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Performance: | 8.9 |
The 2018 Subaru WRX is one of the best performers in the compact car class. It's available with one of two powerful engines that deliver great acceleration, and its adept handling will have you relishing winding roads. Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent road grip, and ride quality is generally good in the base model, though it gets worse in the WRX STI.
The WRX comes standard with a 268-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. This is the strongest base engine in the class, and it has plenty of power and provides quick acceleration. The manual transmission has a stiff clutch and requires a lot of shifting, so the CVT might be a better choice for some drivers.
The performance-oriented WRX STI features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 305 horsepower. It only offers a six-speed manual transmission. The STI’s extra power is immediately noticeable when you hit the gas pedal, and it delivers a nice engine note as well.
Many compact cars are more fuel-efficient than the WRX. With the base engine and the manual transmission – the most efficient setup – this Subaru gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That drops to 18/24 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission and 17/22 mpg city/highway in the WRX STI.
The WRX comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is rare for a compact car. It has excellent road grip, even in inclement weather. This Subaru also has more adept handling than many class rivals do, and it delivers driving enjoyment while still providing a composed ride. WRX STI models have a sport-tuned suspension that creates a rougher ride but also lets you tackle corners with even more aplomb. The standard brakes are strong, but Brembo brakes are available.
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