2022 Subaru WRX Limited

The 2022 Subaru WRX Limited is the latest version of a car that brought “World Rally Championship” (WRC) into the enthusiast’s vernacular. The highest example of global rallying, it has been around since 1973. Subaru has three WRC official constructor titles to its name, along with three driver’s championships, too. The unfortunate part of all this is that Subaru has not competed in the series since 2008 and has not won a title since 2003.

Napleton News spent a week in the 2022 Subaru WRX Limited recently. Here’s what we thought about it.

The 2022 Subaru WRX Limited can’t get you there from here.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. All new this year, the 2022 Subaru WRX Limited is still based on the outgoing platform, but it has received multiple changes along the way. This is the same platform shared with the Subaru Impreza, but the WRX is unique because it does not share a single body panel with the Impreza.

The new WRX is sharply creased and partly covered by textured grey body cladding. The cladding has a series of dimples that help reduce turbulence around the sides of the vehicle. The cladding’s purpose is two-fold: To guard against chips to the paint, but more importantly, to make the WRX more slippery in the air. Overall, the WRX now boasts of a lower center of gravity and a greater sense of rigidity than the outgoing model. The ride is more comfortable thanks to new mounting points for the engine, suspension and steering.

Four trim levels, all with the same engine.

The 2022 Subaru WRX is available in four trim levels ranging from Base to Premium, Limited and GT models. They are all powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine that makes 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It features a new, broader torque band and an improved wastegate to cut back on turbo-lag. The GT is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while all others are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The CVT is an option on all other trim levels. They can keep their CVT! We thoroughly enjoyed the new Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) with its faster up- and downshifts than before.

All versions of the WRX, like every other Subaru sold in the U. S., are equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Continuously all-wheel drive is what it means and in this case, it features a 45-percent front to 55-percent rear bias. Finally, Dual-Pinion electric power steering provides quicker response and improved steering feel.

Creature comforts inside.

Climb right into the WRX Limited. The first thing you notice is how your hand naturally falls from the steering wheel and lands in place on the six-speed gear shift lever. It allows sure placed shifts and offers a great way to monitor the engine’s response under your right foot. We think the armrests on the door and the center console are useless because they are so far away from where a typical arm would naturally rest.

We liked the large size of the 11.6-inch touchscreen display, but were put off by some of its functions. Audio controls featured a standard volume and tuning knob. There is the ability to change channels on the Sirius XM Satellite radio, increase or decrease the temperature of climate controls, or even make a smartphone call. But we were disturbed by how we were required to move our eyes from the road to accomplish a task.

Noise suppression.

More than anything else, we did notice a slight reduction. A reduction in what, you ask? A reduction in cabin noise. Previously we were driven insane from the loud thrum that would make its way into the cabin. It has been reduced in the 2022 model, but the bottom line is it still exists.

Call us old. We aren’t the typical customers for the Subaru WRX Limited.

But those who are will be more than satisfied with the new, refined character found in the 2022 Subaru WRX Limited. It’s on sale now and ready for you to give it a ride.