Is the Subaru WRX a Good Daily Driver? (incl. WRX STI)
Based on the Impreza, the WRX’s increased handling abilities do not significantly compromise the ride comfort, making it a reasonably good everyday car.
Still, its poor fuel economy is a flaw that several segment alternatives do not have.
Subaru WRX’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#1 Acceptable Ride Comfort
The WRX shares the Impreza’s good outward views from large windows and upright body, aiding a less strenuous drive.
Still, the WRX is noticeably more stiff-riding than the impressively comfortable Impreza, albeit adequately compliant over most surfaces.
You can feel road imperfections conveyed through the wheels, body, and seats, but impact harness is tolerable.
Its suspension tuning falls between the mainstream Impreza and the harsher WRX STI, demonstrating a balanced blend for drivers who desire a weekend thrill ride that won’t punish them on their work commutes.
The top GT trim comes with adaptive dampers that provide a smoother ride in Comfort mode.
#2 Solid Crash Safety
The WRX may be the higher-performing version of its famous twin, the Subaru Impreza, but it is pound-for-pound as safe, judging by the numerous IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates road-going vehicles annually and identifies the best choices for safety within size-specific categories.
Since the fully-redesigned Subaru WRX debuted in 2015, it has won consecutive Top Safety Pick awards – an impressive record shared by few.
| IIHS Award | |
| 2021 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2018 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2017 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick |
| 2016 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Subaru WRX 4-Door Sedan | Top Safety Pick |
Daily driving a WRX offers peace of mind that you’re piloting a safe vehicle.
#3 Reasonably Good Resale Value
Among entry-level sports cars, the Subaru WRX retains its value relatively well.
But if you compare it with sporty cars like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai Veloster, the WRX holds its value remarkably well.
The WRX sheds 40% of its value after five years and 70% at the full-decade mark.
Let’s see how it compares with other sports cars:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Subaru BRZ | 38% | 59% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
| VW Golf GTI | 54% | 77% |
| Hyundai Veloster | 56% | 77% |
The Subaru BRZ and Mazda Miata have high resale values, but they are also great driving machines at a slightly lower price than the WRX.
Crucially, they are livable day-to-day.
Subaru WRX’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#4 Subpar Fuel Economy (Compared to Direct Rivals)
EPA rated the fifth-gen WRX (introduced in 2022) at 22 mpg combined with the manual transmission.
The previous generation of WRX (2015-2021), with a less powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, returns marginally higher mpg, between 23 and 24, depending on the model year.
Unfortunately for the WRX, its competitors – like the VW Golf GTI, Hyundai Veloster, and Honda Civic Si – are more frugal.
| Fuel Economy | |
| Subaru WRX | 22 mpg combined |
| Hyundai Elantra N | 25 mpg combined |
| Hyundai Veloster N | 25 mpg combined |
| VW Golf GTI | 28 mpg combined |
| Honda Civic Si | 30 mpg combined |
The turbocharged Hyundai Elantra N debuted in 2022 and is a compelling option for a high-performance daily driver around the $30k price tag.
#5 One of the Costliest Sporty Cars to Insure
WRX is one of the priciest to insure among sporty and entry-level sports cars of comparable price.
It costs around $2,020 per year for full coverage for a 30-year-old driver with a good record and credit.
The figures below assume good driver and credit ratings.
| 25-year-old | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 55-year-old | |
| Madza Miata | $2,014/yr | $1,569/yr | $1,413/yr | $1,261/yr |
| VW Golf GTI | $2,462/yr | $1,918/yr | $1,728/yr | $1,542/yr |
| Chevy Camaro | $2,466/yr | $1,921/yr | $1,731/yr | $1,544/yr |
| Hyundai Veloster | $2,505/yr | $1,951 /yr | $1,757/yr | $1,568/yr |
| Subaru BRZ | $2,527/yr | $1,969/yr | $1,773/yr | $1,583/yr |
| Subaru WRX | $2,593/yr | $2,020/yr | $1,819/yr | $1,624/yr |
Besides vehicle model year, insurance premiums can vary considerably depending on the location.
The most expensive zip codes can be up to 3 times the cheapest insurance cost, so take these figures only as a guide.
Always request quotes from multiple insurers for an accurate estimate.
Subaru WRX Comparison with Other Vehicles
Subaru WRX vs. Honda Civic Si as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
| Civic Si | 1.5L-i4-T–FWD (2017-present) 2.4L-i4-FWD (2012-2015) 2.0L-i4-FWD (up to 2011) | 200-205-hp (2017-present) 201-205-hp (2012-2015) 197-hp (up to 2011) | 30-32-mpg (2017-present) 25-mpg (2012-2015) 23-24-mpg (up to 2011) | Prem-ReC (2017-present) Prem-ReQ (2012-2015) Prem-ReQ (up to 2011) | $368+ | Good | Good |
It may have a smaller four-cylinder engine, but the four-door Honda Civic Si is a better everyday car than the Subaru WRX, with considerably higher fuel efficiency and lower running cost.
Plus, the Civic Si is lighter and has more interior room, including storage.
Subaru WRX vs. Subaru BRZ as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 2.4L-flat-4-RWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-RWD (-2020) | 228-hp (2022-present) 200-205-hp (-2020) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 24-25-mpg (-2020) | Prem-ReQ | $672 | Good | Average |
Even though closely matched in engine size and fuel economy, the Subaru BRZ is an all-around better daily driver than the WRX in the handling and comfort departments.
The BRZ’s steering is accurate and the handling sublime, providing plenty of driving thrills while it ably soaks up road imperfections to deliver a compliant ride.
These advantages are available at a few thousand dollars cheaper.
However, you can make a solid case to opt for the WRX if you need an AWD daily driver for climate-related reasons.
Subaru WRX vs. Mitsubishi Evo as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
| Mitsubishi Evo | 2.0L-i4-T–AWD (2008-2015) 2.0L-i4-T–AWD (2003-2006) | 291-hp (2008-2015) 271-286-hp (2003-2006) | 18-19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $646+ | Good | Poor |
This contest is somewhat uneven; the newest Evo stateside is close to a decade old now while the WRX powers on.
While both offer an AWD drivetrain for extra traction and a similarly powerful turbocharged engine, choosing the WRX over the Lancer Evo for a daily driver gives you a better ride quality and savings in fuel costs.
The Evo is an impressive sports car in compact sedan clothing, but most drivers will find it too stiff-riding for everyday use.
Subaru WRX vs. VW Golf GTI as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
| VW Golf GTI | 2.0L-i4-T–FWD (2022-present) 2.0L-i4-T–FWD (2015-2021) | 241-hp (2022-present) 210-228-hp (2015-2021) | 28-mpg (2022-present) 26-28-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC | $791 | Good | Good |
They are similarly priced sporty cars based on their popular mainstream siblings – the Impreza and Golf.
Although less powerful, the Golf GTI is a more compelling proposition for daily driving than the WRX due to its practicality as a hatchback, significantly thriftier engine, and sophisticated ride quality with the adaptive suspension.
The GTI spawned the hot hatch segment more than four decades ago, and it remains one of the class leaders to this day.
Is the Subaru WRX STI a Good Daily Driver?
Subaru offers the top-level STI trim with a more powerful turbocharged engine and performance upgrades to satisfy speed-oriented Impreza enthusiasts.
The WRX STI does not make a comfortable or frugal daily driver with sport-tuned suspension and a thirstier motor than the base trim.
It may share the same spacious cabin and good outward visibility as the base WRX, but the rough ride is a significant drawback to using the STI on a daily basis.
If you’re committed to getting the most potent Impreza, note that you’re opting for one of the least comfortable sporty cars on the open road – unenviably rivaled by the Focus RS and Focus ST.
Subaru WRX vs. Subaru WRX STI as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
| Subaru WRX STI | 2.5L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 305-310-hp (2015-2021) | 18-19-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReQ (2015-2021) | $758 | Good | Poor |
While the base model is an agreeable choice for everyday use, the WRX STI’s stiffer suspension and thirstier turbo engine make it a worse daily driver than the standard WRX.
At a sticker price approaching $40k, you can buy better daily drivers with 300-plus horsepower:
References:
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/wrx/index.html
https://www.carsdirect.com/2022/subaru/wrx/specs
https://www.carsdirect.com/2021/subaru/wrx-sti/specs
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/wrx-4-door-sedan/2021
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/SUBARU/WRX/4%252520DR/AWD