2022 Subaru WRX

Heck yeah, the Subaru WRX just got a whole lot better

But don’t call it an STI

Subaru’s trusty WRX is a real bash-it-and-thrash-it sport sedan, the kind of car you just wanna get sideways on a gravel road. And while we can’t quite forgive Subaru for discontinuing the winged-wonder WRX STI, we’re happy to report that our favorite road-legal rally car is getting a nice little tune-up. Meet the WRX TR.

Set to debut this weekend at Subiefest in – *shudder* – Florida, the TR has a bunch of mechanical tweaks that’ll give it an edge over lesser Rexes. Stiffer springs and recalibrated damping rates should make for a firmer but more planted ride, and Subaru adjusted the steering setup for better response. Larger 19-inch wheels look rad inside those cladded arches, and the TR rides on 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza summer tires, which are great for grip. Behind those new wheels, you'll find another TR exclusive: big Brembo brakes with six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers.

Other meaningful changes include Recaro front seats and a moonroof delete which saves a bit of weight. The WRX TR also has an upgraded version of Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance suite that finally works with a manual transmission, bringing goodies like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning to cars with sticks.

Unfortunately, the TR doesn't have any more power than the standard WRX, its 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 making the same 271hp and 258lb ft of torque. Oh, and if you don't want the six-speed manual gearbox, you’re out of luck, pal. Subaru will exclusively offer the TR with a stick-shift, leaving the buzzkill-of-all-buzzkills CVT for lesser trims.

 
The Subaru WRX TR Is Probably The One You Want

Recaro seats and Brembo brakes make their way to the manual-transmission Rex

When the current-generation Subaru WRX dropped, people were confused. The STi had vanished, and the fanciest bits of trim were reserved for cars with a CVT: The Recaros and the electronic suspension, both locked away from buyers looking to row their own. Now, it seems Subaru is starting to right that wrong — bringing more of the WRX’s best to the manual.

The company introduced a new TR trim for the WRX today, which brings a few updates to the car. Re-tuned dampers, stiffer springs, adjusted steering feel — all the little tweaks that don’t show up on a spec sheet, but make the car feel better from the driver’s seat. But that seat itself may be the biggest change coming with the TR: The Recaros have landed in manual-transmission cars.

The TR seems to be the most sport-focused trim available on the WRX, and the seats are a testament to that — more bolstering to hold you in place in the corners, utlrasuede centers to grip your track-day-mandated long pants. But the go-fast mods don’t stop with the interior: The TR gets Brembo brakes front and rear, and loses its sunroof to lower its center of gravity. It’s the enthusiast spec, for a stalwart enthusiast car.

 
Subaru WRX TR

The enthusiast-focused 2024 Subaru WRX TR made its global debut at 2023 Subiefest Florida. The TR trim level offers exceptional performance and handling capability thanks to a Brembo braking system, revised suspension, retuned steering and updated performance tires. For the first time, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is now standard on a WRX equipped with a manual transmission. With 2024 marking the return of the WRX TR to the model line, this top trim level will be available nationwide at Subaru retailers in early 2024.

The Subaru WRX TR comes equipped with a high-performance Brembo braking system including red 6-piston front calipers, and red 2-piston rear calipers, larger pads and rotors and larger brake master cylinder. The new system provides enhanced stopping power, fade resistance and pedal feel.

Stiffer springs, revised damping rates and a retuned steering rack provide the WRX TR with better body control and steering response while maintaining ride quality. The TR also comes standard with 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires for increased wet and dry grip and improved braking performance.

Offered for the first time on WRX with manual transmission is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The award-winning safety system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. All 2024 Subaru WRX models equipped with a manual transmission will include EyeSight as standard equipment.


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