The 2022 Subaru WRX is a fun compact sports car, but Consumer Reports indicates it’s not perfect. It has issues with noise and the stiffness of its ride, and problems like this combine to take away from the experience of the AWD sports car. Despite these issues, there were four things that Consumer Reports loved about the 2022 Subaru WRX. 

1. The 2022 Subaru WRX’s quick acceleration

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Subaru WRX runs on a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 271 horsepower. With this engine, it can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. In the Consumer Reports test, the Subaru WRX finished the quarter-mile test in 14.1 seconds. 

This fast acceleration fits nicely with the racing spirit of the WRX. The car was designed with rally racing in mind, and in addition to an automatic transmission, the WRX also comes as a six-speed manual. 

2. The sports car’s impressive handling

When testing a car’s handling, Consumer Reports measures how responsive the steering is and how much the vehicle leans while turning. The 2022 Subaru WRX handled very well in the Consumer Reports Road Test. This was made better by the WRX’s suspension and all-wheel drive capabilities.

Consumer Reports also tests handling in emergency conditions, and the WRX succeeded in its emergency maneuver tests. 

3. Agility on the road

Related to the impressive handling, the 2022 Subaru WRX is noted for its agility. If a driver wants to take it on a track, they will have no problem navigating corners with the agile WRX. The overall design of the Subaru WRX limits blind spots with side and rear windows that provide wide views around the driver. This can give WRX drivers more confidence maneuvering their agile sports cars.

However, although agility was one of the positive points Consumer Reports noted with the 2022 WRX, it isn’t perfect. The Consumer Reports Road Test notes that turning can feel less precise than one might expect. For a sports car that is marketed as being inspired by rally cars, this is a bit of a let-down.

4. The WRX’s responsive braking

The 2022 Subaru WRX earned stellar scores from Consumer Reports for its braking. CR tested the brakes by stopping the WRX from 60 mph in wet and dry conditions. It completely stopped at 124 feet in the dry test and 130 feet in the wet test. 

In addition to standard braking, the automatic transmission models of the WRX come with automatic emergency braking and other active safety features. However, these features are not included with manual transmission models. This may not be a deal-breaker, but it is odd either way.

The overall takeaway of the 2022 Subaru WRX

The four main positive aspects of the 2022 Subaru WRX relate to its impressive abilities as a performance sports car. However, the WRX does not seem to be the best choice in terms of casual driving. Noise is noted as a persistent issue, so drivers should not expect to be able to easily hear music or have quiet conversations while driving.

The interior is another disappointing aspect of the WRX. Its seats are supportive and comfortable enough, especially in dealing with tight corners, but the overall interior is bland and has too much plastic. Things don’t improve when you look at the infotainment system. The system requires drivers and passengers to go through several menu options to perform basic climate control tasks. Meanwhile, the touchscreen is quite small and requires too precise of presses to comfortably use while driving. 

Overall, the WRX is meant for drivers who want a street-legal rally car, but it might disappoint most other drivers.