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
