Description
Subaru introduced the second generation of the WRX in 2021 for the 2022 model year, and the automaker managed to keep the car close to the hearts of rally enthusiasts, despite ditching the Impreza nameplate from it.
In the past, the WRX was the punchier version of the Impreza lineup, being overtaken just by the hard-core Impreza WRX STI. With those versions, Subaru claimed 122 podiums out of 193 rally starts. That was an impressive record, and so were the six world titles in the drivers or the manufacturer's standings. On the streets, fans all over the world bought the WRX as the legit successor of the Impreza. It impressed them thanks to its snappy acceleration times and excellent handling thanks to its unique symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Furthermore, it was quicker than many other more expensive sports cars. Last but not least, it was a four-door sedan that could easily do the job as a family vehicle. Subaru kept the same recipe; it just improved. For the 2022 model year, the WRX returned to satisfy its customers with an even better vehicle in terms of driving experience and modern features that matched the competition.
The redesigned front fascia featured a pair of angry-looking headlights flanked by the C-shaped LED daytime running lights. Between them, there was a hexagonal-shaped grille where the Subaru badge took center stage. On the lower side of the bumper, Subaru added a black, unpainted section that included an additional air intake flanked by oversized scoops, which housed the fog lamps.
From its profile, the car boasted an unusual, for a regular sedan, body kit consisting of plastic moldings around the angular-shaped wheel arches and the side sills. The automaker knew that the WRX was an excellent vehicle to be thrashed around on gravel roads, so it protected the bodywork with these. The greenhouse sported slim A-pillars, and a curved roof line sloped down towards the rear deck by the C-pillars and the rear window. Finally, out back, the WRX featured corner-mounted taillights with horizontal V-shaped LED lamps, while below, under the bumper, a large diffuser flanked by four exhausts completed the image of this sports sedan.
Subaru offered the WRX in a few trim levels, and only the top version, named the GT, sported Recaro sports seats. The rest of the range was sold with high-bolstered seats covered with a mix of fabric and leather. Fronting the driver was a mixed instrument panel that housed large dials of the speedometer and the rev counter, flanking a TFT display showing data from the car's onboard computer. The automaker installed an 11.6-inch multimedia screen on the center stack. Between the front occupants, the WRX featured a center console that housed the gear stick and the manual handbrake. The 60/40 split-folding bench seat in the back could accommodate up to three passengers.
Under the hood, there was only one engine option: a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, which produced 271 PS (267 hp) and was sent to all corners via a six-speed manual. Depending on the grade and market, a CVT with fixed gear ratios was also available.
Press Release
Subaru of America introduced the all-new 2022 WRX with the most advanced features, design, and performance in its nearly 20-year history. The fifth-generation rally icon is powered by a new 271 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine that is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or new automatic transmission. With available high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system and latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the 2022 WRX delivers greater performance, technology, and safety than ever before.
Also new for 2022, the Subaru WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.
For the first time, the WRX is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which offers increased safety, improved dynamics, and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The 2022 WRX will be available at Subaru retailers in early 2022.
DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
For 2022, the Subaru WRX lineup features a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine, delivering 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, a broader torque curve with 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm. The increased displacement, along with a turbocharger equipped with electronically controlled wastegate and air bypass valves, improves responsiveness and acceleration.
Every WRX is equipped with legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring. Coupled with the Subaru BOXER engine is either the 6-speed manual transmission, which has been fitted with optimized gear ratios and refined for improved shift quality, or the new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic) which offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts (2nd to 3rd) and 50 percent faster downshifts (3rd to 2nd). The automatic transmission incorporates adaptive shift control that can quickly respond to perform rev-matching downshifts under braking, maintain the ideal ratio through corners, and respond faster on corner exit. Total ratio coverage range has been enlarged, and lower 'fixed' gear ratios have been revised to improve acceleration and response.
Engine and automatic transmission operation can be tailored to driver preferences with three different settings for the SI-Drive Performance Management System. For additional driver involvement, an 8-speed manual mode can be accessed using steering wheel paddle shifters. An available external transmission fluid cooler improves durability and capability under demanding conditions.
The adoption of the Subaru Global Platform delivers a substantial upgrade in ride and handling performance thanks to increased chassis stiffness and lower center of gravity height. The enhanced platform, now with full inner frame construction and increased use of structural adhesives, delivers 28 percent increase in overall torsional rigidity and a 75 percent increase in suspension mounting point rigidity. A longer suspension stroke increases vehicle stability and lateral grip on uneven surfaces. The rear stabilizer bar, now mounted directly to the body (vs. the subframe), operates more efficiently and contributes to a roll rate reduction when cornering.
The suspension is track-tuned for an engaging driving experience. Optimized front suspension geometry reduces mass offset of the front suspension, and a new dual-pinion electric power steering system separates the driver's input shaft from the motor assist shaft. Together, these enhancements deliver a quicker response to driver inputs, improved accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.
Equipped with summer performance tires on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, the 2022 WRX has achieved the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history.
BOLD EXTERIOR DESIGN
The 2022 Subaru WRX has a wide-body design offering an aggressive stance and bold new look. At the front, Subaru's signature hexagonal grille is partnered with compact LED headlights and a broad front hood scoop to emphasize the wide and low look. Prominent character lines across the front, sides, rear of the vehicle further empathize the sports sedan's strength and performance capability. The front fenders are now made of aluminum which reduces the overall vehicle weight by 5.0 lb. The rear deck lid has an integrated low-profile rear spoiler in matching body color. Rear taillights are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma.
Several functional aerodynamic improvements enhance the WRX's performance and stability, as well as the exterior design. An air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability. Another air outlet added at each side of rear bumper reduces body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper. Molded wheel arches and lower trim feature an aerodynamic texture that reduces air resistance. Beneath the front of the vehicle, the engine undercover also features this same aerodynamic texture, and augments it with a geometry that channels airflow to increase downforce at the front of the vehicle.
DRIVER-FOCUSED INTERIOR
A black interior with contrast red stitching and carbon fiber pattern accents throughout communicate the performance capabilities of the vehicle. The high-performance feel grows stronger as soon as the driver enters the 2022 WRX and grips the flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated switches for audio, voice recognition, and EyeSight control. Power windows with auto up/down on both driver and passenger sides; 60/40-split fold-down rear seat; power door locks and side mirrors are standard.
SUBARU STARLINK® In-Vehicle Technology offers an integrated cockpit experience by allowing the driver to control entertainment and vehicle settings through a large touchscreen display. All STARLINK multimedia systems for the 2022 WRX offer a high-resolution touchscreen; on-screen controls for audio; HVAC and vehicle features; combination meter integration; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; Rear Vision Camera; SiriusXM® Platinum Plan (4-month free subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free subscription); and HD Radio® and as standard.
Front and center in the cabin, and highlighting the driver-focused interior, is an all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch full HD center information display. The 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus offers direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC, and vehicle settings. As with a smartphone, app icons can be moved and configured based on personal preference. The top tier 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation option adds voice-activated navigation powered by TomTom® (3-year free map updates).
Both the Multimedia Plus and Multimedia Plus with Navigation offer a split-screen display, a first for Subaru. The display can simultaneously show two types of information, such as navigation and audio, for improved user interaction. The 11.6-inch multimedia systems retain physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions like volume and temperature.
The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX offers an available 11-Speaker Harman Kardon® (HK) sound system and a HK 504-watt equivalent amplifier. Tuned especially for the WRX, the HK sound system features premium technology to provide immersive sound for every passenger. The system is equipped with GreenEdge™, an amplifier technology that enables passengers to experience superior sound quality with minimal energy consumption and Clari-Fi™, a technology that analyzes and restores lost audio signals in real-time. The two technologies help deliver a rich, uncompressed listening experience.
NEW GT TRIM LEVEL
For 2022, the Subaru WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim, featuring electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. New Drive Mode Select offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.
Exclusive to GT, new Recaro® seats offer the driver and front passenger increased support for performance driving. The Y-shaped design at the center of the seat backrest embodies a design concept in which the sides and shoulder blades of the occupant are securely supported to maintain proper driving posture. The seats are wrapped in black Ultrasuede® with contrasting red stitching and the "Recaro" logo embossed on the seatbacks. The driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustments.
The GT also features exclusive 18-in aluminum alloy wheels in matte gray finish paired with 245/40 R18 summer performance tires.
Standard on GT, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and new Automatic Emergency Steering.
ADVANCED SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
The WRX's stiffened platform pays multiple dividends in the real world through strengthened suspension mounting points and lowered center of gravity. The improved body rigidity provides more responsive steering and handling, smoother and quieter ride, and heightened hazard avoidance in emergency situations. Crash protection, too, is markedly improved, as the new body absorbs more energy in front/side crashes than the outgoing model. When a crash is unavoidable, the WRX protects with seven standard airbags, including a driver knee airbag.
Standard on all trims (with automatic transmission) is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, enhanced with expanded angle of view and software performance improvements that deliver a wider range of operation. The addition of an electric brake booster improves braking responsiveness and performance in panic stops. The Lane Departure Prevention function has been improved to provide a smoother and more natural assistance. For the first time in a WRX, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering is now included in the EyeSight system's suite of features. Newly available Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds under 50 mph.
