The New 2022 Subaru WRX is Finally Here

It features the 2.4-litre turbocharged BOXER engine good for 271-horsepower.
It is finally assembled on Subaru’s Global Platform
The car is all-new from the ground up, inside, and out.

The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX returns for its fifth generation more powerful, capable, and refined than ever. Finally, based on Subaru’s excellent Global Platform, the new WRX is fitted with more technology, safety features, and the engine we all knew it was going to get.

The previous generation Subaru WRX (and STI) launched for the 2015 model year but everyone’s been waiting for the new Rex since 2017 when Subaru began teasing the Viziv concepts. The Performance concept’s influence, introduced at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, is evident in the new WRX’s design.

The wide-body look integrates new all-aluminum boxed front fenders and unique flairs, and a seriously prominent character line. The front fascia features Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille with compact LED headlights while, at the rear, an integrated spoiler sits atop the trunk lid. Designers focused on improving the WRX’s aerodynamics by fitting various air outlets to improve airflow and downforce.

The new 2022 WRX’s cabin is inspired by other recent Subaru products. The driver-oriented cockpit’s highlight is the 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display. Though most functions can be worked from the screen, the dashboard retains some physical buttons. Depending on the selected trim, features such as navigation and an 11-Speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

A new GT trim is added for the 2022 model year. As the new flagship version, the GT will be equipped with electronically controlled dampers, new Ultrasuede Recaro seats (8-way power adjustments for the driver), and exclusive matte gray 18-in aluminum alloy wheels.

Finally, the 2022 Subaru WRX will be powered by the brand’s turbocharged 2.4-litre BOXER 4-cylinder engine. For the Rex, it will produce 271 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm. The output ratings are nearly identical to the 2021 car, the difference limited three extra horses. Subaru notes that the “increased displacement, along with a turbocharger equipped with electronically controlled wastegate and air bypass valves, improves responsiveness and acceleration.” We can’t wait to find out.

Transmission choices reside between an upgraded 6-speed manual transmission with optimized gear ratios and new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic). Though not specified, its description, which includes eight “fixed” gear ratios, means that the CVT is back. It has been reworked with faster upshifts and downshifts, adaptive shift control to maintain ideal ratios through corners. Also new for the transmission is that it can optionally be fitted with an external transmission fluid cooler.

The stiffer and stronger Global Platform has created many opportunities for chassis fine-tuning. The suspension now features a longer stroke for improved stability and lateral grip and is now track-tuned. Also part of the new chassis layout is the addition of a new dual-pinion electric power steering system from enhanced driver input response and accuracy.

The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX arrives in dealerships in early 2022.