WRX
Since 1992, the Subaru WRX has combined a turbocharged boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and practical everyday usability. Subaru identifies the original model as the Impreza WRX before the name became a more independent performance line in selected markets. (subaru.co.jp) In North America, the 2015 model year introduced a new four-door WRX with its own commercial identity, while the WRX STI retained a more focused performance brief. The WRX in this period used a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder rated at 268 horsepower in the 2021 brochure. The 2021 STI used a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer producing 310 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a more specialized all-wheel-drive system. (subaru.com) The variants and years represented here follow the ScanRacer context: Base, STI, Sedan, and Wagon.
Variants by year
2021
2014
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Since 1992, the Subaru WRX has combined a turbocharged boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and practical everyday usability. Subaru identifies the original model as the Impreza WRX before the name became a more independent performance line in selected markets. (subaru.co.jp) In North America, the 2015 model year introduced a new four-door WRX with its own commercial identity, while the WRX STI retained a more focused performance brief. The WRX in this period used a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder rated at 268 horsepower in the 2021 brochure. The 2021 STI used a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer producing 310 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a more specialized all-wheel-drive system. (subaru.com) The variants and years represented here follow the ScanRacer context: Base, STI, Sedan, and Wagon.
History
The WRX story began in Japan in 1992, when Subaru launched the Impreza WRX. The model followed the brand’s performance formula of a boxer engine, all-wheel drive, and competition-derived engineering. Subaru describes that combination as central to the WRX identity from its earliest years. (subaru.co.jp) In North America, the generation introduced for the 2015 model year represented a major transition: the WRX received its own presentation, a sedan body, and a new 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine. The WRX STI, unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January 2014 for the 2015 model year, remained the more focused derivative, with 305 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission, Driver Controlled Center Differential all-wheel drive, and Brembo brakes. (prnewswire.com) Across the 2015–2021 model years, Subaru revised equipment, driver-assistance features, trim details, and special editions without fundamentally changing the generation’s overall layout. The 2021 brochure clearly separates WRX and WRX STI through their engines, transmissions, and chassis systems. (subaru.com) On September 10, 2021, Subaru revealed the next WRX for the 2022 model year, using a 2.4-liter engine and the Subaru Global Platform. (subaru.co.jp)
Generations
For the catalog period, two groups should be separated carefully. The first is the generation launched for the 2015 model year and continued through 2021 in North America. It retained a four-door sedan body, a turbocharged boxer engine, and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The standard WRX used the FA20 2.0-liter engine, rated at 268 horsepower in the 2021 documentation, with either a six-speed manual or Sport Lineartronic transmission depending on trim. (subaru.com) The WRX STI covered much of the same period but used a different mechanical specification: a 310-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer in 2021, a close-ratio six-speed manual, Driver Controlled Center Differential, front and rear limited-slip differentials, STI-tuned suspension, and Brembo brakes. (subaru.com) The second group is the next generation revealed on September 10, 2021 for the 2022 model year. Subaru announced a Subaru Global Platform chassis, a reinforced structure, and a 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged boxer engine. (subaru.co.jp) This explains why 2021 can appear as a transition year: it remains part of the previous generation in model-year catalogs, while the replacement WRX had already been unveiled for 2022. The Sedan and Wagon labels should also be read by market; Subaru Australia confirmed a WRX Sportswagon for its own range, which does not mean every region offered the same body style. (subaru.com.au)
Key differences
The main distinction is between the Base WRX and the WRX STI. The standard WRX balances performance with everyday usability and transmission choice: its 2.0-liter engine produced 268 horsepower in the 2021 documentation and could be paired with a manual gearbox or Sport Lineartronic transmission depending on specification. (subaru.com) The STI is more specialized. Its 2.5-liter boxer produced 310 horsepower in 2021, while DCCD all-wheel drive, front and rear limited-slip differentials, dedicated suspension tuning, and Brembo brakes supported its more focused performance role. It also used a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. (subaru.com) Sedan and Wagon are primarily body-style or market labels rather than universal power levels. Exact equipment, transmission availability, and trim names can vary by country and model year. Identification is therefore more reliable when several clues are considered together: model year, body style, badges, brakes, wheels, and transmission. A single exterior feature is not conclusive because genuine Subaru accessories, dealer options, and aftermarket modifications can change the appearance of an otherwise standard WRX.
Photo recognition
A WRX from this period is generally identified by its compact sedan profile, hood scoop, flared bodywork, and all-wheel-drive stance. These clues are not definitive on their own because parts may be replaced or added after the car was sold. To identify an STI, look for STI badges, Brembo brakes, model-specific wheels, sport seats, and, on many versions, a prominent rear wing. Subaru also describes the STI as having firmer chassis tuning, quicker steering, and DCCD all-wheel drive with front and rear differentials. (prnewswire.com) The standard WRX can share the hood scoop and general shape, but its brakes and drivetrain hardware differ. The model year is another useful clue: the 2021 WRX used the 268-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, while the 2021 STI used the 310-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. (subaru.com) Wagon or Sportswagon labels should be checked against the vehicle’s original market and documentation, because that body style was not offered uniformly in every region. (subaru.com.au) Exterior modifications can make visual identification uncertain, so VIN and factory specification data remain preferable.
Important versions
The Base WRX represents the more accessible configuration, centered on a turbocharged boxer engine, all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission, with equipment varying by year and market. The WRX STI is the performance flagship: in 2021 it produced 310 horsepower and added DCCD all-wheel drive, STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and a six-speed manual transmission. (subaru.com) Sedan and Wagon are body-style labels represented in the ScanRacer context, but availability depended on the market. Subaru Australia, for example, announced a Sportswagon for its local range. (subaru.com.au) The 2014 and 2021 labels deserve careful interpretation: 2014 may reflect a catalog or market-specific designation, while 2021 represents the closing period of the previous generation in the cited documents and the reveal of the 2022 replacement.
References
- World Premiere of All-New Subaru WRXSubaru Corporation
- 2021 WRX / WRX STI BrochureSubaru of America
- 2021 WRX/STI Vehicle ResourcesSubaru of America
- All-New 2015 Subaru WRX STI Debuts at North American International Auto ShowSubaru of America via PR Newswire
- Subaru Australia Confirms 2022 WRX SportswagonSubaru Australia
- 2021 Subaru WRX Review, Pricing, and SpecsCar and Driver
- https://www.subaru.com/content/dam/subaru/downloads/pdf/brochures/2021/wrx/2021_WRX_Brochure.pdf?msockid=21a07eba9d0369023e1468669cdf68a5&pubDate=20250608subaru.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Subaru WRX produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2014 - 2021.
- How many Subaru WRX examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 1 published scan from 1 member, with the latest photo added in April 2026.