The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX was released in the United States, boasting the most sophisticated features, design, and performance in the model’s almost two-decade history. The new 271-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or with a new automatic transmission, in the fifth-generation rally icon.

Low, wide and mean on the outside

The 2022 WRX’s wide-body design offers it a powerful stance and a striking new look. Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille is coupled with compact LED headlights and a huge front hood scoop to highlight the broad and low appearance.

The power and performance potential of the sports sedan is further emphasized by broad character lines running over the front, sides, and back of the vehicle. The front fenders are now made of aluminum, resulting in a weight savings of 5.0 pounds. The rear decklid has a low-profile rear spoiler in the same color as the body.

The back taillights are designed to look like lava from a volcano.

The Subaru WRX’s performance and stability are improved by a number of functional aerodynamic modifications as well as the exterior styling. Air can flow more readily out of the wheel well thanks to an air outlet on the trailing edge of the front wheel opening, resulting in a reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability.

Body motion produced by trapped air behind the bumper is eliminated by adding an extra air outlet on each side of the rear bumper. Aerodynamic texturing on the bottom trim and sculpted wheel arches reduce air resistance.

The engine undercover has the same aerodynamic texture as the front of the car, as well as a form that channels airflow to increase front-end downforce.

The Subaru WRX is all about the driver on the inside

The vehicle’s performance characteristics are communicated throughout the cabin, which is black with contrast red stitching and carbon fiber design accents. As soon as the driver steps into the 2022 WRX and grabs the flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated switches for music, voice recognition, and EyeSight control, the high-performance feeling intensifies.

Both driver and passenger side power windows with auto up/down; 60/40-split fold-down rear seat; power door locks and side mirrors are standard.

SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology provides a seamless driving experience by enabling the driver to select entertainment and vehicle settings through a big touchscreen display.

All STARLINK multimedia systems for the 2022 WRX include a high-resolution touch interface; on-screen controls for audio, HVAC, and vehicle features; combination meter integration; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; Rear Vision Camera; SiriusXM Platinum Plan (4-month free subscription); and HD Radio as standard.

An all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch full HD center information display is front and center in the cabin, showcasing the driver-focused layout. Direct touch controls for entertainment, HVAC, and vehicle settings are available on the 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus.

App icons, like those on a smartphone, maybe relocated and modified according to personal desire. The top-tier 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation option includes TomTom voice-activated navigation.

A split-screen display is available on both the Multimedia Plus and the Multimedia Plus with Navigation, which is a first for Subaru. For increased user engagement, the display may show two kinds of information at once, such as navigation and music. Physical buttons and knobs for commonly used features like volume and temperature remain on the 11.6-inch multimedia systems.

The all-new Subaru WRX for 2022 comes with an optional Harman Kardon 11-speaker sound system and an HK 504-watt equivalent amplifier. The HK sound system was designed specifically for the WRX and includes premium technology to give immersive sound for all passengers.

GreenEdge, an amplifier technology that allows passengers to enjoy higher sound quality with little energy usage, and Clari-Fi, a technology that analyzes and recovers lost audio signals in real-time, are both included in the system. The two technologies work together to provide a high-quality, uncompressed listening experience.

Finely tuned performance

For 2022, the WRX range will have a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine that produces 271 hp at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. The enlarged capacity, along with an electronically regulated wastegate and air bypass valves on the turbo, increases responsiveness and acceleration.

The famous Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring are standard on every Subaru WRX.

The 6-speed manual transmission, which has been fitted with optimized gear ratios and fine-tuned for better shift performance, or the new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic), which offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts (2nd to 3rd) and 50 percent faster downshifts, is paired with the Subaru BOXER engine (3rd to 2nd).

Adaptive shift control is built into the automatic gearbox, allowing it to immediately react to rev-matching downshifts when braking, maintain the correct ratio through bends and respond quicker on corner departure. To increase acceleration and reaction, the whole ratio coverage range has been expanded, and lower ‘fixed’ gear ratios have been altered.

The SI-Drive Performance Management System has three alternative settings that may be adjusted to the driver’s preferences for engine and automatic gearbox functioning. A steering wheel paddle shifter may be used to enter an 8-speed manual mode for more driver participation.

Under extreme circumstances, an external transmission fluid cooler enhances durability and capability.

Because of the enhanced chassis rigidity and lower center of gravity height, the Subaru Global Platform provides a significant improvement in ride and handling characteristics.

The improved platform has a 28 percent improvement in total torsional stiffness and a 75 percent increase in suspension mounting point rigidity thanks to the entire inner frame design and higher usage of structural adhesives. On uneven roads, a longer suspension stroke improves vehicle stability and lateral grip.

The rear stabilizer bar, which is now attached directly to the body rather than the subframe, is more efficient and helps to reduce roll rate while cornering.

For a more exciting driving experience, the suspension has been track-tuned. A new dual-pinion electric power steering system isolates the driver’s input shaft from the motor assist shaft, and optimized front suspension geometry decreases front suspension mass offset.

These improvements work together to provide a faster reaction to driver inputs, increased accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.

The 2022 Subaru WRX features the greatest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history, thanks to summer performance tires on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel vented disc brakes.

GT top of the line model

The Subaru WRX will get a new top GT variant for 2022, with electronically adjustable dampers that can adapt dynamic performance to the driver’s preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. With up to 430 distinct customization choices, the new Drive Mode Select adds more possibilities to customize the steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more.

New Recaro® seats, which are exclusive to GT, provide greater support for the driver and front passenger during high-performance driving. The seat backrest’s Y-shaped form exemplifies a design idea in which the occupant’s sides and shoulder blades are firmly supported to ensure good driving posture.

Black Ultrasuede seats with contrasting red stitching and the “Recaro” insignia imprinted on the seatbacks. Eight-way power adjustments are available in the driver’s seat.

The GT also comes with special 18-inch matte gray aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/40 R18 summer performance tires.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard on the GT and incorporates Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and innovative Automatic Emergency Steering.

Safety features match the performance levels

In real driving situations, the WRX’s stronger base pays rewards in the shape of improved suspension mounting points and a lower center of gravity. More responsive steering and handling, a smoother and quieter ride, and enhanced hazard avoidance in emergency circumstances are all benefits of higher body rigidity.

Crash protection has also been significantly increased, with the redesigned body absorbing more energy in front/side collisions than the previous model. When a collision is inevitable, the Subaru WRX is equipped with seven standard airbags, including one for the driver.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all trims (with automatic transmission) and has been updated with a broader field of vision and software performance enhancements to provide a wider range of operation. An electric brake booster increases braking response and performance in emergency situations.

The Lane Departure Prevention feature has been enhanced to deliver a more natural and smoother experience. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering is now featured in the EyeSight system’s feature set for the first time in a Subaru WRX.

Automatic Emergency Steering, which is now available, works in tandem with the Pre-Accident Braking System to aid steering control and help prevent a collision at speeds under 50 mph.