The Subaru WRX for 2018 has an upgraded front fascia, an improved suspension, a new Performance package and a larger multi-information display. The WRX also gets an update on the EyeSight safety suite.
The higher-performance WRX STI Limited that we test drove comes standard with Brembo brakes and a revised all-wheel-drive system. Subaru also made the WRX quieter than ever before and lined its interior with higher quality materials.
This year’s Subaru WRX, a sporty sedan with eye-catching looks, can really do it all. It’s dynamic yet practical capable of accelerating and performing like a sports car but also providing the room and necessary features for a family car. Inside, you will find updated gauges that are clear and easily decipherable. The WRX’s multifunction screen is sleeker than before.
Seating is comfortable and lined with Ultrasuede and red leather trims that match the seatbelts. The choice of materials and colors definitely make the WRX look as sporty as it performs.
The 2018 Subaru WRX STI has the following standard features: 5.9-inch color multifunction display, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof cross-bar fixed mounting points, Subaru Starlink 7.0 multimedia Plus with smartphone app integration, six speakers, voice activated controls, Siri Eyes-Free, HD radio with iTunes tagging capability, blindspot detection with lane change assist, USB port/ iPad control, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free phone and text messaging connectivity.
As for performance, the WRX STI’s 305 hp, 2.5-litre turbo-four engine effortlessly produces torque (258 pound-feet from 2,000 rpm). It packs a big punch when you need it the most- like passing another car on the highway. The turbo-four engine is not the most conservative on fuel consumption and has been rated at 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.
Although undeniably sporty in its performance, the WRX can serve as a comfortable family car. It has 12 cubic feet of trunk space and a 60/40 split/folding rear seat, giving it adequate cargo space for a small family.
The 2018 Subaru WRX hasn’t been crash tested yet, but the 2017 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, earning a “good” score on nearly all tests. In the IIHS front crash prevention test, the WRX received a “superior” rating when it avoided a 12 and 25 mph collision. Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite features adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and sway warning, and lane departure warning. This feature is optional on the Limited trim.
With its sporty and very eye-catching exterior, you wouldn’t expect the high-performing WRX STI to also be fit for families. However, the 2018 Subaru WRX is more than just a sporty sedan, it is also very practical, providing a comfortable amount of space, good cargo room and a long list of technology features that come in very handy on the road. The MRX confidently handles tight turns, even at higher speeds, ensuring you feel firmly planted to the ground. The 2018 Subaru WRX illustrates that you can have a true sports sedan without sacrificing comfort and practicality.
The MSRP for the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Limited is $40,895.
