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Subaru WRX

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Subaru WRX: Subaru's rally-derived sport sedan and wagon. AWD, turbocharged boxer, manual standard. From the original GC8
Photo: Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Subaru's rally-derived sport sedan and wagon. AWD, turbocharged boxer, manual standard. From the original GC8 to the modern VB.

The Subaru WRX is a sport sedan and wagon produced from 1992 to the present. The model is the modern continuation of the Impreza WRX nameplate, which Subaru created specifically as a base for World Rally Championship competition. The WRX has been one of the most successful rally cars in history, winning multiple WRC championships in the 1990s and 2000s. The WRX uses a turbocharged Subaru boxer four-cylinder engine and Subaru Symmetrical AWD. The combination of turbocharged power, all-wheel drive grip, and rally-derived chassis tuning has made the WRX a favorite for enthusiasts who want performance with all-weather usability. The platform spans multiple generations: GC8 (1992-2000), GD (2002-2007), GR/GE (2007-2014), VA (2015-2021), and current VB (2022+). The current WRX (VB, 2022+) uses the FA24DIT 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer making 271 horsepower. Six-speed manual or CVT transmissions are available. Base, Sport, Limited, and GT trims cover different equipment levels. The WRX TR (2024+) is the more performance-focused trim with revised chassis tuning. The STI variant of the WRX (covered separately) is the focused performance halo. The WRX has been one of the most popular tuner platforms globally. Aftermarket support is enormous; engine tunes can boost power significantly, supporting hardware (turbo, intercooler, exhaust) is widely available, and the platform has decades of tuner culture support. On WhipJury, WRX submissions are particularly active. All generations submit regularly, with GR/GE (2007-2014) and VA (2015-2021) being most common. Modified examples with engine tuning, suspension upgrades, and various other modifications are common.

Top Subaru WRX examples on WhipJury

2006 Subaru WRX STI
2006 Subaru WRX STI#1
Whip Score: 1209

WRX generations

GC8 (1992-2000). Original Impreza WRX. Won WRC championships 1995-1997. Available globally except North America until later years.

GD (2002-2007). Bug-eye, blob-eye, hawk-eye nicknames track headlight design across run.

GR/GE (2007-2014). Sedan and hatchback variants. EJ255 turbocharged engine.

VA (2015-2021). Last EJ engine WRX. Sedan-only in North America.

VB (2022+). Current generation. FA24DIT 2.4-liter boxer turbo, 271 horsepower.

WRX on WhipJury

WRX submissions are particularly active across all generations. Modified examples with tuning, suspension upgrades, and various aftermarket modifications are common. Stock examples in clean condition reliably do well. The community recognizes the WRX as one of the seminal modern AWD performance cars.

Frequently asked questions about Subaru WRX

Why is the WRX so popular for tuning?
Multiple factors. Turbocharged engine that responds to bolt-ons and tunes. AWD layout that handles increased power. Strong aftermarket support globally. Rally heritage that creates aspirational appeal. Affordable used acquisition cost. The combination has made the WRX a default tuner platform for AWD performance.
Is the WRX faster than the STI?
No. The STI is the higher-performance variant of the WRX. STI (Subaru Tecnica International) variants typically have more power, stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and more aggressive chassis tuning. STI cars are typically faster than equivalent WRXs. The current era has separated the cars; the VB WRX continues but no STI variant has been announced.
Are WRXs reliable?
Mixed depending on year. Older EJ255 engines (mid-2000s WRX) had documented bearing failure issues under aggressive driving. EJ257 in later WRXs had fewer issues. The current FA24DIT (VB generation) has been reliable in early production. Maintenance and recall compliance matter; properly maintained WRXs are generally durable.
How much does a WRX cost?
New 2024 WRX: starts around $32,000 base. Used WRX cars: project cars $5,000-$12,000, driver-quality $12,000-$25,000, clean low-mile $25,000-$40,000+. STI variants are typically priced 20-40% premium over equivalent WRX.
Will Subaru bring back the STI?
Periodic rumors but no confirmed announcement. The WRX STI was discontinued in 2021 after the VA generation. Subaru has not committed to an STI revival. The current VB WRX continues without STI variant. The STI revival would require Subaru to develop a focused performance trim of the current generation, which has not been confirmed.

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