2019 Subaru WRX

The 2019 Subaru WRX's focus on function means that the cabin is well-organized. Though the interior features some quality materials, many rivals are more polished than this Subaru. Both rows of seats are comfortable, and the intuitive infotainment system makes it easy to control most of the tech functions. Many cars in the class offer more cargo space.

• Soft-touch materials, no flimsy bits and the switchgear feels nice to use. Rivals cost less and give you more, but if you prioritize performance over equipment, the WRX represents excellent value." -- Edmunds (2018)
• There's nothing glamorous about the WRX's design but there's also nothing cheap. Everything feels purposeful and thought out, creating an overall package that conveys a simple message: this is a car for drivers." -- New York Daily News (2018)
• Although Subaru says the interior has been improved, it's still not likely to impress anyone. The doors feel light and close with an unsubstantial hollow sound. The dash and door panels are soft enough, and the red stitching used throughout the cabin is nice, but many of the plastics look and feel low-rent. I like the machining on the aluminum radio volume and tuning knobs, but they don't offer much grip, so I found myself rotating my fingers around the knob until I found enough friction to actually turn it." -- Motor Trend (2018)

Seating

This Subaru seats five people. It comes standard with cloth upholstery and front sport seats with plenty of side bolstering. Leather and suede upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and Recaro sport seats are available.

The front seats are comfortable and provide plenty of head-and legroom. The back seats are also comfortable, with enough room for tall adults, even when a tall person is sitting up front. The front seats remain supportive on long drives.

The WRX features two full sets of LATCH connectors for installing car seats. The tether anchors are easy to find and identify. The lower anchors are set a little deep in the seat but are otherwise usable.

• "For 2018 Subaru has upgraded the WRX's interior materials and added insulation and thicker side glass to keep more noise out. The optional heated Recaro sport seats are comfortable and hold you in place during hard cornering, but their bolsters aren't overly aggressive. Visibility is excellent and it's fun to look out over the sedan's big hood scoop." -- Kelley Blue Book (2018)
• "A 6-foot-tall rear passenger can sit behind a 6-foot driver. The driver's seat offers more adjustment, and therefore room, than expected of a compact car. Headroom may be tight for those with long torsos." -- Edmunds (2018)
• "Rear passengers get treated to Ultrasuede upholstery as well and, as far as sporty sedans go, few offer a more spacious backseat than the WRX. At one point during my time with WRX, I had two adult passengers on the backbench – both women of above average height – and they reported plenty of legroom and no discomfort during the hour they were back there." -- New York Daily News (2018)

Interior Features

Standard features in the WRX include automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and the StarLink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Available features include a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a proximity key, push-button start, an upgraded StarLink system with a 7-inch touch screen, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and navigation.

Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pre-collision braking, reverse automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and Subaru's StarLink Safety and Security telematics system. Some of these features are part of Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver assistance technology.

The WRX's StarLink system receives an update for 2019, and it now features a larger standard touch screen and comes with connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system works well, and the menus are easy to navigate. The touch screen also responds well to inputs.

See 2019 Subaru WRX specs »

• "Either screen size features one of the more user-friendly interfaces out there." -- Edmunds
• "All the controls are simple, well placed and attractive." -- Kelley Blue Book (2018)
• Graphically, the operating system looks a bit dated compared to FCA's Uconnect system, GM's SmartLink and HondaLink, but it gets the job done." -- New York Daily News (2018)

Cargo

The WRX provides 12 cubic feet of trunk space, which is less than what most cars in the class offer. While many compact cars are available in a hatchback body style, the WRX only comes as a sedan. Split-folding rear seats come standard, so you can haul larger cargo if there are no passengers in the back. It's also easy to load cargo because of the trunk's wide opening.

• "The WRX has 12 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. This is below average for a small sedan. Also, most of the WRX's rivals are offered as more versatile hatchbacks (the GTI can hold up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo behind its rear seats, for instance)." -- Edmunds (2017)
• Although undeniably not as practical as its five-door hatchback predecessor, the WRX boasts 12 cubic feet of trunk space with five occupants on board. The rear seats fold down 60/40 in order to free up extra trunk space." -- Left Lane News (2016)
• "… the roomy trunk provides plenty of space for cargo." -- MSN Autos (2015)