Subaru finally took the wraps off the all-new, fifth-gen 2022 WRX. The car rides on a new platform, features a new engine, and comes with a whole lot of other upgrades inside out. You even get to choose between a performance-tuned CVT and a manual gearbox. While it doesn’t look too different from its predecessors, the automaker has made quite a few changes to make it more performance-oriented and engaging. The price isn’t revealed, but Subaru mentioned that the new WRX will arrive at the dealerships early next year.

2022 Subaru WRX – Exterior

Up front, the new WRX comes with a wide-body stance that defines its sporty demeanor. The signature hexagonal grille features the same honeycomb mesh design that’s present on the bumper as well. A broad hood scoop further adds to the sporty factor. Subaru has offered LED headlights as well.

The fenders are composed of aluminum that helps reduce the overall weight by five pounds. The new WRX can be had with either 17- or 18-inch wheels wrapped in summer performance tires.

It comes with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes as standard. The automaker has also offered a low-profile rear spoiler that comes in the matching body color. Subaru says the taillights are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma.

As mentioned earlier, a lot of performance-related upgrades are present this time around. On the exterior, it’s got to do with aerodynamics. The car comes with air outlets at the edge of the front wheels and on each side of the rear bumper. These will help reduce the lift and body sway respectively. Aero textures are integrated into the wheel arches, the lower trims, and the engine undercover to reduce resistance.

2022 Subaru WRX – Interior

The all-new WRX also comes with a fresh interior. The all-black interior comes with contrast red stitching and carbon fiber pattern accents. A leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel welcomes you when you step into the driver’s seat. The overall dimensions aren’t mentioned, but we could have them closer to the car’s launch early next year.

As for the features, this is what the car comes with:

-* 11.6-inch touchscreen system

-* Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

-* Rearview camera

-* 11-Speaker Harman Kardon sounds system with a 504-watt amplifier

2022 Subaru WRX GT

Subaru has added a new top-of-the-line GT trim that comes with a whole lot of specs and features. This is what all it includes:

-* Electronically controlled dampers with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings

-* Drive Mode Select to configure steering feel, damper settings, etc. with up to 430 different customization options

-* EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Steering

-* Recaro Front Seats wrapped in black Ultrasuede

-* 18-inch aluminum wheels finished in matte gray

-* 245/40 section summer performance tires

Interestingly, you can have it only with the automatic transmission and not the manual.

2022 Subaru WRX – Drivetrain

You can pair it with either a six-speed manual gearbox, or a CVT that the automaker calls the Subaru Performance Transmission. It is said to offer better upshifts and downshifts, but we won’t hold our breath because it’s a CVT at the end of the day. We’ll wait for the driven reviews to see how it performs. The CVT can be operated using paddle shifters that allow you to access the eight-speed manual mode.

It is underpinned on a new Global platform. When compared to the previous-gen, the new WRX offers 28-percent more torsional rigidity. The roll rate is also reduced, thanks to the cleaver mounting of the rear stabilizer bar onto the body instead of the subframe. The WRX comes with the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and active torque vectoring as standard. The iconic rally car’s suspension setup is also track-tuned to offer an engaging driving experience.

2022 Subaru WRX – Pricing

Subaru hasn’t revealed the pricing of the new WRX, but here’s how the fourth-gen 2021 WRX is priced:

-* WRX - $27,495

-* WRX Premium - $30,045

-* WRX Limited - $32,095

-* WRX STI - $37,245

-* WRX STI Limited - $41,945

Considering the number of changes made to the car, we expect the starting price to be bumped up by a couple of thousand bucks. But, Subaru might keep it a shade under $30,000 for that psychological effect.

The 2022 Subaru WRX will be offered with a new top-of-the-line GT trim that could either replace the STI Limited or be placed above it. Either way, we speculate the GT trim to be priced north of $45,000.

2022 Subaru WRX – Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

-* Seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag

-* Electric Brake Booster

-* Lane Departure Prevention

-* Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering

-* Automatic Emergency Steering

-* Pre-Collision Braking System

Conclusion

Subaru has said that the 2022 WRX will arrive at the dealership in early 2022. Other details like the dimensions, pricing, etc. could be revealed closer to the launch.

2022 Subaru WRX Highlights