Introduction
Welcome to our guide on the 10 best and worst Subaru WRX years. The Subaru WRX has become known as an iconic sports car because of how well it drives and because it has a long history in rallying. In its long history, the WRX has gone through many upgrades, improvements, and sometimes setbacks. In this blog post, we’ll talk about why the best Subaru WRX model years did well and what went wrong with the worst ones. We’ll also show pictures of how beautiful these cars are. In this detailed and comprehensive guide, we will discuss the Subaru WRX best and worst years to help you make an informed decision when choosing your dream ride. From the latest 2023 and 2024 models to the earlier ones, we will also delve into the reasons why some years stand out while others fall short.
The Best And Worst Years For The Subaru WRX Are:
The best Subaru WRX model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. The worst model years of the WRX are 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2016. This is based on NHTSA statistics, auto industry reviews, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
Importance of Choosing the Right Subaru WRX Year
Choosing the right year of Subaru WRX is more than just picking a car; it’s also about enjoying a driving experience that fits your tastes. Different model years have different features, speed upgrades, and design changes that appeal to a wide range of car fans. If you make the right choice, you’ll not only get the most out of your money, but you’ll also get to enjoy having an icon of the car world.
What Are The Best Years For The Subaru WRX?
1. 2023 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX models for 2023 and 2024 are the best in terms of speed and technology. Under the hood, a strong turbocharged engine makes thrilling power, and the polished all-wheel-drive system gives the car the most grip on any road surface. The sleek and aggressive design of the outside is matched by a high-end interior with the latest features. In all these years, Subaru has really gotten good at making fast cars.
2023 Subaru WRX
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 0 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.7/5.0 consumer and 7.6/10 expert ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0/5.0 consumer and 4.2 expert ratings.
2. 2022 Subaru WRX
Subaru kept building on the success of the WRX in 2022, making a car that was both fast and comfortable. The turbocharged engine stays strong and has plenty of speed and power. Better stability and handling make driving more fun, whether you’re driving on city streets or winding mountain roads. Inside, a newer entertainment system and more advanced safety features make things easier and give you peace of mind.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 18 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.7/5.0 consumer and 7.6/10 expert ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0/5.0 consumer and 4.2 expert ratings.
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2023 Subaru WRX
3. 2021 Subaru WRX
The 2021 Subaru WRX stays true to its rally-inspired roots and keeps the heart and soul of the WRX line. This model year is sure to be fun to drive because it has a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive on both sides, and accurate steering. The 2021 WRX still has a good reputation for being reliable, which makes it a good choice for people who want to own a car for a long time.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 4 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.7/5.0 consumer and 6.9/10 expert ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.2 expert ratings.
4. 2020 Subaru WRX
In 2020, Subaru worked on making the WRX easier to drive and more comfortable. The strong turbo engine and responsive all-wheel-drive system make the car work very well, and the suspension has been improved to make the ride smoother. The inside was also fixed up, with better materials and updated tech features to make the ride more comfortable and convenient for passengers.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 11 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.8/5.0 consumer and 7.9/10 expert ratings.
- J.D. Power: 83/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.3 expert ratings.
- 2020 subaru wrx
5. 2019 Subaru WRX
People still love the 2019 Subaru WRX for its raw power and eye-catching style. This year’s model has a famous turbocharged engine and an all-wheel-drive system that works on both sides of the car. Its aggressive looks and fast interior add to the excitement, making it a classic choice for people who like to drive.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 2 recalls and 20 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.7/5.0 consumer and 7.8/10 expert ratings.
- J.D. Power: 78/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.3 expert ratings.
Reasons why these years are the best:
- Enhanced Engine Performance: Each of the best years of the Subaru WRX has a strong turbocharged engine with enough horsepower and speed to make driving a thrill. These engines have been fine-tuned to give power smoothly and speed up quickly, making sure that every time the driver steps on the gas, they smile.
- Advanced All-Wheel Drive System: The Subaru WRX line is known for its balanced all-wheel drive system. The best model years have an all-wheel-drive system that has been improved over time and works to improve grip, stability, and handling. This drivetrain setup gives drivers more trust, so they can handle difficult road conditions and have a more fun time driving.
- Better handling and driving dynamics. The best years of the Subaru WRX have better handling and driving dynamics to go with their strong engines and all-wheel-drive systems. The suspension systems have been tweaked to make the ride smoother, and the car turn quicker. The car’s agility is further improved by precise and quick steering, which makes it easy for drivers to take turns and curves with confidence.
- High-Tech and Convenient: The best years of the Subaru WRX come with high-tech and convenient features. Modern entertainment systems have big touchscreens that make it easy to find your way, listen to music, and connect your phone. Added safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot tracking, and lane-keeping assist make every drive safer and give you more peace of mind.
- Stylish design and comfortable interiors: The best years of the Subaru WRX have a sporty, bold look on the outside that draws people’s attention. Inside, supportive seats, high-quality materials, and a layout that puts the driver first make the cabin a comfortable and welcoming place for both drivers and guests.
Consumer Scores For Best Subaru WRX Years
Even though the years listed above are great picks, it’s also important to know which ones are the worst. Not every Subaru WRX has been a success. Let’s look at the years that were criticized and didn’t live up to expectations.
Consumer Scores For Best Subaru WRX Years
Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating |
Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating |
JD Power Consumer Rating |
2024 Subaru WRX | N/A | N/A | N/A |
2023 Subaru WRX | 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | NA |
2022 Subaru WRX | 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | NA |
2021 Subaru WRX | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | NA |
2020 Subaru WRX | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
2019 Subaru WRX | 4.7 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
What Are The Worst Years For The Subaru WRX?
1. 2015 and 2016 Subaru WRX
The 2015 and 2016 Subaru WRX models had problems with their navigation systems and how well they fit together inside. Even though the performance and ability to use all-wheel drive stayed the same, these model years fell behind in terms of the general driving experience and new features.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 3 recalls and 50 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.2/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 73/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer ratings.
- 2015 subaru wrx
2. 2017 Subaru WRX
In 2017, the Subaru WRX had some problems, including gearbox and suspension problems that made it hard to drive. People also said that this model year’s interior style and materials were not as good as those used in later years.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 44 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.1/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 76/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer ratings.
- 2017 subaru wrx
3. 2018 Subaru WRX
The 2018 Subaru WRX also had some problems. The engine and suspension were both criticized. Even though it was still fast and fun to drive, it didn’t have the polish and precision of other model years.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 2 recalls and 27 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.3/5.0 consumer and 7.8/10 expert ratings.
- J.D. Power: 77/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.4 expert ratings.
- 2018 subaru wrx
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Subaru WRX Year
Several things come into play when choosing which year of Subaru WRX to buy. It’s important to think about what’s most important to you, whether it’s efficiency, technology, or money. Here are some important things to think about:
- Performance: Look at how fast and how much power the model year’s engine has, as well as how well it handles and if it has an all-wheel-drive system.
- Features and technology: Look for current amenities, infotainment systems, and high-tech safety features that fit your needs.
- Reliability: Look at customer reviews and ratings for reliability to make sure the model year you choose has a good track record.
- Budget: Set a budget that lets you look at different model years that fit your needs and takes into account things like upkeep and insurance costs.
- Personal Preferences: Think about how you drive, if you want a manual or automatic gear, and what features or packages are most important to you.
What Common Problems Does Subaru WRX Have?
Even though Subaru is known for being reliable, different years of the WRX have had problems. It’s important to know about these typical problems so that you can deal with them ahead of time or think about them when making a buying decision. Some common problems include:
Problems with the transmission and clutch
Some WRX models had problems with the transmission and clutch, like the gears grinding or not engaging easily. Stick shift fans might like how close the car feels, but it’s important to check the clutch and transmission for any signs of wear or damage.
Suspension Problems
Some model years had problems with the suspension, which made the ride less enjoyable. During a test drive, keep an eye out for excessive bouncing or hitting sounds. These could be signs of suspension problems.
Engine Performance
In some cases, drivers reported problems with the performance of the engine, such as turbocharger breakdowns or worries about oil use. Even though Subaru’s turbocharged engines are known for their power, keep an eye out for any noises or smoke that don’t seem normal when you’re checking it out.
Recalls and Safety Issues
Find out if there have been any recalls or safety problems with the model year you are interested in. Subaru’s aggressive approach to recalls makes sure that any problems that could affect safety are fixed quickly.
It’s important to remember that Subaru has often fixed these problems in later model years by issuing recalls or making changes to how the cars are made. Consider buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) Subaru WRX from an authorized Subaru dealer to reduce any possible risks. CPO cars go through strict inspections and come with longer warranties.
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Subaru WRX?
Even though the Subaru WRX is a great sports sedan, it’s always a good idea to look at other options in the same market niche. Depending on what you want, how you drive, and how much money you have, you could:
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The VW Golf GTI has a smooth ride, a well-made interior, and a good mix between speed and usability. Its quick turbocharged engine and agile handling make it a fun hatchback for fans who want something that can do a lot of things.
Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST is a small car designed for speed. It has a strong turbocharged engine and a frame that is tuned for speed. It has a comfortable, well-equipped interior that makes it a great daily car with a sporty touch.
Honda Civic Type R
If you want a car with front-wheel drive, the Honda Civic Type R has a lot of speed, sharp handling, and an aggressive look. It stands out as a strong alternative to the Subaru WRX because of its track-inspired performance and unique look.
Mazda Mazda3 Turbo
The Mazda Mazda3 Turbo has a refined cabin and a turbocharged engine that make it both stylish and fast. It’s a great choice for people who want a compact sports car with a touch of luxury.
Audi S3
The Audi S3 is a good choice if you want a high-end sports car with all-wheel drive. The S3 is a refined and exciting car to drive because it has a luxurious cabin, a powerful turbocharged engine, and precise handling.
Conclusion
The Subaru WRX has become a hero in the world of cars, winning the hearts of driving fans everywhere. As we looked at the 10 Best and Worst Years of the Subaru WRX, it was clear that Subaru has kept improving and refining this sports car over time. Whether you choose the exciting 2023 and 2024 models or a model from before, the Subaru WRX is still a sign of road excitement. Before making a choice, think about what’s most important to you, do your research on specific model years, and don’t forget to take a test drive to see what makes the WRX so special. Happy driving!