In a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and electrified powertrains, affordable all-wheel-drive sports sedans are becoming rare, but one Japanese model still delivers serious performance without a supercar price tag. Its blend of spirited acceleration, sharp handling, and everyday usability makes it easy to overlook, especially alongside flashier rivals, but that would be a mistake for drivers who value grip and engagement in all weather.
What sets this sedan apart is how complete the package feels. The standard all-wheel-drive system gives it confidence in rain, snow, and on twisty back roads alike, while its turbocharged engine provides eager power without sacrificing daily drivability. Inside, a driver-focused cockpit and practical trunk space prove it’s as capable on the commute as it is on a weekend drive.
For enthusiasts who want a true driver’s car but need all-weather capability and affordability, this model quietly stands out. It’s proof that you don’t have to overspend, or sacrifice usability, to get a performance sedan that genuinely thrills.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
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Subaru’s WRX offers better bang-for-your-buck than you’d expect
Maybe the WRX used to be a little more hard-edged and entertaining, but we think that people overlook just how good it is in its current state. It has been a while since the WRX became its own nameplate, and it has evolved into a slightly more grown-up version of itself. However, if you’re looking for a practical four-door sedan that is going to put a smile on your face, it should definitely still make your list of considerations.
2025 Subaru WRX trims and pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
Premium
$37,750
Limited
$42,130
GT
$47,705
tS
$47,705
The WRX is a much different machine than what it once was. It used to have the corner on the boy-racer market, but competitors like the Toyota GR Corolla and the Hyundai Elantra N have come in to take over. Subaru’s sports sedan has also become tamer, taking on a more refined attitude, which is good in some ways but a bit of a disappointment in others. Look past perceptions and at performance, though, and you’ll find that the WRX still has a fantastic ability to entertain.
Last year, for the 2024 model year, Subaru introduced the manual-only TR model, which impressed us with its dialed-in performance. This year, however, the Japanese brand has taken things further by replacing it with the tS, which stands for “tuned by STI”. That alone should excite fans of the Subie.
Best value trim
We think it’s best to keep it simple with the WRX. Sticking with the manual transmission Premium model is definitely the way to go. It comes with plenty of standard features, including keyless entry and heated seats. We also think part of the fun of a WRX is that you enhance its performance yourself.
We do understand people who are enticed by the tS, though. The sedan comes ready to race straight out of the box, with tons of performance features, including a suspension setup tuned by STI and electronically adjustable dampers.
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This sports sedan is quick, nimble, and a ton of fun to drive
Credit: Subaru
While the Subaru has gotten more and more competition over the years, we still think it is one of the best four-door options for enthusiasts on a budget. Things are changing in the automotive world, and we also think it means something that this could be the last WRX with a purely gas-powered engine and a manual transmission.
2025 Subaru WRX performance
Engine
2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four
Transmission
CVT or 6-speed manual
Horsepower
271 HP
Torque
258 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
5.4 seconds
Top speed
145 MPH
In classic Subaru fashion, the WRX, of course, sports a turbocharged horizontally opposed turbo-four engine. It also comes standard with the Japanese brand’s fantastic all-wheel drive system. A six-speed manual is standard on every model except the GT, which gets a continuously variable transmission instead. All models except the tS can be optioned with the CVT, but we think the six-speed is the way to go. The WRX is officially the last all-wheel drive sports sedan to feature a manual transmission.
Every WRX feels exceptionally perky, getting off the line with enough gusto to match its rivals. They are also well-balanced machines, delivering agile handling and precise steering. The tS mode kicks things up a couple of notches, with an even more aggressive suspension tune, coming standard with adaptive dampers and improved Brembo brakes.
Fuel economy
Model
City
Highway
Combined
Manual
19 MPG
26 MPG
22 MPG
CVT
18 MPG
25 MPG
21 MPG
While fuel efficiency isn’t usually a major factor to focus on when it comes to performance cars, we think it is worth noting that this is a pretty large weak point of the WRX. Despite being a relatively small sedan, it absolutely chugs fuel. For comparison, manual versions of the Hyundai Elantra and the GR Corolla both manage 24 miles per gallon combined. Premium sports sedans like the BMW 3-Series do even better, getting up to 31 miles per gallon combined.
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Subaru delivers a contemporary yet rugged feeling interior
Credit: WRX
Subaru has created a pretty simple design ideology that has made its way into pretty much all of their modern vehicles. The WRX is no exception. It’s pretty similar to the layout in the Impreza. However, the Japanese brand has managed to spruce things up a bit and make it feel like the rugged sports sedan that it is. We also love that the WRX continues to offer a good mix of performance and practicality.
Interior dimensions and comfort
Front row headroom
39.8 inches
Front row legroom
43.1 inches
Second row headroom
36.7 inches
Second row legroom
36.5 inches
Cargo capacity (behind second row)
12.5 cubic feet
For a sedan in this class, room for passengers inside the WRX is actually reasonably generous. While it may take some adjusting of the front seats, there is enough legroom in both the front and back row to comfortably fit four adults without too many complaints. One downside here, though, is that the trunk is a little smaller than average.
Subaru has infused the WRX with things like faux-carbon fiber, contrasting stitching, and aluminum pedals to give it that sportier vibe. With the Premium model now the entry-point, the WRX comes loaded with standard features. This includes things like heated seats, a windshield deicer, dual-zone automatic climate control. Some upgrades included on the top-of-the-line tS model include eight-way power adjustable Recaro bucket seats.
Infotainment and technology
Every 2025 WRX comes equipped with a vertically oriented 11.6-inch infotainment screen which sits in the middle of the dashboard. Most models come with traditional analog gauges, but the tS and GT models get a fully-digital 12.3-inch display instead. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard features.
Subaru offers both USB-A and USB-C ports in both the front and the back, and some models come equipped with a wireless smartphone charging pad as well. The standard sound system is reasonable, but the optional ten-speaker Harman Kardon unit provides a much better listening experience.
AloJapan.com