2019 Subaru WRX

There are three trims available for the standard WRX, the STI version is an entirely different car. The base trim is priced at $28,080. The second trim level is named the Premium trim and the top trim is the Limited trip. The top trim also comes in a limited edition grey exterior color with black exterior accents and Subaru will make only 750 of these.

Trim	Base	Premium	Limited
MSRP (AWD)	$28,080	$29,495	$31,795
Key Features	Automatic climate control	Features of the Base trim plus	Features of the Premium trim plus
	17-inch wheels	Power tilt/sliding moonroof	Keyless access with push-button start
	Hill-start assist	Heated front seats with all-weather package	LED Steering responsive headlights
	Performance tires	18-inch wheels	10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
	Track tuned suspension	7-inch infotainment screen	GPS navigation
	Leather-wrapped steering wheel	Fog lights	Subaru STARLINK safety and security.
	Subaru STARLINK multimedia infotainment system	Sports Lineartronic transmission.

While the base trim has seen an increase in a few features for this model year, it remains pretty basic. Move a trim and the car changes entirely with better interiors, more features for infotainment and safety, bigger wheels, and a better engine. The top trim offers even more convenience and infotainment features. The standard transmission in every trim is a 6-speed manual transmission but for an extra cost of $1,900, you can opt for an automatic CVT transmission which is only available in the Premium and Limited trims.

Which trim should you buy?

If you are seriously tight on budget then there is no option but to make do with the Base trim, but the best option to go for is the Premium trim. Premium trims offer slightly better interiors and more standard features, with a few added advanced safety features with a bigger and more user-friendly infotainment screen.

All three trims of the 2019 Subaru WRX come with the same engine. It is a 2.0L turbocharged flat-four engine, which is one of the peppiest engines to be found in cars today. This engine makes 268-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, it pushes the car off the mark like a rocket and offers performance that will keep you alert at all times. 

The power of the engine combined with the manual transmission and an intelligent AWD system makes the Subaru conquer almost everything that comes in its way. You will however notice that the turbo causes lag at times which is annoying as it takes away the pleasure from driving, as when you press on the accelerator hard to pull off, the car takes a while and then offers a surge of acceleration. 

For better optimization of power, buyers can always go for the available CVT transmission which is relaxing to have while stuck in regular stop and go city traffic. It also does a pretty good job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot with the available driving modes, this transmission also takes away the annoying turbo lag. 60 MPH comes up in the WRX in 6.2 seconds. 

Models	2019 Subaru WRX	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250	2019 Honda Civic Si	2019 Audi A3
MSRP	$28,080	$34,095	$25,195	$32,500
Engine	2.0L turbocharged Flat-Four	2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder	1.5L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder	2.0L Turbocharged Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic	6-speed manual	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power	268 hp @ 5,600 RPM	208 hp @ 5,500 RPM	205 hp @ 5,700 RPM	184 hp @ 4,300 RPM
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM	258 lb-ft @ 1,250 RPM	192 lb-ft @ 2,100 RPM	221 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM
0-60 MPH (seconds)	6.2	6.9	6.6	6.1
Quarter-Mile (seconds)	14.5	14.7	14.9	14.8
Top-Speed (MPH)	155	130	136	130

Among the rival manual transmission cars, there is no doubt that the WRX is the most powerful. Mercedes with less power offers similar torque but is lower than the Subaru in every other way. Mercedes is also the slowest to reach 60 MPH amongst the competitors. 

Audi is the least powerful but is fastest to 60MPH, faster than the Subaru with just 0.1 seconds, which in the real world will not make any difference and the result may be variable for such a close time. 

How well does the 2019 Subaru WRX handle?

The standard AWD system is a 50/50 split mechanical system with viscous coupling center differential this system combined with the strong chassis helps the Subaru deliver the most exciting and indulging driving experience. It keeps you on the edge at all times, and the full potential of the car can only be experienced when it is pushed to the limits. 

And on twisty mountain roads, or muddy countryside trails, it can drive with the same speed and offer the same driving dynamics. The steering is electronically assisted, but is one of the most accurate steering and makes the car move in the exact direction where you want it to go. 

The ride is a bit stiff because of the wheels, and sticky summer tires and the poorly insulated cabin takes slightly more comfort off from the ride; this is something you will notice often when driving around in the city over smooth surfaces. 

Braking Performance

There is nothing special about the brakes until you opt for the optionally available performance package which updates the brake pads of the WRX and gives it sharp and fade-free braking performance. 

The brakes also perform quite well, and with the standard sticky summer tires the car feels very grippy and these tires add to the braking performance helping it stop quickly. 

Models	2019 Subaru WRX	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250	2019 Honda Civic Si	2019 Audi A3
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)	12.4	12.6	13.8	12.3
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)	11.3	11.6	12	10.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,294	3,274	2,906	3,197
60-0 MPH (feet)	112	124	120	123

Honda has the biggest brakes on offer and is the lightest; it still goes further before coming to halt than the WRX. With the sticky tires and decently sized brakes the WRX takes the shortest distance to come to a halt, this shows what a combination of the right tires and brakes could do to help a car offer more braking performance.

The powerful and peppy engine is fun but comes with a compromise on fuel economy. It messes with the fuel economy of the WRX and the MPG figures stand at a point that is lower than a lot of other stick shift competition. 

EPA estimates that the engine when paired with the manual transmission will return 21/27/23 MPG for city/highway/combined driving cycles. The automatic transmission is more thirsty and offers 18/24/21 MPG; these figures are even lower than a few mid-size crossover SUVs of the day.

Models	2019 Subaru WRX	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250	2019 Honda Civic Si	2019 Audi A3
MPG (City)	21	24	28	26
MPG (Highway)	27	37	38	35
MPG (Combined)	23	29	32	29
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)	13	12	12.4	13.2
Range (City/Highway/Combined; miles)	273/351/299	288/444/348	347/471/397	343/462/383

While Subaru tries to compensate for the low fuel economy with a bigger fuel tank, it still would have to make more stops for refueling as it offers the least range among the competitors. Honda offers the best in class fuel economy and also has a slightly bigger tank than the Mercedes-Benz which allows for better range and fewer fuel stops. Audi offers the biggest fuel tank in the class, and respectable fuel economy figures as well. 

The interiors of the 2019 Subaru WRX are decent, to say the least. The base and Premium trims come with affordable and mediocre materials inside which offer good support and comfort. The front seats offer proper support and would accommodate anyone who sits with ease. 

The thin pillars all around and big windows and a precise driving position allow for clear visibility all around while providing an airy feel to the cabin. Starting from the Premium trim you get an option of Recaro Sports seats, but these seats come with non-adjustable bolsters. The rear seats are also supportive and can fit up to three comfortably. 

The Limited trim comes with leather upholstery, making the car feel a bit more premium than the price you pay for it, but the black and red color scheme will not be suited to everyone's taste. 

Models	2019 Subaru WRX	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250	2019 Honda Civic Si	2019 Audi A3
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	39.8/55.6/43.3	38.2/56.0/40.2	37.6/56.9/42.3	36.5/54.8/41.2
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches)	37.1/54.2/35.4	35.4/53.2/27.1	36.8/55/37.4	36.1/53/35.1
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)	12	13.1	14.7	12.3

Mercedes offers less space in the rear while Honda offers the most space in the front and rear. Honda Civic also has the biggest trunk followed by Mercedes and Subaru stands last in terms of cargo capacity as it has the smallest trunk standing at just 12 cubic feet. Audi due to the sloping roofline cuts short on the front as well as rear headroom, and also has a small trunk, identical to that of the Subaru. 

What’s there to keep you entertained?

As standard, the infotainment system inside the 2019 WRX is Subaru’s in-house Starlink infotainment system which comes incorporated in the 6.5-inch touchscreen display which comes right from the base model, while the higher trims get a 7-inch touch screen display with the same system. 

It comes with smartphone integration right from the base model and also offers few extra features. The infotainment system is decent, but comparing it with the rivals of the day it feels a bit dated and some updates need to be brought to the system ASAP. 

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

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Pandora App
• Aha music App
• Auxiliary input
• Two USB ports.

The design of the 2019 Subaru WRX is a debatable topic as for some it might be just the perfect design but for some, it is a simple and repetitive Subaru design that needs a bit of update. It looks a lot like the last generation Impreza and features some aggressive and sharp lines, fenders, and wings which give the car a sharp look. T

The 17-inch wheels are covered by big fender flares that bulge out to make the wheels look bigger than their actual size. The overall design does not have much to offer, and a few more design tweaks, curves, or lines could further enhance the look of this otherwise sharp and subtle-looking Subaru. 

Models	2019 Subaru WRX	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250	2019 Honda Civic Si	2019 Audi A3
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,294	3,274	2,906	3,197
Length (inches)	180.9	182.3	182.8	175.5
Width (inches)	70.7	70	70.8	70.7
Height (inches)	58.1	56.6	55.5	55.7
Ground Clearance (inches)	4.9	3.9	N/A	6.3
Wheelbase (inches)	104.3	106.3	106.3	103.8

Honda Civic is the lightest car but is the longest and also just 0.1 inches wider than the WRX. While WRX is the smallest and also has the shortest wheelbase it still offers better space inside than the Mercedes, and this small size also makes it easier to maneuver around the small city streets.

Being a fun car does not mean that Subaru Compromises safety. In the tests conducted by the top safety institutions, the WRX manages to pass with flying colors. IT manages to grab the title of ‘Top Safety Pick’ from IIHS with the topmost ‘Good’ rating for almost all the tests. NHTSA however has not yet tested the WRX for their crash test, thus they have not yet rated the car. 

Every WRX trim comes as standard with seven airbags, ABS, stability control, Driveline traction control while the higher trims come available with more advanced driver assistance features that include:

• Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist

2019 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

While Mercedes costs more than the Subaru, it offers a more premium interior, better features, more fuel economy, and a more comfortable ride, and advanced safety features. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is then a car for people who like to ride around in comfort and style while Subaru is more focused on what a younger generation would prefer to drive around.

2019 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Honda Civic Si

Honda is short on power in comparison to the WRX, but these compromises will hurt your pocket less while refueling as it is the most fuel-efficient. It is also more practical than the WRX as it offers more cabin space and a bigger trunk which makes it a better choice, but you will miss out on the exciting drive and blood pumping driving dynamics of the WRX. The choice then depends on which compromises you are happy to live with. 

2019 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Audi A3

Audi offers decent fuel economy, intuitive driving dynamics, although the rear seats and cargo space remain cramped, Audi is a German manufacturer, which means the interior is still more refined, upscale, and luxurious Subaru also offers a more planted and comfortable ride than the Subaru. 

The WRX from Subaru feels a bit expensive for a price that is just a little shy of the $30K mark for the base model. If you are a true enthusiast or a true Subaru fanboy and have the money, then the WRX will surely match your expectations. 

Luxury and comfort are not the high points of the car so are the subpar fuel economy but, if you happily accept these drawbacks, then the 2019 Subaru WRX will offer you a drive that will keep you smiling and happy every time you take the car for a spin. It’s a car which has immense quality to make every ride a joy ride.