2019 Subaru WRX

Every 2019 WRX trim (Base, Premium, Limited, and the limited-run Series.Gray) uses the same FA20DIT 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged boxer-four rated at 268 hp @ 5,600 rpm — carried over unchanged from 2018.

FA20DIT peak torque is 258 lb-ft on a broad 2,000–5,200 rpm plateau — unchanged for 2019 across the entire WRX lineup.

Instrumented tests of the volume Premium/6MT trim continued to land in the 5.3–5.4 s range for 2019; the Sport Lineartronic CVT is roughly 0.6–0.8 s slower. Powertrain and gearing are unchanged from 2018.

The FA20DIT is carried over unchanged for 2019, so the same review consensus applies: strong midrange but noticeable turbo lag below ~3,000 rpm, a coarse boxer note under load, and a peaky delivery that punishes lugging — competent but not seamless for a modern turbo four.

The revised 6-speed manual synchros introduced for 2018 carry over, so reviewers continued to praise a noticeably slicker, more decisive shift feel versus pre-2018 cars while gearing and throws were unchanged. The optional Sport Lineartronic CVT (with 6- or 8-step manual mode and paddles) is more responsive than most CVTs but still drones under throttle and remains the weaker choice for the volume enthusiast trim.

Symmetrical full-time AWD is standard on every 2019 WRX trim — a core brand pillar — with a viscous-coupling limited-slip center diff on 6MT cars and a Variable Torque Distribution planetary center diff (45:55 default) on Sport Lineartronic CVT cars. Not driver-selectable, unlike the STI's DCCD.

Single powertrain across every 2019 WRX trim (2.0L turbo boxer, 268 hp) with no hybrid, PHEV, or EV option — take-it-or-leave-it. The WRX STI (2.5L EJ257, 310 hp for 2019) is marketed and sold as a separate model line.

EPA rates the 2019 WRX 6MT (volume trim) at 23 MPG combined and the Sport Lineartronic CVT at 21 MPG combined — powertrain (2.0L FA20DIT turbo, AWD) carried over unchanged from 2018, so EPA ratings are identical and remain well below the sedan-segment norm.

EPA city rating for the 2019 WRX 6MT is 21 MPG — near the bottom of the sedan normalization band. The Sport Lineartronic CVT drops to 18 MPG city.

EPA highway rating for the 2019 WRX 6MT is 27 MPG; the CVT is 24 MPG. Turbocharged full-time AWD sport sedan makes highway efficiency modest by sedan standards.

15.9-gallon fuel tank paired with EPA 23 MPG combined yields roughly 366 miles per fill on the volume 6MT; CVT drops to about 334 miles. Tank size and combined MPG are unchanged from 2018.

fueleconomy.gov's dynamically updated annual-cost figure for the 2019 WRX runs approximately $2,900 under current EPA assumptions (15k mi/yr, premium fuel) — at the top end of the sedan cost band because of premium fuel plus middling combined MPG.

Subaru's 2019 WRX owner's manual specifies 91-octane premium unleaded as the design fuel for full rated output; 87 octane is permitted with no durability harm but reduces performance. Meaningful ongoing fuel-cost penalty versus regular-fuel competitors.

NHTSA did not directly crash-test the 2019 WRX. Per the prompt's guidance to use the latest tested year of this generation, the 2017 Subaru WRX 4-DR AWD earned 4 stars overall (5-star driver frontal, 4-star passenger frontal, 5-star side crash, 4-star side pole, 4-star rollover) — the VA-generation platform and body structure are unchanged for 2019, so this figure applies.

The 2019 WRX carries over as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with EyeSight and the LED Steering Responsive Headlights (Limited/STI), with Good ratings across all six crashworthiness tests (small overlap driver, small overlap passenger, moderate overlap, side, roof strength, head restraints). Front crash prevention rated Superior with EyeSight. Class-leading crashworthiness structure; the caveat is that the volume Premium 6MT trim can't reach TSP+ because EyeSight and the qualifying headlights are unavailable on that trim.

The 2019 WRX volume trim (Premium 6MT) still has no standard ADAS — no AEB, no lane keeping, no adaptive cruise, no blind-spot monitoring, no rear cross-traffic alert. EyeSight remains gated to the CVT-equipped Limited trim, locking out the majority of enthusiast buyers who choose the manual. Blind Spot Detection with RCTA is a Limited-trim option only. Unchanged trim gating vs 2018.

When equipped with EyeSight (CVT Limited only), the 2019 WRX's front crash prevention was rated Superior by IIHS with full points in the 12-mph and 25-mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests. Because AEB is unavailable on Base, Premium, Series.Gray, and any 6MT trim — which are the volume sellers — most buyers get no AEB at all, pulling the score well below the on-trim capability.

Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert remains optional on the WRX Limited (both 6MT and CVT) as part of a package; still unavailable on Base, Premium, and the new-for-2019 Series.Gray. Alert-only, no active intervention. Carryover coverage from 2018.

Lane departure warning and lane sway warning are included with EyeSight — CVT-Limited only. No active lane keep assist and no lane centering on any 2019 WRX. Reviewers describe the EyeSight lane systems as competent warnings but not corrective steering. Unchanged from 2018.

Adaptive Cruise Control ships as part of the EyeSight package on CVT-equipped Limited trims and is reviewed as competent full-speed-range with smooth follow. Not offered on Base, Premium, Series.Gray, or any 6MT WRX — so the volume manual buyer has standard cruise only. No integrated highway assist. Carryover from 2018.

No hands-free highway driving system was available on the 2019 WRX. In 2019, Cadillac Super Cruise was still limited to the CT6 and Ford BlueCruise had not launched; Subaru offered no hands-off capability on any model.

Top-trim headlight quality carries over from 2018: Limited and STI Limited use LED Steering Responsive Headlights that IIHS rates Good — the unit that unlocks the TSP+ award. However, the volume Base, Premium, and Series.Gray trims retain halogen projector headlights that continue to rate Marginal/Poor at IIHS, and the WRX Premium — the sales-mix leader — cannot be optioned with the LED units. Mixed picture: top trims are best-in-class, volume trims are still lit by the same halogens IIHS panned.

Sightlines are decent for a compact sedan — thin A-pillars, low beltline relative to modern sedans, and a functional rear window. Backup camera remains standard (federal mandate). 360-degree cameras are unavailable at any trim. Reviewers consistently praise the WRX's forward and side visibility. Unchanged from 2018.

Two full LATCH sets in the outboard rear positions with a tether for the center seat — standard compact-sedan layout, unchanged from 2018. IIHS rates LATCH ease-of-use as Acceptable on the Impreza/WRX platform. Rear door openings and rear seat space remain tight, making car-seat installation workable but not spacious, and the cabin does not accommodate three seats across.

Every 2019 WRX trim (Base, Premium, Limited, Series.Gray) is a 5-passenger compact sedan with front sport buckets and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench. Unchanged from 2018.

Subaru's published front headroom for the 2019 WRX is 39.8 in without moonroof; the optional moonroof (Premium/Limited packages) reduces it. Interior dimensions carry over from 2018 — the VA-generation body and roofline are unchanged for the mild 2019 update (which focused on infotainment and the Series.Gray edition).

Subaru's published front legroom for the 2019 WRX is 43.1 in, well within the sedan norm and generous for the compact class. Unchanged for 2019.

Rear headroom of 37.1 in is mid-pack for compact sedans. The tapered roofline behind the C-pillar and rear seat position leave adequate but not generous overhead space. Unchanged from 2018.

Rear legroom is a genuine weak point at 35.4 in — a full inch tighter than a Civic sedan (37.4) and far behind mid-size rivals. Two adults behind two adult front occupants is workable for short trips but cramped for long ones. Unchanged for 2019.

The 2019 WRX trunk holds 12.0 cu ft — small for the segment (Civic sedan is 15.1, Corolla is 13.1) largely because the sedan-only WRX lost the hatchback variant after 2014. Rear-seat pass-through helps for skis or long items. Unchanged for 2019.

In-cabin storage is functional but unremarkable and carries over from the 2018 refresh. The 2019 center console retains soft-touch trim and the revised armrest; a modest bin, two front cupholders, two rear cupholders in the fold-down armrest, and shallow door pockets. No underfloor bins, sliding console, or standout organization vs a Golf GTI's smart storage. Segment-average at best.

Front sport buckets carry over from the 2018 refresh with good bolstering and improved cushioning vs pre-2018; Limited offers leather/Ultrasuede and 8-way power driver seat. The 750-unit Series.Gray limited edition (Premium trim, 6MT only) uniquely adds Ultrasuede/leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats — a genuine long-haul upgrade — but is not the volume configuration. Rear bench remains firm and shallow. Reviewer verdicts land in 'good support, firm cushioning' territory for the volume trims.

Ride quality remains the WRX's biggest comfort penalty in 2019, carrying over from the 2018 refresh (which softened front springs on non-STI and retuned damper valving for compliance). Reviewers continue to describe the ride as firm and busy over broken pavement, though improved vs pre-2018. Base/Premium (17-inch wheels) is more compliant than Limited (18-inch); STI remains punishing. No suspension changes for 2019.

Sound insulation carries over from the 2018 refresh (added firewall, floor, and wheel-well liner material). The FA20DIT turbo boxer remains audible and summer-oriented rubber (Premium/Limited) keeps road roar elevated; wind and road noise at highway speed are measurably better than pre-2018 but still on the noisy side of the compact-sedan segment. No NVH-specific changes for 2019.

Climate and comfort equipment carries over largely unchanged for 2019. Manual single-zone A/C is standard on Base; dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats are standard on Premium and above; heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer standard. Series.Gray adds LED Steering Responsive Headlamps and LED foglamps but no HVAC upgrades. No heated steering wheel, no ventilated seats, no rear-vent HVAC, and no remote pre-conditioning on any 2019 WRX trim — well behind luxury-badge and even some mainstream rivals of the era.

The 2019 Subaru WRX Base sedan carried a $27,195 MSRP plus $885 destination, for a $28,080 out-the-door base price with the standard 6-speed manual. CVT (Sport Lineartronic) added $1,200. Modest ~$225 increase over 2018 reflecting inflation and destination charge (up from $860 to $885); no equipment changes on Base trim.

Premium continued as the volume trim in 2019 — it carries alloy wheels, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate, sunroof, and the 7-inch Starlink touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that most WRX buyers want. Premium 6-MT MSRP was $29,595 plus $885 destination = $30,480, a ~$225 lift over 2018 Premium.

The turbocharged FA20DIT and full-time AWD drive higher-than-average service costs for a compact sedan — mandatory synthetic oil at 6-month/6,000-mile intervals, expensive Dunlop Sport Maxx or Yokohama Advan Sport summer tires (Premium/Limited), and more frequent brake wear from enthusiast use. Premium fuel required. Edmunds True Cost to Own for the 2019 WRX Premium projects roughly $4,500 maintenance and ~$2,000 repairs over the first 5 years — unchanged from 2018 as the powertrain and service intervals carry over.

WRX/STI models remain among the strongest 5-year residuals in the compact segment — enthusiast demand, limited supply, and cult following keep used prices high. The 2019 Series.Gray limited edition (750 units, Premium-based, 6MT only, with Ultrasuede/leather Recaro seats and STI-style visual bits) further tightens supply of desirable trims for the used market. KBB and ALG project 2019 WRX 5-year retention in the ~55–60% range, top-tier for the sport-compact class.

Subaru's 2019 bumper-to-bumper coverage remained the industry-standard 3 yr / 36,000 miles — matching Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Ford but well behind Hyundai/Kia's 5 yr and Mitsubishi's 5 yr / 60k. No warranty enhancement for 2019.

Subaru 2019 powertrain coverage is 5 yr / 60,000 miles — standard for mainstream brands but well behind Hyundai/Kia's 10 yr / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. No change for 2019.

Subaru offered no complimentary scheduled maintenance on the 2019 WRX — unlike BMW (4 yr / 50k), Toyota (2 yr / 25k), or Jaguar (5 yr / 60k) of the era. Buyers pay for every oil change and service interval out of pocket. Included perks: basic 3 yr / 36,000-mile roadside assistance and a SiriusXM All Access 4-month trial with Starlink-equipped Premium/Limited trims. A meaningful gap versus the class competition, unchanged from 2018.

$30,480 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (58% retained, or about $17,678) leaves about $12,802 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $19,302 in total.

Consumer Reports again rated the 2019 WRX below-average for predicted reliability (2/5), with owner-survey trouble spots essentially unchanged from 2018: in-car electronics/infotainment, drive system, and body integrity. The 2019 model year is a straight carryover of the 2018 refresh (same FA20DIT powertrain, same Starlink 7-inch infotainment platform), so CR's predicted-reliability signal carries over. J.D. Power VDS for the 2019 MY places Subaru near industry average — not a red-flag model, but well behind mainstream compact sedans like the Civic or Corolla.

Subaru brand continues to rank in the upper-middle tier for reliability — Consumer Reports typically places Subaru in the top 8–12 brands, and J.D. Power VDS ranks Subaru mid-pack (industry average or slightly better) in the 2018–2020 studies. Consistent but not a top-5 brand for dependability; unchanged trajectory from 2018.

The 2019 WRX has had several NHTSA recalls including the industry-wide Takata passenger airbag inflator campaigns (still rolling through this MY), a brake-light switch/PCV valve-related campaign affecting some 2019 units, and continued TSBs for Starlink infotainment freezes, steering column rattle, and CVT torque-converter shudder. Recall activity is typical for the era with no fire-risk or systemic safety-critical issues specific to 2019 — comparable to 2018.

The FA20DIT 2.0L direct-injected turbo flat-four (unchanged for 2019) has a mixed durability reputation — solid when driven gently and maintained on schedule, but known for ringland cracking and connecting-rod failures when tuned or driven hard on high boost, plus carbon-buildup tendencies common to DI engines. The 6-speed manual is robust; the TR690 CVT (used on non-manual WRX) is a stress point that many enthusiasts avoid. Well behind the previous EJ255's aftermarket-proven durability at stock power, and behind mainstream compact-sedan powertrains.

The cabin carries over from the 2018 mid-cycle refresh — revised switchgear, softer-touch dash surfaces on the upper trims, a redesigned steering wheel, and the standard 7-inch Starlink touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto. Hard plastics still dominate the lower dash and door panels, and reviewers continue to call the cabin the weakest part of the car relative to its ~$28K–$36K price range — behind the VW Golf R and closer to a Civic Si in feel. The 2019 Series.Gray limited edition adds Ultrasuede/leather-trimmed Recaro seats but is not the volume configuration.

Assembly at Subaru's Gunma/Yajima plant remains consistent — panel gaps are tight and initial-quality complaints are scattered rather than systemic. The 2018 chassis stiffening (5.4% torsionally stiffer versus pre-refresh) carries over and continues to help reduce structural rattles. J.D. Power 2019 IQS places Subaru around industry average. Some owner reports flag minor rattles from the dash and rear parcel shelf under boost, but nothing systemic. Unchanged from 2018.

Subaru operates approximately 630 US dealerships as of 2019 — adequate national coverage though notably denser in the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and Mountain West than in the Deep South or Great Plains. J.D. Power customer service satisfaction ranks Subaru mid-pack (industry-average to slightly above). Owners of performance models sometimes report dealer techs being less experienced with WRX-specific service (turbo, AWD center diff).

The WRX has one of the strongest aftermarket support ecosystems of any compact car — COBB, Perrin, Grimmspeed, Invidia, and countless others make plug-and-play performance and maintenance parts. OEM parts are widely available at fair prices, though turbo-specific service and AWD driveline work costs more than a naturally-aspirated FWD compact. RepairPal estimates average annual repair cost around $700, above compact-sedan average (~$525) but reasonable for a turbocharged AWD sport sedan.

Volume Premium trim carries the 7.0-inch Starlink 7.0 touchscreen unchanged from 2018, and Limited uses the same 7.0-inch unit. Base continues with the smaller 6.5-inch head unit adopted in 2018. No screen changes for the 2019 model year.

Starlink 7.0 hardware and software are unchanged from the 2018 refresh — legible menus and welcome physical volume/tuning knobs, but native UI still boots slowly and looks dated. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (added in 2018) remain the go-to daily interface. Middle-of-the-pack for a 2019 mainstream compact sedan.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard on the 7.0-inch Starlink 7.0 head unit fitted to Premium and Limited (the volume Premium buyer gets it). Base's smaller 6.5-inch unit still does not include phone projection. Nothing is wireless: cable-tethered only. Unchanged from 2018.

Native voice recognition remains a rigid command-tree system tied to Bluetooth dialing and Starlink audio — not natural-language. TomTom-based built-in navigation stays a Limited-trim option only via the Starlink Multimedia Plus package. CarPlay/Android Auto continues to let owners use Siri/Google Assistant and Google/Apple Maps as effective replacements for the weak native systems. Carryover from 2018.

Base and Premium trims carry an adequate but unremarkable 6-speaker system. An optional Harman Kardon 9-speaker premium audio system with a 320-watt amplifier remains available on Limited and is a genuine upgrade per reviewers. The loud cabin and exhaust drone at highway speed continue to limit even the premium system's perceived quality. Unchanged from 2018.

Traditional analog tachometer and speedometer remain, flanking a small 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display showing boost, coolant, fuel economy, and trip data, with a supplemental color LCD atop the dashboard for climate/audio info. No configurable full-digital cluster on any 2019 WRX trim.

The 2019 WRX has no meaningful over-the-air update capability — Starlink 7.0 receives no whole-vehicle OTA firmware pushes. Any infotainment updates or maps refreshes require a dealer visit or a USB stick from the Subaru map-update site. Standard for a 2019 mainstream Japanese sedan but a real weakness against modern rivals.

Subaru Starlink Safety & Security remains available on Premium and Limited trims equipped with the 7.0-inch head unit, providing SOS, stolen-vehicle recovery, remote lock/unlock, vehicle finder, roadside assistance, and remote engine start via app on higher subscription tiers. Interface is functional but basic; ongoing use is subscription-gated after the trial. No digital key. Essentially unchanged from 2018.

The 2019 WRX retains one front USB-A port and an aux-in in the center stack, plus a 12V outlet in the console — no rear USB ports, no USB-C anywhere, no wireless phone charging, and no 110V household outlet. Basic even by 2019 mainstream standards; well behind the emerging norm of USB in both rows.

Keyless Access with Push-Button Start is standard on Limited and on the new-for-2019 Series.Gray edition; Premium can option it through certain packages, and Base retains a traditional turn-key ignition. Remote start still requires the paid Starlink Security Plus subscription. No hands-free trunk release, no phone-as-key. Volume Premium buyer experience unchanged from 2018.

A rear-view camera remains standard on all 2019 WRX trims with reasonable image quality. No front or rear parking sensors on any trim, no 360-degree surround camera, and no automated parking assist. Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert stays optional on Limited only (both 6MT and CVT). Unchanged from 2018.

No head-up display is offered on any 2019 WRX trim from Base through Limited (or on the Series.Gray edition). HUD is available on premium-priced sport-compact rivals (BMW/Audi) but Subaru did not put it on the VA-generation WRX option sheet at any point in its lifecycle.

The 2019 WRX carries over the same tight compact-sedan family package as 2018: 35.4 in of rear legroom (a full inch behind a Civic sedan), a 12.0 cu-ft trunk that pinches stroller-plus-gear loads, and two outboard LATCH sets rated Acceptable by IIHS. Front sport buckets have aggressive bolsters that make rear-facing seat installations awkward, and the firm sport-tuned suspension amplifies bumps for children. Workable for one child, a compromise for two. The new-for-2019 Series.Gray limited edition adds Recaros but is still the same body and rear space.

The volume Premium 6MT — and the new-for-2019 Series.Gray edition (Premium 6MT-based) — still ship with NO ADAS: no AEB, no adaptive cruise, no lane departure, no blind-spot detection. Subaru continues to gate EyeSight to the CVT-equipped Limited only, and the LED Steering Responsive Headlights that unlock TSP+ remain Limited/STI-exclusive; halogens on Base/Premium/Series.Gray were rated Marginal/Poor by IIHS. Crashworthiness itself is Good across the board (2017 4-star NHTSA test carryover). Big gap between top-trim safety and what most affordable-trim family buyers actually get — carryover trim gating from 2018.

Rear passengers get 35.4 in of legroom and 37.1 in of headroom — cramped for adults on multi-hour drives — with no rear HVAC vents, no rear USB, and firm rear cushioning. The 12 cu-ft trunk struggles to hold four-adult luggage; the 60/40 pass-through helps for skis but not for volume. Sport-tuned ride and elevated cabin noise (improved but still busy per 2018–2019 reviews) further limit multi-hour family comfort. Below-segment for the family road-trip mission. Unchanged from 2018 — the 2019 update added no interior packaging changes.

The 2018 refresh benefits carry over unchanged into 2019 — revised 6MT synchros give a slicker shift, retuned suspension is slightly more compliant, and added sound insulation lowers NVH. But daily driving still asks work of the driver: a firm clutch, notchy shifter takeup, noticeable turbo lag below ~3,000 rpm, and a busy ride versus mainstream compact peers. Standard symmetric AWD is a real daily-use plus in bad weather. Better than a pre-2018 WRX daily but still a step down from a Civic or Corolla for effortless commuting.

23 MPG combined (6MT) or 21 MPG combined (CVT) is well below the compact-sedan norm, and Subaru specifies 91-octane premium unleaded for full rated output — fueleconomy.gov puts annual fuel cost around $2,900. Insurance runs elevated (~$2,200/yr full coverage) due to performance-car classification and theft risk. Maintenance is above compact-sedan average (mandatory synthetic oil at 6k intervals, expensive summer/performance tires, brake wear). Expensive per-mile to commute in versus a Civic or Corolla. Unchanged from 2018.

Compact-sedan footprint (180.9 in overall, 104.3 in wheelbase) and a ~36.1 ft turning circle make the WRX easy to thread and park versus mid-size or luxury peers. Thin A-pillars and a low beltline give good sightlines, and a rear-view camera is standard on every trim. Downside: no parking sensors on any 2019 WRX trim, no 360-degree surround-view camera, and no automated parking assist — features that are common on newer compact rivals. Solid but not standout urban usability. Unchanged from 2018.

The 2019 WRX has no US towing rating published by Subaru and no bed or truck-style cargo — it's a compact 4-door sedan with a 12 cu-ft trunk. Not designed, marketed, or engineered for work duty. Effectively zero real work capability beyond hauling personal items in the trunk. Unchanged from 2018.

The WRX is engineered as a performance sport sedan, not a work vehicle. The FA20DIT direct-injected turbo has a mixed durability reputation under abuse (ringland cracking and rod issues on tuned/hard-driven cars), the TR690 CVT is a stress point avoided by enthusiasts, and the interior uses hard plastics rather than wipeable/rugged fleet surfaces. Chassis is stiff but the low ride height and street-oriented suspension aren't built for jobsite abuse. No fleet reputation. Unchanged mechanical package from 2018.

No bed, no factory tow hitch, no bed-mounted power outlets, no washable cargo surfaces, no fleet upfit ecosystem, no rack-integration points beyond mediocre aftermarket cross-bar solutions bolted to the sedan roof. A single front USB-A and a 12V outlet cover onboard power. Effectively zero jobsite provisions. Unchanged from 2018.

Range is decent — a 15.9-gal tank at 23 MPG combined yields about 366 mi per fill on the 6MT — but the mile-eating experience is compromised. Adaptive cruise control is still unavailable on the volume Premium 6MT (EyeSight remains CVT-Limited-only), the cabin is quieter than pre-2018 but still noisier than mainstream sedans at highway speed, front sport buckets are firm on long stints, and rear-seat comfort is limited by 35.4 in legroom and no rear vents/USB. Premium fuel adds per-tank cost. The Series.Gray edition's Recaros are a real long-haul asset, but the 750-unit run isn't the volume config. Below-segment as a pure long-haul tourer; unchanged from 2018.

Standard Symmetrical Full-Time AWD is the WRX's genuine adventure asset — a legitimate advantage over rear- and front-drive sport sedans on gravel, snow, and light forest roads and a core Subaru brand pillar. Ground clearance is only about 4.9 inches, however, and no factory roof rails or factory tow hitch are offered on the WRX sedan (aftermarket cross-bar towers exist but the roof isn't rail-equipped from Subaru). No 110V outlet, no camping-mode power features, and no factory bike/kayak accessories in the WRX catalog. Better than most sport sedans for outdoor use but well behind a Crosstrek or Outback. Unchanged from 2018.

12.0 cu-ft trunk is small for the compact sedan segment (Civic 15.1, Corolla 13.1) — the sedan-only VA-generation body dropped the hatchback variant after 2014, which cost the WRX its historic gear-hauling flexibility. Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat plus a ski-pass helps for long items but there's no underfloor storage, no factory roof rails, and no factory hitch. Restrictive for anyone hauling anything bigger than four suitcases. Unchanged from 2018.

Symmetrical AWD, low-CG boxer layout, and the 2018 chassis refresh (added spot welds, revised strut-front/double-wishbone-rear tune with softer front springs on non-STI plus retuned damper valving) give the 2019 WRX segment-leading dry grip and sharp turn-in for a sub-$30k sedan. Instrumented skidpad typically lands ~0.90 g on Premium/Limited summer rubber. Composed and rotatable at the limit — a legitimate driver's car by any yardstick, though the firm ride is the price paid (penalized in cat4).

Dual-pinion electric power steering retuned as part of the 2018 refresh carries over for 2019 — reviewers describe it as accurate and appropriately weighted with better on-center feel than pre-2018 cars, if still not the feedback benchmark of a hydraulic-rack sport sedan. Above-average for compact EPS applications.

The 2018 refresh extended the larger front rotors (previously Limited-only) to Premium as well, so the volume 2019 Premium trim benefits from the upgraded braking hardware. Instrumented 70-0 tests land in the ~155–165 ft range with firm, consistent pedal feel and no meaningful fade in normal use. Series.Gray inherits the same setup.

The FA20DIT carries over unchanged for 2019 — noticeable turbo lag below ~3,000 rpm, then a hard-hitting midrange surge that reviewers universally call peaky. Off-boost tip-in is soft and requires a downshift to feel alive; on-boost delivery is strong but abrupt. Not a smooth, linear modern turbo four.

The boxer flat-four produces the signature Subaru thrum under load — characterful to enthusiasts but genuinely coarse compared to contemporary inline-fours from a Golf GTI or Civic Si. The 2018 NVH package (added firewall/floor liners) carries over and reduces highway drone slightly, but on-throttle engine note remains prominent. Clutch/shifter vibration is minimal.

Subaru's published minimum turning diameter for the 2019 WRX is 36.1 ft curb-to-curb — mid-pack for a compact sedan and unchanged from 2018.

Front sport buckets, a reach-and-rake-adjustable D-shaped steering wheel, and a low-slung seating position deliver an enthusiast-friendly driver's environment. Sightlines are good for a compact sedan. Downsides that carry over from 2018: the aftermarket-flavored climate control knobs, hard plastics near the shifter, and a small, low-mounted 6.5-in touchscreen (Base) that feels dated even for 2019. Series.Gray adds Recaro seats — a genuine ergonomics win but not the volume config.

The 2019 WRX remains one of the most consistently enthusiast-recommended sedans at any price — 6MT + Symmetrical AWD + boxer soundtrack + rally-bred character. The 2018 chassis and steering refresh sharpened responses without diluting the visceral quality that defines the model. Universally cited as a genuine 'take the long way home' car despite the refinement compromises.

Carryover from the 2018 refresh — Base 2019 WRX ($27,195) includes AWD, 268-hp turbo, 6-speed manual, 17-in alloys, 6.5-in Starlink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone climate, backup camera, and keyless entry. Blind-spot monitoring, sunroof, and heated seats remain optional/higher-trim items, and critically EyeSight is still unavailable on the manual WRX for 2019 — a gap the Civic Si (Honda Sensing) and even the aging Focus ST address at lower prices.

A 268-hp turbo AWD sport sedan with a proper 6MT starting under $28K remains the segment's bang-for-buck standout — no direct AWD hot-sedan rival exists at the price. Civic Si is cheaper but FWD and 205 hp; GTI/Golf R and Audi S3 cluster at $10–20K more. The 2019 Limited Performance Package (Recaros + Brembos), now available with sunroof and blind-spot monitoring for the first time, sharpens the performance-per-dollar case at the ~$34K point.

Three well-spaced WRX trims — Base ($27,195), Premium ($29,495), Limited ($31,995) — plus a new-for-2019 Series.Gray limited edition (750 units, Cool Gray Khaki, gunmetal 18-in BBS wheels, STI short shifter, ~$30,955) and an expanded Performance Package on Limited that for 2019 can be optioned WITH sunroof and blind-spot monitoring (previously omitted). Six-speed manual is standard, Lineartronic CVT is optional on Premium/Limited. No hatch, no engine choice, but the lineup is deeper and more flexible than in 2018.

Combined 2019 WRX/STI US sales landed near 29,000–30,000 units, down modestly from ~31K in 2018 as the compact-sedan segment continued its crossover-driven slide. Still a healthy niche performer for a $27–37K enthusiast-only sport sedan, but the trajectory is gently negative and the model is clearly late-cycle.

Subaru in 2019 remained one of the strongest mainstream brands on image and loyalty — outdoorsy lifestyle marketing, standard symmetrical AWD, and top-tier retention scores. The WRX layers on genuine WRC rally heritage and STI badge equity that few mainstream sedan nameplates carry, driving cross-shop intent and enthusiast community engagement in a way the Civic Si or Golf GTI don't quite match.

Subaru continued to run the industry's leanest incentive program in 2019, and the WRX in particular routinely transacted at or near MSRP; the 750-unit Series.Gray commanded markups at many dealers, and STIs were consistently non-negotiable. Standard financing was plain-vanilla APR rather than aggressive rebates. Bad for buyers looking to negotiate, though it protects resale.

Fifth model year of the VA-chassis WRX (launched for 2015), with only the Series.Gray special edition and expanded Performance Package availability as MY2019 news — no meaningful mechanical or infotainment updates over the 2018 refresh. The next-generation VB WRX was widely reported as coming for MY2022, putting 2019 clearly in the aging-generation phase with a known replacement two model years away.

Consistently well-reviewed for driving engagement, AWD grip, and value, but the WRX rarely won 2019 sport-compact comparisons — those typically went to the VW GTI or Civic Si/Type R for polish and refinement. Not on Car and Driver's 2019 10Best; not a NACTOY nominee. No IIHS Top Safety Pick because forward-collision warning remained unavailable on WRX. Strong reputation among enthusiasts, middling standing in mainstream awards.