Subaru’s hot little WRX, the sport compact with rally-car DNA, is redesigned for 2022 to the tune of a new engine and transmission, styling modifications, upgraded infotainment system, and a new GT trim level. Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive remains a constant.
All four trims in the 2022 WRX lineup – Base, Premium, Limited, GT – find a bit more power in a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Subaru’s signature boxer engine layout remains a constant.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a new CVT automatic transmission is optional on all but the GT model. It comes only in CVT format.
Fuel economy ratings for the WRX with a manual transmission are 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The numbers are 19/25/21 mpg for the automatic.
New architecture delivers a series of improvements that enrich driving performance and ride quality for the 2022 WRX.
Pricing with a $995 destination charge included starts at $30,100 for the base model with a manual transmission, and tops off with the GT at $42,890.
Subaru designed the 2022 WRX taillights to glow with a look “reminiscent of volcanic magma.” (Manufacturer photo)
Standard features of the base model WRX include 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, two USB ports, and a center information display with two 7.0-inch touchscreens, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and SiriusXM radio.
I drove the Premium trim with a manual transmission ($32,600). For the best blend of standard features and affordable pricing, this model looks most attractive. It has 18-inch wheels and adds desirable features such as LED foglights, premium seat fabric, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
Also standard is a safety feature I’d like to see mandatory on all vehicles in the Pacific Northwest, even if they require retrofitting and even if they’re just passing through: automatic headlight on/off linked with windshield wiper operation.
An upgraded multimedia system is another advantage of the Premium over the base model. Its 11.6-inch touchscreen has controls for infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings. Pertinent physical knobs are included for functions such as volume adjustment. Subaru puts the large screen to good use by making graphics large enough to be zeroed in on easily while driving. The enlargement does make the SiriusXM channel logos look more garish than usual, but it’s worth it.
An available option package ($1,875) for the Premium adds an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a power moonroof, two items near the top of my must-have list and noticeably absent from the test car.
WRX’s entertaining personality as a sport compact is well established, and this newest rendition reinforces the image. The clutch pedal and shifting into reverse require more effort than I like to see in a transmission, but the resistance training benefits were appreciated.
A new multimedia system with 11.6-inch touchscreen dominates the 2022 Subaru WRX interior. (Manufacturer photo)
2022 SUBARU WRX PREMIUM
Base price, including destination charge: $32,600
Price as driven: $32,600
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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