DecodedCars2016 Subaru WRX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Sti 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,270–3,367 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 14% below the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Subaru WRX is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,270 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 14% worse than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 WRX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 WRX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 WRX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 104.3 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 3,270 lb | 60/40 |
| Sti 4dr Sedan | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 56.7 in | 104.3 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 3,367 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 385 |
| WRX | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -21% | $3,900 | 420 |
| WRX | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -29% | $4,350 | 459 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Subaru WRX.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru WRX (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights › Switch · Jul 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V522000 · 59,934 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 21, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V162000 · 18,187 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking · Jun 12, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V366000 · 71,710 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
- Risk
- If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Not every 2016 Subaru WRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Subaru WRX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru WRX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other WRX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 2024 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 9 |
| 2022 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2021 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 13 |
| 2020 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2019 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 31 |
| 2018 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2017 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 53 |
| 2015 WRX | 24 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →