2022 Subaru WRX Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The Subaru WRX is a fun-to-drive sports sedan. It’s like most other Subarus, comes with all-wheel drive to improve traction and handling. The engine is 2.4 liter turbocharged, which has the power to generate 271 horsepower, which ultimately helps to acquire 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s not only an exciting car to drive but it has been incorporated with immense technology which gets aided by a reasonably comfortable cabin.

Its rear seat isn't that large, but it should be big enough to fit three people if necessary. It has 36.5 inches of leg room back there. The trunk has a fairly standard size of 12.5 cubic feet, and the rear seatback can be folded down whenever longer items need to be accommodated. The car only sits 4.9 inches off the ground, so it has the appearance of a rally car.

Subaru makes four trims of the WRX. This overview will go over ways in which each trim is distinct.

Compare the Base Trim vs Premium. What is the difference?

In terms of mechanics, there isn't anything that differentiates the base trim from the Premium. They both come standard with fully synchronized six-speed manual transmissions, though an automatic Subaru Performance Transmission is optional. If someone selects the automatic transmission, there would be an eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters. With the manual transmission, estimated mileages is 26/19 (highway/city) miles per gallon, and with the automatic transmission, it's 25/19 miles per gallon.

There are some differences on the exterior of the two trims. The base trim uses 17-inch wheels with a gray finish, and the Premium rides on 18-inch wheels with a dark gray finish. Further, the Premium gets to have LED fog lights and a trunk spoiler. It also has heated side mirrors that can be useful in the winter as well as a de-icer incorporated into the windshield wiper.

On both trims, the standard LED headlights help give the car a more modern look, and the quad stainless-steel outlets on the exhaust system highlight their athletic nature. Neither of these trims comes standard with a power moon roof, but the Premium does offer this feature as an option.

Inside the cabin of the both trims, there are comfortable cloth seats and 60/40 rear seatbacks. Up front, there are performance-design seats with red stitching. The leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel has red accent stitching as well. Aluminum-alloy covers on the pedals are a nice touch that give the car more of a racing vibe. A notable difference in terms of seating is that the Premium has heated front seats, which can make cold winter days a little more bearable.

When we talk about the base trim of WRX, it has several desirable characteristics. Firstly, it has an automatic climate control and a center console that has a 12 volt power outlet aided by LED illumination. It also has a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple Car-Play, Android Auto, Sirius-XM, HD Radio, and Bluetooth. All of these high-tech elements will really help the base trim attract attention.

Even though the majority of people would be content with seven-inch touchscreens, they'd probably be happier if they could use 11.6-inch touchscreens. Due of its size, the Premium's larger touchscreen appears to be a significant improvement over the smaller one.

The Premium's four total USB ports are another feature that makes it stand out. The other two are in the back, with two in the front. The entry-level WRX, in contrast, simply features the two front USB ports.

Potential buyers may notice some other tiny details in the Premium. It has a rear center armrest that folds out from the center seatback when not in use and dual-zone automatic climate control. This armrest has two cup holders. The Premium's sun visors are illuminated, and every window on the Premium has an auto-up/down function. This function is only available for the front seats on the base trim.

The WRX has a number of safety components, but unfortunately, it doesn't come standard with driver-assist technology. It would cost extra for either of these first two trims to be upgraded with Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.

These vehicles do have automatic high beams that can be appreciated when driving at night outside of the city. They both have traction control and active torque vectoring, and they come standard with a rear-vision camera.
To ignite the engine of WRX entry-level you need a key, but the premium has button which just needs a push to ignite the ignition. This is a clear example of advancement in the premium model.

The Premium also offers PIN-code vehicle access. This allows people to lock and unlock the car by entering a PIN-code instead of using their keys. Sometimes, people prefer not to have to carry keys around with them. PIN-code access allows others to access the car, too, without the driver having to hand over the keys.

Compare the Premium vs Limited Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The WRX Limited is more refined than the Premium. This trim is more advanced in several ways in the cabin. First and foremost, it has Ultrasuede upholstery on its seats. This appears and feels far more sophisticated than the lower trim's cloth seats. In addition, the Limited has a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat. It also includes power-adjustable lumbar support.

A major enhancement found in the Limited is its power moon roof. The moon roof can tilt open or slide open to let in fresh air, and its glass can reduce UV light by 95%. Remember that a power moon roof is only an option on the Premium.

In regards to technology, the Limited has the advantage. That's because it has integrated navigation. A built-in navigation system can be really convenient to use. It's simple to follow along with the turn-by-turn instructions, and glancing down at the map on the touchscreen can keep the driver aware of his or her location. Many people find it easier and safer to use an integrated navigation program as opposed to an app on a smartphone.

Another upgrade that the Limited has is a premium audio system. It has a 504-watt amplifier and 11 Harman Kardon speakers. As a result, music sounds rich and full, and podcasts or other types of audio programs come through very clearly. The regular six-speaker system is fine, but it doesn't match the quality of the enhanced system. Note that the Harman Kardon speakers are available on the Premium, but they would cost extra.

While the Eyesight Driver Assist Technology package is still only optional at the Limited level, this trim does have blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Both of these monitoring systems can prove to be useful, since it's not always possible to know if other vehicles are around the WRX. Reverse automatic braking is an available feature on the Limited.

Although there are two tiny variations, the Limited and Premium almost look alike from the outside. One is that the Limited has integrated turn signals in its side mirrors, and the other is that it features headlamps with LED steering responsiveness. When the car is turning, these headlights can also turn. When turning left or right, the drivers can see what is in front of them since the road is more effectively illuminated.

Compare the Limited vs GT. What is the difference?

Subaru upgraded the mechanical components in the GT trim. In this regard, the first three trims basically don't differ from one another, although the GT has some special features.

Let’s talk about the Drive Mode Select and the Engine performance system. Which is a great aid to smooth driving? There are four modes in this car, and the engine, suspension, steering, and four-wheel drive settings change accordingly. The GT variant is the only exception which lacks a manual transmission as standard equipment. This is the reason why a Subaru performance is placed in it. But if anyone wants more control over shifting, the transmission does have a manual option with paddle shifters.

All WRX levels offer all-wheel drive, as was previously mentioned. The GT has all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution while the first three grades have continuous all-wheel drive. Using three differentials, the first drivetrain design enables each wheel to rotate at a separate speed during turns. Normally, power is distributed evenly between the front and rear axles, but if traction is ever a problem, more power is given to the wheels with the best traction.

Torque distribution is variable. All-wheel drive is considered as the more complex of the two systems because it operates slightly differently. Under normal driving conditions, it favors rear-wheel driving because to the roughly 60/40 power distribution between the front and back axles. It modifies how the power is delivered using a clutch pack that is electrically regulated.

Another way in which the WRX GT stands above the rest of the lineup is related to its suspension. The other trims have sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspensions, which do a nice job of improving handling. The GT, though, has electronically controlled dampers as part of its sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension. These dampers make precise adjustments when necessary. They can respond different when the vehicle is driving on the highway versus dealing with snowy conditions or loose surfaces, for example.

When it comes to the exterior design, there is only one thing that differentiates GT from Limited. The wheels of the GT do not have a dark finish instead it has matte gray finish.

The GT's interior features unique front seats with Recaro performance design. Another minor difference is that the Limited's power-adjustable driver's seat has ten different positions compared to the GT's eight.

Safety is the last subject to be covered. Only the GT trim of the Subaru WRX is equipped as standard with Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. Many people find comfort in having automatic emergency braking and lane keep assistance, and long road trips can benefit from having adaptive cruise control. Plus the GT also has automatic reverse braking, which is useful for backing out of parking spaces.

Final Thoughts

If price is not an issue for you then the GT trim is recommended. Despite sharing the same engine as the other vehicles in the series, the vehicle has improved suspension and more drive modes. The WRX initially attracts customers who are interested in these types of factors, so the GT will be able to attract a lot of specific attention.

The primary flaw with the GT is its pricing. The cost is approximately $42,000. This over $6,000 price increase compared to the Limited. For reference, the starting price of the Premium is roughly $31,500 while the base trim only costs about $29,000. Thus, before making your decision, keep the prices in consideration.

The reality is that finances are going to matter to most buyers. If funds are somewhat limited, then the Premium trim is a good one to pick. It has a slightly upgraded exterior package with heated side mirrors, a trunk spoiler, and LED fog lights, and it features heated front seats and the 11.6-inch touchscreen. That touchscreen is a big selling point. If someone wants to, he or she can upgrade the Premium with driver-assist programs.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Subaru WRX Trime Levels