Subaru is introducing the all-new 2022 WRX. Subaru says the 5th-generation of its rally-bred icon offers the most advanced features, design, and performance in its nearly 20-year history. The 2022 model upgrades power and handling, offers more technology and the lineup adds a new GT trim.
New for 2022
For the first time, the WRX is built on Subaru's Global Platform which Subaru says offers increased safety, improved dynamics, and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness. The new WRX is also equipped with a new 271-horsepower engine and offers an available high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch Multimedia system along with the latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
A new top-of-the-line GT trim joins the lineup and features a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.
New 271-HP Engine
The 2022 WRX's lineup shares a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, delivering 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, a broader torque curve with 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm. Subaru says the increased displacement, along with a turbocharger equipped with electronically controlled wastegate and air bypass valves, improve responsiveness and acceleration.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring is standard across the lineup. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission, fitted with optimized gear ratios and refined for improved shift quality, or the new Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic) which Subaru says offers up to 30 percent faster upshifts (2nd to 3rd) and 50 percent faster downshifts (3rd to 2nd). The automatic transmission incorporates adaptive shift control that can quickly respond to perform rev-matching downshifts under braking, maintain the ideal ratio through corners, and respond faster on corner exit. Total ratio coverage range has been enlarged, and lower 'fixed' gear ratios have been revised to improve acceleration and response.
Three different settings for the SI-Drive Performance Management System tailor engine and automatic transmission operation to driver preferences. Drivers who want even more engagement can use an 8-speed manual mode via paddle shifters. An available external transmission fluid cooler improves durability and capability under demanding conditions.
New Stiffer Platform
Subaru says the WRX's adoption of the Subaru Global Platform delivers a substantial upgrade in ride and handling performance. It increases chassis stiffness and lowers the center of gravity. The enhanced platform, now with full inner frame construction and increased use of structural adhesives, delivers 28 percent increase in overall torsional rigidity and a 75 percent increase in suspension mounting point rigidity. A longer suspension stroke increases vehicle stability and lateral grip on uneven surfaces. The rear stabilizer bar, now mounted directly to the body (vs. the subframe), operates more efficiently and contributes to a roll rate reduction when cornering.
Subaru engineers also returned the suspension - and it's track-tuned for an engaging driving experience. Optimized front suspension geometry reduces mass offset of the front suspension, and a new dual-pinion electric power steering system separates the driver's input shaft from the motor assist shaft. Together, these enhancements deliver a quicker response to driver inputs, improved accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.
Equipped with summer performance tires on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Subaru says the 2022 WRX achieves the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history.
Aerodynamic Design
The 2022 WRX is available in Solar Orange Pearl or Magnetite Gray Metallic. At the front, Subaru's signature hexagonal grille is partnered with compact LED headlights and a broad front hood scoop to emphasize the wide and low look. The front fenders are now made of aluminum which reduces the overall vehicle weight by 5.0 pounds. The rear deck lid has an integrated low-profile rear spoiler in matching body color. Rear taillights are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma.
Subaru says several functional aerodynamic improvements enhance the performance and stability, as well as the exterior design. An air outlet at the trailing edge of the front wheel opening allows air to exit from the wheel well more freely, contributing to reduced lift on the front tires and improved driving stability. Another air outlet added at each side of rear bumper reduces body sway due to air trapped behind the bumper. Molded wheel arches and lower trim feature an aerodynamic texture that reduces air resistance. Beneath the front of the vehicle, the engine undercover also features this same aerodynamic texture, and augments it with a geometry that channels airflow to increase downforce at the front of the vehicle.
Sporty Interior
Inside the cabin, the WRX sports a black interior with contrast red stitching and carbon fiber pattern accents. A flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel lends to the high-performance feel. It features integrated switches for audio, voice recognition, and EyeSight control. Standard features include power windows with auto up/down on both driver and passenger sides, a60/40-split fold-down rear seat, power door locks and side mirrors.
Updated Technology
All STARLINK multimedia systems for the 2022 WRX offer a high-resolution touchscreen; on-screen controls for audio; HVAC and vehicle features; combination meter integration; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; Rear Vision Camera; SiriusXM Platinum Plan (4-month free subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link (4-month free subscription); and HD Radio and as standard.
Front and center in the cabin, and highlighting the driver-focused interior, is an all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch full HD center information display. As with a smartphone, app icons can be moved and configured based on personal preference. The top tier 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation option adds voice-activated navigation powered by TomTom (3-year free map updates).
Both the Multimedia Plus and Multimedia Plus with Navigation offer a split-screen display, a first for Subaru. The 11.6-inch multimedia systems retain physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions like volume and temperature.
An 11-Speaker Harman Kardon (HK) sound system and a HK 504-watt equivalent amplifier is available in the new WRX. It's been tuned especially for the WRX. The system is equipped with GreenEdge, an amplifier technology that enables passengers to experience superior sound quality with minimal energy consumption and Clari-Fi, a technology that analyzes and restores lost audio signals in real-time. Subaru says the two technologies help deliver a rich, uncompressed listening experience.
New GT Trim
The new top-of-the-line GT trim rides on exclusive 18-in aluminum alloy wheels in matte gray finish paired with 245/40 R18 summer performance tires. It features electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. New Drive Mode Select offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options.
The cabin features exclusive to GT Recaro seats for increased support for performance driving. The seats are wrapped in black Ultrasuede® with contrasting red stitching and the "Recaro" logo embossed on the seatbacks. The driver's seat is 8-way power adjustable.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and new Automatic Emergency Steering are all standard GT features.
Advanced Safety
Subaru says the new WRX's stiffer platform with suspension mounting points and a lowered center of gravity doesn't just improve body rigidity, steering and handling, and provide a a smoother and quieter ride. It says the new platform also improves crash protection, too, as the new body absorbs more energy in front/side crashes than the outgoing model. When a crash is unavoidable, the WRX protects with seven standard airbags, including a driver knee airbag.
Standard on all trims (with automatic transmission) is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, enhanced with expanded angle of view and software performance improvements that deliver a wider range of operation. The addition of an electric brake booster improves braking responsiveness and performance in panic stops. The Lane Departure Prevention function has been improved to provide a smoother and more natural assistance. For the first time in a WRX, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering is now included in the EyeSight system's suite of features. Newly available Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds under 50 mph.
Availability
The 2022 WRX rolls into CarProUSA Subaru dealerships in early 2022.
Photo Credit: Subaru