2016 Subaru WRX review
Subaru WRX highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Offers all-wheel drive for confident handling
- An impressive list of available driver assists
- Features a solid and capable base engine
Cons
- The interior materials are just average
- The cabin can be loud when driving on the highway
- The infotainment system isn't as modern as it could be
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Subaru WRX years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru WRX generation from 2015 to 2025
What is new for the 2016 Subaru WRX?
- Trim Added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance features.
- Trim Discontinued: Base Model, now only available in higher trims.
- Standard Equipment on all models includes advanced safety features and upgraded infotainment system.
- New Equipment: All-wheel drive option now available on select trims.
- Significant removal: Manual transmission option is no longer offered.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Subaru WRX
1. AWD capability
Subaru is known for its amazing all-wheel-drive technology, and the 2016 WRX makes great use of its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. That means that the rally-bred WRX is just at home sliding through a dirt trail as it is carving corners on a paved race track or your favorite back road. It's also pretty handy when the weather goes sideways; its AWD can help improve traction in wet or slippery weather.
2. Turbo power
How does a standard turbocharged 2.0L flat-four "boxer" engine with 268 horsepower sound? A direct-injection twin-scroll turbo, plus that great AWD system, help the 2016 WRX hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. If you need more power, check out the performance-focused WRX STI version that ups the ante to 305 horsepower and has an even quicker blast to 60 in just 4.6 seconds.
3. Sedan practicality
A sports car usually comes with numerous compromises, a tiny (or non-existent) back seat, a small trunk, and limited storage. Thankfully, the 2016 WRX has both performance and practicality. The five-seat WRX comes in a handy four-door layout which means more room for both people and gear. It's got a 12 cubic-foot trunk, plus 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, and 35.4 inches of rear legroom, which makes it great for both daily driving and weekend adventure duty.
4. Comfort trim levels
You might set a personal track record in your WRX on Saturday, but you can also set the cruise control and ride back home in comfort on Sunday. If you're looking for additional comfort and convenience upgrades, check out the WRX Premium, which adds great stuff like a power sunroof, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icers, and heated outside mirrors. If you want more, the Limited model (available on the WRX and STI) adds leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, and more.
5. Tech, too
Don't worry, you don't need to compromise on technology in your 2016 Subaru WRX. Standard tech includes Subaru's Starlink™ infotainment system which is controlled by a nicely sized 6.2-inch touchscreen. Also standard is both satellite and HD radio, a CD player, and a USB interface. Premium and Limited trims get an upgraded seven-inch screen, plus a premium nine-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system and navigation.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
3.4 out of 5
11 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 5 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 4 |
RepairPal gave the Subaru WRX an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru WRX 39th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru WRXSubaru WRX features and specs
Curious how Subaru WRX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
STI Series.Hyperblue 4D Sedan 4WD/AWD
Standard Features
- Smart Key
- Heated Mirrors
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Rear Spoiler
- 4WD/AWD
- Manual Transmission
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Bluetooth Technology
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Bluetooth Technology
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
305
Torque (ft-lbs)
290
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
104.3"
Overall length
180.9"
Width
70.7"
Height
58.1"
Leg room
F 43.3"/R 35.4"
Head room
F 39.8"/R 37.1"
Front tires
P245/40WR18
Rear tires
P245/40WR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Manual 6
2016 Subaru WRX FAQ
The 2016 Subaru WRX has received an average 3.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Subaru WRX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Subaru WRX Reviews.
The Subaru WRX received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru WRX as 39 out of 46 among Compact Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2016 Subaru WRX: Pros - Ride and Handling - Power - Styling Cons - Cost to Maintain - Fuel Economy - Reliability
Here is what's new for the 2016 Subaru WRX:
- STI Series.Hyperblue
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Navigation System
- Bluetooth Technology
- Automated Cruise Control
The 2016 Subaru WRX offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 17 city / 23 highway MPG (STI Limited trim) • Gas: 20 city / 27 highway MPG (Base trim) • Gas: 20 city / 27 highway MPG (Limited trim) • Gas: 20 city / 27 highway MPG (Premium trim) • Gas: 17 city / 23 highway MPG (STI trim) • Gas: 17 city / 23 highway MPG (STI Series.Hyperblue trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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