The WRX might be one of the quickest and most powerful sport compacts available for less than $30,000, but it’s also one of the least civil. A loud cabin, a stiff-legged ride, and a laggy turbocharged engine are some of the WRX’s surlier traits—a legacy of its rally-car roots. Its infotainment system is antiquated, and its interior is drab.
Pros All-wheel-drive confidence, powerful turbocharged engine, great visibility.
Cons Noisy cabin, jiggly ride, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The 2018 Subaru WRX looks tame compared to its newest rivals. Step on the gas and you’ll be convinced otherwise.
Pros Captivating performance Better sound deadening Good safety scorecard Bright, large touchscreen for infotainment Restrained looks compared to others…
Cons …that border on boring Advanced safety options are pricey No hatchback version anymore Not very fuel-efficient
The WRX receives a handful of useful changes for 2018, including an updated front-end design, revised suspension and steering tuning, and thicker glass, seals and insulation aimed at better suppressing road noise. Subaru also adds a few new features to its EyeSight safety package.
PROS In both WRX and WRX STI, acceleration is swift and among best-in-class Delivers superb handling and steering response on twisting roads Full-time all-wheel drive enhances traction and performance Offers several premium safety equipment options
CONS STI's high-performance suspension makes for a rough ride Interior quality lags behind competitors Above-average amounts of wind and road noise
The 2018 Ford Fiesta ranked #5 in Subcompact Cars. Currently the Ford Fiesta has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 70 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Athletic handling Quick acceleration with ST trim Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Tight rear seats Below-average cargo room
A rearview camera is now standard on all 2018 Ford Fiestas, and the standard 3.5-inch central display screen has been replaced with a 4.2-inch screen. The previously optional 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine has been eliminated from the lineup.
PROS Sporty handling in turns Well-appointed interior with advanced technology options ST model's zesty performance
CONS Ride quality and seat comfort are poor compared to rivals Limited cargo and rear seat space
