2020 Subaru WRX

2020 Subaru WRX Highlights

The 2020 Subaru WRX feels like a rally car thanks to its powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive (AWD), especially in STI trim. For 2020, Subaru gave the WRX STI a new front bumper and keyless entry/ignition. The 2020 Subaru WRX Premium gets welcome lighting and auto headlights with wiper operation. A Performance Package adds red Brembo calipers, brakes, and Recaro seats up front. The most exciting addition is the 2020 Subaru WRX STI S209, which brings horsepower to 341 and is limited to 200 units.

Key Details

• Compact sedan body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Turbocharged Subaru Boxer engines
• Standard all-wheel drive across all trims
• Six-speed manual transmission standard, continuous variable transmission (CVT) available
• Revised front bumper design with updated air intakes for the WRX STI
• Keyless entry and ignition standard on WRX STI
• Limited-edition WRX STI S209 (200 units) with 341 horsepower
• Automatic headlight activation linked to wiper operation for WRX Premium trim
• Welcome lighting on WRX Premium trim
• New Performance Package for WRX, featuring Brembo brakes with red calipers and Recaro front seats

Benefits

• Powerful turbocharged engines
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Engaging driving dynamics with rally-inspired handling
• Spacious interior for a compact performance car
• Available advanced safety features with EyeSight (on CVT models)
• Available performance-oriented features like Brembo brakes and Recaro seats

Learn More: Which Years Of Used Subaru WRXs Are Most Reliable?

2020 Subaru WRX Overview

Performance

The 2020 Subaru WRX offers three engine options:

WRX (Base, Premium, Limited):

• 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine
• 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
• 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm
• Six-speed manual transmission standard
• Lineartronic CVT available with manual mode and paddle shifters

WRX STI (STI, STI Limited):

• 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine
• 310 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
• 290 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
• Six-speed manual transmission only

WRX STI S209:

• Upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine
• 341 horsepower
• Improved cooling and strengthened pistons and connecting rods

All WRX models come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Performance features include:

• Active torque vectoring
• Sport-tuned suspension (WRX)
• High-performance STI sport-tuned suspension (WRX STI)
• Brembo performance brakes (standard on STI, available on WRX)
• SI-DRIVE performance management system (STI)

Regular WRXs can run to 60 mph in under six seconds, while the 2020 Subaru WRX STI 0-60 time is generally in the mid-fives. Limited edition STI S209s are capable of sub-five-second 0-60s.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2020 Subaru WRX an overall safety rating of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2020 WRX a Top Safety Pick, the group’s second-highest designation.

Standard safety features across all 2020 Subaru WRX models include:

• Seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag
• Vehicle dynamics control (VDC) with active torque vectoring
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Brake assist and brake override systems
• Rearview camera

WRX models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT also include EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, which offers:

• Pre-collision braking system
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control

While the 2020 WRX STI doesn't offer EyeSight due to its manual-only transmission, it does include additional performance-oriented safety features like the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system.

Additional available safety technologies include:

• Blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Steering responsive headlights

Driving

The 2020 Subaru WRX combines rally-sourced performance with everyday usability. Its turbocharged Boxer engine provides serious power with some turbo lag and a broad powerband.

The six-speed manual transmission offers precise shifts and a satisfying clutch feel. The available CVT in the 2020 Subaru WRX Limited and Premium trims (not STI) provides smooth operation and includes a manual mode with paddle shifters.

The WRX STI is a beast. Its additional power provides blistering acceleration. The STI's six-speed manual transmission features closer ratios and a shorter throw.

Handling is on par with a slot car. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction no matter the conditions. The car's steering is quick and precise, offering good feedback. The suspension setup, while firm, strikes a balance between handling and comfort, especially in the standard WRX.

The WRX STI features a more aggressive suspension tune, resulting in sharper handling but a firmer ride. Its advanced Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) allows for fine-tuning torque distribution.

Interior

The 2020 Subaru WRX's interior is driving-focused. Don’t expect luxury.

Key interior features include:

• Sport-design front seats with increased bolstering
• 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
• Aluminum-alloy pedal covers
• Available Recaro performance front seats (Performance Package)

The WRX's front seats offer good support and comfort with plenty of bolstering. The optional Recaro seats in the Performance Package provide even better support, though some may find them too snug for everyday comfort.

Material quality is pragmatic. The STI models feature more upscale touches, including Ultrasuede upholstery in the STI Limited trim.

The WRX offers respectable interior space:

• Generous headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats
• 12 cubic feet of trunk space
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added versatility

Technology

The 2020 Subaru WRX comes standard with the Starlink infotainment system.

Key technology features include:

• Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen (base model)
• Available 7-inch Starlink multimedia plus system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming
• Available navigation system
• Available Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Dual USB ports

The Starlink system is user-friendly, responsive, and intuitive. The inclusion of physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions is a welcome feature.

The WRX also offers a 5.9-inch color multi-function display atop the dashboard, providing various vehicle information and performance data.

Fuel Economy

The 2020 Subaru WRX's fuel economy varies depending on the model and transmission choice. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

WRX with manual transmission (mpg):

• 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

WRX with CVT (mpg):

• 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

WRX STI (manual only) (mpg):

• 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined

2020 Subaru WRX Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2020 Subaru WRX an overall rating of 4.6 out of five. Owners praise the WRX for its performance, reliability, styling, value, and quality.

Reasons to Buy It

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Every engine choice offers excellent performance
• Fantastic handling and grip
• The interior space is surprisingly large
• CVT models get access to advanced safety features

Problems

• Firm ride, especially in STI models
• Interior materials aren’t as upscale as some competitors
• Below-average fuel economy for a compact car
• Road noise can be intrusive at highway speeds
• The infotainment system may feel dated compared to some rivals

Explore: Subaru WRX Ground Clearance: What To Know

CoPilot's Take

All 2020 Subaru WRX configurations are rally cars for the street. With the WRX’s turbo power, AWD, excellent suspension, steering, and chassis tuning, it feels like a winner whenever it hits the street. To get a more raw rally experience, enthusiasts will love the WRX STI and STI S209.

The WRX's most vital points are its performance capabilities and all-weather versatility. The turbocharged Boxer engines provide strong acceleration, while the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offers excellent traction. This makes the WRX a year-round performance car capable of tackling everything from dry, twisty roads to snowy mountain passes.

While not luxurious, a compact car's interior is functional and spacious. The availability of advanced safety features, particularly with the EyeSight system on CVT models, make it a solid daily driver.

Now for the demerits. The ride quality, especially in the STI, can be firm for daily use. Fuel economy is below average for the compact segment, though reasonable considering the car's performance. Road noise can also be intrusive, a trade-off for performance-oriented tire choices.

2020 Subaru WRX FAQs

How much HP does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?

The 2020 Subaru WRX offers different horsepower ratings depending on the model:

• Standard WRX: 268 horsepower
• WRX STI: 310 horsepower
• Limited edition WRX STI S209: 341 horsepower

What is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2020 Subaru WRX?

The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2020 Subaru WRX is a turbocharged Boxer engine, also known as a flat-four, with a layout that has an optimal center of gravity. Thanks to direct injection, turbocharging, intercooling, and variable valve timing, 2020 Subaru WRX horsepower is a healthy 268 at 5,600 rpm. Torque is 258 lb-ft from 2,000-5,200 rpm.

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2020 Subaru WRX is generally considered a reliable vehicle. It benefits from years of development and refinement. However, the turbocharged engine and AWD system may require extra maintenance.

Check Out: How Long Do Subaru WRXs Last?