Photography by ©2020 Toni Avery

 

It’s been nearly five years since I’ve tested a WRX. My previous being a 2016 WRX STI Limited that happened to win a spot as one of the top-rated cars I’ve ever tested (five out of five). The STI gave me a feeling few cars do, especially ones I could actually afford. I was curious to see if the 2020 offering could come close, even without being an STI.

This WRX is equipped with a 2.0 L Turbocharged engine producing 268 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque available from 2,000 RPM to 5,200 RPM mated to a six-speed manual transmission with stopping power provided by four-piston Brembo brakes front and 2-piston rear.

The power difference is apparent between this and the STI but not so much so that this feels like a base car necessarily. From what I can remember this one doesn’t throw me back in my seat as much, but definitely enough to feel good about not spending a ton more cash on an STI. That’s not to say that the STI isn’t worth every penny, you just don’t have to feel like you cheaped out because this car still performs.

Let’s get down to the differences between the Series.White WRX STI and non STI. Each are a limited production run of 500. They both come in Ceramic White exterior paint (hence the name) and both sit on matte bronze wheels. The WRX sits on 18-inch while the STI sits on 19-inch forged BBS wheels and special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Both are equipped with Bilstein sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes (red calipers for the WRX and silver for the STI). The price differences between the two is significant with the WRX starting at $33,995 and the STI starting at $42,695.

The overall feel of the WRX was good. The suspension setup was offered a smooth ride on the highway while using cruise control and all the control you’d want while getting aggressive. The manual is not what I remembered. It’s notchy enough to help you feel confident you’re in gear and not quite buttery smooth. The clutch takes some getting used to. It’s springy nature really caught me by surprise my first few shifts. The Brembo brakes performed as expected and provided positive stopping power for WRX.

The exterior of the WRX is finished in Ceramic White paint with Bronze finished 18-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels.

The WRX’s styling has always been a highlight of the vehicle for me. I love the aggressive look while still maintaining a practical side with its four doors and large trunk. The bronze wheels really add some serious style to the already attractive WRX.

The inside features Ultrasuede Trimmed Recaro Front Seats and Moonroof Delete.

The interior comes close to matching the exterior’s cool factor. The Recaro seats are comfortable for long drives or city commuting. There are tiny pops of color throughout and that helps brighten up the space. There’s plenty of room to haul all the stuff you’ll need for the track or a large Costco trip.

Overall I enjoyed the Series.White and remember most of what I loved about the STI. While you do save quite a bit opting for the WRX over the STI, sometimes money does buy happiness.

2020 Subaru WRX Premium Series.White:

Base Price: $29,795

Options:

Series.White Package (Brembo Performance Braking System, Sport-tuned Suspension w/

Bilstein Dampers, Ultrasuede Trimmed Recaro Front Seats, Moonroof Delete,

Black Finish Exterior Badging, Mirror Caps & Sharkfin Antenna,

Bronze Finish 18″ Aluminium Alloy Wheels, LED Steering 

Responsive Headlights, LED Fog Lights, 8-way Power Driver’s Seat,

Keyless Access w/ Push-Button Start, Gloss Black Instrument Panel – $2,400)

Body Side Molding ($268), Bumper Applique Sedan ($96)

Destination Charge: $900

Total Price: $35,359

Fuel Economy: 21 City, 27 Highway, 23 Combined 

GirlsDriveFastToo gives the 2020 Subaru WRX Premium Series.White an overall rating of (out of 5 total):