The Subaru WRX, with its rally racing heritage, has a well-earned reputation as a performance car. But does this mean it’s impractical for daily driving? To answer this question, we’ll explore the pros and cons of owning a WRX, examining its performance, comfort, reliability, and more. One thing is clear: the WRX offers a unique combination of performance and practicality that is rare in its class.
Pros of Daily Driving a Subaru WRX
Performance and Handling
- Powerful Engine:
The WRX boasts a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine that generates an impressive 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This translates to brisk acceleration, with a 0–60 mph time of 5.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds at 101 mph for the manual transmission model. The WRX GT model, with its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), achieves 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds. - Agile Handling:
The WRX’s sport-tuned suspension, combined with its meticulously engineered chassis and advanced all-wheel-drive system, ensures precise cornering and exceptional stability. The car’s low center of gravity and finely tuned suspension setup contribute to its responsive and confidence-inspiring driving experience. It confidently tackles corners and provides a dynamic driving experience. - All-Wheel Drive:
Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on all WRX models. This system features active torque vectoring, which sends power to the wheels with the most grip and fine-tunes the car’s path around curves. This provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for year-round driving. It gives it a significant advantage over competitors like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI, especially in areas with inclement weather.
Practicality
- Spacious Interior:
The WRX offers a comfortable and relatively spacious interior for a sports sedan. It comfortably accommodates five passengers. The front seats provide good support and adjustability, with ample headroom, even for tall drivers. The driving position is comfortable and easily adjustable, thanks to the wide range of adjustments in the steering column and driver’s seat. - Cargo Space:
With 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space, the WRX offers ample room for groceries, luggage, or other cargo. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide added flexibility for carrying larger items. - Decent Fuel Economy:
While not a fuel-sipper, the WRX offers respectable fuel economy for a performance car.
| Trim Level | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRX | 20 | 27 | 22 |
| WRX Premium | 20 | 27 | 22 |
| WRX Limited | 20 | 27 | 22 |
| WRX STI | 16 | 22 | – |
| WRX STI Limited | 16 | 22 | – |
Features and Technology
- Sport-Tuned Suspension:
While the WRX’s sport-tuned suspension is designed for performance, Subaru has made efforts to improve ride comfort in recent generations. The suspension features a chassis-mounted rear anti-roll bar, which contributes to a more balanced ride. However, it’s worth noting that the ride can still be firm, particularly in the Limited trim. - Advanced Safety Features:
The WRX comes standard with a suite of safety features, including EyeSight driver-assist technology. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, enhancing safety and driver convenience. - Infotainment System:
The WRX features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. Depending on the trim level, the WRX comes with either dual 7-inch touchscreens or a single 11.6-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity. Other features include a rear-vision camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and available navigation.
Cons of Daily Driving a Subaru WRX
Ride Quality
- Stiff Suspension:
The WRX’s sport-tuned suspension can result in a firm ride, which some drivers may find uncomfortable on rough roads. This is especially noticeable in the Limited trim. - Road Noise:
Some reviewers have noted that the WRX can be noisy at highway speeds, with noticeable road and wind noise.
Practicality Concerns
- Limited Rear Seat Space:
While the WRX has a decent amount of front-seat space, the rear seats can be a bit cramped for taller passengers. The transmission tunnel also intrudes on rear-seat legroom. - Summer Tires:
The WRX comes standard with summer performance tires, which provide excellent grip in dry conditions but may not be suitable for driving in snow or ice. Drivers in colder climates may need to invest in a set of winter tires.
Common Problems and Issues
While the WRX has a reputation for being a reliable car, there have been some common issues reported by owners. These include:
- Engine Problems: Some WRX owners have experienced issues with their engines, including problems with the rods, rod bearings, and piston rings.
- Oil Consumption: Some WRXs have been known to consume oil at a higher-than-average rate.
- Clutch Problems: Clutch issues, including premature wear and failure, have been reported in some WRX models.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensors: Oxygen sensor failures have also been reported by some WRX owners.
It’s important to note that not all WRXs will experience these problems, and Subaru has made efforts to improve reliability in recent years. However, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues.
Parts and Service
The Subaru WRX benefits from a wide availability of parts, both from Subaru dealerships and aftermarket suppliers. This makes it relatively easy to find parts for repairs and modifications.
In terms of service costs, the WRX has average ownership costs for a Subaru. The average annual repair cost for a Subaru is $617. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, can cost between $253 and $339. However, more significant repairs can be more expensive. For example, replacing a control arm assembly can cost over $1,000.
Conclusion
The Subaru WRX offers a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and all-weather capability. It’s a fun-to-drive car that can handle daily driving duties while also providing thrills on winding roads. While it has a reputation for being a performance car, it has matured and become more refined and comfortable in recent generations, making it more suitable as a daily driver. However, its firm ride, potential reliability issues, and average fuel economy are factors to consider.
For those who prioritize performance and handling but can live with some compromises in comfort and practicality, the WRX is a good daily driver. Its standard all-wheel drive gives it an edge over competitors, especially in areas with challenging weather conditions. The availability of parts and reasonable service costs also contribute to its appeal. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for common problems and the firm ride, especially if they prioritize comfort.