Subaru has announced the 2022 WRX will start at $29,105 when it arrives at U.S. dealerships this spring.
Costing $1,610 more than its predecessor, the 2022 WRX has been completely redesigned and will battle competitors such as the $30,995 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and $31,900 Hyundai Elantra N.
Kicking things off is the Base trim, which features a hexagonal grille that is flanked by LED headlights. The model also sports a stainless steel four-tailpipe exhaust system and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires.
Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It’s joined by a second 7-inch display, which provides access to vehicle and climate control settings.
Other niceties include an automatic climate control system, silver metallic trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red contrast stitching. Buyers will also find cloth upholstery, split folding rear seats, and a “sport design instrument cluster” with a color LCD display.
Moving up the trim ladder is the $31,605 WRX Premium. It features a lightly revised exterior with LED fog lights, a rear spoiler, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
Bigger changes occur in the cabin as buyers will find “premium seat fabric,” a dual-zone automatic climate control system, alloy pedals, and an 11.6-inch infotainment system with a split-screen setting. The model also comes with keyless access, a push-button ignition, and an All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Speaking of packages, customers can get a power moonroof and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system for an additional $1,875.
Buyers looking for more luxury can opt for the WRX Limited, which begins at $35,995. It adds steering responsive LED headlights, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a power moonroof. The model also sports additional driver assistance systems such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.
Interior updates are relatively limited, but there’s a 10-way power driver’s seat as well as Ultrasuede accents. Furthermore, the model gains the aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system as well as GPS navigation with three years of free map updates.
Sitting at the top of the range is the all-new WRX GT. It starts at $41,895 and features exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a matte gray finish. Elsewhere, there are Recaro front seats with Ultrasuede upholstery as well as red contrast stitching and embossed “Recaro” logos on the backrests.
Those upgrades are joined by electronically controlled dampers with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. There’s also a Drive Mode Select system, which allows the driver to “configure up to 430 different customization options for steering feel, damper settings, [and] SI-Drive settings.”
Regardless of which trim is selected, all Subaru WRXs have a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 271 hp (202 kW / 275 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a six-speed manual transmission and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Customers can also opt for a Subaru Performance Transmission, which is a slightly ridiculous name for a CVT. It comes standard on the range-topping GT and is available on all other trims. While it won’t appeal to enthusiasts, the CVT adds Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system as well as adaptive cruise control.
The CVT costs between $1,890 and $2,250 depending on the selected trim, but it’s worth noting the WRX Premium variant gains a transmission oil cooler. The CVT-equipped WRX Limited goes even further by adding reverse automatic braking.
Note: Prices exclude a destination charge of $995 in most markets, expect Alaska where it’s $1,145
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Keyword: 2022 Subaru WRX Starts At $29,105 And Boasts 271 HP