2020 Subaru WRX For Sale: A Must-Have For Enthusiasts
Looking for a 2020 Subaru WRX for sale? Well you’ve come to the right place! The 2020 WRX is one of the most iconic cars on the market with its rally-inspired heritage strong performance and all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It's no surprise that car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for one. Whether you want to upgrade your daily driver or you’re craving some extra power on the weekends the 2020 WRX delivers on all fronts. But is it the right choice for everyone? Let’s dive in to find out more about the 2020 Subaru WRX including some of its strengths and potential drawbacks.
Overview of the 2020 Subaru WRX
The 2020 Subaru WRX continues the tradition of blending performance with practicality. Available in several trims—Base Premium Limited and the high-performance WRX STI—the WRX offers something for almost every driver. Its aggressive styling hints at the power under the hood and with a turbocharged engine AWD and a manual transmission option it promises an engaging driving experience.
However as with any car it’s important to understand both the pros and the cons before making a purchase.
Performance
When talking about the WRX the first thing that comes to mind is performance. Under the hood the 2020 WRX features a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine which generates 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD this car grips the road like few others in its class.
For those craving more power the WRX STI kicks things up a notch with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The STI trim also features upgraded suspension and braking systems for enhanced performance.
The manual transmission option adds to the car’s fun factor but there is also a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for those who prefer an automatic.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Turbo lag: Some drivers may notice a bit of lag before the turbo kicks in especially at lower RPMs. While this is common in turbocharged engines it might not appeal to everyone.
- Manual transmission: While a lot of enthusiasts love it not everyone will appreciate the somewhat stiff clutch and gearbox.
Handling and AWD System
One of the key selling points of the 2020 WRX is its all-wheel-drive system. Subaru’s AWD system is renowned for providing excellent traction in all weather conditions making the WRX a solid choice for those living in areas with harsh winters or rainy climates.
In addition the WRX’s sport-tuned suspension delivers sharp handling and a responsive feel on the road. Whether you’re carving up mountain roads or navigating city streets the WRX feels planted and confident.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Ride Comfort: While the sport-tuned suspension is great for handling it can make for a stiff ride especially on rough or uneven pavement. Some drivers might find it too harsh for daily commuting.
Interior and Features
The 2020 Subaru WRX offers a fairly basic interior compared to some of its competitors. While it’s not lacking in quality the cabin prioritizes function over luxury. The layout is straightforward and user-friendly with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base model and a 7-inch screen on higher trims. Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard features include:
- Cloth upholstery
- Automatic climate control
- A rearview camera
- Keyless entry
Moving up to higher trims gets you leather upholstery a sunroof and heated front seats among other amenities.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Basic interior materials: Some drivers may feel the materials inside the WRX don’t quite match up to the price point. The cabin lacks some of the premium feel found in competitors like the Volkswagen Golf R or the Honda Civic Type R.
- Limited rear seat space: While the WRX technically seats five the rear seats are a bit tight especially for taller passengers.
Safety Features
Subaru has a solid reputation for safety and the 2020 WRX is no exception. It comes standard with a suite of airbags traction control and a rearview camera. However to get Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology (which includes features like automatic emergency braking adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning) you’ll need to opt for the CVT automatic transmission. Manual transmission models don’t offer these features.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited safety tech on manuals: For those who prefer driving a manual transmission it’s worth noting that you’ll miss out on some of the advanced safety tech available with the automatic models.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy isn’t a strong suit for the WRX. The EPA rates the 2020 WRX at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. Opting for the CVT bumps the numbers slightly to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Potential Drawback:
- Poor fuel efficiency: Compared to other compact performance cars the WRX’s fuel economy is on the low side. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient daily driver the WRX may not be the best option.
2020 Subaru WRX Trims
Now let’s break down the trim levels available for the 2020 WRX so you can decide which one suits your needs best.
Base Trim
The base model of the WRX includes essential features such as AWD a 6-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged engine. It’s a no-frills performance car that gives you everything you need for a fun drive without breaking the bank.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Lacks advanced features: While it’s great for purists some may find the base trim too bare-bones with fewer tech and comfort features compared to higher trims.
Premium Trim
The Premium trim adds more comfort features including a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and heated front seats. You also get a power moonroof and fog lights.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Still lacks luxury: While the Premium trim adds some features it still doesn’t feel as refined as competitors like the Volkswagen GTI.
Limited Trim
The Limited trim is where you start seeing more luxury-focused features. It includes leather-trimmed upholstery an 8-way power driver’s seat and automatic LED headlights. You can also opt for EyeSight Driver Assist if you go for the CVT.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Price: The Limited trim can get pricey especially if you add optional packages. For the same price you could consider more upscale options from other brands.
WRX STI
Finally the WRX STI is the top-of-the-line performance trim. With its 310-hp engine Brembo brakes and adjustable drive modes the STI is built for those who demand the ultimate in performance. It’s essentially a street-legal rally car with features designed to give you an edge on the track or on backroads.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Harsh ride: The STI’s stiff suspension makes it ideal for performance driving but less so for daily commutes. If you’re planning to use this car primarily for city driving the ride may feel too firm.
- Fuel economy: The STI’s bigger engine means worse gas mileage with 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
What Alex Collantes Says About the WRX
I spoke with Alex Collantes a long-time WRX owner and enthusiast to get his take on the 2020 model. "I’ve been driving Subarus for years and the WRX never disappoints" Alex says. "The 2020 model has a lot going for it—especially the performance. But it’s not for everyone. The ride can be rough if you’re not used to it and it’s definitely not the most fuel-efficient car out there. That said if you love driving and want something that sticks to the road in all conditions it’s hard to beat."
Should You Buy a 2020 Subaru WRX?
The 2020 Subaru WRX is a car for those who prioritize performance and handling above all else. With its AWD system turbocharged engine and sharp handling the WRX excels on the road—especially in less-than-perfect conditions. It’s a great choice for driving enthusiasts who want a practical car that can handle daily duties but still provide a thrilling experience on the weekends.
However it’s not without its flaws. The ride can be stiff the interior is a bit basic and fuel economy leaves something to be desired. If you’re willing to live with those compromises though the WRX offers an exhilarating driving experience at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Strong turbocharged engine
- Excellent AWD system
- Engaging driving dynamics
Cons
- Stiff ride
- Basic interior materials
- Subpar fuel economy
In the end the 2020 Subaru WRX is a car that appeals to a specific type of driver. If you’re someone who loves the thrill of driving and doesn’t mind a few trade-offs this car could be exactly what you’re looking for. Happy hunting for your 2020 WRX!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?
- The base WRX has 268 horsepower while the WRX STI has 310 horsepower.
Is the Subaru WRX a reliable car?
- Subaru has a reputation for building reliable cars and the WRX is no exception. However some owners have reported issues with the clutch on manual models so it’s worth checking into that before purchasing.
Does the 2020 WRX come with automatic transmission?
- Yes the WRX offers a CVT automatic transmission as an option but the 6-speed manual is standard.
How does the WRX compare to the WRX STI?
- The WRX STI offers more power and better performance features but it also comes with a stiffer ride and lower fuel economy.
That wraps up our guide to the 2020 Subaru WRX for sale. If you’re still on the fence take one for a test drive and see if it’s the right car for you.