2017 Subaru WRX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$26,695 to $30,995

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(15 reviews)
2017 Subaru WRX Preview summaryImage

For anyone who’s not necessarily “into” cars, the local Subaru dealership is the land of Outbacks and Foresters, those hardy all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles known for powering over the piles of snow in the driveway and basically just offering great all-around practicality for the price. But for a much smaller subset of drivers, the local Subaru dealership is the quickest route to a new WRX, the 4-door 4-seat sedan model known for offering great driving dynamics for the price—especially the WRX STI, a slightly more performance-oriented version of the WRX that's covered separately here at CarGurus. But the WRX offers utility as well, enough reliability and cargo space to justify ownership for those who straddle the line between track-day enthusiast and die-hard commuter.

The WRX saw a major redesign for the 2015 model year and so its updates remain minimal for 2017 (keep in mind the WRX was the Impreza WRX before the redesign). The model is still available in three trims: Standard, Premium, and Limited. As with all Subarus, the automaker’s “Symmetrical” AWD system comes standard on each trim, moving torque between the wheels in order to maintain grip during the tight cornering any seriously driven WRX is likely to encounter. There’s also no WRX hatchback, though that’s likely old news at this point, as the Impreza WRX hatchback didn’t actually make it through the redesign a couple years back.

All WRX trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, decent if not phenomenal numbers for a vehicle of its size and weight (the WRX actually lost weight during the redesign). The engine cylinders are horizontally opposed—another universal feature among Subaru models—lowering the WRX’s center of gravity and making for a more evenly powered drivetrain. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, and the Premium and Limited offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru dubs the “Sport Lineartronic,” and which includes paddle shifters and a manual mode. EPA fuel-economy numbers for the 2017 model check in at 20 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined with the manual and 18/24/21 with the CVT.

There are, of course, a few changes for 2017, as there must always be when an automaker christens a new model-year vehicle. But the changes are very few. A new tricot headliner graces the interior, and the base Standard trim finally offers auto on/off headlights. WRX Limited trims equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight safety system also now include Reverse Auto Braking.

The WRX Standard starts off with cloth upholstery and Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system routed through a 6.2-inch touchscreen display. The Starlink system features an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and familiar wireless features like Bluetooth connectivity and Pandora radio. The Premium adds items like heated seats and a moonroof (not to mention the CVT). And the Limited introduces luxury features like leather seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and LED low-beam headlights. An upgraded Starlink system is available (standard on the Limited), with SMS messaging capability and a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen with multi-touch gesture control. Those looking for better sound can also opt for a Harman Kardon audio system. A rear-view camera comes standard on all trims.

A good reason for choosing the WRX Limited is that it offers EyeSight (mentioned above), Subaru’s highly rated proprietary safety system. EyeSight uses a special camera setup to provide exceptional vehicle awareness and is integrated with the adaptive cruise control, collision-prevention braking, and lane-departure warning systems. It also includes steering-responsive fog lights, which react to the vehicle’s speed and steering angle in order to provide additional illumination in the direction of the turn. Choosing the EyeSight package for the Limited also gets you the Harman Kardon sound system, keyless access, and push-button start. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not test the 2016 WRX, but the model did earn a top score of Good on every test with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, along with the IIHS’s coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating. The WRX will afford unusually good peace of mind to those who jump inside in order to do the kind of hard rally driving for which it’s essentially designed (though perhaps, in that case, the cruise control won’t matter quite as much).

The Subaru WRX more or less represents one of those cars that probably isn’t quite for you if you don’t already know about it. The driving enthusiasts who want an affordable car to power around the track or roadways are going to know to look here. And the WRX certainly is affordable, with the 2017 model starting just north of $26,500 and reaching close to $31,000 for the top-tier Limited. Come on—it’ll even hold your groceries and dry cleaning on the way home.

Published May 31, 2022 by Chase Hammond

User reviews for 2017 Subaru WRX

Write a review
User rating:
by Bruce W
Dec 28, 2024
Love the car couldnt be happier that I finally found my carDec 28, 2024
by Kristen P
Jun 29, 2024
I bought this car for my son, it is his first car (at 16). It was a great value for this year make model and mileage. My son loves it. It runs nice and is overall in good shape.Jun 29, 2024
by Jack S
May 16, 2024
amazing car, couldn’t of picked better for the price !May 16, 2024

2017 Subaru WRX Pricing

Original MSRP
$26,695 to $30,995
Price range
$15,755 to $16,715
Average price on CG
$15,755
YoY price change
$16,715 to $15,755

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 6.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 6.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)