Used 2017 Subaru WRX for sale 

Starting at a price of $26,695, the Subaru WRX comes in three trims. Every WRX features a standard turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and all-wheel drive. With a hike in price accordingly Subaru strives in making them the trims of choice for buyers seeking the most driving enjoyment. Right from the base trim, the sedan comes with a decent list of features however, its rivals do offer more at the same price bracket. 

We Recommend

We would recommend the WRX Premium trim as it offers more standard features to elevate the in-cabin comfort for the driver and the passengers.

The WRX is powered by a turbocharged flat-4 engine displacing a capacity of 2.0-liter and is outfitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler as well as direct injection. Power output is set at 268 hp, while peak torque of 258 pound-feet is delivered from 2,000 rpm to 5,200 rpm. The power plant is coupled to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The motor feels peppy and loves to rev. Owing to its H-4 configuration it has that distinctive note and the twin-scroll turbos make a heavenly sound when they spool up.

The Subaru WRX is the most powerful sedan among the rivals closely followed by the Ford Focus ST. The latter, however, generates more torque output at 270lb-ft. The Honda Civic Si sedan is the least powerful option here while the VW Golf GTI sits above the Civic Si.

Acceleration

The Subaru WRX accelerates rather briskly as compared to its rivals. This is possible owing to the sedan's standard AWD system that helps to put the power efficiently on the tarmac. With this setup, the WRX can complete the 0-60mph dash within 5.5 seconds flat and completes the standing quarter-mile run under 15seconds, at 14.2 seconds.

The Honda Civic Si is the slowest one to complete all the accelerating tests, taking a disappointing 15.2 seconds to complete the standing quarter-mile run. The VW Golf GTI is not far behind the WRX and completes the 0-60 run under 6 seconds while the Ford Focus takes exactly 6 seconds to do the same. Disappointingly though, the WRX is the most polluting vehicle as opposed to its rivals.

Ride and Handling 

It doesn’t matter what engine is powering the WRX or which transmission is taking care of the power delivery, the WRX is an absolute blast in the handling aspect. The sedan’s precise steering and track-worthy handling are a blessing and its drivetrain makes it a true champion among its immediate rivals. Its steering is engaging, and its standard all-wheel-drive gives you plenty of road grip along with the ability to put down all the power a lot more quickly.

The ride quality is generally smooth despite the sporty handling nature of the sedan and the sedan gobbles up most of the undulation on the tarmac easily. High-speed stability is commendable and if equipped with the manual transmission, you’ll have a perfect machine for cruising as well as occasional spirited driving sessions.

Braking

A WRX with summer tires stops the sedan from 60 mph in a short 113 feet. Covering slightly more distance than its rivals, the WRX’s braking performance is decent at the most. The quickest to come to a halt amongst the rivals is the VW Golf GTI. It takes just 100 feet to come to a stop from 60mph, 13 feet shorter than the WRX.

The WRX’s hefty curb weight hampers its braking performance evidently and it is closely followed by the Ford Focus ST. Being the lightest sedan here, the Honda Civic Si’s braking performance could’ve been better, though it is better than that of WRX’s performance.

The WRX's fuel economy clearly isn't impressive as compared to its rivals. At its most efficient form, it returns 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The WRX also requires premium gasoline, which makes the subpar efficiency even more painful at the pump.

With a combined economy of 23 mpg, the Subaru WRX’s thirsty engine puts the car at the bottom of the efficiency barrel. The Honda Civic Si is the most fuel-efficient offering on the list closely followed by the VW Golf GTi. The Ford Focus ST is slightly better than the WRX.

The emphasis of WRX is clearly on delivering performance rather than an upscale interior quality. As a driver's car, the driving position is spot on, as the seats are the firm, nicely bolstered sport seats. Thin roof pillars provide for excellent outward visibility, and large side mirrors make it easy to monitor conditions to the sides and rear. Interior design and layout are basic, with simple and easy-to-use controls, but not much in the way of frills. 

The WRX's cabin prioritizes function over form. It's well-designed and features quality materials, but it doesn't have the upscale feel of some rival cabins. The WRX seats five people. The front seats provide ample support for all-day drives, and driver visibility is excellent. The rear seats are roomy and comfortable, and they have plenty of head- and legroom for adult passengers.

Infotainment

Standard features in the WRX include a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a StarLink infotainment system with a 6.2-inch touchscreen. Available features include a moonroof, two USB ports, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display. 

Infotainment features

Here is a list of the other standard infotainment features in the 2017 Subaru WRX:

• Standard 6.2-inch touchscreen,
• Connectivity with Aha,
• Satellite radio
• Pandora smartphone integration
• Bluetooth and auxiliary jack
• A standard rearview camera
• Starlink 7.0 navigation system which adds a larger touchscreen

Cargo volume

The car lags behind its competitors in the storage department. It has 12 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk which is below average for a small sedan. But 12 cubic feet is still enough room for about nine carry-on bags or three sets of golf clubs.

The Subaru WRX’s exterior is nothing as fancy or flashy as some of its rivals and features a boxy look. But the boxy look gives the sedan its own distinctive appeal and the big air intakes add to the overall sporty appeal of the sedan.

Coming to the side profile, the sedan features smooth flowing lines with big fenders and a nicely put ORVM. The 17-inch alloy wheels with quad exhaust tips and LED taillights give out a pronounced appeal to the rear side of the sedan.

The WRX is the heaviest one on the lot owing to its standard AWD transmission but has the lowest ground clearance among the rivals on the list. The Ford Focus ST has the best ground clearance on the list making it quite practical in urban driving areas. The Honda Civic Si is the lightest one here and it aids in better fuel economy and punchier performance.

Japanese carmakers never skimp on safety features in their cars and the same is the case with the Subaru WRX as well. The 2017 Subaru WRX features the optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. For 2017, reverse auto braking has been added to Limited models equipped with the package. 2017 Subaru WRX Limited models equipped with the Sport Lineartronic transmission and the EyeSight package will also get navigation, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Anti-theft security system
• Engine immobilizer
• Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• daytime running lights
• energy-absorbing collapsible steering column

The 2017 Subaru WRX adds much optional eyesight driver assist technology suite which includes safety features such as:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane departure warning
• Reverse auto-braking
• Sport Lineartronic transmission
• Navigation
• Blind-spot detection
• Lane change assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert.

 Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic is ranked among the top compact cars list. It is super balanced with few follies. The Civic is available in coupe, sedan, and hatchback body styles, which all have more cargo space than the WRX. The Civic's cabin is quiet and well built, and its upper trim levels look nearly as good as some entry-level luxury cars. In the Honda, you'll also get more rear-seat legroom and newer tech features, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

If you're considering the WRX for its performance, cross-shop it with a Civic Si or Civic Type R. Si models put out 205 horsepower (a good jump from the max of 180 in other models), while the Type R manages 306 horses. Like the WRX's higher trims, the Civic's sport-tuned models offer a manual gearbox as the sole transmission. 

Subaru WRX vs VW Golf GTI

Taking a look at how two performance vehicles fare when we square off the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2017 Subaru WRX.You initially have to decide amongst the two first, purpose and your kind of drive. The WRX has got a more powerful, more athletic, and more track-ready vehicle even in the standard trim.

The GTI is no wimp either, and its convenient hatchback design, an upscale interior, and superior fuel economy may win over buyers who are willing to trade about 50 horsepower for a more refined daily driving experience.

Subaru WRX vs Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST will tend to reduce the weight of the buyer's pocket by a lesser amount than the 2017 WRX, making it the better option for drivers on a budget. While the WRX does offer more horsepower, the ST produces more torque. The ST also achieves better gas mileage and offers a staggering amount of cargo space, making the ST more practical for everyday use.

The 2017 Ford Focus ST features an aggressive design that screams performance and an impression across other areas, loaded with advanced technology, premium features, and thoughtful amenities such as intelligent access with push-Button Start, USB ports, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and a power moonroof, etc.

If your mind is set on the Subaru then you should go for it. But if you consider other things along with this you would end up making wiser decisions because a better-rounded car and better deals await you. Many other cars in the class have nicer cabins with more modern tech features. Also, fuel economy and trunk space are both below average for the class. The WRX's shortcomings, dominated largely by interiors, make it concede to a lower rank. The Honda Civic has an upscale interior, along with engaging driving dynamics from its performance trims. The VW GTI is one of the sportiest cars in the class. Both of these rivals cost much less than the WRX, though neither offers all-wheel drive.