NEMPA’s Surprise Subaru Pick As The Best Winter Vehicle

Which Subaru model is the best for severe New England winter driving? NEMPA gives the Best Winter Vehicle Award to the most unlikely Subaru all-wheel-drive vehicle. You wouldn't think it's the best model. 

Would you pick this Subaru model?

If you could pick any Subaru model, which would you rather be driving in a blinding snowy blizzard? I like the Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek to get me through deep snow. They come with Subaru's excellent X-Mode and can handle the worst weather conditions. Find out more in my X-Mode report here.

NEMPA's surprise pick.

At the recent annual summer New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) Winter Vehicle Awards Dinner, the 2024 Subaru WRX was unexpectedly crowned the 'official winter vehicle of New England '. This surprise pick by NEMPA certainly raised some eyebrows. It surprised me. 

"New England winters can be tough. Unlike any other part of the country, this region boasts a harrowing combination of topography, inclement weather, and some of the oldest roads in the country (our Main Streets often evolved from colonial cow paths). If you don't have the right equipment, winter in New England can be inconvenient at best and treacherous at worst," says George Kennedy. 

Dominick Infante, Director of Corporate Communications, Subaru of America, was on hand to accept the award. He gave an acceptance speech thanking the NEMPA for the honor. I'm sure he was as surprised as anyone.

The WRX gets the nod. 

The WRX is the Subaru all-wheel-drive model that is unlikely to get the best winter vehicle award. The WRX has Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, but it's a sports car, not an SUV with extra ground clearance. 

Former NEMPA President Craig Fitzgerald says, "The ultimate winter vehicle has the tools to get through New England winters without detracting from its drivability and usability the rest of the year."

The WRX doesn't have a deep snow/deep mud setting like Subaru's SUVs.

When I think of severe winter driving, I know what I'm talking about. I live in the snow country of Colorado, where we measure it in feet, not inches. I think of the Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek with 8.7 inches of ground clearance (more on Wilderness trims) and their excellent X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode that will get you out of a sticky situation. Get more information in my report here. 

Lisa Brock says, "The Winter Vehicle of the Year Awards are part of an annual tradition where excellence is recognized across various automotive categories. While NEMPA journalists constantly evaluate vehicles throughout the year, the membership gathers every February to put numerous manufacturers' vehicles to the ultimate test in New England's harsh winter weather. These evaluations are conducted at a one-day event at NEMPA headquarters in Middleborough, Massachusetts."

Don't get me wrong.

I've owned a WRX sports car and have driven the vehicle in severe weather situations when most sports cars sit in the garage. But I also had winter-rated tires on the sport sedan. It makes a significant difference. Read my winter tire report here. 

On a weeklong test, I also tested the all-wheel-drive tech of the Subaru WRX STI in a Colorado snowstorm. You can check out my report here.

Ok, so which Subaru model is the best? I would have picked the Outback Wilderness.

NEMPA did pick the Subaru Outback Wilderness in 2022. At its annual Winter Vehicle Awards in 2022, it was America's best-in-class all-wheel-drive wagon. Read my report here. 

John Goreham, Torque News writer and member of NEMPA drove the rugged 2022 Outback Wilderness and said, "Over dirt roads in NH, this thing is brilliant."

Goreham said the "minus-sized" high profile 17" tires are his favorite part of the car (Outback Wilderness). 

"If you are a Subaru fan buying your Subie for off-road adventure, the Outback Wilderness stands above the rest of the line. The added torque from the turbocharged engine, added ground clearance and more suitable tires are just what every Subie owner wants in their heart of hearts," said Goreham.

Back to the WRX.

The WRX is no slouch in the snow.

It's important to note that the WRX is not just a sports car but a reliable companion even in the most challenging winter conditions. Its performance in the snow is a testament to its capabilities. Here's why.

The Subaru WRX is the best winter sports car.

The WRX with 6-speed manual transmission uses a viscous-coupling locking bevel-gear center differential built into the transmission case and distributes torque 50:50 front-to-rear. Slippage at the front or rear wheels causes torque to transfer (up to 100 percent) to the opposite set of wheels.

The WRX equipped with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) gets a different setup. It uses an electronically managed variable transfer clutch that controls torque distribution in acceleration, deceleration, and cornering. It also causes torque to transfer (up to 100 percent) to the opposite set of wheels if the front or rear wheels begin to slip. WRX shares this with all Subaru models equipped with the CVT automatic.

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru WRX?

The 2024 WRX 6-speed manual trim level starts at $33,855. The WRX Premium 6-speed manual is $35,755, The WRX Premium with Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) is $37,105, the WRX Limited 6-speed manual is $40,135, the WRX Limited SPT is $41,685, the all-new WRX TR 6-speed manual is $42,775, and WRX GT SPT is $45,335. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,120).

What's next for the Subaru WRX?

The WRX won't get new winter driving upgrades, but it could get power upgrades in year four of its lifecycle, but Subaru has not announced or confirmed this. They could wait until the fifth year of its life cycle in 2026. 

Here's the big question.

Will Subaru bring back the WRX hatchback? I have covered this in detail in previous reports. This is the big question about the WRX. Its sedan body style is dated and is not a current body style performance fans want. Fans want a hot WRX hatch. Whether Subaru will bring back the 5-door hatch is anyone's guess. Subaru is tight-lipped about future model changes. 

If you aren't excited about the 2024 Subaru WRX, wait a year or two. The WRX will get a refresh and possibly new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine power upgrades. But with Subaru, there are no absolutes. Stay tuned. 

Until then

The WRX is awarded the best sports car for driving in severe winter weather. The guys in New England should know. 

What are your winter driving experiences in a Subaru all-wheel-drive vehicle? Which model would you be driving in a snowstorm? Click the red Add new comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru, John Goreham