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2019 Subaru WRX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru WRX highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Spacious cabin with excellent visibility
  • Fun and engaging handling
  • Standard full-time all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Interior quality falls short of competitors
  • Rougher ride than competitors, especially with the STI
  • Lots of wind and road noise

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

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All Subaru WRX years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru WRX generation from 2015 to 2025

What is new for the 2019 Subaru WRX?

  • Trim Added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance features.
  • Trim Discontinued: Base Model no longer available.
  • Standard Equipment: All models now include advanced safety package as standard.
  • New Equipment: Optional upgraded infotainment system with larger display and navigation.

2019 Subaru WRX trims

Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 268-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • View our Subaru WRX inventory

Premium:

Limited:

STI:

STI Limited:

STI Series.Gray:

Premium Series.Gray:

STI S209:

Subaru WRX photos

What We Like

Fun: Between its strong engine, responsive steering, and performance-oriented AWD system, the Subaru WRX can deliver a lot of fun on a twisty road. The STI offers even more performance, but at the cost of a stiffer ride.

Practical: Passenger space and nimble performance don’t often go together, but the WRX’s airy cabin has plenty of room in back for adults and child safety seats. The trunk is a bit small, but it can be expanded thanks to the folding split rear seats.

All-wheel drive: Standard full-time all-wheel drive sets the Subaru apart from other affordable performance vehicles. The WRX’s AWD system doesn’t just make this a winter-friendly car, it also helps with handling and acceleration year-round.

What Needs Improvement

Interior quality: While the WRX’s value is more about fun than refinement, it still lags behind some of its sporty competitors in terms of the materials used in the cabin, road and wind noise, and available features.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

5 customer reviews
The 2019 Subaru WRX delivers strong power and nimble handling that enhances its fun driving experience, supported by its signature AWD. Customers appreciate the sporty styling, seat comfort, and stable ride quality. However, drawbacks include noticeable cabin noise, limited fuel economy, and outdated infotainment. Reliability may require monitoring.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru WRX an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru WRX 39th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX features and specs

Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

STI Series.Gray 4D Sedan 4WD/AWD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Manual Transmission
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto

Optional Features

  • Power Seat(s)
  • Smart Key
  • Kicker Speaker System

Drive Wheels

4WD/AWD

Engine size

2.5L

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Transmission

Manual 6

2019 Subaru WRX FAQ

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