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2016 Subaru WRX

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Make
Subaru
Model
WRX
Year
2016
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Subaru WRX OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $26,595
2016 Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $28,895
2016 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $30,395

Overview

With rally-inspired performance, four doors and room for five, the Subaru WRX is the go-to vehicle for buyers who want a practical weekday driver and a fun weekend car all in one.

What's New For 2016

After a facelift last year, the WRX gets only a few changes, mostly with an updated infotainment system.

Subaru WRX

Choosing Your Subaru WRX

All three WRX trim levels feature a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine.

Subaru WRX

Base

Starting at $26,595, the Base comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, and the new StarLink telematics system. The only available transmission is a six-speed manual.

Subaru WRX

Premium

The Premium comes in at $28,895. As long as you don't opt for the $1,200 continuously variable transmissions (CVT) you can select a $2,100 package that increases the infotainment screen to 7 inches while adding navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Subaru WRX

Limited

The range-topping Limited, priced from $30,395, also offers the option of a CVT. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver seat. With a standard manual transmission, a $3,100 option package adds Harman Kardon sound, navigation and push-button start. The same package in a car with the CVT costs $4,095, but adds extras like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking.

CarsDirect Tip

We think the Premium offers the most value in this lineup. Even with the navigation package, it offers much of the Limited's most appealing features at a more attractive price point.

Get your price on a Subaru WRX »

Read our review on the Subaru WRX »

Subaru WRX
author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

The folks at Subaru hit the bullseye with last year's redesign of the WRX. The high-performance compact is enjoying a renaissance of sorts, selling as fast as it goes.

Pricing and Equipment

Although it may be the rebel of the lineup, the WRX comes in the same three trim levels as other Subarus:

  • Priced at $26,595, the Base WRX gets a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and a display audio system with Bluetooth. The base model rides on 17-inch wheels, and a six-speed manual is the only transmission offered.
  • For $28,895, you step up to the Premium with extras like foglamps, a sunroof, heated mirrors, heated front seats, and summer performance tires on 18-inch wheels. An automatic transmissions is available for $1,200.
  • The $30,395 Limited throws in leather seating with driver power and LED headlamps. Exclusive to the Limited is a $4,095 option package that includes navigation, a Harman Kardon sound system, and Subaru's EyeSight system of active safety technology.
  • For an even higher level of performance, the manual-only STI model is endowed with a larger engine, upgraded brakes, and a specially tuned suspension. The STI is available in Base ($34,695) and Limited ($39,995) trims.

Performance Pros

Subaru WRXZoom

The WRX starts out with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 268 horsepower. STI version gets a 2.5-liter that ups the ante to 305 horsepower. Even with the automatic, the standard WRX hussles from 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds. The STI can make the sprint in 5 seconds flat. All-wheel drive is standard across the board.

Performance highlights include:

  • Transmissions: The 6-speed manual offers commendably short throws and splits power evenly between the front and rear wheels—and also from side to side when necessary for optimum handling. The regular WRX can get a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that performs much like the manual, except power is split 55/45 in favor of the rear.
  • Handling/Steering: With its firm, sport-tuned suspension and responsive electric power steering, the WRX is one of the best-handling compacts we could hope to find. The STI throws in front and rear limited-slip differentials and slightly quicker hydraulic-boosted steering for a even higher level of grip.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Considering everything the WRX can do on a track, we're impressed by its 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving. With the CVT, mileage dips to about 21 mpg combined. As expected, a ferocious STI isn't so miserly, delivering 19 mpg combined.

Performance Cons

  • We expected the WRX to ride firmly, which won't be an issue for most buyers. However, the STI's ride is so stiff that it pushes the limits of what's acceptable in a modern passenger car.
  • In spirited driving, we found road and wind noise to be excessive at times (or even intolerable depending on your point of view).

Interior Pros

Subaru WRX Zoom
  • The standard sport seats, clad in grippy fabric, do an excellent job of holding you in place as you toss the WRX about.
  • Passenger room surpasses than of any coupe competitor. The WRX is just as spacious as in back as any mainstream compact sedan.

Interior Cons

  • The WRX's cabin is all about functionality. You won't find anything particularly stylish or attractive going on.
  • While interior materials feel durable, they're decidedly bland, neither sporty nor upscale.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

CVTs have a reputation for limiting performance, but that's definitely not the case here. The CVT is adept at mimicking the action of a manual transmission, especially in top performance mode.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

To us, the WRX feels more like entertainment than transportation. It's not quite civilized enough to serve as a daily driver unless you're a hardcore enthusiast.

The Bottom Line

The WRX shines as a rally racer you can buy right off the showroom floor.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L H-4 / 268 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd man w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L H-4 / 268 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
15.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$61
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
12.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
97 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
180.9 "
Exterior Width
70.7 "
Exterior Height
58.1 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
43.3 "
Rear Legroom
35.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.6 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.2 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,269 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
17.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Gray Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6 / 7 / 8 / 6 Performance
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Subaru WRX for Sale

5 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Subaru
Limited
Color: Blue
Price

$15,999

Mileage

87,711 mi

Map location icon

Crown Auto Gallery (46 mi)

Phone: (951) 228-4760
Subaru
Base
Color: Blue
Price

$16,295

Mileage

95,476 mi

Map location icon

Simi Valley Toyota (33 mi)

Phone: (805) 426-6600
Subaru
Base
Color: Gray
Price

$16,888

Mileage

91,533 mi

Map location icon

Auto Republic Fullerton (26 mi)

Phone: (714) 215-9142
Subaru
STI
Color: Dark Gray Metallic
Price

$21,799

Mileage

69,489 mi

Map location icon

California Motors Direct Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (909) 200-2277
See All Used Car Listings

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