2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a youthful and somewhat rebellious aesthetic, often compared to a teenager with piercings and tattoos. Despite its sporty appearance, it was more subdued than the racier WRX STI, lacking the race-ready rear wing. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy look even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its dynamic appearance. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, with a design reminiscent of Subaru compact cars from the past decade. However, it lagged behind competitors like the VW GTI in terms of freshness and refinement, with plenty of hard plastics contributing to its less mature reputation.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 exuded a simple, clean, and conservative appearance, serving as a perfect canvas for its Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing. The A4's interior mirrored this aesthetic restraint, featuring high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel, and ambient interior lighting. The dashboard integrated air vents seamlessly, and controls were clearly labeled. The only downside was the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system, which seemed like an afterthought rather than an integrated part of the design.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The manual transmission, unfortunately, had a vague clutch feel, making the CVT a more practical option for keeping the revs in the powerband. The WRX also featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in combined driving and could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The A4 45 TFSI, on the other hand, offered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a lowered sport suspension. It could reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and had an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system provided a balanced driving experience, with excellent tire grip and braking performance. The steering, while not exceptional, was adequate, and the car's structure and suspension conveyed a rock-solid sensation over various road conditions.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short compared to the sedan and the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging was less accommodating for modern needs, with limited space for large water bottles. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear seat space, accommodating four adults with relative ease.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, was harder to enter and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once inside, the A4 offered exceptional comfort in the front seats, which featured soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The three-zone automatic climate control system was easy to use, and the overall layout was intuitive. The rear seats, while supportive and heated, were less spacious, making them suitable for shorter trips. Interior storage space was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The A4's 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets, providing ample space for luggage.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim featured an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's tech was far from cutting-edge, reflecting its 2015 design origins.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback for menu selections. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Audi Connect connected services, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The MMI was intuitive and easy to use, with separate climate controls and a knob on the center console for stereo adjustments. The voice recognition technology, while accurate, was slow to respond. The Bang & Olufsen stereo offered satisfying sound quality, and the head-up display, though hard to see with polarized sunglasses, was a useful feature.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All trims came standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Audi A4 stair-stepped the availability of its safety features, with the top-of-the-line Prestige model offering the most comprehensive package. Under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, the A4 Prestige included front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a safe exit warning system, a surround-view camera system, and Park Assist. The A4 also had Matrix-design LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The driver assistance tech was effective and non-intrusive, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally required driver intervention. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.