2015 Subaru WRX

After the complete redesign, the 2015 Subaru WRX continues to be available in three trim levels. Even the base model is fairly well equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-speaker audio, automatic climate control, and more. Upgrading to the Premium trim adds some luxuries like heated front seats, a power-adjustable moonroof, and some exterior features like fog lights and a trunk spoiler. 

The range-topping Limited trim further adds automatic LED headlights, leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and welcome lighting. Both the Premium and Limited trims can also be bought with the optional sport Lineartronic® CVT transmission with paddle shifters.

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Since WRXs are lapped up by enthusiasts looking for affordable performance, even the base model will suffice with plenty of features like automatic climate control, alloy wheels, a 6-speaker infotainment system, and a lot more, making it the pick of the lot. However, if you’re looking for an automatic, upgrading to the mid-range Premium trim will be a better choice.

Along with the redesign, the 2015 Subaru WRX comes with an all-new 2.0L turbocharged flat-4 engine as standard, which produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A new CVT automatic transmission is also available as an option. As expected with a WRX, the 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel-drive system are standard. Although overall performance is slightly compromised because of the smaller engine, the new WRX feels faster than the outgoing model. As always, Subaru’s signature flat-4 engine setup helps weight distribution and improves handling. The torque is also spread out across the rev range, making the engine feel responsive right from 2,000 RPM. The new engine feels more responsive, especially in the mid-range, and refinement levels have also improved.

Subaru has also fiddled around with the all-wheel-drive system, which now gets torque-vectoring to improve traction through the corners. The new CVT automatic transmission almost matches the manual in terms of acceleration, reaching 60 MPH in just 6 seconds compared to the manual's 5.4 second time. Steering wheel-mounted paddles are also available for manual shifting. Compared to the regular Impreza, the WRX gets upgraded suspension components including stiffer shocks, quicker spring rates, beefier anti-sway bars, and a stiffer chassis to improve handling, and it gives the WRX an edge over its competitors, especially through the corners with plenty of feedback and well-weighted steering.

With the latest updates and standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru WRX walks away from its rivals in the sprint to 60 mph. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution takes the second spot, while both the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Jetta GLI come last with similar timings. Subaru WRX beats all the rivals with an evident margin in terms of outright acceleration and the story remains the same even in the quarter-mile run.

For a performance car, the new 2015 WRX is surprisingly efficient thanks to the new drivetrain, returning 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the CVT-equipped models are slightly less efficient, returning just 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 15.9-gallon fuel tank is the biggest in its class, lending the WRX an impressive highway range of 445 miles.

With the new 2.0L engine, the Subaru WRX is surprisingly efficient, delivering a combined rating of 24 mpg which is significantly higher than its direct rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. However, both the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Jetta get a simpler drivetrain and lighter chassis, allowing them to eke out a combined efficiency of 26 mpg. The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta GLI SE offers the best highway range in the competition.

Subaru has always fallen short in terms of interior quality and the 2015 WRX is no exception. Although there are some improvements over the outgoing model in terms of quality and refinement, it still has a long way to go. The overall cabin design gets a simple and straightforward layout with the multi-information display placed above the center stack, giving out plenty of information including a boost gauge and all-wheel-drive operation. The all-black dashboard gets some silver and red accents to distinguish itself from the standard Impreza along with a chunky gear knob. 

Other notable additions include the sporty aluminum pedals and chunky flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated controls. Cabin and material quality is average for the price, although rivals like the Volkswagen Jetta and Ford Focus offer a more premium experience with better insulation. The ergonomics are spot-on and you’ll feel right at home the moment you start driving the WRX thanks to well-placed controls and accurate steering wheel and gear lever placement. 

Subaru has carved out a lot more space on the inside thanks to the longer wheelbase. The rear legroom is adequate for adults and has increased by 2 inches compared to the last generation model. There is plenty of support for all five passengers. Both the front seats get extra bolstering with firmer and grippier cushions. Overall visibility is also improved thanks to the slimmer pillars and higher seating position. Cargo space is also adequate at 12 cubic feet, although the discontinuation of the hatchback model will limit practicality compared to rivals. 

Thanks to the updated chassis with a longer wheelbase, the WRX now offers more interior space than all of its rivals. However, cargo capacity is limited to just 12 cubic feet, which is significantly lower than the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. In comparison, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the least practical option here with just 9.1 cubic feet on offer. 

Some of the standout interior features include the following: 

• Automatic climate control
• Welcome lighting
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable moonroof
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

How intuitive is the 2015 Subaru WRX’s infotainment unit?

Despite the upgrades and performance improvements, Subaru's infotainment system still falls short of its rivals with sluggish menus and a below-average audio system. An optional navigation system is also available along with features like a CD player, HD, and satellite radio, USB port with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a 3.5mm audio jack. A 4.3-inch information display is also available as a standard that displays playback and other information. 

Unfortunately, the upgraded 9-speaker audio system from the STI models is not available even as an option, limiting customers to the regular 6-speaker system with average sound quality. The optional touchscreen navigation is reserved for the Premium and Limited trims and gets a 6.1-inch display with features like voice control, smartphone app integration, and more. 

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• 6-speaker audio
• Satellite and HD radio
• USB port with iPod compatibility
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity
• CD player
• 4.3-inch color multi-information display

Compared to the regular Impreza sedan, the 2015 Subaru WRX gets plenty of design elements like flared fenders, bumpers, lighting, and a massive hood scoop that's a signature element of all WRXs. The low set LED headlights and grille give it an aggressive and rally-ready look that's unmistakably a Subaru. A subtle body kit is also provided including a front lip with air vents at both ends. 

At the rear, the all-black diffuser integrates well with the quad outlet exhausts and a subtle trunk spoiler. The top-end STI models get a lot more design elements including a massive rear wing and BBS alloy wheels, both of which are missing in the regular WRX. All models get 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. Overall, the new WRX looks more like an evolution of the outgoing model than a revolution. 

In terms of dimensions, the Subaru WRX is now identical to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Volkswagen Jetta GLI, with a similar wheelbase. As expected, the Ford Focus ST looks the most compact because of its hatchback body style. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution TC-SST is the heaviest car in the competition and also remains the widest of all. It also offers the best ground clearance compared to the other rivals.

Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• All-black diffuser
• Functional hood scoop
• Trunk spoiler
• Quad outlet exhausts

Thanks to the updated chassis which is now stiffer overall and a long list of standard safety features, the 2015 Subaru WRX is one of the safest options in its class, earning a “good” overall rating in the IIHS safety tests. However, the NHTSA hasn’t put the latest WRX through their safety tests yet. 

Compared to the outgoing model, the WRX gets a driver’s knee airbag as well as a rearview camera system for improved safety. Other notable additions include vehicle dynamics control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and whiplash protection front seats, all of which are available as standard. 

Some standard safety features include the following:

• Brake assist
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear-view camera
• Driver’s side knee airbag

Fortunately, the latest redesign has made the 2015 Subaru WRX an even better option than the outgoing model with improved interior space, an updated drivetrain with more refinement and efficiency, and a longer feature list. It still handles exceptionally well for a compact car with a standard all-wheel drive and a new torque vectoring system. Although there are some nuances like the limited trunk space, refinement, and overall reliability, the WRX is still among the best options if you’re looking for performance on a budget.