2019 Subaru WRX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For almost two decades, the Subaru WRX has been one of the most well-rounded sedans on the market, offering plenty of speed,...

For almost two decades, the Subaru WRX has been one of the most well-rounded sedans on the market, offering plenty of speed, all-wheel-drive practicality, reliability, and customizability. For 2019, the WRX is still based on the fifth-generation Impreza that came out in 2017, and WRX comes with a handful of solid changes and a new special edition model.

The biggest news for 2019 WRX is a “Series Gray” model that is limited to just 750 WRXs and 250 WRX STIs. The model comes with a 6-speed transmission, Cool Gray Khaki paint with black badging, 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish, synthetic Ultrasuede Recaro seats, a moonroof, LED Steering Responsive Headlights, LED fog lights, and push-button start. Other changes for the standard WRX range include a larger 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims.

At the heart of the WRX is a punchy turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder makes the WRX a lot quicker than the numbers and conservative styling would lead you to believe. It makes 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2019 model is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined with a manual transmission while CVT-equipped cars will do 18, 21, and 24. The WRX also prioritizes handling in its design. Its suspension is stiff without becoming too jarring, and its power steering is well-weighted. Most serious driving enthusiasts will naturally be drawn to the more powerful and performance-focused STI model.

The WRX adds some pleasantly sporty touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shifter, and bolstered sporty seats. Standard features include automatic climate control, Bluetooth compatibility, and heated outside mirrors while a Premium package adds fog lights, a moonroof, heated front seats, a larger infotainment screen, and different bucket seats. Leather seats are available with the Limited model, which also adds LED headlights and fog lights.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the WRX its Top Safety Pick+ status, the highest rating possible, and for 2019, Subaru has made the EyeSight active safety system standard on WRX Premium and Limited models when ordered with a CVT. This package adds adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warnings and braking, and lane-keep assist.