Subaru WRX (US) review

Prices range from the base model’s $32,435 to the GT and tS’s $44,215 asking price, with the limited-run Series.Yellow coming in at $45,995.

The good news is the uniform powertrain configuration means you’re getting most of what the WRX offers across the board. With the boxer engine and all-wheel drive, the base WRX is manual only, with six-way manually adjustable seating, no option for the powered moon roof, no rear USB charging ports, and the entry-level versions of the equipment. It’s not a bad start, but other trims get a Harman Kardon audio system, better interior materials, push-button start and so on.

What you should be paying really boils down to preference. The Premium and Limited trims have the most options available, though as we pointed out, the sportier GT trim has some key performance bits you might want, with the tS having a mix of everything.

We’re particularly keen on the tS, as it has the best of what the GT offers with the manual gearbox, plus the new digital driver display. All the rest like badging and exclusive visual touches are just bonuses.

Is it worth that? Hard to say, given it puts it against some heavy hitters like the well-rounded Volkswagen Golf GTI, the stellar Honda Civic Type R and the versatile Toyota GR Corolla. The WRX brings its own level of utility and performance, so choosing this over the others is going to be a personal taste thing rather than something determined by hard numbers. What a great pack of rivals to have, though.