Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
GT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl 8A)
STI Limited w/Lip 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
GT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl 8A)
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
STI Limited w/Lip 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
GT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl 8A)
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Find all cars near me?Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
STI Limited w/Wing 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl 8A)
4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Overall Rating
In this review, we’ll be pitting the Subaru WRX against its segment rivals like the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and the Ford Fusion. Here’s our review of the 2021 Subaru WRX. .
The 2021 Subaru WRX is now on sale with no major changes from last year and is part of the fourth generation that was introduced back in 2014. Since the Subaru WRX is expected to get a major revamp in the model year 2022, not investing significant time in the 2021 model seems a rational choice. However, there is a change, which is that the Premium trim of the 2021 Subaru WRX will now come standard with passive hands-free entry and push-button start features. The prices of the 2021 Subaru WRX starts from $27,495 for the Base trim and range up to $32,095 for the Limited variant.
The 2021 Subaru WRX carries on with the same trim lineup as the 2020 Subaru WRX and continues to offer a total of 4 trims options - Base, Premium, Limited, and STI. However, we review the 2021 Subaru WRX STI separately. The Subaru WRX STI, meanwhile, comes at a price of $36,995. For leasing, consider the 2021 Subaru WRX to cost you around $325 per month for 24 months, with $1,965 due at signing.
We recommend you go for the Premium trim of the WRX with the performance package as this specification adds a Recaro driver’s seat which is 8-way power-adjustable along with Brembo brakes, thus giving you enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.
STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
In this review, we’ll be pitting the Subaru WRX against its segment rivals like the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and the Ford Fusion. Here’s our review of the 2021 Subaru WRX. .
The 2021 Subaru WRX is now on sale with no major changes from last year and is part of the fourth generation that was introduced back in 2014. Since the Subaru WRX is expected to get a major revamp in the model year 2022, not investing significant time in the 2021 model seems a rational choice. However, there is a change, which is that the Premium trim of the 2021 Subaru WRX will now come standard with passive hands-free entry and push-button start features. The prices of the 2021 Subaru WRX starts from $27,495 for the Base trim and range up to $32,095 for the Limited variant.
The 2021 Subaru WRX carries on with the same trim lineup as the 2020 Subaru WRX and continues to offer a total of 4 trims options - Base, Premium, Limited, and STI. However, we review the 2021 Subaru WRX STI separately. The Subaru WRX STI, meanwhile, comes at a price of $36,995. For leasing, consider the 2021 Subaru WRX to cost you around $325 per month for 24 months, with $1,965 due at signing.
The 2021 Subaru WRX is offered in 3 trim levels, namely - Base, Premium, and Limited. Apart from the trim levels, there is nothing much in terms of options. Customers are limited to engine options and all models come with a 2.0L turbocharged boxer 4 engine. However, customers can go out an option for some of the convenience features offered by Subaru. There is also a WRX STI trim which gets a 2.5L engine and is reviewed separately.
Trim |
Base |
Premium |
Limited |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (AWD) |
$27,495 |
$29,795 |
$32,095 |
Key Features |
Track-tuned suspension |
Adds/Upgrades to WRX |
Adds/Upgrades to WRX Premium |
SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration |
18-inch alloy wheels |
SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security |
|
Symmetrical AWD |
Available power tilt/sliding moonroof |
Keyless Access with Push-Button Start |
|
Climate control |
All-Weather Package w/ heated front seats |
LED Steering Responsive Headlights |
|
19-inch alloy wheels |
Available Sport Lineartronic transmission |
10-way power driver's seat |
|
Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring |
Available Performance Package |
Available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
|
SUBARU STARLINK 7-inch Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration |
Available GPS navigation system |
||
Brembo performance brakes |
Power-tilt/sliding moonroof |
All these 3 trims of the 2021 Subaru WRX are identical to each other in terms of mechanical fitments and only differ on the basis of available features and amenities. All the trims of the 2021 WRX get a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, while there is also a CVT transmission on offer that costs $1900 extra over the selected trim's MSRP. The WRX gets Subaru's Symmetrical AWD drivetrain as standard.
We recommend you go for the Premium trim of the WRX with the performance package as this specification adds a Recaro driver’s seat which is 8-way power-adjustable along with Brembo brakes, thus giving you enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.
"The WRX isn’t on any shopper’s list for its high-tech safety gear or its eye-pleasing interior. It’s all about the horsepower and the free hugs it gives to every curve in its view." - TheCarConnection
The 2021 Subaru WRX equips a 20L Turbocharged Boxer-4 engine that churns out 268 hp and has a maximum torque output of 258 lb. ft. The torque figures of the 2021 WRX are good but not outright impressive, yet what makes this Subaru feel really torquey is that the peak torque kicks in as soon as 2000 rpm, thus getting a perfect launch in the WRX is an absolute cakewalk.
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.
The CVT transmission on the Subaru WRX also gets you paddle shifters, but it's just not as good as the standard 6-speed manual transmission. However, regardless of the transmission option, you go for, the WRX's gearbox routes all the generated grunt to all the wheels of this sedan, as the 2021 WRX gets Subaru's Symmetrical AWD drivetrain as standard.
Models |
2021 Subaru WRX |
2021 Nissan Altima |
2021 Hyundai Sonata |
2020 Ford Fusion |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$27,495 |
$29,750 |
$28,200 |
$35,335 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbocharged Boxer-4 |
2.0L Variable Compression Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
CVT Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-speed automatic |
Power |
268 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
248 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
191 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
245 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque |
258 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
273 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
0-60 MPH (sec) |
5.2 sec |
5.8 sec |
7.4 sec |
6.8 sec |
Quarter Mile (sec) |
13.7 sec |
14.6 sec |
15.3 sec |
15.1 sec |
Top Speed (MPH) |
150 MPH |
140 MPH |
130 MPH |
N/A |
The WRX is in fact the most powerful here. The turbocharged Inline 4 of the 2021 Nissan Altima is a powerful unit as well but is coupled with a CVT gearbox that takes away the fun from a driving perspective. The Ford Fusion gets a turbocharged 2L 4-pot engines as well, but its power figures are comparatively less than the former two. Whereas, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's 191 hp is the lowest power figure in this class.
The Subaru WRX is the fastest car in the lot. The Boxer powering the 2021 Subaru WRX lets this car do a 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.2 seconds. Keep that pedal pinned and the 2021 Subaru WRX's 13.7-second quarter-mile lap time will just drive you crazy.
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. Though the Subaru WRX is fast, yet there sits a variant that's even faster, the 2021 Subaru WRX STI, that can clock a 0-60 MPH acceleration time of a smashing 4.5 seconds
The closest any car can get to the WRX in terms of the 0-60 dash figures is the 2021 Nissan Altima that posts a 0-60 MPH time of 5.8 seconds. The Ford Fusion is also a decent performer, whereas the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's acceleration figures make it the slowest car here.
Since there are absolutely no changes taking place under the hood, the 2021 Subaru WRX will return similar mpg figures to the 2020 Subaru WRX. Hence, the 2021 Subaru WRX will return a city/highway/combined mpg of 21/27/28.
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. Apart from that, the Subaru WRX's fuel tank capacity of 15.9-gallon is not the best in its class, and hence limits its range covering capabilities.
Models |
2021 Subaru WRX |
2021 Nissan Altima |
2021 Hyundai Sonata |
2020 Ford Fusion |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
21 |
25 |
23 |
21 |
MPG (Highway) |
27 |
34 |
32 |
31 |
MPG (Combined) |
23 |
29 |
26 |
25 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
15.9 |
16.2 |
18.5 |
16.5 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi) |
334/430/366 |
405/551/470 |
426/592/481 |
347/512/413 |
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. 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 2021 Nissan Altima returns the best efficiency figures.
"One of the highlights of driving a WRX is the interior's spacious and airy feel." - Edmunds
The 2021 WRX is fairly similar to the 2020 Subaru WRX’s interiors. 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 build quality of the 2021 Subaru WRX's cabin is good and most of the materials, including the Recaro seats, emit the sporty character of the ride. 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 whi