Next Gen Rally Rocket: Subaru Debuts 2022 WRX with More Turbo Muscle
Want to feel old? Think about this. It’s been almost exactly 20 years since Subaru first brought the WRX to American shores.
The Next Chapter for an Icon
In the ‘90s the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive WRX had already made a name for itself in the Japanese market and internationally in rally competition, so it was a very big deal when Subaru began importing it to America for the 2002 model year.
Now, two decades later, Subaru has just unveiled the all-new 2022 WRX, a much-anticipated replacement for the current model which dates back to the 2015 model year.
At its core, the new WRX is the same as it's always been, with a turbocharged boxer engine driving all four wheels—but the new model is the first one to ride on Subaru’s modernized global platform.
More Displacement & More Power
There are some key changes compared to the outgoing WRX though, starting under the hood where the turbo flat-four now displaces 2.4L, up from 2.0 liters on the old model.
Rated power figures are up just slightly from the old car with horsepower at 271 along with 258 pound feet of torque. The added displacement should make for a better torque curve than the old car, which could feel peaky.
Subaru has also kept the manual transmission alive, with an upgraded six-speed stick shift being standard, along with an optional “Subaru Performance Transmission” which is a reworked CVT that’s been designed to feel and perform like a dual-clutch automatic.
Elsewhere, the 2022 WRX will benefit from its new platform with increased rigidity and lower NVH than the old model, along with improved interior space.
The cabin also gets a thorough redesign with all of the latest tech, including a vertically oriented 11.6-inch infotainment display on most models.
Familiar Name with a New Look
The biggest deviation from past WRXs comes on the outside, where the new model features textured fenders and lower body trim that give the new car a crossover-like from some angles. For those who aren’t into this look, a darker color will be the way to go.
Subaru didn’t release any pricing info for the 2022 WRX, but it’s scheduled to hit dealerships early next year—assuming it doesn’t experience any of the supply delays affecting many automakers these days.
And sometime soon the WRX should be followed up with a next-generation WRX STI, though we aren’t yet sure exactly what form Subaru’s new performance flagship will take.
And with a lineup that includes both a new generation WRX and a new generation BRZ, it’s nice to see Subaru continue to develop exciting cars that aren’t just crossover SUVs.
More From Driving Line
Want to see more about Subaru's other new performance car? We've got all the details on the 2022 BRZ right here.
