2017 Subaru WRX Review

Subaru’s iconic high-performance model with bold wide-body sedan design, and 268-horsepower turbocharged BOXER engine.

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology available for the WRX Limited (with Sport Lineartronic transmission) in a package that also includes Navigation and Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Auto Braking. Comprehensive package also includes harman/kardon® amplifier and 9-speaker premium sound system plus Keyless Access and Push-Button Start with Pin Code Access.

Models equipped with EyeSight also come with Steering Responsive Fog lights that activate the left or right fog light independently, depending on the vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage.

New tricot headliner in all models.

Base WRX STI adds auto on/off headlights in auto mode position with windshield wiper operation (previously only on Limited).

Power window auto up/down function on both the driver’s and front passenger’s windows with anti-pinch protection standard on all trim levels.

New for 2017

• Models equipped with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology also come with Reverse Auto Braking.
• STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system available for Premium and Limited.
• New tricot headliner in all models.
• Power window auto up/down function on both the driver’s and front passenger’s windows with anti-pinch protection standard on all trim levels.

Key Facts

• 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine: 268-hp and 258 lb-ft peak torque.
• Standard 6-speed manual transmission; optional Sport Lineartronic™ CVT with manual mode and steering wheel paddle shift switches.
• Standard Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
• Models with Sport Lineartronic™ CVT feature Subaru Intelligent Drive (SIDRIVE); a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp”.
• Subaru’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure.
• Body structure makes extensive use of high-tensile steel and features special stiffening elements at key locations.
• Sport-tuned suspension.
• Aluminum hood with integral scoop to provide fresh air to intercooler.
• Design highlights include vertical front fender vents, fog light surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern, LED taillights and a rear diffuser; WRX Limited features LED low-beam headlights.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

• 6-speed manual transmission: Continuous AWD version uses a viscous coupling locking center differential that nominally distributes torque 50:50 front to rear. Should slippage occur, system transfers more torque to the wheels with the best traction. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) provides stability and traction control.
• Sport Lineartronic™ CVT: Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version uses a planetary gear-type center differential and an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch to manage torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. Under most conditions, VTD splits torque 45:55, with the rearward bias contributing to handling agility. The system continually optimizes torque distribution in response to driving conditions and input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors.

Key Standard Features

(New features for 2017 in bold.)

• 24-hour roadside assistance for newvehicle limited warranty period
• 60/40 split fold down rear seat back
• Flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and integrated switches for cruise control, audio system, Bluetooth® and Multifunction Display.
• STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system with AM/FM stereo, HD Radio®, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc in-dash CD player, 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display, 6 speakers, SiriusXM® All Access Radio, STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha™ and Pandora®, plus STARLINK Cloud Applications including iHeart® Radio, and also including rear vision camera, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, USB port and aux. input jack
• Aluminum alloy pedal covers including driver’s footrest
• Automatic climate control system
• Carpeted floor mats with WRX logo
• Cruise control
• Electroluminescent instrument panel gauges
• Engine immobilizer
• Incline Start Assist
• Multi-function Display with 4.3-in. LCD screen; includes displays for outside temperature; clock; performance screen with turbo boost; audio and Bluetooth® info; climate control settings; vehicle selfcheck and maintenance reminder and more
• Performance-design front seats (height adjustable for driver) with height and tiltadjustable head restraints
• Power windows (driver and front passenger auto-up & down with pinch protection)
• Power door locks
• Power side mirrors
• Remote keyless entry system
• Tilt-and-telescope steering wheel
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) Rear trunk spoiler

WRX Premium adds:

• 18 x 8.5-in. aluminum alloy wheels
• 245/40R18 summer performance tires
• All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer)
• Fog lights
• Power tilt/slide glass moonroof

Optional for WRX Premium:

• Sport Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode; includes SI-DRIVE powertrain performance management system.
• STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system (on 6-speed manual only) includes all features of STARLINK 6.2” system plus multi-touch gesture 7.0-in. LCD screen, voice activated controls, MirrorLink™, iTunes Tagging, SiriusXM Travel Link® (subscription required), Siri® Eyes Free and dual USB ports
• Harman Kardon 440-watt equivalent amplifier and 8 speakers
• SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services

WRX Limited adds over WRX Premium:

• Leather-trimmed upholstery
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• SUBARU STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system
• LED headlights (low beams)
• Welcome Lighting

Optional for WRX Limited:

• Sport Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode; includes SI-DRIVE powertrain performance management system.
• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology (Limited with Sport Lineartronic CVT); models so equipped also have Reverse Automatic Braking
• SUBARU STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Navigation system with voice activated controls, SiriusXM Traffic® and Travel Link® (three-year free subscription), SMS text messaging capability, Siri® Eyes Free, and navigation maps upgradeable via SD card slot (three years of complimentary updates included)

Pricing