2012 Subaru WRX Video Road Test and Review

The Subaru WRX is a compact performance car that comes in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles.  The latter can transport up to 44.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded forward.  The Subaru WRX is notable for its rally racing heritage and commendable handling, made possible by the brand's standard all-wheel drive and a suspension system that has been tuned to provide excellent feedback and grip.  The WRX also comes with safety features that include forward airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and electronic stability and traction control.

The Subaru WRX (MSRP $25,595) starts out in base trim, which features 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a CD player with a USB interface and automatic climate control.  The WRX Premium (MSRP $28,095) adds heated seats and a sunroof, while the WRX Limited (MSRP $29,095) installs leather seats and HID headlights.  The WRX STI (MSRP $34,095) debuts a long list of performance enhancing features (including Brembo brakes, limited-slip differentials front and rear, 18-inch wheels, a stiffer suspension system and the SI-Drive control system for vehicle settings) as well as a more aggressive body kit, and the WRX STI Limited (MSRP $37,445) upgrades to unique 18-inch wheels, a sunroof and fog lights.  A navigation system is also available with the WRX and WRX STI models as an option.

Pulling duty in the WRX's engine bay is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder unit that has been turbocharged to provide 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque.  A five-speed manual transmission is the only available gearbox, and fuel economy is listed as 19-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.  The WRX STI introduces a 305 horsepower version of the same engine (also capable generating 290 lb-ft of torque), which is shifted exclusively via a six-speed manual tranny.  Fuel mileage for the quicker model checks in at 17-mpg around town and 23-mpg during highway cruising.

A list of cars similar to the WRX includes the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and 2012 Volkswagen Golf R.

See more details about the 2012 Subaru WRX.