The 2022 Subaru WRX Sedan

Subaru chose the first week in September to preview the 2022 Subaru WRX sedan. Now in its fifth generation, the boxer-powered WRX is all new and arrives with a host of improvements.

The 2022 Subaru WRX has the most advanced design, features and performance built into the WRX in its 20-year history. It features improved looks and handling. It’s built on the same platform as the new Subaru BRZ two-door sports car. Napleton News will provide a full review as soon as we get our hands on one!

What’s new under the hood of the 2022 Subaru WRX?

The 2022 Subaru WRX sedan is powered by a new 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine. It is paired with a buyer’s choice of a six-speed manual transmission or new automatic transmission. The engine has a new, wider torque curve and has grown in displacement, moving from a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 to a 2.4-liter turbo inline-4. The power has increased by three horsepower from 268 hp to 271 hp. Twist remains the same at 258 lb-ft of torque. A new electronically controlled turbocharged wastegate improves both the WRX’s responsiveness and acceleration.

The legend continues.

As has been the tradition with the WRX, the 2022 model will include Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Vectoring. Both transmissions have been updated with optimized gearing on the manual for improved shift quality. The Performance Automatic transmission now features faster upshifts and downshifts between 2^nd and 3^rd gear. The automatic performs rev-matching downshifts, helping the WRX corner quicker and respond faster when exiting a turn.

Engine and transmission settings can be tailored to the driver’s choice via the SI-Drive Performance Management System. Paddle shift levers allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel during spirited drive sessions. Other performance-enhancing features include an available external transmission fluid cooler to improve durability under the toughest of conditions.

New Global Platform

Thanks to Subaru’s Global Platform used throughout the Subaru product line, the WRX gets a substantial ride upgrade. Performance has improved through increased chassis stiffness protocols and a lower center of gravity. This new platform uses full inner-frame construction and increased use of structural adhesives. The result is an increase in torsional rigidity. The rear stabilizer bar is mounted directly to the unibody for a substantial reduction in body roll.

The suspension on the Subaru WRX has been track-validated to provide an engaging drive experience. The new, optimized front suspension kit helps reduce mass from the front for better balance. Steering has been an improved too, thanks to a new dual-pinion electric power steering system. The result is improved response to driver inputs, improved accuracy and a more natural feel to the overall steering. This new chassis tuning results in the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in the WRX’s history.

The new look of the 2022 Subaru WRX

Full of stance, the new WRX has a wide-body design with a wider, more pronounced posture. The signature hexagonal grille is still here, and together with the wide hood scoop, helps to emphasize the low and wide appearance of the vehicle.

Prominent character lines along the side flanks and over the rear shoulders bring the wide-body characteristics of the WRX into focus. The front fenders are now aluminum for added weight reduction. At the rear, the decklid features an integrated rear spoiler in a matching body color.

Other aero improvements include air vents at the trailing edge of the front wheel openings. These help expel air buildup that contributes to front-end lift. More vents are in the rear bumper; Forcing air through these helps reduce body sway from air trapped inside. Underneath the WRX, aerodynamic panels help to channel airflow away from the vehicle’s underside.

Inside is what matters

The interior of the new Subaru WRX is in black with red contrast stitching throughout. Subaru’s Starlink technology is here, too, with a new 11.6-inch large touchscreen display. This new screen operates controls for audio, climate, navigation, smartphone integration and more. It can also take advantage of the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition to the throaty growl from the turbo Boxer engine, drivers can take advantage of the available 11-speaker Harmon Kardan premium audio system. It includes Clari-Fi, which is an innovative way to restore the music that gets lost during audio compression.

There’s so much more to learn about the new 2022 Subaru WRX. We will be sure to put it through its paces as soon as have a chance to give it a test drive. As we always say, keep your eyes on this space! You never know what will pop up!