2025 Subaru WRX Review | Performance Sedan With Turbo Power

The Subaru WRX has long held a legendary place in the world of performance sedans. Known for its rally-bred roots, turbocharged punch, and all-wheel-drive dominance, it has remained a fan favourite among Australian drivers who want both practicality and excitement. The 2025 Subaru WRX continues this tradition but adds refinement, improved technology, and a stronger balance between daily usability and driving thrills.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything Australians need to know about the 2025 WRX – from performance and design to practicality, running costs, and how it stacks up against rivals.

A Brief Heritage of the Subaru WRX

Before diving into the 2025 model, it’s worth reflecting on what has made the WRX such an icon in Australia. Since the 1990s, the WRX has been synonymous with turbocharged fun at an attainable price. It’s the car that gave everyday drivers a taste of rally performance, often at the price point of a modest family sedan.

In Australia, the WRX quickly developed cult status, appearing in motorsport, tuner culture, and even serving as a first performance car for many young enthusiasts. Subaru’s formula was simple yet effective:

• A turbocharged boxer engine
• Symmetrical all-wheel drive
• A practical four-door layout
• Accessible pricing compared to European rivals

The 2025 model carries forward this DNA but with a more modern outlook – improved safety, better interior quality, and cutting-edge technology.

Exterior Design – Aggressive but Mature

The 2025 Subaru WRX continues to wear an aggressive stance, though Subaru has made efforts to mature the styling to appeal to a wider audience.

Front End

The front fascia is bold, with a large hexagonal grille flanked by LED headlights and sharp daytime running lights. The bonnet scoop, a WRX hallmark, remains – both a nod to tradition and a functional feature for feeding cool air into the turbo system.

Side Profile

The wheel arches are now more pronounced and clad in subtle plastic mouldings, lending a sporty yet rugged edge. Depending on the trim, wheel sizes range from 18 to 19 inches, with performance-oriented designs that match the car’s personality.

Rear Styling

At the back, the quad exhaust outlets announce the WRX’s intentions. A small decklid spoiler or a more pronounced wing (depending on trim) further underlines its sporty heritage. Subaru has struck a balance between aggressiveness and daily-drive appropriateness.

Colour Options

Australia gets a range of colours including the iconic WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black, Magnetite Grey, and Solar Orange – ensuring both traditionalists and modern buyers are catered for.

Interior & Comfort

One of the criticisms of earlier WRX generations was that interiors felt too utilitarian for the price point. The 2025 WRX addresses this with a significantly improved cabin.

Seating & Materials

• Sport seats with deep bolstering provide strong lateral support during spirited driving.
• Higher trims feature Ultrasuede upholstery with red stitching for a premium feel.
• Driver ergonomics have been improved, with a lower seating position and a more supportive driving posture.

Infotainment & Connectivity

• Central to the dashboard is an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
• Built-in satellite navigation, digital radio, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system are available in higher trims.

Practicality

Despite its sporty intentions, the WRX is still a sedan. Rear seat space is adequate for adults, and boot space remains competitive for the segment, making it usable as a daily family car.

Engine & Performance

This is where the WRX has always shone, and the 2025 model doesn’t disappoint.

Powertrain

• 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer-four engine
• Outputs: 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or Subaru’s Sport Lineartronic CVT with simulated gear shifts

Driving Dynamics

• Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides incredible traction, particularly valuable on wet Australian roads.
• The steering feels precise and well-weighted, giving drivers confidence on twisty roads.
• Acceleration is brisk, with 0–100 km/h achievable in under 6 seconds.

Suspension & Handling

The WRX features a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers in higher trims. This means drivers can switch between comfort and sportier ride settings, making the car more versatile than ever.

Exhaust & Sound

Subaru enthusiasts will be pleased to know the 2025 WRX retains a throaty boxer engine growl, though it has been refined for less drone at highway speeds.

Fuel Economy & Running Costs

Performance cars often compromise efficiency, but Subaru has worked to keep the WRX reasonable.

• Fuel type: 95 RON premium unleaded
• Combined cycle fuel consumption: approx. 8.5–9.0 L/100 km (manual slightly higher than CVT)
• CO₂ emissions: around 200 g/km

Running costs remain competitive compared to European sports sedans, though insurance premiums may be higher due to the WRX’s performance nature. Subaru’s capped-price servicing program in Australia helps keep ownership costs predictable.

Technology & Features

Beyond raw performance, the 2025 WRX is packed with technology to appeal to modern buyers.

• Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist (on CVT models): adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking
• Drive Mode Select (on higher trims): Normal, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes
• Digital instrument cluster with customisable layouts
• Heated seats and steering wheel on premium trims
• Wireless phone charging

This tech suite brings the WRX closer to premium rivals without losing its enthusiast appeal.

Safety

Subaru has long emphasised safety, and the 2025 WRX continues this trend.

• 5-star ANCAP rating expected
• Eight airbags, including driver’s knee and rear side airbags
• Strong body structure with ring-shaped reinforcement for crash safety
• Advanced driver assistance via EyeSight (on CVT models)

For manual models, traditionalists may lament the absence of EyeSight, but many enthusiasts prefer the purist setup.

Trim Levels in Australia

Subaru Australia offers several trims of the 2025 WRX to cater to different buyers:

• WRX Manual: Enthusiast’s choice with 6-speed gearbox
• WRX CVT (Sport Lineartronic): Broader appeal with driver-assist tech
• WRX RS: Adds premium interior finishes, Harman Kardon audio, Ultrasuede trim
• WRX tS: Flagship with adaptive suspension, drive mode select, and top-tier features

How Does It Compare?

The sports sedan market has thinned over the years, but the WRX still faces competition.

• Hyundai i30 N Sedan: Front-wheel drive but sharp handling, manual option, slightly cheaper
• Toyota GR Corolla (hatch): Smaller body but AWD and a strong performance reputation
• Audi S3 Sedan: Premium interior and refinement, but significantly more expensive
• BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Stylish but lacks the WRX’s rally-bred AWD excitement

The WRX offers one of the best blends of performance, usability, and affordability in Australia.

Ownership Experience

Owning a WRX in Australia goes beyond specs. It’s about lifestyle:

• Enthusiast community: Subaru clubs and WRX meets are active nationwide.
• Modification culture: The WRX remains a favourite for tuners, though the 2025 model is well-equipped out of the box.
• Everyday usability: Despite being performance-oriented, it remains a sedan that can handle school runs, commutes, and long trips.

Verdict – Is the 2025 Subaru WRX Worth It?

The 2025 Subaru WRX strikes a near-perfect balance between raw driving enjoyment and everyday usability. It delivers:

• Turbocharged power with genuine AWD traction
• A more refined and tech-packed interior
• Strong safety credentials
• Versatility for both spirited driving and family duties

While purists may miss the days of even rawer WRXs, this new generation ensures the nameplate remains relevant in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and EVs.

For Australian buyers who want an affordable performance sedan that doesn’t compromise on safety or technology, the 2025 Subaru WRX is one of the best options available today.