hill start assist	Available Sport Lineartronic® transmission	Available EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
	Performance tires	Fog lights	Available GPS navigation system
	Leather-wrapped steering wheel	SUBARU STARLINK™	SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security
	Track-tuned suspension	7-inch Multimedia w/ Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto
	Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring
	SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia w/ Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto

We Recommend

We would recommend you to go with the Limited trim with CVT as there is not much difference in price and adds features like an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Subaru EyeSight, and a navigation system. 

“The 2020 Subaru WRX and WRX STI prioritize performance over all else, and that’s just fine. Listening to the wail of the 2020 Subaru WRX’s turbo flat-4 screaming toward redline while whipping its thick-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel along a winding road is enough to make anyone a believer”- The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

Subaru’s ability of building engines is unparalleled, their cars are not the best looking but they sure get the job done. The engineers have tuned the engine to crank out 5 more ponies for 2020. The WRX harbors a 2.0L engine mated to a 6-speed manual that keeps the engine on the boil. The powertrain cranks out 268 horsepower and 258-pound-feet of torque.

Models	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si sedan	Subaru BRZ
MSRP	$28,080	$34,095	$25,195	$26,455
Engine	2.0L flat 4	2.0L i4	1.5L i4	2.0-liter Boxer-4
Transmission	6 Speed manual	7 Speed manual	6 Speed manual	6-speed manual
Horsepower	268 hp@ 5600 rpm	208 hp@ 5500rpm	205 hp@ 5700rpm	205 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque	258 lbs/ft@ 2000rpm	258 lbs/ft@ 1250 rpm	192 lbs/ft@ 2100 rpm	156 lbs/ft@ 6,400 rpm

The 6-speed stick shift has relatively short throws and a predictable clutch. The power delivery is smooth and seamless. The engine remains compliant for the city but at the same time capable of blasting in the freeway with a sweet exhaust note. The dual-clutch 8-speed paddle shifters are great and can take the manual’s place any day. The torque split on the manual transmission is 50/50 while the CVT swaps it with 55/45 split.

Mercedes boasts its hefty price tag but runs low on power. The Civic Si and BRZ feature similar power specs but its way lower than the WRX.

Acceleration

The WRX’s speed will not give you goosebumps but the punchy engine can still pin you back to the seat. The initial acceleration is smooth and the power delivery is without any pauses or lags. You can floor the Subaru any time you see the green light. The 6.2-second acceleration is not that intriguing but its best in the class. Extend the race to the quarter-mile and the WRX shows 14.5 seconds to hit the chequered flag.

Models	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si sedan	Subaru BRZ
0-60 MPH	6.2* second	6.9 sec	N/A	6.2*
Quarter mile	14.5*second	14.7	N/A	15*
Engine	2.0L flat 4	2.0L i4	1.5L i4	2.0
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	6.1	N/A	7.4

The base engine is the most powerful in the lot, however, the BRZ features the same acceleration, courtesy of the low weight. Mercedes, on the other hand, is a tad slower with its low horsepower.

Ride and Handling

The power might seem low on paper but the WRX makes the best of it. The All-wheel-drive and decent traction control make WRX a versatile sedan fit for tracks, mud, gravel, or snow. The tri-spoke steering feels good in the hand with a lot of road communication as you drive. The driver can sense an all-time central control which makes cornering fun and better than any car at this price tag.

The suspension in the normal setting is good and can endure rough pavements without any major jittering. On the STI trim, the ride becomes more sporty and the suspension is stiffer. The low ground clearance though keeps the WRX from becoming a full-on off-roader, which is nice since you don’t need to climb mountains on the WRX. At last, the weighted clutch becomes the last piece in the puzzle in securing the Subie’s superior driving dynamics.

Braking

One thing which any driver would first notice on the Subaru is its grippy tires and traction. As much it contributes to the handling it makes braking even more intense. The front brakes are rated at 12.4 inches while the rear rotors are 11.3 inches. The WRX took 112 feet to come on a grinding halt from a speed of 60 mph. The pedal is easy to modulate and brakes fight fade or any signs of weakness while hard braking.

Model	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si sedan	Subaru BRZ
Brake Front (in.)	12.4	12.6	N/A	11.6
Brake Rear (in.)	11.3	11.6	N/A	11.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3294	3274	2906	2776
60-0 MPH (ft.)	112	124	N/A	120

WRX’s brakes are the most composed and are the best in terms of performance. Other sedans took their time to stop, the CLA took 124 feet while the BRZ’s performance is rated at 120 feet. 

Away from its gas-guzzling STI sibling, the base WRX is more of a sensible sedan. It's not the best in the world but you won't be a constant on the gas station. You get a manageable 21 mpg mileage in city and a fair 27 mpg mileage on the highway. Together you have a combined mileage of 23 mpg. However, only premium fuel can charge up the WRX and you have to pay more for that.

Model	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si sedan	Subaru BRZ
MPG (city)	21	24	28	21
MPG (highway)	27	37	38	28
MPG (combined)	23	29	32	24

WRX might be the sportiest compact sedan in the lot but it's not the most efficient one. That title goes to Civic SI followed by the CLA and then the BRZ and WRX. However, it's not that bad but average for the compact sports sedan.

“What the WRX lacks in good looks, it makes up for in usefulness. The WRX's spacious cabin is simple to use and offers good visibility. It would be even better if offered as a hatchback like competitors, but even as a sedan it's hard to beat”- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Interior is more functional than being sophisticated, you won’t find the hyper-styled elements like on the CLA but once you get the taste of Subaru you won’t be needing them. The cabin is roomy and can easily accommodate 5 people. The visibility is reasonable, you get a good view of the road. The cabin is isolated from noise through thick window glass and better insulating materials from the previous WRX. The interior quality feels average when compared with the Type-R but you have to compromise somewhere.

Model	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si sedan	Subaru BRZ
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.8/55.6/43.3	38.2/56.0/40.2	37.5/56.9/42.3	37.1/54.5/41.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/54.2/35.4	35.4/53.2/27.1	36.8/55.0/37.4	35.0/51.7/29.9

The WRX is the kind of car you can drive all day and in the off-time get a nice nap without interruption. The high roofline gives a decent headroom space, 39 inches for the front and 37 inches for the rear. There is enough legroom for comfortably seating two 6 footers back to back. As for the options, you have Recaro performance seats on the Premium trim. Subaru featured a standard 6-way manually adjustable seats and an optional 8-way power-adjustable seats again on the Premium trim. All seats are skinned with cloth upholstery.

Infotainment System

You get a standard 6.5-inch infotainment screen with Subaru’s standard set of multimedia features called the Starlink on the base trim. Upper trims feature a 7-inch screen as well. The interface was updated this year to be more user-friendly with zero confusing features. Subaru installed active phone integration like the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is impressive for a 30 grand car. Also, you get the Aha music app and Pandora connectivity.

Cargo volume

The subpar cargo space may break your ambitions to turn WRX into a family sedan. The 12 cubic feet is disappointing, however, it’s debatable as the rival cars like the Civic SI deliver more while the BRZ has half of what WRX offers.

Model	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si coupe	Subaru BRZ
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	12.0	13.1	14.7	6.9

The cabin utility is average too, you have a small glove box and an armrest in the name of cabin utility. Side pockets and a center stack bins sum up the utility angle of the WRX.

Interior Features

• 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat
• Performance-design front seats
• 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatback
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching
• Aluminum-alloy pedal covers

“Last year, Subaru upgraded the WRX interior with better materials, additional insulation and thicker side glass to keep out unwanted noise. The optional heated Recaro sport seats are comfortable and hold you in place during hard cornering, but their bolsters aren’t overly aggressive”- KBB

Design and Dimensions

“Don’t judge a book by its cover”- the notion is highly true for the WRX. The Subaru’s design is similar to its last year’s iteration. Big fender flares, hood scoop, and an available rear wing spoiler on the STI. By the looks of it, WRX looks like an everyday sedan and a reformed version of the Impreza. While the normal WRX feature 17-inch alloy wheels you get a 19-inch for the STI along with more traces of STI badges. Giving a quick look you would notice the hood scoop and the toned character-defining lines. To be frank, the WRX is not the type of car who turn heads by its looks, its handling does that.

Model	Subaru WRX sedan	Mercedes Benz CLA 250 sedan	Honda Civic Si coupe	Subaru BRZ
Curb weight (lbs.)	3294	3274	2906	2,776
Length(in)	180.9	182.3	182.8	166.7
Width(in)	70.7	70.0	70.8	69.9
Height(in)	58.1	56.6	55.5	50.6
Ground clearance (in)	4.9	3.9	N/A	4.9
Wheelbase (in)	104.3	106.3	106.3	101.2
Track width (in) F/R	60.2/60.6	60.9/60.8	60.5/61.2	59.8/6

Simplicity over substance- while others invest million on design WRX redirects that on its engineering budget. Right from the front, the Subaru is 180.9 inches long. The cabin is spacious and offers a lavish space for 5, the width is rated at 70.7 inches and height 58.1 inches. Its looks are more sophisticated to balance out the flamboyant handling prowess. The 4.9-inch ground clearance is adequate for its rally racing demeanor. The wheelbase is 104 inches equivalent to the competitors and well-suited for tracks.

Exterior Features

• Projector low-beam and multi-reflector high-beam halogen headlights
• Front and rear under spoilers
• Rear bumper with integrated diffuser
• Trunk spoiler - low profile
• Exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets
• Body-color power side mirrors

• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Active Torque Vectoring
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Brake Assist
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Whiplash protection front seats with height-adjustable head restraints
• LATCH System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure
• Anti-theft security system
• Engine immobilizer

Mercedes Benz CLA vs Subaru WRX

Athletic yet elegant the CLA is the plushest sedan in the sports compact car segment. Though its power is not that intriguing it’s the uber interior which is the major attraction on the CLA. Compared to the WRX the Merc is clearly overpriced but the nimble handling, better efficiency, the upmarket interior makes up for the money. The WRX is more athletic and standard AWD gives its legendary rally racing character. If money is not an issue you should not deprive you of the amenities of German engineering, otherwise going with the WRX is not bad either.

Honda Civic SI vs Subaru WRX

Honda Civic SI is the most modest sedan in terms of price but not in terms of deliverables. In terms of features and power, the Civic stands right into the industry expectations. Compared to the fellow Japanese the Civic runs low on power and may not be as athletic as the WRX, but its efficiency is bulletproof. Subie can corner like hell, and accelerate madly but the Civic SI focuses more on the ease of handling which makes it an ideal family sedan.

If you don’t have any intentions of going rally racing or speed like a drag racer than the Civic is your choice.

Subaru BRZ vs Subaru WRX

Next up is the WRX’s cousin the Subaru BRZ. The BRZ is the less powered and less experienced sedan from the same brand. Everything the BRZ does, WRX can do better. It's more powerful, more aggressive, and spacious than the WRX. If you are looking for a compact sedan with little to do with sportiness than the BRZ is your car

Subaru WRX is not the type of car your girlfriend approves in first look but the moment you step in and go all Baby Driver, things will fall into the right places. The Boxer-4 engine is not the most powerful but manages to handle the Subie ’s aggression. In the leu of the economy, the WRX turns out average which may be a red signal for many. On the other hand, practicality is not its the best virtue due to limited cargo volume and cabin utility.

As a wholehearted package, Subaru has done a good job with the WRX. You get ample power with a compact, roomy cabin, and average economy and cargo. The competitors may exceed in a few areas but as a package deal, they cannot beat the WRX.