2022 Subaru WRX – Yet another disappointment.

Subaru has finally revealed 2022 WRX and oh boy is it a let down. The bland mainstream design, the insignificant increase in power – it’s all just a big disappointment.

First sports car I ever owned was Subaru Impreza WRX STi so I have very fond memories of it and have a special place in my heart for this model line but saying I am disappointed with the new model is a very big understatement.

Performance

2022 Subaru WRX 2.4 liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 275 metric horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. That’s a laughable 3 horsepower increase over the previous generation WRX and 34 less than 2015 Subaru STi.

With the rumors of next STi having around 400 horsepower you would hope the WRX model would at least break the 300-horsepower barrier but there might be a reason it doesn’t.

2022 Subaru WRX is available with two transmissions: manual and CVT. CVT is known for being unable to handle a lot of power so with current technology 275 horsepower might be the most it can reliably handle long-term.

Design

The design of the new 2022 Subaru WRX is even bigger let down. Subaru has really lost the plot. The old WRX and STi models are distinctive with a strong image and personality but the new model is just bland, there’s nothing special about it. It look like every other sedan you see on streets today. It has no personality, no soul.

The rear looks like a regular Honda Civic. The front looks like something inbred or having an extra chromosome. Even the center console looks just bad.

Subaru Impreza WRX and STi Timeline

The biggest problem with WRX and STi models is that they haven’t become much faster than the models from mid 1990s. Subaru Impreza STi made in late 1994 had 275 horsepower. To put thing in perspective BMW M3 made in that same year had 240 to 286 horsepower depending on market. The latest BMW M3 makes 510 horsepower, whereas the latest STi – 309 horsepower. Models that Subaru Impreza STi could outpace on a racetrack 25 years ago will now leave the STi in the dust.

Here’s is a general timeline of WRX and STi models:

• 1992
  • November: Subaru begins production of Impreza WRX Type RA. It has 240 horsepower.
• 1994
  • September: Subaru begins production of Impreza WRX Type RA model that outputs 260 horsepower.
  • November: Subaru begins production of Impreza WRX Type RA STi model that outputs 275 horsepower.
• 1996
  • September:
    • Subaru begins production of Impreza WRX Type RA model that outputs 280 horsepower:
    • Subaru begins production of Impreza WRX Type RA STi model that outputs 280 horsepower:
• 1998:
  • September: Subaru begins production of WRX Type RA STi Version 5 which has IHI VF28 turbo. Claimed power output is 280 horsepower but owners claim 300-330 measured horsepower at crank.
• 2000:
  • Subaru Impreza STi is introduced to Asia, Oceania and Europe. It has 265 to 280 horsepower depending on market.
• 2001:
  • The new Subaru Impreza WRX gets introduced in USA. It has 226 horsepower.
  • The new Subaru Impreza WRX gets introduced in Europe. It has 218 horsepower.
• 2003:
  • WRX receives facelift. Power output is increased to 224 horsepower.
  • STi receives facelift. Power is still 265 to 280 horsepower depending on market.
• 2006:
  • WRX receives facelift. Power output is increased to 224 horsepower.
  • STi receives facelift. Power is increased to 280 horsepower on all markets.
  • STi RB320 model is released in UK market in honor of Richard Burns. It outputs 320 horsepower.
• 2008:
  • New WRX is introduced. It has 227 horsepower.
  • New STi is introduced. It has 300 horsepower.
• 2010:
  • Subaru Impreza Cosworth STI CS400 is introduced. It has 400 horsepower.
• 2011:
  • STi Sedan is introduced. It has 300 horsepower.
  • WRX receives power increase. It now outputs 265 horsepower.
• 2014:
  • New WRX is introduced. It has 272 horsepower.
  • New STi is introduced: It has 309 horsepower.
• 2022:
  • New WRX is introduced. It has 275 horsepower.