2017 Subaru WRX

The 2017 Subaru WRX is only available as a sedan and can be had in base, Premium, and Limited trims. The WRX STI comes only in base and Limited trim levels and is reviewed separately. Subaru priced the 2017 WRX from a starting range of $26,695 up to $30,995.

Standard features include 17-inch wheels, a trunk-lid spoiler, cruise control, sport front seats with cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, a 6.2-inch information display, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and Subaru's Starlink six-speaker infotainment system with a 6.2-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, CD player, USB, and auxiliary inputs and smartphone app integration.

Next-in-line is the WRX Premium, which adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sunroof, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icers, and heated mirrors. The top-end WRX Limited model adds an eight-way power driver seat, leather-trimmed upholstery, LED low-beam headlights, keyless ignition, and a 7-inch Starlink touchscreen.

We Recommend

We recommend the Premium trim level as it offers the best combination of value and performance-inspired equipment. Unlike the base WRX, which is available only with a six-speed manual transmission, WRX Premium can be had with the Sport Lineartonic CVT. 

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2017 WRX with a manual transmission is 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. With the CVT automatic, the WRX returns one of the lowest ratings, 18 city/24 highway.

Among the competitors, the WRX may have the most potent engine but it is also the thirstiest. The 2017 Honda Civic Si returns 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, way ahead of the WRX. 

"The WRX’s cabin prioritizes function over form. It’s well-designed and features quality materials, but it doesn’t have the upscale feel of some rival cabins" -Cars.usnews.com

2017 WRX Seating and Comfort

The WRX seats up to five people and offers decent interior space. In front, there is ample elbow room for adults and sport seats with cloth upholstery come standard. For an upscale ride, the WRX has available leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. For a long road trip, there is plenty of room all around and seats are comfortable. More emphasis is on the performance rather than the interior, making it a driver's car.

The driving position is spot-on while the slim roof pillars offer excellent outward visibility. The manual controls on the dashboard are easily accessible through the dash is sober and not fashionable. Primary gauges and multifunction LCD display rests in the middle of the dash. The matte-silver trim covers the vast expense of black and makes the cabin look handsome.

Optional Interior features include:

• EyeSight front collision mitigation system
• adaptive cruise control,
• automated emergency
• braking and lane departure
• warning/intervention systems,
• plus an electronic parking brake
• steering-responsive foglights that help illuminate corners and curves.

2017 WRX Infotainment

The WRX’s standard 6.2-inch screen with Starlink interface is an easy-to-use infotainment system. It features HD Radio, Pandora smartphone integration, Bluetooth, Sport, an auxiliary jack, and satellite radio. Available features include a navigation system, a 7-inch touch screen, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Key Infotainment Features:

Here is a list of the other standard features in the 2017 Subaru WRX's cabin:

• standard 6.2-inch touchscreen,
• connectivity with Aha,
• satellite radio,
• Pandora smartphone integration,
• Bluetooth, Sport, and auxiliary jack.
• a standard rearview camera.
• Starlink 7.0 navigation system which adds a larger touchscreen

2017 WRX Cargo volume

The WRX has 12 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is one of the smallest in the compact car class. In comparison, most of the WRX's rivals including the Honda Civic sedan has a 15-cubic-foot trunk and the VW GTI hatchback offers cavernous 22.8 cubic feet of cargo volume,

The 2017 WRX has a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat that allows you to expand the trunk volume in order to haul longer objects.

"This little sports sedan has taken on an identity all its own. The front and rear fenders flare aggressively, the "nose-cone" front-end design uniquely fits this aggressive sports sedan, and impressively thin windshield pillars provide better visibility for more confident high-speed maneuvers. - Kelley Blue Book"

2017 WRX Dimensions and Weight

The Subaru WRX's exterior styling has always been attention-grabbing but it seems Subaru has spent more money on the drivetrain than the looks. Since the WRX is built from a basic Impreza sedan, it looks more subtle and discreet. Subaru adds large air intakes and spoilers with other small changes. Also, the car has been tweaked to look wider and bolder.

The WRX is 180.9 inches long, the longest car in the class. Its curb weight ranges from 3,272 to 3,470 pounds, depending on the configuration you choose. Also, the flat-four engine pushes the car closer to the ground, thus the 4.9 inches of ground clearance is justified for a spirited drive.

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• cruise control
• automatic climate control
• a sunroof
• the deep front air dam and a unique grille,
• deeply set (and functional) hood scoop
• LED low-beam headlights on upgraded models
• 17- and 18-inch wheels

The 2017 WRX a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and WRX trims outfitted with the optional EyeSight Driver Assistance package gets a Superior rating in the front crash prevention. Every WRX comes with a brake assist, ABS brakes, daytime running lights, and a rear vision camera.

The WRX Limited gets the optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Available upgrades include blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS and Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Daytime running lights

2017 Subaru WRX vs 2017 Honda Civic

The 2017 Civic Si's engine output doesn't match the Subaru WRX's horsepower rating, but the Civic is still agile and fun to drive. The Honda Civic has a lot of practical advantages, as it offers spacious seats, a large amount of cargo space, top safety ratings, above-average predicted reliability, and an outstanding fuel economy rating.

All these reasons make the Civic a better fit for families. However, the WRX is an enthusiastic drive targeted at buyers looking for performance in a practical package, better than muscle cars.

2017 Subaru WRX vs 2017 VW Golf GTI

The difference between the VW GTI and Subaru WRX starts with the body style. The VW is available in a hatchback with its own advantages such as more cargo space and agile maneuvering. This generation WRX is available as a sedan only. Pricing also plays an important factor, as WRX is priced way ahead of the hot hatch. 

The WRX has more power and is a track-ready vehicle even in the standard trim while the GTI is no wimp either but lacks the power. GTI's convenient hatchback design, upscale interior, and superior fuel economy attract the buyers to trade about 50 horsepower for a more refined daily driving experience.

If your mind is set on the Subaru hen you should go for it. But if you give consideration to other things along with this you would definitely end up making wise decisions because a better-rounded car and better deals await you. Many other cars in the class have nicer cabins with more modern tech features. Also, fuel economy and trunk space are both below average for the class. The WRX's some shortcomings dominated largely by interiors make it concede to a lower rank. The Honda Civic has an upscale interior, along with engaging driving dynamics from its performance trims. The VW GTI is one of the sportiest cars in the class. Both of these rivals cost much less than the WRX, though neither offers all-wheel drive.