2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Audi A4 offered three distinct variants: the A4 sedan, the A4 Allroad, and the S4 performance model. This review focused specifically on the A4 sedan, particularly the 45 TFSI Prestige model. The MSRP for this variant came to $55,890, including a $1,095 destination charge. Enveloped in a striking Tango Red paint, the test car also featured the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, the S-line Interior package, and ventilated front seats.

Aesthetic restraint was the name of the game for the A4's interior. The overall design was simple, clean, and conservative, providing an elegant canvas for the Tango Red paint and Black Optic detailing. The five-arm rotor-design wheels underscored its sense of sophisticated style. Inside, the black-on-black interior was relieved by aluminum trim, gloss-black décor, and metallic accents, avoiding a cavernous feel. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel and ambient interior lighting elevated the cabin's modern luxury appeal. A minor drawback was the tablet-style infotainment screen, which looked somewhat out of place and less integrated than the rest of the interiors.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru WRX didn't aim for high drama but retained a sense of purpose and rugged appeal. The new WRX featured significant changes, widening the model by two inches. The front fascia was defined by a smaller hexagonal grille and LED headlights. Along the sides, the presence of black plastic cladding with an aerodynamic hexagonal texture highlighted its rally-inspired heritage.

The rear fenders flared outward dramatically, drawing attention to its unique shape. Key details included a large plastic bumper, quad tailpipes, and taillights designed to evoke the mesmerizing glow of magma when illuminated. Despite the cladding being a contentious point, especially on the bright Solar Orange test car, the overall look was more streamlined than its predecessor. Notable features on the Premium-trim test unit included LED fog lights, 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, and a subtle trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

Under the hood, the 2022 Audi A4 45 TFSI impressed with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque—an upgrade from the 40 TFSI's 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The 45 TFSI model boasted a lowered sport suspension and a quicker 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds compared to the 40 TFSI's 6.3 seconds. Despite requiring premium gasoline and offering various driving modes like Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, the A4 45 TFSI returned an EPA rating of 27 mpg in combined driving. During real-world testing, it averaged 24.8 mpg.

The A4’s Quattro Ultra AWD system was efficient, powering the front wheels until more traction was needed in the rear. Even during aggressive cornering, it delivered a tenacious grip, especially with the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tires. The A4's ride quality was rock-solid, managing bumps and irregular surfaces almost magically, maintaining comfort and silence within the cabin.

The 2022 Subaru WRX stepped up its game by introducing a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, shared with the Outback and Legacy XT models. It provided 271 horsepower, a slight increase from the previous generation's 268 horsepower, while maintaining the same torque of 258 pound-feet. However, some performance enthusiasts might have found this marginal power boost underwhelming. The manual WRX utilized continuous AWD with a 50/50 front-to-rear split, while the CVT models offered variable torque distribution.

On the road, we found the six-speed manual transmission to be engaging and precise, though it had longer throws than expected. The suspension was notably forgiving, making the WRX a viable option for everyday use. Riding on the Subaru Global Platform, its improved suspension setup offered better rigidity and stability, handling rough mountain roads with confidence. The new WRX checked all the boxes for a sporty and practical drive but fell short in terms of initial torque and power compared to some of its FWD rivals.

Entering and exiting the 2022 Audi A4 felt like a challenge due to its low stance and snug cabin. However, once inside, the driver’s seat provided exceptional comfort with soft leather, power adjustments, a thigh-support cushion, and a fully adjustable center armrest. The three-zone automatic climate control and intuitive layout further enhanced the in-cabin experience. The rear seats, while supportive and heated, lacked legroom and the necessary width for more than two adults. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin occupied by a wireless charging pad, leaving essential stowage needs to the glove compartment and door bins. The A4's trunk offered 13 cubic feet of well-utilized space with practical storage nets and concealed hinges.

The 2022 Subaru WRX showcased a commendable boost in cargo capacity, from 12 cubic feet in the previous model to 12.5 cubic feet in the 2022 iteration. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provided added flexibility. Designed with supportive sport seats in premium cloth or Ultrasuede, the WRX ensured passenger comfort without feeling overly restrictive. Spacious and comfortable seats, combined with standard AWD, made the WRX a frontrunner in practicality for its price range.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of the Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI). The 10.1-inch touchscreen, although not seamlessly integrated, offered a user-friendly interface. It supported smartphone-like gestures and provided acoustic feedback for easy operation. Significant features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Audi Connect services, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The touch-based system lacked traditional buttons but remained intuitive with a prominent Home button and efficient voice controls. However, some drawbacks were noted, such as slow voice command responses and visibility issues with the head-up display when wearing polarized glasses.

For the 2022 Subaru WRX, the infotainment offerings ranged from dual 7-inch displays in the base trim to an impressive 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in higher trims. Standard controls for essential functions enhanced usability. However, the limited display area for Android Auto and some quirks in the operation could be frustrating. Though the test vehicle lacked the 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, its performance in other Subaru models has generally been well-received.

The 2022 Audi A4 Prestige model came packed with advanced safety features under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, including collision preparation, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. The surround-view camera system and Park Assist provided additional aid. Despite its comprehensive safety package, one flaw was the delayed braking response during adaptive cruise control, necessitating driver intervention. However, the A4 excelled in crash tests, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety depended on the transmission. The CVT-equipped models offered the full EyeSight suite of ADAS, featuring emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-tracing assist. Manual models, however, lacked these features due to potential stalling issues during automatic brake activation. The Limited and GT trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the WRX boasted enhanced crash energy absorption and seven standard airbags.