Used 2020 Subaru WRX for sale 

The 2020 Subaru WRX is segregated into 3 trim levels for the year 2020, which are WRX, Premium, and Limited. Though there is also an STI trim on offer with amplified performance, we review the 2020 Subaru WRX STI separately. 

The prices for the 2020 WRX start at $27,495 for the basic trim and go up to the tag of $32,095 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. All the trims of the WRX get the same 2L Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Boxer engine, churning out 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The only difference lies in terms of the features that these trims offer. All the trims offer a 6-speed manual gearbox as a standard transmission panel. However, the Premium and the Limited trims also give you the option of deploying a Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission. 

We recommend you go for the Premium trim of the WRX with the performance package as this specification adds Recaro driver’s seat which is 8-way power-adjustable along with Brembo brakes, thus giving you enhanced performance and comfort. 

"Once you're up to speed, though, the WRX becomes more entertaining. Around corners, the WRX has decent grip and changes direction quickly." - Edmunds

Subaru is a master in building Boxer engines and along with Porsche, are the only car manufacturers that still use a Flat engine in its cars. The 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder Boxer under the hood of the 2020 WRX churns out 268 hp and has a maximum torque output of 258 lb.ft. which kicks in at 2000rpm.

This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission lets the driver have total control over the power output and handling of the car. There is also an option for a Sport Lineartronic CVT for those who are not very keen on shifting that stick. Regardless of the transmission setup you go for, power is routed to all the wheels as the WRX gets Subaru's Symmetrical AWD drivetrain as standard. 

The WRX has the most powerful engine in the pack as evident from the table. The turbocharged Inline 4 of the Altima is a powerful unit too but is coupled with a CVT gearbox that takes away the sporty characteristic from the driving experience. The Hyundai Sonata and the Ford Fusion get similar turbocharged 2L 4-pot engines, churning out 245 ponies each. 

The 2020 Subaru WRX is the fastest car in the lot. The Boxer powering the WRX lets this car do 0-60mph in less than six seconds. That’s easily the fastest timing in the segment and on par with some of the German cars that comes with a price tag almost double to that of the WRX. 

The WRX clocks in the quarter of a mile distance in 13.7 seconds, at a speed of 99.5 mph. The AWD configuration that is offered in WRX as the standard drivetrain contributes majorly towards enhancing the acceleration, lending such blazing sprinting figures to this sedan.

However, if you opt for the CVT, the acceleration of the WRX takes a slight hit with 0-60mph timing of close to 6 seconds and completes a quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds. The WRX manual is leaps and bounds ahead of its competition in terms of outright acceleration. The closest any car can get to the WRX is the Nissan Altima VC-Turbo with a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds. 

Also Read:

• How fast is the Subaru WRX STI?
• Is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid worth it?

All the extra power and the sporty handling of the 2020 WRX reflects on its fuel economy. The Flat-four configuration itself is not the most efficient design when compared to the inline-four and loses out on the reliability factor as well, which is the reason why most manufacturers run away from this design.

The 2020 Subaru WRX returns a city/highway/combined mpg of 21/27/23 respectively. If you choose to opt for the available CVT, the fuel economy will further go down with figures of 18 MPG for the city and 24 MPG for the highway. Furthermore, the WRX gets a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, which again is the least in the segment and hence limits its range covering capabilities. 

The Nissan Altima has the best engine and gearbox combination in terms of fuel efficiency. Despite having a CVT coupled with the inline-four, the Altima returns the best efficiency figures. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Sonata offers the best in class range accrediting to its 18.5-gallon fuel tank. 

"Dark, loud, and made of middling materials, its cabin is a bleak place within which to while away the miles." - Car and Driver

The 2020 Subaru WRX's cabin is more spacious than you’d expect and can accommodate 5 passengers with ease. All trims get sporty front seats that are 8-way power-adjustable. The performance package available for the Premium trim adds track-ready Recaro bucket seats which have extra bolstering than the regular ones. The lower seating position accounts for an indulgent driving experience. Thin thin pillars add to the roominess of the cabin apart from offering a great view of the road. 

The rear seats offer enough space for two adults. The lower seating position might be an issue for some as ingress and egress need some effort. Also, you have to do with cloth upholstery apart from the top-of-the-line Limited trim which gets leather-appointed seats. 

The Subaru WRX offers decent space in the first and second row of seats, however, it's the Ford Fusion that welcomes the occupants with the greatest warmth. The Fusion has the most spacious front and rear seats. Speaking of the quality of materials inside the WRX, the build is good and most of the materials, including the Recaro seats, emit the sporty character of the ride. Though there are a few noticeable plasticky bits up front, yet the insides of the WRX feel fine and sporty. 

While the 2020 WRX does everything right on the practicality front, it takes a hit on one of the most important factors, the cargo space on offer. The WRX has a default cargo space of 12 cubic feet which is smaller than most cars in the segment. While it can handle your daily needs, you will definitely run out of space during a weekend trip or a cross-country journey.

The base trim of the WRX comes with a 6.5’’ touchscreen while the top two trims are equipped with a 7’’ touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims which ensures seamless connectivity of your smartphone with the car. The UI of Subaru’s infotainment system has a striking resemblance with an android phone home screen. 

The WRX comes with a standard 6 speaker system, however, there is also an option of upgrading to 8 Harman Kardon speakers which delivers an excellent audio output with perfect balance.

Some of the most eminent interior and infotainment features of the 2020 Subaru WRX are:

• 6 speakers
• Stand-alone navigation mirroring app
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• STARLINK smart device integration
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Radio data system
• SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan, single in-dash CD player
• Speed-sensitive volume
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat

• Performance-design front seats
• Heated front seats
• 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching
• Leather-wrapped shifter handle
• Aluminum-alloy pedal covers

"It’s not subtle, but it won’t raise any eyebrows in traffic, either." - TheCarConnection

The WRX looks like a regular mid-sized sedan until you turn on the ignition. While all other sedans in the segment have an athletic design language, the simplistic exterior shell of the WRX sets it apart. Not much has changed for the WRX in 2020 on the form front, as it has the same design and dimensions as its predecessor.

The hood scoop is an indication that the WRX is not your ordinary sedan. The dug-in headlamps result in a prominent snout that houses the signature Subaru grille. The toned lines on the side would have made for a dull profile for the WRX if not for the 17” or 18” black alloys. The large fender complements the wheels. The black exhaust to back is the only differentiating attribute of the WRX from the Impreza. 

The WRX is one of the smallest cars in the segment with a bumper to bumper length of 181 inches. The wheelbase of the 2020 WRX is just 104.3 inches. On the contrary, the Altima is the longest car in the segment with a length of 192 inches and 111.2 inches of wheelbase.

The Subaru WRX may not have a very eye-catching design, but there are certain elements that portray the potent nature of this ride. Some of the most noteworthy exterior features of the 2020 Subaru WRX are:

• Projector low-beam and multi-reflector high-beam halogen headlights
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
• Halogen fog lights
• Front and rear under spoilers
• Low profile trunk spoiler 
• Exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets
• Two-speed windshield wipers

The 2020 Subaru WRX absolutely nails it in the safety tests conducted by IIHS and NHTSA. The ride gets a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, owing to the safety features on offer in the 2020 WRX, which are in abundance. Even in terms of reliability, the WRX seems to fare well in the J.D. Power report with an overall score of 79 out of 100.

The WRX offers SUBARU STARLINK as a standard highlight across the entire trim lineup, which is a suite of driver-assist features. Some of the most eminent safety features on offer in the 2020 Subaru WRX are:

• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Active Torque Vectoring
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Driver's knee airbag
• Side-curtain airbags
• Front-seat side pelvis/torso airbags
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• LATCH System
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure

Subaru WRX vs Nissan Altima

Both of these Japanese sedans are good in their own ways. The WRX is the sportier car between the two. Hence, if agility and sporty ride quality is your priority and can ignore the smaller cargo space and lower fuel economy, then the WRX is the car for you.

On the other hand, if space and composed ride quality are your priorities, the Nissan Altima is your perfect match. 

Subaru WRX vs Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata is an in and out family sedan. There is nothing sporty about it. The exterior styling is elegant with a practical interior layout. The ride quality is smooth and composed and this car is perfect for the daily city commutes. The WRX is the polar opposite of the Sonata in terms of handling.

While it can manage itself in the city traffic, its natural habitat is the open expressways and the twisties. Thus, choosing a car between the two should be an easy task given you have your priorities sorted. 

Subaru WRX vs Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is a practical, spacious, and very nimble car. The cabin on offer in the Ford Fusion is one of the best in the business. However, the ride's engine is its major downside. The 2.5L four-pot engine of the fusion does not push this sedan as well as other competitors and is absolutely nowhere near the Subaru WRX.

So in case, all you are looking for is a plush family hauler, the Fusion can be considered, but if there is an aficionado within you that knocks from time to time with its lust of pace, then the WRX is a tailor-made match for you. 

The Subaru WRX is a car that has a definitive fan base. This is a car for enthusiasts who love to turn heads while on their way to the office. This is a car for the ones who love to take their car for a spin around the twisties on the weekends rather than “Netflix and chill”. This machine is meant for the folks who love a car that is always ready to misbehave. If you are one of those guys, the 2020 Subaru WRX is made for you.

Also Read:

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