2020 Subaru WRX

The upgrade cycle for the WRX from what we have observed comes every 7 years, with the last major upgrade that was in '15 with a small update in '18. The WRX is still the same with not a lot of changes done to it. The powerhouse in the WRX is still the 2L turbocharged flat-four with a six-speed manual which is an excellent pick for the people that still love to drive manuals. There is also an optional Sport Lineartronic CVT which caters to the remaining portion of people that wish for an automatic.

The 2020 Subaru WRX starts with a base MSRP of $27,495 going all the way up to $32,095 for the Limited trim. The engine remains the same across all the trims with a difference in certain features that provide more comfort and the AWD drivetrain that provides the Subaru with its great handling and control.

Trim	WRX	WRX Premium	WRX Limited
MSRP	$27,495	$29,795	$32,095
Key Features	Track-tuned suspension	18-inch alloy wheels	SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security
	Symmetrical AWD	Available power tilt/sliding moonroof	Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
	268-hp turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine	All-Weather Package w/ heated front seats	LED Steering Responsive Headlights
	6-speed manual transmission	Available Sport Lineartronic transmission	10-way power driver's seat
	Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring	Available Performance Package	Available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
	SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration	SUBARU STARLINK 7-inch Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration	Available GPS navigation system
			Power-tilt/sliding moonroof

The Base WRX trim has a lot of standard features that make driving around the city or street a breeze. But the base trim does not have the options, it only comes along with the Premium trim. The Premium trim also adds a few features for the comfort of the occupants.

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The Premium trim is the best pick due to the extensive standard features and the optional packages that can be added along with it. The optional Performance package adds Recaro driver’s seat which is 8-way power-adjustable. The brakes are upgraded to Brembo four-piston calipers in the front and Brembo Dual-piston calipers on the rear. 

Subaru is the only other manufacturer than Porsche that uses the flat engine set up in their vehicles. The WRX is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged flat-four engine that makes a decent 268HP power with 258lb-ft of torque. The flat engine has two pistons placed on either side at 180 degrees making the space taken up by the engine lower. This reduces the center of gravity which improves the handling in the car. The positive and negative forces cancel each other reducing the force on the crankshaft which results in a smoother drive. Because the engine is lower the vibrations coming through the engine are also minimal.

The turbocharged engine is supported by a 6-speed transmission that is definitely a highlight of the WRX. A manual transmission is an option that is slowly being revived with various manufacturers stating that they will now have manual options on their vehicles. Subaru's are a rare breed because they have an option for the manual transmission on most of their vehicles. There is an optional Sport CVT transmission available for those that do not wish to own a manual. 

Models	Subaru WRX Limited	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
MSRP	$32,095	$35,180	$33,020	$35,335
Engine	2L Turbocharged 4 cylinder Subaru Boxer	2.0L Variable Compression Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Transmission	6 Speed Manual	Continuously Variable	8-Speed Automatic	6-speed automatic
Horsepower (hp)	268 hp@5600 rpm	248@5600rpm	245@6000rpm	245@5500rpm
Torque (lbs.-ft.)	258@ 2000rpm	273@4000rpm	260@1350rpm	275@3000rpm

All the cars in the line up have a similar engine capacity. The difference is in the layout, where the Subie is the only one with a flat layout while the rest have an inline-four. The Subie makes the most power out of the lot followed by the Nissan Altima. Ford and Hyundai have similar engine power but the difference arises in the torque making the Ford a bit more powerful.

Acceleration

The WRX’s speed will not give you goosebumps but the punchy engine can still pin you back to the seat. The acceleration is smooth and the power delivery is even without any lag. The Turbo spools at higher RPMs giving the car a boost that gets it going. It can rev high RPMs with no hesitation and happily powers through the green light.

The AWD drivetrain helps the WRX a long way. The manual transmission makes it a play of the skills where a good and bad driver can be easily differentiated. The CVT is competent enough to give you marginally slow yet similar acceleration and throttle response.

Models	Subaru WRX Limited	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
0-60 MPH(sec)	5.2	5.9	7.4	6.8
Quarter mile(sec)	13.7	14.6	15.3	15.1
Emission  (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	5.6	6.8	7.1

WRX FTW! The WRX obliterates its competition off the line. With a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds, the WRX might as well take the crown away from the Germans from this segment in terms of performance and handling. The Torque difference between the Ford and the Hyundai is clearly visible here with the Ford achieving speeds quicker than the Hyundai. 

Brakes

One thing which any driver would first notice on the Subaru is its grippy tires and traction. As much it contributes to the handling it makes braking even more intense. The 2020 WRX comes with standard ventilated disc brakes which adds to the braking performance of this little car.

The pedal is easy to modulate and brakes fight fade or any signs of weakness while hard braking. Also, the brake pedals are placed close to the throttle, which helps in fast heel-and-toe downshifting.

Models	Subaru WRX Limited	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
Brake Front (in.)	12.4	11.65	12	11.8
Brake Rear (in.)	11.3	11.50	11.2	11.9
60-0 MPH (ft.)	112	116	118	116

The WRX halts from 60 mph in just 112 feet, which is the shortest distance among the competition. Aside from efficient brakes, the curb weight of the WRX also ensures the proper braking performance of the car. Being lighter the WRX is quick to stop. 

Handling

The All-wheel-drive and decent traction control make WRX a versatile sedan fit for tracks, mud, gravel, or snow. The steering feels good in the hand with a lot of road communication as you drive which makes cornering fun and better than any car at this price tag.

The normal setting of the suspensions is good enough to endure rough patches of road and some light off-roading without any major jittering. The Active Torque Vectoring applies more braking power to the wheels on the inside on corners making it easier to turn with a more natural sense of turning.

The low center of gravity that comes with the flat engines helps in stabilizing the car and improving the handling. The WRX handles better than most of its competition and maneuverability is apt for a daily driver.

All the extra power and the sporty handling of the 2020 WRX reflects on its fuel economy. The WRX with manual transmission has a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. It will get you 21 miles for a gallon of gas in the city and 27 miles on the highway. 

Models	Subaru WRX Limited	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
MPG (city)	21	25	23	21
MPG (highway)	27	34	32	31
MPG (combined)	23	29	26	25
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.)	15.9	16.2	18.5	16.5
Range City/Hwy (Miles)	334/430	405/551	426/592	347/512

With high power comes low fuel economy and the WRX is proof of that but the figures are not all that bad. The Ford Fusion returns a similar MPG in the city like that of the WRX. The Altima has the highest MPG numbers followed by the Sonata 2.0,

 

Interior in the WRX is more functional than being sophisticated, with subtle design elements focused on a better performance experience than a luxury. The seats get bolstered seats that are 8-way-adjustable for a comfortable seating position. The front seats have enough support for all-day drives with excellent visibility. The driver and the passenger will find the seats extremely comfortable with no room to complain. The optional Recaro front seats available in the Premium trim are the real treat with much more support and comfort with the racing edge to the interior. The tilt telescopic steering wheels provide a good position to sit in and allow the driver to have a good driving position. Thin roof pillars assist with great outward visibility while also add to the roominess of the cabin.

The rear seat can accommodate 3 adults in the back with not much hassle while 2 people in the back would be much convenient and comfortable. The rear seats have enough legroom to seat a 6'0feet or taller person and the headroom as well is enough to have ample space for all occupants. Entering and exiting from the rear seat is easy due to the large knee room still available when the driver is 6 feet tall making it very spacious for its segment.

Models	Subaru WRX Limited	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.8/55.6/43.3	38.0/58.2/43.8	40.4/ 57.9/ 45.5	39.2/57.8/44.3
Second row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/54.2/35.4	36.7/57.1/35.2	38.0/56.5/ 35.6	37.8/56.9/38.3

Ford Titanium proves to be the most spacious sedan out of the lot followed by the Sonata. The Subaru has the least space as the Altima has a marginally better space.

Interior Features

• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Performance-design front seats
• Heated front seats
• 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching
• Leather-wrapped shifter handle
• Aluminum-alloy pedal covers

Infotainment System

There are two sets of infotainments in the WRX, the base trim has the 6.5" touchscreen while the Premium and Limited trims have 7' touchscreen. Both these infotainments have Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto as standard that simplifies access hasslefree with smartphone connectivity. The UI is simple and has more of an android style home page making it that much easy to use.

The standard output is managed by the 6-Speaker system which is decent. But the experience can be enhanced with the optional 8-Speaker Harman Kardon upgrade which is leaps and bounds better than the standard speakers.

Infotainment Features

• standard 6.5-inch touchscreen 
• Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto
• satellite radio,
• Pandora smartphone integration,
• Bluetooth, Sport, and auxiliary jack.
• a standard rearview camera.
• Standard 6-Speaker system.

How much stuff can it store?

The Cargo storage in the WRX is limited and might be equal to the kind found on a few hatchbacks as well. None the less the WRX can easily store everyday baggage and groceries well. 

The rear seats are a 60/40 seats fold down completely flat with just a push of a button. This gives the WRX more space to store luggage on the occasions of holidays.

Models	Subaru WRX Limited	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
Cargo Capacity (lb.)	12.0	15.4	16.3	16

The Sonata has the highest cargo capacity followed by the Fusion and the Altima is the third here. The WRX has the least storage space compared to all the other competition on the list.

The WRX is a mid-sized performance sedan that justifies the quote "Looks can be deceiving". Little do people know that this subtle everyday car is a performance hound. Cosmetically nothing has changed in the WRX when compared to the previous year. It has the hood scoop that acts as an intake to keep the engine cool. The signature Subaru grille is accompanied by the air vents and the fog lamps. 

The side fenders go really well with the entire design adding a bit of some sporty flavor to the design of the car. The 17inch wheels give it some character and add to the side profile of the car. The lines flow well with not much of a sporty or aggressive feel but rather a subtle sedan look.

The Subaru continues to be rather subtle and forgettable from the rear as well. The taillights don't give it a very unique look to it ut rather something you would see on an everyday car. The rear diffuser houses the quad exhaust setup which does give the WRX a distinct look. The chrome tips and the circular exhausts do look the play the part in supporting the WRX's claim of being a performance-oriented car.

Models	Subaru WRX sedan	Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo	Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T	Ford Fusion Titanium
Curb weight (lb.)	3294	3436	3527	3676
Length(in)	180.9	192.9	191.1	191.7
Width(in)	70.7	72.9	73.4	75.6
Height(in)	58.1	57.1	58.1	58.1
Ground clearance (in)	4.9	5.1	5.3	7,8
Wheelbase (in)	104.3	111.2	110.4	112.1

Subaru is the shortest, lightest and the least widest with along with the shortest wheelbase. These small dimensions add to the handling of the Subaru which is probably better than most other cars on the list probably. The Altima stands the longest out the lot while the Fusion is the widest out of the lot. The heaviest car here is the Ford again which also has the longest wheelbase.

Exterior Features

• Projector low-beam and multi-reflector high-beam halogen headlights
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
• Halogen fog lights
• Front and rear under spoilers
• Low profile trunk spoiler 
• Exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets
• Two-speed windshield wipers

Subaru is known for the safe and reliable cars that it offers. The dependability of the WRX is something past users and critics have applauded over time. The story does not change this year. NHTSA has given the WRX a 5 Star after conducting various crash tests, it is the highest rating given by the organization. The IIHS has given the WRX a "G" overall rating where G stands for good and is a positive aspect of this sedan.

Safety Features

• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Active Torque Vectoring
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Driver's knee airbag
• Side-curtain airbags
• Front-seat side pelvis/torso airbags
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• LATCH System
• Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
• Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure

Subaru WRX vs Nissan Altima

The Japanese have taken over and how! JDM has been a top choice for people irrespective of the body style, mostly because of the luxury comfort and reliability these cars give their owners. The Subaru is a better choice if performance is a priority with not much care about the cargo space. The cabin space and comfort in the WRX are not tas good as the Altima but the drive experience and handling are in contrast to the same. 

Subaru WRX vs Hyundai Sonata

The Japanese are probably here to stay with the number of vehicles in the market. Sonata is an excellent family sedan with various comfort and luxury features onboard that are essential for a daily commute. But then again the performance of the Subaru outmatches that of the Sonata by a rather big margin. Once again it is what the buyer needs from their vehicle is what would answer this question.

The WRX has created a rather loyal fan base which only seems to grow as time passes. The WRX handles well, drives well and accelerates well, not many cars can be as versatile as the WRX. This car is a total hoot to drive and can make daily office commute interesting and something one looks forward to in their day. It is one of those rare breeds which can make daily commute fun. Looking for something that offers amazing performance and drives like a charm, look no further, the WRX is the conclusion to the search.

 

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