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By Colin Ryan
Updated December 12, 2019
The 2020 Subaru WRX and 2020 WRX STI are two higher-performance variants based on the compact Impreza (which is reviewed separately). This might seem surprising to that section of Subaru buyers who like the company’s crossover SUVs and down-to-earth appeal. But the company has honed its racing talents in the field of rallying. It’s a form of motorsport that doesn’t get a lot of love in the United States, but it makes incredible demands of driver and machine alike. Subaru has won multiple world championships in this arena.
The 2020 WRX is the gentle introduction to greater thrills (or perhaps the saner option), with 268 horsepower. Rivals like the Honda Civic Si and VW Golf GTI can’t quite match up, with 203 and 228 horsepower, respectively. The more extreme 2020 WRX STI pits its 310 horses against the Civic Type-R’s 306 and the VW Golf R’s 288, although it is a bit pricier.
Used 2020 Subaru WRX pricing starts at $23,122 for the WRX Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $28,519 when new. The range-topping 2020 WRX STI Limited Sedan 4D starts at $31,768 today, originally priced from $42,722.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$28,519 | $23,122 | |||
$30,819 | $23,884 | |||
$33,119 | $24,994 | |||
$38,022 | $32,091 | |||
$42,722 | $31,768 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2020 Subaru WRX models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Which Model is Right for Me?
17-inch alloy wheels
268 horsepower
6-speed manual transmission
All-wheel drive
Smartphone integration
18-inch alloy wheels
Sunroof
Heated front seats
Leather upholstery
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Navigation
19-inch alloy wheels
310 horsepower
Brembo brakes
Rear wing/spoiler
Leather upholstery
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Navigation
Few cars drive like this or sound like it. Subaru’s hallmark engine configuration of horizontally opposed cylinders (aka “boxer”) creates a distinctive soundtrack, but also brings a subtle handling benefit by keeping the car’s center of gravity lower than if the cylinders were upright and in a line.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter version in the 2020 WRX has enough muscle for most situations, sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in under six seconds, and has a free-revving quality to it. The STI version is noticeably punchier, reaching 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The 6-speed manual transmission’s ratios are spaced closely to keep power delivery at its optimum. And the shift action is a satisfying short throw.
The steering feel is meaty and full of feel, while the all-wheel-drive system provides astonishing grip and agility (WRXs with a manual transmission have a viscous-coupling center differential; CVT [continuously variable automatic transmission]-equipped versions have a planetary-gear center differential and a hydraulic transfer clutch).
Both cars are bearable enough for day-to-day duties, although engine and wind noise become more intrusive at higher speeds. And the firmer sport suspension of the 2020 STI requires extra levels of commitment and compromise.
Just easing into the driver’s seat of the 2020 WRX, adjusting the flat-bottomed steering wheel for height and reach, and looking over the big hood scoop provide the first of many thrills. When darting from corner to corner, it’s best to have simple controls set into the right places, exactly what Subaru has done. It’s also a boon to have great outward vision, which is excellent in these cars.
As is usually the case, there’s seating for five, but no one wants to sit in the middle position in the back. If transporting rear passengers is a frequent event, the Honda Civic has more legroom.
Among the few changes for the 2020 WRX STI is a revised front bumper incorporating larger air intakes. That works well for engine and brake cooling, while bringing more visual impact as well.
The STI (in Limited trim) also offers the choice between a trunk-mounted wing or a more discreet spoiler. For those who find the Civic Type-R’s styling juvenile, this lower-key approach could be ideal.
Both the 2020 WRX and STI have flared fenders and a quad-exhaust system. They serve their functions, but also look cool. Only the STI, however, has 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs and yellow calipers as standard.
EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEMS
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology is standard in WRX Premium and WRX Limited versions with the CVT. Features include lane-keeping assistance, active cruise control and a pre-collision system that applies the brakes automatically to prevent potential accidents, or at least lessen the effects of an actual collision.
WRX STI S209
As mentioned, only 200 units are being built for the United States. This isn’t just a go-faster version of the regular STI. It’s virtually custom-built at a separate STI facility. As well as 341 horsepower, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, Bilstein shock absorbers and Dunlop high-performance tires, the S209 also has a carbon-fiber roof.
The base 2020 WRX keeps its focus on driver appeal. Along with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission, the leather-wrapped steering wheel is a welcome feature. Other items include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, heated side mirrors, 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.
The differences with the 2020 WRX STI amount to a more powerful engine, more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, sportier suspension setup, 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, plus upholstery with simulated suede/leather inserts and extra bolstering.
Potential buyers of the 2020 WRX need to decide if they want some driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision mitigation, since these only become available by choosing the CVT option. The WRX’s Premium trim also adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and heated front seats. The Limited trim brings leather upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and navigation.
Other options include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Recaro sport seats, and a 440-watt Harman Kardon audio system upgrade.
That scoop in the aluminum hood of the 2020 WRX and WRX STI is functional. It helps cool the air/fuel mixture before it enters the all-aluminum 4-cylinder engine and so maximizes horsepower.
The turbocharged engine in the WRX displaces 2.0 liters and develops 268 horsepower. In the STI, combustion area expands to 2.5 liters and output is 310 horsepower.
Both cars drive all four wheels through a standard-issue 6-speed manual transmission, while the 2020 WRX offers the option of a CVT at the upper two trim levels.
Premium fuel is required for each engine and consumption figures are not great. The manual-transmission WRX is expected to average 23 mpg (21 mpg with the CVT), while the STI manages around 19 mpg.
2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4
268 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/27 mpg (manual), 18/24 mpg (automatic)
2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4
310 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
290 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Curb Weight | 3294 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 96.6 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 39.8 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 43.3 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 4.9 inches | ||
Overall Length | 180.9 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 12.0 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 104.3 inches |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fog Lights | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Roof Rails | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 21 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 27 mpg | ||
Combined | 23 mpg |
Drivetrain | AWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Manual | ||
6 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Premium | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 268 @ 5600 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 258 @ 2000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
EyeSight
We understand the technical reasons why this array of assistance features is only available in versions of the WRX with the CVT. But a driver-oriented machine with a CVT doesn’t make a lot of sense for the average enthusiast. Something like a dual-clutch automated manual would be a much better alternative.
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Even the most acutely aware drivers have occasional lapses. It’s worth adding this feature when checking the options, especially since it can be packaged with the Harman Kardon audio setup.
Brembo brakes
Standard in the STI, optional with the WRX Performance package, this braking system comes from a highly respected manufacturer that supplies companies like Ferrari.
Used 2020 Subaru WRX | Used 2020 Honda Civic | Used 2020 Toyota Corolla | Used 2020 MAZDA MAZDA3 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $23,597 | $21,622 | $18,768 | $22,203 | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.4 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.2 | |
Fuel Economy | City 21/Hwy 27/Comb 23 MPG | City 32/Hwy 42/Comb 36 MPG | City 31/Hwy 40/Comb 34 MPG | City 27/Hwy 36/Comb 30 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | N/A | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
Horsepower | 268 @ 5600 RPM | 174 @ 6000 RPM | 169 @ 6600 RPM | 186 @ 6000 RPM | |
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
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No, it has a 6-speed manual transmission. Like a sporty car ought to have. An automatic isn’t even on the options list.
Subaru Tecnica International. Like BMW has its M division and Nissan has Nismo (Nissan Motorsport), the STI operation is the part of Subaru that has prepared many successful racing cars and applies its expertise to specialized road cars like the WRX STI. It makes modifications in many areas such as handling and braking, as well as adding engine power, to create true enthusiast machines.