2021 Subaru WRX Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

There is a fine line between sports cars and your average sedan that is seldom crossed, due to the complex differences between these two types of cars. yet, the 2021 Subaru WRX can maintain its reputation somewhere in between these two types of vehicles. This sporty sedan brings a sense of practicality into its enthusiasm toward athletic tendencies. Providing a great median vehicle that can be used for daily driving and as a fun drive on the weekend, the 2021 Subaru WRX is everything you could want in a dual purpose vehicle.

With standard all-wheel drive across all models, every sports car enthusiast can find some middle ground in the attributes of the 2021 Subaru WRX. The grumble of the turbo the WRX relies on is a notable characteristic of this inspired model. With a race-ready suspension, the 2021 Subaru WRX is not necessarily smooth. Yet, it does boast the feel of a signature race car model. So, for buyers who are interested in that the 2021 Subaru WRX hits it out of the ballpark. Fun to drive with a peppy attitude. the 2021 Subaru WRX is well-known for being fun to drive and easily maneuverable.

While there are many things buyers love about the 2021 Subaru WRX, some of the most appreciated concepts include its ride quality and ease of handling, its spacious cargo area in the trunk, and its inclusive all-wheel drive setup with advanced technology. In 2021, the Subaru WRX is offered in three different trim levels that all boast these desirable features. The Subaru Base, Premium, and Limited make up the options you must choose from in this rally-car's 2021 model lineup. Take a look below to see how these three trim levels match up.

Compare the 2021 Subaru WRX Base vs Premium Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Though there are many ways the Base and Premium trim levels differ from one another, we like to focus on what makes these models similar. One of the most basic similarities between these two models even extends to the Limited trim, too. All trim levels available in the 2021 Subaru WRX lineup include a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This engine is not just your basic motor, though. It is a signature Subaru BOXER motor that accompanies all trims. Capable of producing up to 268 horsepower and up to 258 lb.-ft. of torque, buyers will have no issues with power production in these models.

In addition, all models also feature an advanced standard all-wheel drive system, a standard six-speed automatic transmission, vehicle dynamics control, and a traction control system. Brake Assist and a brake override system can also be standard amenities for the Base, Premium, and Limited. These qualities lay the foundation for what buyers can expect to be standard across all models. Now, let us look at how the Base and Premium models set themselves apart from one another.

Though it is not a standard amenity, the 2021 Subaru WRX Premium gains access to available Subaru Intelligent Drive, also known as SI-Drive. We also see an available Sport Lineartronic transmission with paddle shifter integration offered on the Limited model. Other features, like variable torque distribution, a Brembo brand performance braking system, and a sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension setup, can also be found in the 2021 Subaru WRX Premium trim.

It is undeniable that the Base and Premium trim levels of the 2021 Subaru WRX are different under the hood and in performance aspects, but what about their interior and exterior design concepts? These two sports sedans begin to differentiate themselves in their tires and wheels and then move on to a few more miniscule changes. While both models offer the same exhaust system, body-colored accents, and rear bumper look, the Premium takes it a step further an adds in a standard de-icer for its windshield wipers and a moonroof with power-tilt and sliding glass technology.

Inside these two models, you will also see an available upgrade to racing seats and Ultrasuede upholstery as options in the WRX Premium trim. While a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, and a driver's seat that offers six-way adjustability are standard, the Premium trim increases comfort by throwing in standard heated front seats and an available eight-way adjustable driver's seat. As far as technology displays are concerned, the 2021 Subaru WRX Base and Premium both see the same layouts offered as standard. Both models are equipped with full-sweep gauge needles, a multi-function display, and sport-design gauges in an analog cluster.

Proving that they are increasingly different from one another, the WRX and Premium trims even vary in their technology and amenities. While the Base trim offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen that is compatible with STARLINK Multimedia, the Premium upgrades its screen size to a 7-inch layout that features STARLINK Multimedia Plus. Each of these models feature a signature six-speaker sound system and automatic climate control as standard amenities, as well.

As far as safety features go, all three 2021 Subaru WRX models are virtually identical in their offerings. To keep passengers safe and secure, all models employ the use of active features, passive features, and driver-assistive features. They also boast a keyless entry system, engine immobilizer, and enhanced anti-theft security system.

Compare the 2021 Subaru WRX Premium vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

After comparing the 2021 Subaru WRX Base and Premium one might think the differences could not get any greater, but then we introduce you to the comparison of the Premium and Limited trim. These two models battle it out in a comparison of design elements, powertrain functionality, safety and tech features, and standard amenities. Yet, this rivalry is a bit different, as we are comparing features that are more upscale and premium instead of basic.

From a Sport Lineartronic transmission to Subaru Intelligent Drive to variable torque distribution all-wheel drive, the Premium and Limited trims are extremely similar in most facets of their functionality. Though the aforementioned features are available as upgrades, the Premium and Limited both incorporate 4-wheel disc brakes, a 27 highway MPG/21 city MPG fuel economy, and Activ Torque Vectoring as standard elements.

When it comes to exterior appearances, the 2021 Subaru WRX Premium and Limited continue with their similarities. Both models offer 18-inch aluminum-allow wheels that are dark gray in color and paired with summer-performance tires. However, the WRX Premium then moves off on its own with its integration of projector low-beam halogen headlights, while the Limited offers LED steering responsive headlights as standard. Similarly, halogen fog lights can be found on the Premium trim, while the Limited model opts for LED fog lights. Other than that, both models still offer the same exhaust system, heated side mirrors, and two-speed windshield wipers as standard commodities.

Features within the cabin of the Premium and Limited 2021 Subaru WRX models are where these two trims truly being to separate from one another. Forging their own design path and maintaining their own comfort and convenience, the WRX Premium and Limited make up an in-cabin experience that is all their own. While both offer a six-way adjustable driver's seat, the Premium upgrades to an eight-feature option and the Limited goes all out with a ten-way adjustability upgrade. All models feature front seats with a performance design, but the Premium offers Recaro racing seats while the Limited opts for the refined look of leather upholstery.

Technology is another category in which the 2021 Subaru WRX Premium and Limited differentiate themselves from one another. Though both models offer automatic on/off headlights, only the Limited boasts a keyless entry with a push-button start and PIN vehicle access. The Limited also offers an available upgrade to a 7.0-inch touchscreen with STARLINK Multimedia integration and Navigation efforts. A premium Harman Kardon premium system is also available as an upgrade in the Limited model for those who enjoy blasting their favorite tunes.

The 2021 Subaru WRX Limited is impressive in the number of safety feature upgrades it offers. In a move that is not seen by any other models, the Limited adds available EyeSight Driver Assist, High-Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Reverse Automatic Braking into its safety feature lineup. The inclusion of these distinguished features is what absolutely sets this model apart from the rest. While the Premium trim offers available EyeSight Driver Assist, that is the extent of its safety feature upgrades.

Which Trim to Choose?

Exploring everything the 2021 Subaru WRX has to offer is exciting and exhilarating. As a practical sports car, the WRX has everything down from its looks to its convenience attributes. Comfortable and equipped with modern safety features, passengers can rest assured they are secure when traveling in a 2021 Subaru WRX model. Though some trims are more enhanced in certain areas than others, the general concept of this rally car remains the same throughout its 2021 model lineup. In fact, these trims are so similar that it would be difficult to differentiate them from one another when they are placed side by side.

Yet, buyers understand the importance of delving deeper into the inner features of each 2021 Subaru WRX model to find which one works the best for them. With three options to choose from, buyers are presented with varying features that are not too expansive or overwhelming. With just the right amount of individualization, buyers can better select the trim that aligns with their lifestyle and needs.

To start off, the entry-level 2021 Subaru WRX Base is good just as it is. Unlike other base models, the WRX Base lays out the mainstay features that you will see spread across the Premium and Limited trims, as well. In fact, the powertrain setup of all these models is the same except for a few functional upgrades. The power across the Base, Premium, and Limited trim levels hold steady making it a cornerstone component for buyers considering these trim differences. While the same engine flows across all models, each one is different based on the aspects it later incorporates that involve handling and braking.

The Premium WRX model is a step up from the Base, adding in a few new features but mainly relying on the foundation the Base trim set up before it. Becoming a bit more exclusive and throwing in additional racing aesthetics, the Premium offers a bit of a refresh from the standard Base trim.

Then the 2021 Subaru WRX Limited elevates all these elements and incorporates a few of its own enhancements. Namely, the Limited adds in several active safety features that are not available in the trims below it. While all 2021 Subaru WRX models are similarly equipped in the safety realm, the Limited adds four extra features that make safety less thought-invoking and more natural for this model.