2021 Subaru WRX
The 2021 Subaru WRX and its hotted-up sibling, the STI, earn performance street cred by way of a grippy chassis, big power, and rally heritage. The 2021 WRX is almost absent any changes, save for newly standard keyless start on Premium models.
Like other Subarus, the WRX is powered by a flat-4 engine. This one, however, uses turbocharging to make 268 hp in standard form or 310 hp in STI trim. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the WRX, though buyers can opt for a CVT (that ironically includes paddle shifters). The manual is mandatory on the STI. All-wheel drive with a 50:50 power split is standard on both cars.
In base form with the manual, the WRX returns 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined. The CVT reduces those figures to 18/24/21 mpg, making this one of the few modern cars where the automatic transmission is less efficient than the manual. Those buying the STI should expect just 16/22/19 mpg.
Safety equipment varies by transmission choice. With the CVT, Subaru bundles in adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic emergency braking. You won't find any of those features on cars with the 6-speed.
Crash-test scores are commendable. The NHTSA awarded the WRX a five-star overall rating and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.
Full Review
Full Review
The 2021 WRX is almost absent any changes, save for newly standard keyless start on Premium models.
Like other Subarus, the WRX is powered by a flat-4 engine. This one, however, uses turbocharging to make 268 hp in standard form or 310 hp in STI trim. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the WRX, though buyers can opt for a CVT (that ironically includes paddle shifters). The manual is mandatory on the STI. All-wheel drive with a 50:50 power split is standard on both cars.
In base form with the manual, the WRX returns 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined. The CVT reduces those figures to 18/24/21 mpg, making this one of the few modern cars where the automatic transmission is less efficient than the manual. Those buying the STI should expect just 16/22/19 mpg.
Safety equipment varies by transmission choice. With the CVT, Subaru bundles in adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic emergency braking. You won't find any of those features on cars with the 6-speed.
Crash-test scores are commendable. The NHTSA awarded the WRX a five-star overall rating and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.
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Retail Price
| Engine | 2.0L H-4 |
| MPG | Up to 20 city / 27 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 268 @ 5600 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive all wheel |
| Curb Weight | 3,294 - 3,371 lbs |
