The 2022 Subaru WRX Limited has joined our long-term test fleet, and so far, it has been an interesting addition. In this article, we will take a closer look at the WRX’s performance, handling, and overall driving experience to see how it stacks up against its competition.
Freshening Up
Our test period started with a visit to the dealer’s service department, where the car received its first oil change and tire rotation at just 1,000 miles. While this may seem early for a modern vehicle, Subaru recommends exchanging the lubricant after the break-in period for the WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine. The service cost $77.39, which is reasonable for a dealership oil change.
Hitting The Road
After the initial service, we began putting miles on the WRX Limited, and our first impressions were mixed. While the car is reasonably quick, it seems to have been left behind by more practical competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N and Honda Civic Si. However, when you approach the car as an experience rather than just a set of numbers, the WRX comes alive. Its chuckability and traction during enthusiastic cornering are impressive, and the all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature in areas with snow and ice.
Power
The WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is only a slight improvement over the previous generation. While the power delivery is smooth and aids in the canyons, the engine note around town can be bothersome with constant bassy resonance at low rpm. The equal-length headers remove the classic boxer rumble that the WRX is known for, but the car still offers plenty of power for daily driving.
Handling
The WRX’s stability when carrying speed down a mountain road is extraordinary, and its quick-ratio steering and all-wheel-drive traction help keep the car composed during spirited driving. However, uphill corning exposes the car’s heaviness and lack of power. The agility falls a little flat during tight switchbacks, but the WRX remains a confident performer in most situations.
More To Come
Our early days with the WRX have been a bit conflicted. While the car burns fuel quickly and hasn’t found a scenario in which its driving experience truly shines by contemporary standards, it remains an enjoyable daily driving car that’s spirited enough to serve as a bit of a weekend toy. We plan to continue testing the car and exploring its capabilities, including a potential casual autocross to see how it performs.
Conclusion
The 2022 Subaru WRX Limited is a solid performer with room for improvement. While it may not offer the latest and greatest features or the most power, it remains a fun car to drive and a reliable daily driver. We look forward to continuing our long-term test of the WRX and seeing how it performs in a variety of situations.