2024 Subaru WRX Review: A Gearhead's Guide to the 2024 Subaru WRX TR with Manual Transmission

The Subaru WRX has always been a legendary car. Part rally racer, part everyday warrior, it carved a niche for drivers who craved both performance and practicality. But times change, and rivals emerge. The 2024 WRX finds itself in a new landscape, one where its once-unique blend is no longer quite so singular. Still, the WRX's heart beats strong beneath the hood.

While the 2024 WRX has gained some sophistication, the competition has gotten feistier. Hot hatches like the Hyundai Elantra N and the Toyota GR Corolla are throwing down the gauntlet, offering similar levels of performance with a more aggressive, in-your-face attitude. This begs the question: has the WRX lost its edge in the pursuit of refinement? Let's see how this machine stacks up against the competition.

The 2024 Subaru WRX is offered in five trims: Base, Premium, Limited, TR, and GT. 

The entry point comes with the base trim at $33,855, offering the core WRX experience with its muscular turbocharged engine and standard six-speed manual transmission. For an extra $1,900, the Premium trim adds some comfort and convenience features like LED fog lights, aluminum pedal covers, and an upgraded infotainment system. Stepping up to the Limited trim for $40,135 brings in luxuries like leather seating, a sunroof, and a power driver's seat. If pure performance is your priority, the TR trim awaits at $42,775. It offers Brembo brakes, sharper handling with stiffer springs and a retuned steering rack, grippy high-performance tires, and supportive Recaro seats, all while staying true to the enthusiast spirit with its standard manual transmission.

Finally, the top-of-the-line GT trim sits at $45,335, pampering you with an electronically adjustable suspension, an Ultrasuede interior with red stitching, and the convenience of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) alongside the usual WRX performance.

What's New For 2024?

While the WRX has gained some sophistication in recent years, some might argue it lost a bit of its raw, rally-bred character. Enter the range-topping TR model. This isn't your grandpa's stripped-down WRX aimed at tuners. This TR comes loaded with goodies straight from the factory, putting the focus squarely on driving thrills.

I am talking Brembo brakes for superior stopping power, stiffer springs for sharper handling, a retuned steering rack for a more communicative feel, and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires that offer insane levels of grip. Subaru hasn't forgotten about comfort either, tossing in Recaro seats that hug you in tight during spirited drives. And to top it all off, the TR comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the perfect partner for those who crave a truly connected driving experience.

But the upgrades don't stop with the TR. For 2024, WRX models equipped with the manual transmission finally get the driver-assistance features previously reserved for CVT models. This means you can have your cake and eat it too – a thrilling drive with the safety net of modern tech. So, is the 2024 WRX a return to form for Subaru's performance icon? Let's buckle up and find out.

What engine and power does the 2024 Subaru WRX use under the hood?

The heart of every 2024 WRX is a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four cylinder engine, pumping out 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This potent powerplant pairs with either a standard six-speed manual transmission, the enthusiast's dream, or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for those who prefer a smoother ride. Subaru's legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, ensuring all-weather confidence and impressive grip.

The automatic transmission offers a twist: paddle shifters on the steering wheel for those who crave a more interactive experience. It also offers three selectable drive modes, letting you tailor the car's personality to your mood – comfort for cruising, sport for a more spirited drive, and Sport Sharp for maximum attack on twisty roads. The manual shifting is very soft and works like butter.

The range-topping GT trim takes things a step further with electronically adjustable dampers, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension for your ideal balance of comfort and handling. Standard 17- or 18-inch wheels wrapped in summer performance tires provide impressive grip, but for the ultimate stick, the TR trim steps up with even grippier rubber.

The drive is very smooth and refined, but the TR trim takes things to a whole new level. While tuners might find less to modify due to the TR's factory upgrades, the Brembo brakes, stiffer suspension, and retuned steering deliver a noticeably sharper driving experience, making the TR a true joy to push to its limits.

As for fuel economy, the WRX prioritizes thrills over sipping gas. The EPA estimates a combined 22 mpg for the manual transmission and 21 mpg for the CVT. City/highway fuel economy for the manual transmission is 19/26 respectively. Some reviewers say they got 28 miles per gallon on the highway. So, while you might not be setting any fuel-efficiency records, the WRX won't leave you stranded at the pump either. For more detailed information, be sure to check out the EPA's website.

Inside the WRX: A Focus on Function with a Touch of Sport

While the 2024 WRX prioritizes driving thrills, the interior isn't completely spartan. Inside you'll find a familiar Subaru layout, but with some sporty flair. Carbon-fiber-like accents and red contrast stitching add a touch of excitement, reminding you that this isn't your average grocery getter, although, I did go to for grocery shopping a few times while testing the 2024 WRX.

As I stepped inside I was "greeted" by a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel that feels great in your hands, and a set of clear, analog gauges keeps essential information right in your eyeline. For those who crave a luxurious touch, the top-tier GT trim pampers you with bolstered Recaro front seats upholstered in microsuede, keeping you firmly planted during spirited drives.

Functionality isn't forgotten either. The WRX retains Subaru's trademark practicality with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, allowing for easy access to the trunk whenever you need to haul extra gear. Overall, the WRX's interior might not win any awards for extravagance, but it provides a comfortable and functional environment focused on the driver and the task at hand – pure driving enjoyment.

Infotainment and connectivity of the 2024 Subaru WRX

The 2024 WRX won't leave you disconnected from the digital world. Every 2024 WRX comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, but there's a bit of a size difference depending on the trim you choose. The base model features a more compact 7.0-inch display, perfectly functional for handling navigation and audio. However, if you step up to any of the other trims, you'll be greeted by a larger, vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen that dominates the center console. This larger screen provides a more modern and immersive experience, perfect for browsing maps, displaying music information, or diving into your favorite podcasts.

While the system is primarily touch-driven, Subaru hasn't forgotten about the importance of physical buttons. Climate controls and stereo functions get their own dedicated knobs and buttons, a welcome touch for those who prefer a less distracting way to adjust settings on the fly.

For those who love better audio, an optional 11-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system is available, transforming the WRX's cabin into a concert hall on wheels. But even with the standard audio system, you'll be able to crank up the tunes thanks to smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring your favorite playlists are always within reach. So, whether you're navigating a twisty mountain road or cruising down the highway, the 2024 WRX keeps you informed and entertained.

Regarding safety, the 2024 WRX offers a suite of driver-assistance technologies, but there's a catch – these features are only available on models equipped with the automatic transmission. It's a bit of a head-scratcher for purists who prefer the manual gearbox, but for those who prioritize a safety net alongside their thrills, the WRX has you covered. This suite includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a system that can potentially help you avoid a collision or lessen its severity. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist can help keep you centered in your lane, while adaptive cruise control allows you to set a desired speed and let the car handle the acceleration and braking in highway traffic.

Exterior Design Specifics of the 2024 Subaru WRX

The 2024 WRX retains its signature muscular stance, instantly recognizable to any rally enthusiast. The wide, aggressive hood hints at the potent engine lurking beneath, while functional hood scoops channel air for optimal performance. Sharp lines and sculpted fenders create a sense of movement even when the car is parked, promising a thrilling driving experience.

Subaru hasn't strayed too far from the WRX's winning formula, but a closer look reveals some interesting details.

The hexagonal grille, a hallmark of modern Subarus, integrates seamlessly into the front fascia, flanked by standard LED headlights with a distinctive C-shaped design. These headlights not only provide excellent nighttime visibility but also add a touch of modern sophistication to the WRX's traditionally rugged persona. At the rear, smoked taillights with a double-C motif echo the headlights, creating a cohesive design language. A subtle rear spoiler completes the picture, adding a touch of aerodynamic downforce without being overly ostentatious. The overall impression is one of a car that's both purposeful and ready to unleash its inner strength.

How The 2024 Subaru WRX Drives

The 2024 Subaru WRX isn't just some grocery-getter in a sporty costume. This WRX TR is a precision instrument, built for the driver who craves control. The moment you grip that perfectly weighted shift knob, a primal connection forms. Every purposeful clutch engagement, every perfectly timed gear change, feels like a victory lap for your inner driver. Does your daily commute feel like a chore? Not anymore. Every errand becomes an opportunity to unleash the WRX TR's potential, a chance to rediscover the joy of driving.

Now, some might say the WRX has matured, a bit too comfortable. But fear not, purists! The TR trim is here to bridge the gap. Brembo brakes that bite like a champ, sharper steering that whispers secrets of the road, and tires that stick like racing slicks – this WRX TR begs to be pushed. It's a willing accomplice in your quest for driving nirvana.

But what exactly sets the TR apart? Let's shift gears for a moment (pun intended) and delve into the TR's exclusive upgrades.

The TR Advantage:

• Sharpened Handling: Forget numb steering. The TR's retuned steering gives you pinpoint accuracy, letting you feel exactly where the car is headed. It's like having a telepathic connection to the pavement.
• Stopping Power on Point: Those everyday brakes might feel…well, everyday. But the TR's Brembo brakes haul you back from speed with confidence-inspiring authority. Panic stops become a thing of the past, replaced by smooth, controlled deceleration.
• Stickier Than Ever: Regular WRX tires are good, but the TR's performance rubber is phenomenal. They provide grip levels that defy physics, letting you take corners with a grin that won't quit.

So, is the 2024 Subaru WRX TR with a manual transmission the perfect car? Well, perfection is subjective. But for those who crave a visceral, engaging driving experience, a car that rewards skill and begs to be pushed, the WRX TR stands alone. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most thrilling rides are the ones you orchestrate yourself.

Now, it's your turn. What are your must-haves on a performance car? Manual or automatic? Tell me in the comments by clicking the red link below – let's get this driver conversation started!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.