Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: What are the differences? 

Updated Jun 16, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

There are some things to consider other than their body styles.

The latest iteration of Subaru’s rally-bred WRX sports sedan has finally reached the Philippines, and it is not alone. Accompanying it is the wagon version that replaces the first-generation Levorg in our market. 

WRX Sedan and Wagon launch

The fifth-generation Subaru WRX brings both sedan and wagon variants to the Philippines

This gives customers two choices when it comes to picking out a daily driver with a potent heritage of performance. We dive deeper into Subaru’s twin offerings under the WRX nameplate and what sets them apart from each other, apart from their distinctive body styles.     

Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: Exterior   

The standard WRX Sedan stands 4,670mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,465mm wide on a 2,675mm wheelbase. Meanwhile, the wagon measures 85mm longer, 30mm narrower, and 35mm higher, with the wheelbase that’s shorter by a negligible 5mm. 

Subaru WRX Sedan

A sporty vibe defines the WRX Sedan  

Both styles have a nearly identical countenance, sporting a prominent intake on the hood and auto-levelling LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights flanking the hexagonal grille. The lower fascia on the WRX Wagon differs slightly from its three-box sibling, with a more compact housing surrounding the former’s LED fog lamps. 

Along the sides, the WRX Sedan sports copious amounts of body cladding, almost giving it a crossover-like vibe. While the wagon sports a larger greenhouse, both of them come standard with UV protection glass, while a power-sliding sunroof come standard on the sedan’s mid-range and top-spec trims as well as on the wagon’s flagship variant.

Subaru WRX Wagon

The WRX Wagon was designed as an exciting family hauler 

At the rear, the sedan features a trunk spoiler, while the wagon comes with a roof-mounted spoiler. A more angular set of LED tail lamps are evident on the WRX Sedan, hovering over an aggressive rear diffuser with quad exhaust tips. In contrast, the wagon features a more subdued apron, but still with dual tailpipes. Both WRX models come with 18-inch alloy wheels in varying finishes. 

Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: Interior   

An upscale interior that carries more than just hints of sportiness awaits customers, whichever model they choose. While both offer enough seating for up to five occupants, the WRX Wagon further emphasizes cargo by offering 492 liters of luggage space by default, against 414 liters on the WRX Sedan. 

Subaru WRX cockpit

Common to both body styles is a cabin with ample room for five occupants 

The wagon also places a premium on flexibility, offering a second-row bench that folds 40:20:40 to expand available cargo space up to 1,430 liters. For the sedan, 60:40 split-fold rear seats give passengers pass-through access to the trunk. Common to both models is a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel with audio controls, featuring the WRX badge on the bottom spoke.

Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: Tech & Safety    

For both models, onboard entertainment comes in the form of an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen display on the center console. The display centralizes various functions such as infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice commands.      

Subaru WRX Sedan trunk

The sedan offers 414 liters of trunk space 

Subaru EyeSight 4 comes standard across most of the WRX lineup (save for the base manual variant), offering features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Pre-Collision Braking with Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Lane Sway Warning. 

Subaru WRX Wagon cargo space

There's more space offered on the WRX Wagon

A new Driver Monitoring System sounds an alarm when it detects the driver being distracted or inattentive behind the wheel, apart from using facial recognition to recall personalized settings such as seat position and climate control settings. All these are in addition to 10 airbags, Steering Responsive Headlamps, Rear Vehicle Detection, and Reverse Automatic Braking.    

Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: Engine & Drivetrain 

Under the hood, both WRX Sedan and Wagon models are powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine rated at 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Only the base variant comes equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, with the rest of the range using the continuously variable Subaru Performance Transmission.  

Subaru WRX engine

Power comes in the form of a 2.4-liter turbo Boxer engine

The manual uses a center differential and viscous coupling, while the rest offers all-wheel-drive with variable torque distribution. Drivers of the wagon benefit from the addition of paddle shifters. Acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour for the manual takes six seconds, with the CVT versions a fraction of a second slower.       

Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: Conclusion

Being underpinned by the Subaru Global Platform, it would be safe to say that both the WRX Sedan and WRX Wagon share the same pedigree. The former carries on the tradition of the nameplate’s traditional silhouette along with its sporty exterior elements, but the two-box version is admittedly more eye-catching despite being a more family-oriented model. 

Subaru WRX launch

Take your pick of Subaru's latest twin releases

Think of the WRX Wagon as the slightly more practical choice over the sedan, but only as far as cargo capacity is concerned. The difference in price for their respective tS variants is also notable, with the wagon priced Php 100,000 cheaper. And then of course, there’s the two-box model’s more visually appealing silhouette, although the sedan looks the part of a sporty ride to liven up your daily commutes.

Subaru WRX Sedan vs. Wagon: Pricing       

 SUBARU WRX variant Price 
 WRX Sedan M/T  Php 2,508,000
 WRX Sedan CVT  Php 2,658,000
 WRX Sedan tS CVT  Php 2,808,000
 WRX Wagon CVT  Php 2,558,000
 WRX Wagon tS CVT  Php 2,708,000

 
Compare more of the latest automotive releases at 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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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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

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