DecodedCars2019 Subaru WRX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Sti 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 268–305 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,369–3,402 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 305 hp, versus about 161 hp for similar 2019 models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 14% below the 2019 compact car average of 26.8 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 3,402 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 14% worse than the 2019 compact car average of 26.8 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 WRX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 WRX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 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 | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,402 lb | 60/40 |
| Sti 4dr Sedan | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,369 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 | 21 / 27 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 383 |
| WRX | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -22% | $3,900 | 420 |
| WRX | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -29% | $4,350 | 476 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 Subaru WRX.
Similar 2019 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru WRX (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 175,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Not every 2019 Subaru WRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Subaru WRX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 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 2019 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 |
| 2018 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2017 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 53 |
| 2016 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 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 →