The 2016 Subaru WRX is the best yet.
2016 Subaru WRX Limited Review
You'll want to explore new routes in this car
Web2Carz Senior Staff Writer
Published: January 7th, 2016
Most people will never use the WRX to the fullest. The car is a civilian rally monster and capable of so much more than commuting to and from work or picking up groceries, but therein lies the WRX's true appeal - it really can do it all. The all-wheel drive sport sedan is fun to drive, comfortable, spacious and darn near perfect in any conditions. It would be even closer to perfect if Subaru offered a wagon, but alas, only the sedan is available -- and no more hatcbhack, either. Recently we were lucky enough to drive a 2016 WRX Limited and came away serious fans.
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Exterior: More refined but still edgy
The exterior of the car is still easily identifiable as a WRX. It has the WRX hood scoop, aggressive looking LED headlights, flared fenders, side vents and 18-inch wheels, which are new for 2016. Gone is the spectacular five-door, unfortunately.
- Great looking fascia with deep-set features
- Attractive and aggressive headlights
- Signature WRX hood scoop is wide and prominent
- Properly loses a bit of the boy-racer look with a slightly more refined aesthetic
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Interior: 2016 is about the infotainment
The WRX Limited is a comfortable vehicle, with heated leather seats and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The most interesting thing about the interior of the 2016 WRX is the new infotainment system. While the model got a complete redesign in 2015, the audio system was due for an upgrade and the new infotainment system is easy to use and a welcomed addition.
- New, easy-to-use infotainment system
- EyeSight Driver Assist with pre-collision warning, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control
- Rear backup camera
- Comfortable seats and a great steering wheel
- Interior that looks as good as it feels
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On the Road: You'll find reasons to drive it
While the WRX looks appealing and has its best interior yet, the best part about the car is the drive. Everyone knows that the WRX was rally-inspired from the start, and it stays true to that goal thanks to better driving dynamics, sharp steering and ultra-quick turn-in. Still though, the WRX isn't just a rally car on the street, it is a pleasure to drive in any situation.
- Fun to drive no matter what route you're taking
- AWD grips the road, allowing you to feel confident no matter the road conditions
- SI-DRIVE modes let you change the throttle response and shift changes as needed
- Suspension is sporty but still allows for a smooth ride
- The throttle is a little jumpy in regular Sport mode but evens out in Sport Sharp or Intelligent
- Traction control can be shut off for even more fun
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Final Impressions: Drive it, you'll want it
Though the WRX is more refined on the outside, it likely won't dazzle people into buying it with its good looks. Most people will be wooed by the car's driving characteristics and power. The WRX is a fun car to drive, and once you get behind the wheel and spend some time with the car, you really fall in love with it. The WRX's strong point isn't even its sub-5-second 0-60 time. Instead, it's the car's poised handling no matter how hard you drive it. Although we did have a wonderful time with the car, we're sure it would have been even more fun with a manual transmission. Ours had Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. It functioned well, but we found ourselves longing for a manual gearbox.
Some critics have complained about the WRX's jarring ride, but we found it all more than manageable, and our viewpoint was likely eclipsed by the fun the WRX delivered. In our eyes, the only true downside to the car is that the majority of people will rarely drive the car the way it was intended - fast, hard and in the dirt and gravel. Still, this isn't really a reason not to buy the WRX. In fact, it might encourage you to find more adventurous routes to your destination, which we certainly encourage. -
Price and Specs:
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters
Drivetrain Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Power Output: 268 hp / 258 lb-ft of torque
Fuel Economy (mpg): 19 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $31,595
As Tested: $36,485 (incl. $795 destination)
Options on our test vehicle:
Navigation, Harman/Kardon, Keyless Access and Start, SRVD, EyeSight
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2016 Subaru WRX, click here: 2016 Subaru WRX.