Straddling the Line Between Practical and Performance
The pickings are slim for car buyers looking for something that can accommodate a child’s car seat, deliver high performance, be equipped with a manual transmission, and cost under $45,000. Yet, against all odds, the Subaru WRX remains a shining option that straddles the line between practicality and performance.
I was thrilled to get my hands on a 2024 Subaru WRX TR dressed in a signature WR Blue Pearl paint job with an authentic manual transmission and DIY handbrake.
Key Highlights
Fuel Economy: I averaged 25 mpg, which is about 300-350 actual miles per tank (premium fuel preferred).
Performance: Turbocharged 2.4L Boxster four-banger producing 271 hp and 258 lb.-ft.
Starting Price: $33,855 (Base)
Favorite Detail: It has a traditional, grip-it-and-rip-it, handbrake.
Nitpick: Recaro sports seats are not easy on the lumbar.
Styling
The WRX is still in its fourth-generation design, which debuted in 2022. One thing that quickly became apparent was the hard nosed opinions Subaru owners and fans had for the car’s styling. Many don’t approve of its bland exterior design compared to previous, classic, generations, which featured more livery, smoother body lines, and bug-eyed-shaped headlamps. This modern interpretation is much more rigid, with sharp-edged sculptured fender flares, pointed headlamps and bulbous bumpers.
The rear end styling, in particular, is a hot-button topic of criticism for many Subaru fans and loyalists who feel it looks like a Honda Civic. Moreover, the plastic fender moldings that wrap around the car get mixed reactions, with some preferring they were painted the same color as the body. Nevertheless, the car does stand out with a trunk lip spoiler, dual port exhaust tips, a functional hood scoop, 19-inch aluminum wheels and large front air intake vents.
For 2024, you can choose between five trim levels, from Base to the top-tier GT. The model I tested was second to the top, the WRX TR, the highest trim level that offers the desirable manual transmission. The GT only comes with an automatic. This TR-spec Subaru WRX came equipped with plenty of interior décor details to remind passengers that this is no ordinary sedan.
Interior Features
The interior features ultra suede-trimmed Recaro performance bucket seats and aluminum billet pedals. Red stitching is featured throughout the cabin on the seats, the dash, around the shifter and the steering wheel. The bottom of the steering wheel features a carbon fiber piece of trim with a black “WRX” badge. The thick rubber floor mats help keep outside elements off the carpet and distinguish themselves from the rest of the black upholstery interior with bright red WRX emblems.
Placed vertically in the center of the dashboard is an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with a layout that’ll become intuitive to anyone who’s ever used an iPad. This model also came fitted with an 11-speaker sound system by Harman Kardon, suitable for drowning out the engine’s throaty rumble – if you want. This car also has excellent visibility if, like me, you turn your head to check your blind spot.
Rear seating is decent for a car of this size, with LATCH systems to secure child safety seats without hassle. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split to create more cargo room from the trunk, which itself offers enough room to place two 50-pound bags of dog food side by side with space left for groceries and a roadside go-bag.
Performance Specs
Under the hood scoop is a turbocharged 2.4L Boxer four-cylinder engine developing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission sends power to Subaru’s world rally championship-proven all-wheel drive system. One of the many iconic details of a Subaru WRX is the muscle-bound rumble of its Boxer engine, which produces smile-provoking soundwaves for the ear.
Maneuvering the six-speed shifter is like dancing with someone who loves to dance. It engages your movements and delivers a satisfying sensation when you feel it slip into the next gear with ease. The clutch pedal feel is firm but won’t wear out your left knee in stop-and-go traffic. Moreover, it’s forgiving enough for novice drivers to learn the dying art of manual shifting. Traditional hand-operated parking brakes are quickly becoming extinct in modern vehicle interiors, so seeing one in the WRX was a delight.
On the highway, the Recaro seats provided a secure feeling to indulge my wannabe racing driver fantasies but lacked lumbar support. I expected the sports tuned suspension to leave me feeling fatigued after 140 miles on the road, but the WRX offers a good balance of sport and comfort. That being said, if you’re used to riding in plush SUVs, the Subaru’s suspension will feel rough at first.
During moments of weakness, when my right foot suddenly felt heavy, and the road turned to dirt, the Subaru WRX switched from Dr. Jeykll to Mr. Hyde. Off the leash and at high RPM, the car moved through loose surfaces with the agility of a cat chasing a laser pointer. Red Brembo brakes came in handy when I needed to slow down in a hurry.
The dynamic all-terrain handling was limited by the dress shoe rubber band thin tires and my fear of damaging the stylish wheels. Ripping the handbrake to slide the car into a quick 180-degree turn and feel the AWD system grip and launch me forward allowed me to fully understand why these cars are so good at rallying.
Fuel Economy and Pricing
Gas mileage is on par for a hot-performing sports sedan. At a full tank, the fuel range will show 450 miles, but in real world miles, it’s closer to 300-350, depending on driving style. I averaged nearly 25 mpg over a week of city commuting, highway travel, and dirt road hijinks. If you want the best performance out of the drivetrain, premium fuel is recommended.
Pricing starts at the $33,000 mark for a base model WRX. The TR model starts at $41,000 and can stay under $45,000 if you go easy on the options. The middle tier variants, Premium and Limited, are well equipped and can keep the MSRP under $40,000 if you don’t care about having Ultrasuede trimmed Recaro seats.
The Subaru WRX is a jack of all trades, playing the part of both racer and family sedan. It offers a balance of safety features and performance perks. Is it perfect? No. But it’s fun, and that makes up for many of its shortcomings.
Engine: 2.4L Boxer Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0 to 60: 5.5 seconds
Price as Shown: $42,907 (TR)
Jesus Behind the Wheel 