2022 Subaru WRX Old vs New: Spot the differences 

Updated Sep 16, 2021 | Same topic: Old vs New: Spot the Differences

It’s chock full of mechanical improvements. 

The fifth-generation 2022 Subaru WRX is already out. And like the models preceding it, the new version retains a sporty, rally-inspired look and feel. Some are even saying that the changes are too subtle. Regardless, the brand promises that everything about this rally-inspired model is all-new. You can learn more about specs and reviews of the new Subaru WRX model here.

2022 Subaru WRX Launched: Is it coming to the Philippines soon? | Philkotse Quick Look

So, just how different is the new WRX from the outgoing WRX model? Let’s point those differences out. 

2022 Subaru WRX Old vs New: Exterior 

To start off, the new WRX is much larger than the previous version. No exact measurements were revealed yet, but the gains in girth is pretty evident from the addition of black plastic claddings. The fenders are also beefier and their shapes look more aggressive overall. 

Old WRXNew WRX

Compare the old (left) vs the new (right) WRX using the slider

On the front end of the vehicle, the headlamps now look smaller and sharper. In turn, the lower grille is wider and is seemingly fused with the foglamp housing since they are both colored in black. The main grille however retains its hexagonal shape. 

A picture of the old WRX's rear end

The old WRX's rear end

Of note, the front fenders are now made out of aluminum so it reduces the car’s overall weight by 2 kilograms. The rear end also looks more streamlined with the trunk door getting a narrower taper. The black-colored rear diffuser is now more prominent. Also, the quad-exhaust tips do make their return on the new model. 

The all-new WRX from the rear

The all-new WRX from the rear

2022 Subaru WRX Old vs New: Interior 

Inside, most of the changes in the new WRX are similar to that on the new Subaru Outback. The center stack is now vertically oriented, and there are more soft-touch surfaces everywhere. At the same time, it also retains its red contrast stitching and flat-bottom steering wheel that’s found on the previous WRX. The steering wheel itself is a new unit and is sleeker-looking than the one on the outgoing WRX. 

Inside the old WRX

Inside the old WRX

As mentioned, the vertically oriented center stack allows for a larger headunit. Specifically, the new infotainment system is an 11.6-inch tablet-style split screen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, offline navigation, and an 11-piece Harman Kardon sound system. 

Comparatively, the old WRX uses a seven-inch touchscreen with a separate screen above the air-condition vents various vehicle-related information. The previous version, at least for the Philippines, also didn’t get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Like the previous model, the new WRX also gets folding rear seats, It also has fewer speakers numbering at six.  

The 2022 Subaru WRX's cockpit

The 2022 Subaru WRX's cockpit

Both the old and new WRX however do come with a push-to-start button, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights, among others.  

But in being a newer model, the 2022 WRX does come with a newer Subaru EyeSight safety suite. Some improvements for this component include a wider range for the car’s many sensors, improved lane departure prevention, electronic brake booster, and automatic emergency steering for collision avoidance. It also gets adaptive cruise control with lane centering. 

2022 Subaru WRX Old vs New: Engine 

As many of you Subie fans know, the old WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four gasoline engine that’s capable of making up to 264 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. It was then paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).  

A picture of the old WRX's engine

The outgoing model's 2.0-liter engine

The new WRX meanwhile gets a slightly larger 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four that can produce up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The new model comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, though in certain markets, the CVT will also make a return. 

The difference in horsepower isn’t much, but the marque promises that the new engine is more responsive thanks to the 2.4-liter mill’s new electronic wastegate. Moreover, maximum torque can also come earlier due to the larger displacement. 

As with most Subaru models, both the old and new WRX uses the marque’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. The new model’s chassis however is 28 percent stiffer than the older model’s. It also uses electronically controlled adaptive dampers for better ride-feel and ride quality. 

The new WRX's 2.4-liter mill

The new WRX's 2.4-liter engine

And instead of having its rear stabilizer bar mounted into the subframe, the new model’s stabilizer bar is now attached directly into its body. This further enhances rigidity, and also lowers the car’s center of gravity. 

Do you dig the new 2022 Subaru WRX or do you prefer the older model? For more old vs new articles as well as the latest car reviews, keep it here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Subaru WRX 2024

Subaru WRX

The all-new 2024 Subaru WRX is a compact, four-door sedan. Locally, it has two different variants. There’s the WRX 6MT and the WRX CVT EyeSight. The price for these ranges from Php 2,788,000 to Php 2,888,000. 

Size-wise, the Subaru WRX sedan is 4,670mm long, 1825mm wide, and 1,465mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,675mm. 

Under the hood of the Subaru WRX is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four gasoline engine. At maximum, this can produce up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission. 

Locally, the WRX is comparable with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS.

>>> New and used Subaru Wrx 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Subaru WRX Launch

The all-new Subaru WRX debuted for the Philippine market in June 2022 as a 2023 model. It was introduced along with the wagon version. Currently, this model has two different variants. There’s the WRX 6MT and the WRX CVT EyeSight.

Subaru WRX Exterior

For exterior equipment, the all-new WRX gets a pair of LED headlamps with auto-leveling, LED front fog lamps, LED taillights, and power-folding side mirrors. The WRX MT and WRX CVT EyeSight then ride on a set of 18-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels.

All trims also come with sports side garnish, a trunk spoiler, and twin-dual tail mufflers. Only the top-spec WRX tS and the mid-spec WRX CVT may come with a power-sliding sunroof.  

Subaru WRX Interior

The WRX can seat up to five. It then provides its occupants with fabric or suede seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents. It also comes with sport pedals, rain-sensing wipers, a leather steering wheel, a push-to-start button, etc.

Technology & Safety Features

For safety, the Subaru WRX’s higher-spec variants are equipped with the EyeSight driver assist suite. This includes autonomous emergency braking, lane centering control, adaptive steering control, and lane departure prevention, among other features. 

The WRX also gets a hill-start assist, active torque vectoring, seven airbags, a reverse camera, a driver monitoring system, etc. 

Platform & Chassis

The all-new WRX uses the Subaru Global Platform. It shares this with other Subaru Philippine models like the XV, the WRX Wagon, etc. 

It then uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension. Disc brakes then handle braking for all four wheels. 

Of note, the heaviest WRX variant is the top-spec WRX tS CVT EyeSight, which clocks in at 1,612kg. The lightest meanwhile is the WRX MT, which has a curb weight of 1,515kg.  

Engine & Drivetrain

Powering all variants of the Subaru WRX is a 2.4-liter boxer-four turbo engine that can make up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Depending on the trim, it either gets a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission with a paddle shifter manual mode. Like most Subarus, the WRX is an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

As an AWD sports sedan inspired by Rally, the Subaru WRX is a unique model in the local market. The closest competitors are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2024 and BMW 3 Series.

Subaru WRX 2024 Price List

Let's check out the Subaru WRX 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
Subaru WRX 6MT ₱2,788,000
Subaru WRX CVT EyeSight ₱2,888,000
Subaru WRX tS EyeSight (indent-order) ₱3,168,000

Subaru WRX Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Sleek exterior design
  • Latest version of the Subaru EyeSight
  • More powerful engine

Cons

  • Trunk space isn't large

Subaru WRX FAQs

1. Is the Subaru WRX a sports coupe?

The Subaru WRX is a sporty 5-seat sedan to be exact.

2. Does the Subaru WRX have a sunroof?

Yes, this compact sedan from Subaru does come with a sunroof.

3. Is the Subaru WRX featured with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the WRX comes with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

 

₱ 2,608,000 - ₱ 2,908,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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