Why the 2024 Subaru WRX Is Still the King of Affordable Performance Sedans

Why the 2024 Subaru WRX Is Still the King of Affordable Performance Sedans

The 2024 Subaru WRX is more than just another sports sedan—it’s a car built for fun, for all seasons, and for all roads. With its rally roots, turbocharged power, and Subaru’s iconic symmetrical all-wheel drive, the WRX continues to be a top pick for drivers who want excitement behind the wheel without losing practicality. For 2024, the WRX gets even better with updated trims, fresh tech inside the cabin, and performance upgrades that make it sharper and smarter than ever before.

A Turbocharged Engine That Doesn’t Back Down

Under the hood, the 2024 Subaru WRX comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. This engine delivers 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to its flat layout, it keeps the car balanced during quick cornering. Drivers can choose between a classic six-speed manual transmission or the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), which is a high-tech automatic with paddle shifters and eight simulated gears.

No matter which transmission you pick, the WRX sticks to the road with its full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive system, giving drivers incredible grip in both dry and slippery conditions. From snowy city roads to mountain switchbacks, it’s a car that handles like a pro.

Design That Feels Sporty, Bold, and Grown-Up

The exterior of the 2024 Subaru WRX stays true to its aggressive attitude but also matures a bit in the right way. The massive hood scoop is still there, channeling air straight to the turbo. The front end is sharp and wide, and the body lines flow tightly from the front to the back. Whether you choose WR Blue Pearl or the attention-grabbing Solar Orange Pearl, the WRX looks ready for a race even when parked.

Its wide fenders give it a powerful stance, while small aerodynamic details—like air outlets and rear diffuser touches—improve how it moves through the air. On the higher trims like the TR and GT, you even get 19-inch wheels and performance-focused suspension upgrades that make the car feel lower and tighter on the road.

The Interior: Sport Meets Smart Tech

Inside the 2024 Subaru WRX, things feel like a nice blend of sport and modern. The centerpiece is a huge 11.6-inch STARLINK multimedia touchscreen placed vertically like a tablet. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and voice control. Subaru has cleaned up the layout with fewer buttons and more touch functions, making it feel simple but smart.

The seats in the base and Premium trims offer great support for spirited driving. If you go for the Limited or TR trims, you’ll get performance-focused Recaro front seats, which hug you perfectly through tight corners. Materials like leather, Ultrasuede, and contrast stitching give the WRX a premium feel without going overboard.

EyeSight Safety Comes Standard

Safety is a big part of the Subaru identity, and the 2024 Subaru WRX includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, and pre-collision braking. It’s all standard, even if you pick the manual transmission. On automatic models, it gets even more advanced with features like automatic emergency steering.

Subaru’s commitment to safety helps the WRX maintain high ratings with organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. And with Subaru’s long-standing reputation for reliability, the WRX feels like a smart long-term buy too.

New TR Trim: Built for Serious Driving

For 2024, Subaru added the new WRX TR trim, and it’s made for performance lovers. This trim drops the sunroof to reduce weight and raise headroom while adding stronger Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and a stiffer suspension setup. You also get the Recaro front seats and all the sporty vibes that come with them. It’s the closest you’ll get to a track-ready WRX without stepping into STI territory.

Daily Driving and Fuel Economy

Even with all the rally-style power, the 2024 Subaru WRX remains a livable car. It’s comfortable on long drives, smooth on highways, and has just enough cargo space to make grocery runs or road trips a breeze. The fuel economy isn’t class-leading, but it’s fair for a turbo AWD car. EPA estimates are 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the manual version, slightly better for the CVT-equipped trims.

Pricing and Trims

The WRX lineup starts at around $32,735 and includes five main trims: Base, Premium, Limited, TR, and GT. Each trim builds on the one below it with better features and more advanced tech or performance hardware. The GT sits at the top of the ladder at about $45,335 and includes drive mode select, adaptive dampers, and an even smoother performance transmission.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Subaru WRX is everything it should be: fast, grippy, sharp-looking, and still totally usable every day. It mixes fun and function like few other cars in its class. While others lean more toward luxury or pure performance, the WRX finds a perfect middle ground where anyone—student, commuter, or car enthusiast—can feel at home. Subaru proves once again that you don’t need a supercar budget to enjoy a supercar feel.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top