2022 Subaru WRX Redesigned with More Power and Refinement
The Subaru WRX has always had a loyal following, so how does the 2022 WRX compare with previous generations?
Written by Ru Chen
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The
Subaru WRX
is a handy compact sports sedan. The 2019 Subaru WRX model was probably one of the best sport compacts you could buy because of its razor-sharp handling. Does this 2022 redesign make the sedan a worthy purchase
? The 2022 Subaru WRX packs a more powerful punch
Automotive News
revealed that the new Subaru WRX has been all-around improved. This is the fifth generation WRX. It is built on the Subaru Global Platform, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine.
The engine produces up to 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The previous WRX was a 2.0-liter rated at 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 2022 model does see an improvement in terms of powertrain.
The new Subaru platform also improves responsiveness, as it includes a rear stabilizer bar mounted directly to the body. This aims to reduce body roll, keeping it firmly planted where it needs to be.
The vehicle has better handling too. A new dual-pinion steering delivers quicker responses to driver inputs, making the sedan smoother and more natural than its predecessor.
Subaru offers the 2022 WRX mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
According to Subaru, the increased displacement and turbocharger are meant to improve responsiveness and acceleration. The turbocharger has electronically controlled wastegate and air bypass valves, which should help with that goal.
It’s good to see that all-wheel drive is standard. Active torque vectoring (ATV) is also standard, which helps reduce wheel spin and sharpens handling at corners.
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Improved looks and redesigned interior
Performance isn’t the only thing Subaru was going for in this redesign. The 2022 Subaru WRX has improved styling, though of course this is subjective.
It has a broad front hood scoop, new lighting, and fenders that are now crafted of aluminum. This aluminum helps the vehicle achieve a lighter weight.
The low-profile rear spoiler is standard and matches the body color, which makes for a rather cohesive look.
The interior of the 2022 WRX isn’t lacking either.
A new 11.6-inch customizable touch screen infotainment system in tablet-style comes with:
- Audio control
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
- Other useful functions
The cool black interior is accentuated by stark red stitching and carbon fiber. All in all, this high contrast look could be quite appealing.
Automotive News also notes that this car has Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard across all WRX models that are equipped with automatic transmissions. This should help drivers in terms of safety and control.
A new and notable safety feature is automatic emergency steering. While it is optional on most trims, it’s good for preventing collisions when you’re going at under 50 mph.
Not without its critics
We’d be remise to not mention all of the criticism that has been levied against the new WRX. The backlash from fans mostly centers around the fact that they feel like Subaru tried to make the WRX feel to ‘mainstream’.
This is probably a fair criticism, but if you aren’t a loyal WRX fan then testing out the new model for yourself is a perfectly reasonable idea.
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