2024 Subaru WRX TR Review

If you listen to my radio show, you know I really like Subarus, and for good reason!  Mostly safety and their all-wheel drive system, but for those who think I am totally biased toward all Subarus, you’ll be pleased to know that this is one I don’t love.  Oh, there is nothing wrong with it, and if you are into hot hatches, it’s great, but it is just not MY thing.

So, I spent time behind the wheel of the redesigned 2024 Subaru WRX TR, a model made for driving enthusiasts.  As always, my two favorite features that come as standard equipment on Subis are the Symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and the EyeSight safety system, which is standard equipment for the 2024 WRX for the first time. These two features are among best-in-class in the auto industry, in my opinion.

EyeSight monitors traffic movement from two cameras mounted high on the windshield.  It optimizes cruise control, and if you stray out of your lane it will center the vehicle back into the lane. The pre-collision braking feature can even apply full braking force in emergency situations.  It works incredibly well, and many automatic emergency braking systems just slow you down to minimize the impact.  I am thrilled Subaru finally put it on the WRX at no cost, this is a car that really needed it given how you’ll likely drive it.

Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system continually keeps the power to all four wheels, ensuring outstanding grip in snow, rain, or rough terrain.  In this car, it enhances performance by keeping the speedster firmly planted while under heavy acceleration.

The 2024 WRX comes in five trim levels, including the new TR, which is what I am reviewing.  The enthusiast-focused TR offers exceptional performance and handling. The upgrades include a Brembo braking system with 6-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, larger pads and rotors, and a larger brake master cylinder. Stiffer springs with revised damping rates and a retuned dual-pinion steering rack offer the TR better body control and steering response while maintaining ride quality. The TR also comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels in satin gray finish and Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer performance tires for enhanced grip and braking performance.

 Exterior

The exterior looks are terrific with those 19” alloys and Brembos, there is cladding on the sides which I am not usually a fan of, but it works on the WRX. 

There is LED lighting in front, and I particularly like the big hood scoop-which is needed since the intercooler sits on top of the engine.  Finishing out the rear is a not-too-large color-matched spoiler and quad exhaust.  

Powertrain

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged Boxer engine, that provides 271-horses, and in a compact car, it feels like a lot more. It also puts out 258 pound-feet of torque. The TR only comes with a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission that will carry you from 0-to-60 in 5.3 seconds, and this performance car tops out at 145-miles per hour.

Interior   

The interior is nicely done and the TRs are equipped with Recaro Performance Design front seats, offering increased support for performance driving. The Y-shaped design at the center of the seat backrest is there to support the sides and shoulder blades of driver, and it helps hold you in place in those sharp turns. The seats are wrapped in black and gray Ultrasuede with red stitching and embossed Recaro logos on the seatbacks. The driver’s seat is 8-way power-adjustable.

The analog gauges are easy to see, and there is a driver info center between the tach and speedometer that operates from the flat-bottomed steering wheel.  There is a soft center console that your arm rests on.  Forward of the gear shifter is a cubbyhole with two USBs, a wireless phone charger, and a power outlet.  Aluminum pedals, including a dead pedal, look terrific.   

High on the dash is a terrific 11.6” touchscreen that houses the Subaru Starlink System.  From there, you operate the sound system, Bluetooth, apps, navigation, voice activation, climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the vehicle settings.  This system works great, and it’s easy to figure out, and I always love knobs for volume and tuning.  There are also a number of controls on the steering wheel.   

If you are not familiar with Starlink, available subscription packages offer emergency services and features include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Vehicle Diagnostic Alerts, Remote Engine Start with Climate Control and more. A Wi-Fi hotspot is available with subscription

Back seat leg and head and room are extremely large.  I wish there were A/C vents in the back, but there are at least USB-C ports and an armrest back there. The trunk area is plentiful with 12.5-cubic feet of storage and some storage underneath.   

Standard Equipment 

Important standard features include: heated seats, tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, automatic headlights, LED fog lights, a Harmon Kardon sound system, and keyless entry system.   

My tester only has all-weather floormats as an option for $132, everything else comes on the TR package.

Safety

On the safety front, you get Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, a terrific rear camera, blind spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert. 

MPG

Fuel economy is OK for a little speed rocket at 19 in town, and 26 on the highway for a 22 MPG rating combined.

Ride and Drive

Look, just because the WRX is not my jam, don’t let me detract from the fact that this is a powerful, highly engineered car that has terrific driving characteristics.  Handling is excellent with the active torque vectoring and vehicle dynamics control.  Acceleration is strong, and I do love the way the TR shifts.  My only regret is that the exhaust note is not louder, which would go very well with this car, especially when reaching down to grab a lower gear.  I expect most TR owners will turn to the aftermarket for a better sound.

MSRP

MSRP is a reasonable $42,907, especially considering this performance car is so unique and there are not a lot of cars to compare it to. 

Verdict 

If you don’t want to shift gears, but want the thrilling exhilaration of a WRX, look at the GT for about $2,400 more and you’ll get the Subaru Performance Transmission, but bear in mind, it is a CVT.