Cars

2025 Subaru WRX Review: Specs, Handling, and Price Guide

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Subaru WRX Review: Specs, Handling, and Price Guide

The 2025 Subaru WRX continues to build on its legacy as one of the most accessible performance sedans on the market. With a rich rally-bred history and a dedicated fanbase, the WRX has evolved into a refined blend of everyday practicality and exhilarating driving dynamics. Now entering its latest model year, the 2025 WRX brings updated styling, enhanced performance features, and improved technology, making it a compelling option for drivers who crave excitement without compromising functionality.

In this comprehensive 2025 Subaru WRX review, we’ll dive deep into the car’s specs, driving performance, interior comfort, technology features, safety systems, and pricing. Whether you're a long-time Subaru enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of sporty sedans, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know before making a purchase decision.

Exterior Design: Sharper, Sportier, and More Aggressive

The 2025 Subaru WRX takes a bold step forward in its design language. While retaining the iconic wide-body stance and functional hood scoop that have become hallmarks of the WRX identity, the latest model features a more aggressive front fascia, redesigned LED headlights, and a sleeker profile. The signature hexagonal grille now extends deeper into the bumper, flanked by angular air intakes that improve aerodynamics and cooling.

From the side, the WRX maintains its muscular wheel arches and 18-inch alloy wheels (standard on higher trims), giving it a planted, track-ready look. The rear end has been updated with a redesigned spoiler, new taillight clusters, and a dual exhaust system that hints at the car’s performance potential. Available in a range of colors—including exclusive performance shades like WR Blue Pearl and Plasma Yellow—the 2025 WRX turns heads both on the street and at car meets.

2025 Subaru WRX front view showing aggressive styling and rally-inspired design

Engine and Performance Specs

At the heart of the 2025 Subaru WRX is a turbocharged 2.4-liter FA24 flat-four engine, producing a robust 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant—shared with the Subaru BRZ and Ascent—delivers strong low-end torque and a broad power band, making it ideal for spirited driving on winding roads or quick highway merges.

The engine is mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available performance-tuned CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with eight simulated gears and paddle shifters. Enthusiasts will appreciate the availability of the manual, which offers precise clutch engagement and satisfying gear throws. The CVT version, meanwhile, features Sport Sharp mode for more aggressive shifting and improved responsiveness.

All WRX models come equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a system that has long defined the brand’s DNA. This AWD setup provides excellent traction in all weather conditions and enhances cornering stability, giving the WRX an edge over front-wheel-drive competitors. The 2025 model also features a revised suspension setup, including stiffer springs, upgraded dampers, and a larger front stabilizer bar, further sharpening its handling characteristics.

Performance specs include a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.5 seconds with the manual transmission and slightly faster with the CVT due to optimized launch control. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. With its rally-inspired engineering, the WRX remains one of the few sedans that can confidently tackle both snow-covered mountain passes and weekend track days.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

Where the 2025 Subaru WRX truly shines is in its handling. The combination of a low center of gravity—thanks to the boxer engine layout—and the symmetrical AWD system delivers exceptional balance and grip. The steering is firm and communicative, offering drivers a genuine connection to the road.

Subaru has further refined the WRX’s suspension tuning for 2025. The result is a car that feels agile and composed, whether navigating tight city streets or carving through canyon roads. Body roll is well-controlled, and the car remains stable even over uneven pavement. The available Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) on higher trims allows drivers to fine-tune torque distribution between the front and rear axles, enhancing traction during spirited driving or in adverse conditions.

The WRX also benefits from a Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system with multiple drive modes: Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp. Intelligent mode prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth driving, ideal for daily commutes. Sport mode tightens throttle response and recalibrates the transmission (if equipped with CVT), while Sport Sharp delivers the most aggressive settings for maximum performance.

Braking performance is equally impressive. The WRX comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes, and higher trims offer optional Brembo® performance brakes with six-piston front calipers. These provide excellent stopping power and fade resistance, critical for repeated hard braking during track use.

Despite its performance focus, the WRX remains surprisingly comfortable for long-distance travel. Noise insulation has been improved over previous generations, and the ride quality strikes a good balance between sportiness and compliance. It’s a rare car that can serve as both a daily driver and a weekend warrior.

Interior and Comfort Features

The 2025 Subaru WRX steps up its game in the interior department. Gone are the days of plasticky cabins and utilitarian design. The new WRX features higher-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and available Ultrasuede®-trimmed seats. The cockpit is driver-focused, with a slightly angled center stack and well-placed controls that keep everything within easy reach.

Standard seating is for five passengers, though the rear seat is best suited for two adults or three children due to the center tunnel hump and limited legroom. Front seats are bolstered for support during aggressive driving, and higher trims offer heated and ventilated front seats, along with power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The WRX offers 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space—ample for groceries, luggage, or track-day gear. While not the largest in its class, it’s more than sufficient for a compact performance sedan. Rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split, enabling longer cargo loads when needed.

Interior storage includes dual cupholders, a center console bin, door pockets, and a glove compartment. A wireless charging pad is available on higher trims, and there are multiple USB-C ports to keep devices powered.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2025 WRX comes standard with an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Subaru’s latest STARLINK infotainment system. This large display is responsive, intuitive, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity. The interface is customizable, allowing drivers to pin frequently used apps and settings.

Navigation is available as part of the optional Premium Package, offering real-time traffic updates, voice-activated routing, and points-of-interest search. The system integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free control of smart home devices and media playback.

A Harman Kardon® premium audio system is available on Limited trims, delivering crisp, dynamic sound through 11 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. For audiophiles and performance drivers alike, the sound quality enhances the overall experience.

The WRX also features a digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional analog gauges with a 7-inch configurable display. Drivers can toggle between performance metrics like turbo boost, G-forces, oil temperature, and lap timer—perfect for monitoring track performance.

Additional tech features include keyless entry and push-button start, a heads-up display (HUD) on higher trims, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for connected passengers.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2025 WRX comes standard with the latest version of Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This suite includes:

The 2025 model also adds new safety enhancements, such as Lane Tracing Assist, which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane on highways, and a Driver Focus Mode that reduces distractions by limiting infotainment functions at higher speeds.

Blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system are available on higher trims, providing added confidence during parking and lane changes. The WRX also features eight airbags, including front, side, knee, and curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers.

Structurally, the WRX is built on Subaru’s Global Platform, which improves crash energy absorption and rigidity. This contributes to a quieter cabin and better handling, while also enhancing occupant safety in the event of a collision.

The 2025 WRX is expected to earn top safety ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), continuing Subaru’s strong reputation for safety across its lineup.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Economy

Despite its performance-oriented nature, the 2025 Subaru WRX offers respectable fuel efficiency. EPA estimates are as follows:

These figures represent a slight improvement over previous model years, thanks to engine tuning optimizations and reduced internal friction. In real-world driving, owners report averages between 24–27 mpg depending on driving style and terrain.

The WRX requires premium unleaded fuel (91 octane or higher) to achieve optimal performance and prevent knocking. While this increases fuel costs slightly, the engine’s responsiveness and longevity justify the recommendation. The fuel tank holds 15.9 gallons, giving the WRX a total driving range of approximately 420–475 miles on a full tank.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Subaru WRX is available in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. Each offers a unique combination of performance, comfort, and technology. Here’s a breakdown of what each trim includes and its starting price (MSRP):

WRX Base – Starting at $29,995

WRX Premium – Starting at $33,495

WRX Sport – Starting at $36,995

WRX Limited – Starting at $39,995

Destination and handling charges add $1,095 to all trims. Optional packages include the Performance Package (available on Sport and Limited), which adds Brembo® brakes, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and upgraded suspension components for $3,000.

Competitors in the 2025 Performance Sedan Market

The 2025 Subaru WRX competes in a niche segment of compact performance sedans. Key rivals include: