Subaru WRX: performance, engines and what owners say

Subaru WRX VA (2015–2021) in white, AI illustration

Subaru WRX VB (2022–) in gray, AI illustration

WRX (6-speed manual) VA · 2015–2021

268horsepower

4.80–60 mph, sec

First WRX with the 2.0 direct-injection turbo: 268 hp, 6-speed manual or CVT.

WRX (6-speed manual) VB · 2022–

271horsepower

5.50–60 mph, sec

Bigger 2.4 turbo: 271 hp and the same 258 lb-ft.

VA WRX · 2015–2021

How fast is the VA WRX?

Sedan, 2015–2021. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

WRX (6-speed manual)

2015–2021

268 hpat 5,600 rpm

Torque: 258 lb-ftat 2,000–5,200 rpm
0–60 mph: 4.8 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Price new: $26,2952015 base WRX, plus $795 destination; 2021: $27,495 plus $925

Sources

WRX Premium / Limited (CVT)

2015–2021

268 hpat 5,600 rpm

The two-pedal WRX: Subaru calls its CVT the Sport Lineartronic.

Torque: 258 lb-ftat 2,000–5,200 rpm
0–60 mph: 5.5 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox: Sport Lineartronic CVT with manual mode, all-wheel drive
Price new: $29,6952015 Premium CVT, plus $795 destination; 2021 Limited CVT: $33,995 plus $925

Sources

The engine: Subaru FA20F (FA20DIT)

2.0-liter flat-4, turbo, direct injection

Output268 hp at 5,600 rpm, 258 lb-ft at 2,000–5,200 rpm

TurboTwin-scroll turbo, 15.9 psi peak boost

Redline6,700 rpm (U.S. WRX)

Bore x stroke86 x 86 mm, 10.6:1 compression

Performance engines →

Known issues

Intake-valve carbon buildupTuning shop
Direct injection means fuel never washes the backs of the intake valves, so oil-vapor deposits build up. Symptoms: rough idle, cold-start misfire, hesitation.
Fix: Physical cleaning (walnut blasting) once an inspection confirms deposits; fuel additives don’t reach the valves.
Oil level and oil consumptionTuning shop
The engine holds relatively little oil, so leaks, PCV faults, turbo seal wear or worn rings drop the level faster. Check the dipstick often.
2 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2015–2021)
Turbo air intake duct recall (2015–2016)Recall
On WRXs built April to October 2015, the turbocharger air intake duct may crack, which can stall the engine.
Fix: Dealer inspects the duct and replaces it for free, depending on its lot number (NHTSA 16V-162, Subaru WTA-62).
1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (2015–2021)

Engine sources

What owners say on YouTube

56This car's YouTube owner tone, out of 100 · #2 of 2 generations · videos about this generation only (the engine's tone above covers every car with that engine)

Owners praise

Manual gearbox27%

Everyday comfort26%

Power and acceleration20%

Handling and steering20%

Owners complain about

Clutch / gearbox7%

CVT / transmission shudder6%

CVT / SPT6%

Share of the 189 most-watched VA WRX videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

Subaru WRX - Everything You Need to Know | Up To SpeedDonut · 6.4M views

Subaru WRX Testing (It failed)CboysTV · 5.2M views

Shit Subaru WRX Owners SayMuscle Vs Tuner · 3.8M views

Should you buy a VA WRX?

New, the WRX (6-speed manual) cost $26,295 (2015 base WRX, plus $795 destination; 2021: $27,495 plus $925).
YouTube likes the 2017 best (62/100).
Most owner complaints: the 2015 (54). Fewest: the 2021 (13). Raw counts, not per car sold, for every version NHTSA files under this name.
Budget for oil level and oil consumption: 2 owner complaints mention it.
Budget for turbo air intake duct recall (2015–2016): 1 owner complaint mentions it. Dealer inspects the duct and replaces it for free, depending on its lot number (NHTSA 16V-162, Subaru WTA-62).
5 recall campaigns across 2015–2021 (all Wrx versions). Check a VIN before you buy.
Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the WRX yet.

Sources

Subaru of America: Pricing on all-new 2015 WRX and WRX STI sedans (Feb 2014)

VB WRX · 2022–

How fast is the VB WRX?

Sedan, 2022–. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

WRX (6-speed manual)

2022–

271 hpat 5,600 rpm

0–60 tested on a 2022 WRX Limited with the manual.

Torque: 258 lb-ftat 2,000–5,200 rpm
0–60 mph: 5.5 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Price new: $29,1052022 base WRX, before destination. 2025 starts at the Premium: $35,750 plus $1,170

Sources

WRX GT (SPT automatic)

2022–

271 hpat 5,600 rpm

The SPT automatic is standard on the GT and optional on the other trims.

Torque: 258 lb-ftat 2,000–5,200 rpm
0–60 mph: 5.4 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox: Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), all-wheel drive
Price new: $41,8952022, before destination; 2025: $45,705 plus $1,170

Sources

WRX TR

2024–

271 hpat 5,600 rpm

Brembo brakes (6-piston front), firmer springs, recalibrated steering, 19-inch wheels on Potenza S007s, Recaro seats, no moonroof.

Torque: 258 lb-ftat 2,000–5,200 rpm
0–60 mph: 5.6 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox: 6-speed manual only, all-wheel drive
Price new: $41,6552024, plus $1,120 destination

Sources

WRX tS

2025–

271 hp

STI-tuned electronically controlled dampers, uprated Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, 12.3-inch digital gauges.

0–60 mph: 5.6 sCar and Driver test
Gearbox: 6-speed manual only, all-wheel drive
Price new: $45,7052025, plus $1,170 destination

Sources