2020 Subaru WRX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$27,495 to $33,995

Original MSRP

8.3
of 10

expert review

4.9

avg user rating

(15 reviews)

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Manual transmission available

  • Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Outdated technology

8.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2020 Subaru WRX Test Drive Review summaryImage

The 2020 Subaru WRX blends sensible tech and safety features into an ideal daily driver performance car.

For many, Subaru is synonymous with camping, skiing, and dog lovers. This active, outdoorsy reputation is one that Subaru has carefully cultivated through the years. But there is another side to the brand and one that is just as critical to its success. Its performance and motorsports efforts helped develop the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system found in nearly every modern Subaru. The 2020 Subaru WRX is the road-going manifestation of decades in world rally racing.

The WRX is a home-grown celebration of all the technologies that underpin the lineup of reliable, efficient Subaru wagons, sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. But in the WRX these chassis and powertrain innovations are distilled to their hard-driving extremes. Can a four-door, four-cylinder car be a halo car for a brand? When that brand is Subaru, the answer is “yes.”

7/10

The WRX was first introduced in the early 2000s as a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza compact car. For the 2015 model year, Subaru split off the WRX as its own unique model, which is carried over to today. In 2019, the WRX received some infotainment updates, which are carried to the 2020 model seen here.

Though now a separate model, comparisons can still be made to the Impreza sedan. The WRX has a wider stance, a lower front splitter, a rear deck spoiler, and even a large functional air intake. The STI takes it further with a large rear wing and added aerodynamic components. These all make the WRX the most aggressively styled vehicle in the lineup, but still readily identifiable as a Subaru. And despite these racy touches, the non-STI version can be something of a sleeper. Those that know what a WRX is all about will know what it’s packing under the hood, but others will be surprised by its performance. Those that don't may find the cabin styling to be a little pedestrian for a new car in 2021.

Trim levels in Canada for the WRX are base, Sport, Sport-tech, and Sport-tech RS. The Base trim comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and power front-and-rear windows. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, two USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moving up to the Sport adds an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) to replace the manual, 10-way power driver’s seat, lighting upgrades including steering-responsive auto-on/off headlights, a trunk lip spoiler, and EyeSight. Sport-Tech adds 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sport-Tech RS adds Brembo brakes with painted calipers and Recaro front seats, push-button start, and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The upgraded Subaru WRX STI is offered in base, Sport, and Sport-tech. The base STI comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-and-suede upholstery, a sport-tuned suspension, and dual-zone climate control. The STI Sport adds 19-inch wheels and a power sunroof as well as the Sport features on the regular WRX. The STI Sport-tech loads up with the 7-inch infotainment system, upgraded audio, and Recaro seats.

George Kennedy
Published Dec 19, 2022 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2020 Subaru WRX

Write a review
User rating:
by Raymond A
Jan 12, 2025
I love how it has such a impact on the car enthusiasts lifeJan 12, 2025
by Chris T
Feb 05, 2024
Awd, manual, just under 300hp with a warranty. I commute in the winter but didn’t want a total dad car. Feb 05, 2024
by Jonathan M
Jan 08, 2024
I love this car! Everything I was expecting and more! Jan 08, 2024

2020 Subaru WRX Pricing

Original MSRP
$27,495 to $33,995
Price range
$25,248 to $28,865
Average price on CG
$25,251
YoY price change
$27,714 to $25,251

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 · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio 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

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

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: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel 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: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · 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: 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

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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 read function · 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

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 · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 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 · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · 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

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

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: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel 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: Google search · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

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

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · 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

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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 voice recognition · 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

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

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · 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

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

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 · Rocker panel 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: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

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

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · 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: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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: lock operation

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

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: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher 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 · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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: rear · Center console: with lighting · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

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: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel 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: Google search · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · 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: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · 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: 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 voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: engine start

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

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