The 2022 Subaru WRX is now arriving at Subaru retailers. Which trim is right for you and has the best performance value?
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The 2022 Subaru WRX is arriving now, but which trim is best for you? The next-generation 2022 WRX comes in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and new GT.
What's new for 2022?
All 2022 WRX get a new FA24 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine with minor power upgrades. The outgoing FA20 2.0-liter engine produced 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The all-new 2.4-liter DIT 2022 WRX turbocharged flat-four Boxer gets a small bump in power and now has 271 horsepower and the same 258 lb-ft of torque.
The WRX comes with a 6-speed manual shifter refined for improved shift quality and a new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic), which Subaru says "offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts (2nd to 3rd) and 50 percent faster downshifts (3rd to 2nd)." The new Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) is available on all trim levels (standard on the GT trim).
The other new 2022 WRX improvements include a tablet-style 11.6-inch Starlink Multimedia Plus infotainment system and the latest generation EyeSight driver assist technology. The next-generation WRX rides on the Subaru Global Platform with increased rigidity.
The WRX also gets new exterior upgrades to the front and rear. At the front, the hexagonal grille is widened and paired with compact LED headlights and a broad hood scoop. Subaru says the rear taillights are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma.
A new GT trim level
The 2022 WRX gets a new GT trim level with electronically controlled dampers with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. A new Drive Mode Select allows the driver to configure up to 430 customization options for steering feel, damper settings, and SI-Drive settings. The settings are configured through the 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia display.
The GT trim gets Recaro performance front seats trimmed with black Ultrasuede with contrasting red stitching and embossed the "Recaro" logo on the seatbacks. The performance seats are complemented by black Ultrasuede adorned throughout the interior. The driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustments.
Also exclusive to the GT trim level are 18-in aluminum alloy wheels in the matte gray finish wrapped in 245/40 R18 summer performance tires.
What is the price of the 2022 Subaru WRX?
The 2022 WRX 6-speed manual trim level starts at $30,100. The WRX with Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) is $31,950, WRX Premium 6-speed manual is $32,600, WRX Premium SPT is $34,650, WRX Limited 6-speed manual is $36,990, WRX Limited SPT is $39,240, and WRX GT is $42,890. Pricing includes destination and deliver fees ($995).
What trim level is the best performance value?
We would pick the 2022 WRX Premium trim with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It offers the most features and the best performance value.
With gas prices continuing to rise, what is the WRX fuel mileage?
The EPA says the 2022 Subaru WRX fuel mileage estimates with the 6-speed manual sports car now getting 19/26 city/highway and 22 combined mpg, a drop of one mpg over the 2021 model. The 2021 WRX 2.0-liter engine had 20/27 city/highway and 23 combined mpg.
The 2022 Subaru WRX with the Subaru Performance Transmission (CVT automatic) improves one mpg city/highway. The 2022 WRX CVT gets 19/25 city/highway and 21 combined mpg. The 2021 WRX 2.0-liter engine with the CVT had 18/24 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Do you have to run premium gas in the 2022 WRX?
Another change Subaru made to the all-new 2022 WRX 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is it does not require 91 octane premium unleaded fuel. Subaru says 91 octane is recommended but not required. You can run the cheaper 89 octane gas and still have good performance.
John Gray, Field Quality Assurance Manager with Subaru of America's Service and Quality Department, says the new WRX is designed to run correctly even when the optimal fuel grade isn't available.
The Owner's Manual states for WRX: "The engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher." However, fuel with an octane rating of 87 can be used with no detriment to engine durability.
The 2022 Subaru WRX is now arriving at Subaru retailers. You can build your WRX trim level here.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Super disappointed in Subaru
Super disappointed in Subaru dropping the new STi however the response has been pretty muted so I guess it doesn't really matter. Those that can afford it have simply moved on to the AMG A45S or the Audi RS3, both of which Subaru should have stepped up their game and competed with some 5 years ago now and the 5th Gen STi could have run for 7 years no problems until 2024 when the electrified version was released. Subaru totally dropped the ball, cannot believe it.
I couldn't agree more. I've
I couldn't agree more. I've been waiting for the STI and the news hit like a ton of brinks. I am not at all interested in the WRX at this point and will keep my late model STI going as long as I can because I see no other similar option, at least none that I can afford. I'm only partially blaming Subaru, my hate is directed at government beaurocratic regulations forcing the push to electric vehicles.