DecodedCars2022 Subaru WRX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Sport 4dr Sedan, Sport Eyesight 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 271 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,340–3,530 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 19% below the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Subaru WRX is a midsize car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,340 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 19% worse than the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2022
- New body dimensions: 3.2 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 WRX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 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 | 183.9 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,340 lb | 60/40 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,411 lb | 60/40 |
| Sport Eyesight 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,530 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 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -19% | $3,750 | 407 |
| WRX | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -23% | $3,900 | 419 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9% |
Similar 2022 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru WRX (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jan 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V016000 · 4,615 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 WRX vehicles equipped with the "Eyesight" feature. The owner's manual may contain incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function contained in the owner's manual may cause the lights to not be adjusted as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will mail an owner's manual insert containing the correct information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-23.
Not every 2022 Subaru WRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Subaru WRX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 15 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.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,800 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 2022 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →