The Subaru WRX has long been an iconic sport sedan with a reputation for combining performance, practicality, and value. However, recent trends in pricing and changes to its lineup are prompting some enthusiasts to question whether the WRX is losing key elements of its appeal.
While still a solid everyday performer, its financial proposition and positioning in the market warrant a closer look.
Performance and Everyday Usability
The Subaru WRX has always been admired for its ability to balance performance with practicality. Unlike many sport compacts that require significant compromises in comfort, all-wheel-drive capability, or affordability, the WRX historically delivered on all fronts. This generation, released a few years ago, continues to offer these benefits, but rising costs are causing some fans to reassess its value.
For 2025, Subaru has discontinued the base trim due to low demand, setting the new entry-level price at $37,000. This represents a notable increase, especially with the Premium trim seeing a $1,300 hike. While you still get a solid car for the money, the WRX now faces tougher competition from rivals offering better performance for similar prices.
New Features for 2025
Subaru has made a few updates for 2025, including the addition of the DriverFocus system across all trims. This innovative technology monitors the driver’s face to ensure attention to the road.
Additionally, a new Galaxy Purple color option has been introduced, offering a fresh aesthetic appeal. Despite these updates, the WRX’s value proposition feels increasingly strained compared to its rivals.
Comparing Trim Levels and Competitors
The replacement of the WRX TR with the $47,000 WRX TS is another head-scratcher. While the TS adds some enticing features, such as upgraded brakes, its price puts it in direct competition with performance heavyweights like the Toyota GR Corolla Core and the Honda Civic Type R.
These rivals not only offer superior performance but also more tuning potential, further challenging the WRX’s positioning in the market.
Practical Features and Interior Comfort
Despite the rising prices, the WRX remains a practical and versatile sport sedan. Its spacious trunk and back seats make it family-friendly, with enough legroom to accommodate even taller passengers. Up front, the seats strike a balance between comfort and bolstering for spirited driving, with the Limited trim adding lumbar support for longer trips.
Interior materials are robust but somewhat basic, with higher trims offering upgrades like suede accents and a partially blue interior in the TS model. The WRX also boasts great visibility and handy features like heated seats, proximity entry, and a windshield wiper de-icer, making it well-suited for everyday use.
Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the WRX features a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, delivering 271 horsepower. While not a massive improvement over past generations, the powertrain offers solid mid-range performance and a grumbly exhaust note that channels the car’s rally heritage.
Paired with a close-ratio gearbox and Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system, the WRX delivers confident handling and excellent traction in all conditions.
That said, the car’s steering feedback and connection to the road leave something to be desired, particularly when compared to rivals like the GR Corolla. The manual transmission, while engaging, feels clunky during aggressive driving. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is surprisingly good, mimicking gear changes convincingly and offering a viable option for those preferring two-pedal driving.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The 2025 WRX continues to excel as a forgiving and comfortable commuter car, particularly on rough roads, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. However, its lack of standout features in a more competitive market and the increasing cost to access higher-performance trims diminish its value.
The 2025 Subaru WRX remains a capable and practical sport sedan, but its rising price and diminishing cost-to-performance ratio challenge its relevance. While it still appeals to those seeking a versatile daily driver with rally-inspired DNA, it no longer stands out as the budget-friendly performance car it once was. Enthusiasts may find better value and excitement in rivals, but for those prioritizing comfort and practicality, the WRX continues to deliver.
