Used 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX and 2020 WRX STI are two higher-performance variants based on the compact Impreza (which is reviewed separately). This might seem surprising to that section of Subaru buyers who like the company’s crossover SUVs and down-to-earth appeal. But the company has honed its racing talents in the field of rallying. It’s a form of motorsport that doesn’t get a lot of love in the United States, but it makes incredible demands of driver and machine alike. Subaru has won multiple world championships in this arena.

The 2020 WRX is the gentle introduction to greater thrills (or perhaps the saner option), with 268 horsepower. Rivals like the Honda Civic Si and VW Golf GTI can’t quite match up, with 203 and 228 horsepower, respectively. The more extreme 2020 WRX STI pits its 310 horses against the Civic Type-R’s 306 and the VW Golf R’s 288, although it is a bit pricier.

Few cars drive like this or sound like it. Subaru’s hallmark engine configuration of horizontally opposed cylinders (aka “boxer”) creates a distinctive soundtrack, but also brings a subtle handling benefit by keeping the car’s center of gravity lower than if the cylinders were upright and in a line.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter version in the 2020 WRX has enough muscle for most situations, sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in under six seconds, and has a free-revving quality to it. The STI version is noticeably punchier, reaching 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The 6-speed manual transmission’s ratios are spaced closely to keep power delivery at its optimum. And the shift action is a satisfying short throw.

The steering feel is meaty and full of feel, while the all-wheel-drive system provides astonishing grip and agility (WRXs with a manual transmission have a viscous-coupling center differential; CVT [continuously variable automatic transmission]-equipped versions have a planetary-gear center differential and a hydraulic transfer clutch).

Both cars are bearable enough for day-to-day duties, although engine and wind noise become more intrusive at higher speeds. And the firmer sport suspension of the 2020 STI requires extra levels of commitment and compromise.

Just easing into the driver’s seat of the 2020 WRX, adjusting the flat-bottomed steering wheel for height and reach, and looking over the big hood scoop provide the first of many thrills. When darting from corner to corner, it’s best to have simple controls set into the right places, exactly what Subaru has done. It’s also a boon to have great outward vision, which is excellent in these cars.

As is usually the case, there’s seating for five, but no one wants to sit in the middle position in the back. If transporting rear passengers is a frequent event, the Honda Civic has more legroom.

Among the few changes for the 2020 WRX STI is a revised front bumper incorporating larger air intakes. That works well for engine and brake cooling, while bringing more visual impact as well.

The STI (in Limited trim) also offers the choice between a trunk-mounted wing or a more discreet spoiler. For those who find the Civic Type-R’s styling juvenile, this lower-key approach could be ideal.

Both the 2020 WRX and STI have flared fenders and a quad-exhaust system. They serve their functions, but also look cool. Only the STI, however, has 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs and yellow calipers as standard.

EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEMS
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology is standard in WRX Premium and WRX Limited versions with the CVT. Features include lane-keeping assistance, active cruise control and a pre-collision system that applies the brakes automatically to prevent potential accidents, or at least lessen the effects of an actual collision.

WRX STI S209
As mentioned, only 200 units are being built for the United States. This isn’t just a go-faster version of the regular STI. It’s virtually custom-built at a separate STI facility. As well as 341 horsepower, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, Bilstein shock absorbers and Dunlop high-performance tires, the S209 also has a carbon-fiber roof.

The base 2020 WRX keeps its focus on driver appeal. Along with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a welcome feature. Other items include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, heated side mirrors, 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

The differences with the 2020 WRX STI amount to a more powerful engine, more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, sportier suspension setup, 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, plus upholstery with simulated suede/leather inserts and extra bolstering.

Potential buyers of the 2020 WRX need to decide if they want some driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision mitigation, since these only become available by choosing the CVT option. The WRX’s Premium trim also adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and heated front seats. The Limited trim brings leather upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and navigation.

Other options include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Recaro sport seats, and a 440-watt Harman Kardon audio system upgrade.

That scoop in the aluminum hood of the 2020 WRX and WRX STI is functional. It helps cool the air/fuel mixture before it enters the all-aluminum 4-cylinder engine and so maximizes horsepower.

The turbocharged engine in the WRX displaces 2.0 liters and develops 268 horsepower. In the STI, combustion area expands to 2.5 liters and output is 310 horsepower.

Both cars drive all four wheels through a standard-issue 6-speed manual transmission, while the 2020 WRX offers the option of a CVT at the upper two trim levels.

Premium fuel is required for each engine and consumption figures are not great. The manual-transmission WRX is expected to average 23 mpg (21 mpg with the CVT), while the STI manages around 19 mpg.

2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4
268 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg (manual), 18/24 mpg (automatic)

2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4
310 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
290 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg