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Photo of a Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX

Three straight WRC manufacturers' titles, 1995–1997: the WRX's rally bloodline.12

Researched October 28, 2026 from 40 sources

Also called

  • RexFans worldwide use Rex as an affectionate name for the WRX.3
  • BugeyeThe original second-generation WRX face earned its name from its large, round headlights.4
  • BlobeyeThe second generation's first facelift gained wider, distinctly shaped headlights styled by Peter Stevens.4
  • HawkeyeThe second generation's final face combined a three-piece grille with sharper, swept-back headlights.4

At a glance

0200400
208–341 hpPower
0510
4.3–6.1 s0–60 mph
0125250
225–229 km/hTop speed
0250500
294–447 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.578121314

Layout
Front-engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive111
Gearbox
5-/6-speed manuals; early automatics; Lineartronic CVT14
Built at
Main Plant, Ōta, Gunma, Japan; S209: STI facility, Kiryu, Japan18

The story

Built to replace the bigger Legacy on rally stages, the Impreza WRX reached Japan in November 1992. WRX meant World Rally Experimental: a 2.0-liter turbo boxer, all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual.234

1992: Japan gets World Rally Experimental19921994: STI arrives; Type RA introduces DCCD19942002: The US wait ends: model year 200220022009: 41 extra hp; 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds20092019: S209: 341 hp, just 209 built20192021: WRX STI production ends20212022: 2.4 liters and Subaru Global Platform2022 Impreza WRX (first generation) (GC/GF/GM): 1992–2000GC/GF/GMImpreza WRX (second generation) (GD/GG): 2000–2007GD/GGImpreza WRX (third generation) (GE/GH/GR/GV): 2008–2014GE/GH/GR/GVSubaru WRX (fourth generation) (VA): 2015–2021VASubaru WRX (fifth generation): 2022–present 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones134911151718
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1992–2000Impreza WRX (first generation) (GC/GF/GM)
2000–2007Impreza WRX (second generation) (GD/GG)
2008–2014Impreza WRX (third generation) (GE/GH/GR/GV)
2015–2021Subaru WRX (fourth generation) (VA)
2022–presentSubaru WRX (fifth generation)
1992Japan gets World Rally Experimental
1994STI arrives; Type RA introduces DCCD
2002The US wait ends: model year 2002
200941 extra hp; 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds
2019S209: 341 hp, just 209 built
2021WRX STI production ends
20222.4 liters and Subaru Global Platform
  1. 1992

    Japan gets World Rally Experimental

    The Impreza WRX goes on sale in November with a 237-hp 2.0-liter turbo boxer, all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual.234

  2. 1994

    STI arrives; Type RA introduces DCCD

    Japan's WRX STI arrives with 247 hp. The stripped Type RA makes 271 hp and introduces the driver-adjustable DCCD center differential.4

  3. 2002

    The US wait ends: model year 2002

    The second-generation WRX reaches the United States with a 227-hp 2.0-liter turbo boxer, offered as a sedan or wagon.15

  4. 2009

    41 extra hp; 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds

    A bigger turbo and new exhaust lift the manual WRX to 265 hp. Its 4.7-second 0–60 mph run is 0.3 second quicker than the tested STI.67

  5. 2019

    S209: 341 hp, just 209 built

    The first US S-series WRX STI gets a wider body, a larger turbo and 341 hp. All 209 are hand-built at STI in Kiryu, Japan.8

  6. 2021

    WRX STI production ends

    The STI's 27-year run ends. Subaru later confirms it will not develop an STI from the current WRX's existing internal-combustion platform.2

  7. 2022

    2.4 liters and Subaru Global Platform

    The US WRX adopts a 271-hp 2.4-liter direct-injection turbo boxer and first uses the Subaru Global Platform with full inner frame construction.910

Every generation

  • Impreza WRX (first generation)
    GC/GF/GM1992–2000
  • Impreza WRX (second generation)
    GD/GG2000–2007
  • Impreza WRX (third generation)
    GE/GH/GR/GV2008–2014
  • Subaru WRX (fourth generation)
    VA2015–2021
  • Subaru WRX (fifth generation)
    Subaru WRX (fifth generation)2022–present

Power over the years

From 237 hp to 341 hp in 27 years.

0100200300400 1995200020052010201520202025 hp 1992 · 237 hp · Japanese WRX debut1994 · 247 hp · Japan WRX STI1996 · 276 hp · WRX/STI Version III2000 · 296 hp · S2012002 · 227 hp · US WRX, 2.0-liter2004 · 300 hp · US STI, 2.5-liter EJ252009 · 265 hp · WRX manual2019 · 341 hp · US S2092022 · 271 hp · US WRX, 2.4-liter2025 · 296 hp · S210, FA24 with SPT 341 hp US S209 237 hp Japanese WRX debut
14678910121516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1992237Japanese WRX debut
1994247Japan WRX STI
1996276WRX/STI Version III
2000296S201
2002227US WRX, 2.0-liter
2004300US STI, 2.5-liter EJ25
2009265WRX manual
2019341US S209
2022271US WRX, 2.4-liter
2025296S210, FA24 with SPT

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • WRX (US)

    Standard

    WRX (US)

    2024

    271 hp
  • WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R (Japan)

    Performance

    WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R (Japan)

    2007

    316 hp
  • P1 (UK)

    Limited

    P1 (UK)

    2000

    276 hp

    1,000 built

  • WRX STI Type RA (US)

    Limited

    WRX STI Type RA (US)

    2018

    310 hp

    500 built

  • Limited

    S210

    2025

    296 hp
  • WRX STI S208

    Limited

    WRX STI S208

    2017

    324 hp
  • 22B STI (Japan)

    Limited

    22B STI (Japan)

    1998

    276 hp

    400 built

  • Limited

    WRX Series.Yellow

    2026

    271 hp
  • WRX STI RB320 (UK)

    Limited

    WRX STI RB320 (UK)

    2007

    316 hp

    320 built

  • Limited

    WRX STI S201

    2000

    296 hp

    300 built

  • WRX STI S209 (US)

    Limited

    WRX STI S209 (US)

    2019

    341 hp

    209 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Second-generation STI: larger hood scoop and fog-light covers embossed with the STI logo.23
  • A tall wing isn't universal: the 2006 STI Spec D wears smaller spoilers and Crystal Grey paint.413
  • Third-generation STI hatch: wider bodywork, a hood scoop and four exhaust outlets.2
  • 2022 WRX: textured black cladding around the fenders and along the sills.9

Year by year

  1. 2000; US MY2002

    Bugeye: big, round headlights identify the original second-generation front end.14

  2. 2002; US MY2004

    Blobeye: Peter Stevens replaced the round headlights with more rectangular units.23

  3. 2005; MY2006

    Hawkeye: swept-back headlights and a three-piece grille; Andreas Zapatinas shaped the new nose.423

  4. 2009

    WRX adopts the STI grille and a standard body kit; five-door models add the STI rear spoiler.7

  5. 2011

    Previously narrow WRX sedans and hatchbacks gain wide bodies; the STI sedan returns with its tall trunk wing.121524

  6. 2022

    The redesigned WRX adds textured black fender and sill trim, sharp body creases and geode-like taillights.910

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Subaru WRX
    WRX
    Photo of a Subaru Impreza
    Subaru Impreza

    Subaru Impreza

    For the third-generation STI hatch, look for wider bodywork, four exhaust outlets and the hood scoop.212

  • Photo of a Subaru WRX
    WRX
    Photo of a Saab 9-2X Aero
    Saab 9-2X Aero

    Saab 9-2X Aero

    The Aero has Saab-style bodywork and no roof rails, despite its close WRX wagon relationship.415

Against its rivals

  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

    WRX vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

    Course time lower is better

    WRX48.9 s
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution48.6 s
    25
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2009)

    WRX vs Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2009)

    Power

    WRX265 hp
    Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2009)237 hp
    6
  • Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2009)

    WRX vs Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2009)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    WRX4.7 s
    Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2009)5.5 s
    6

  • WRX vs Toyota GR Corolla Circuit (2023)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    WRX5.9 s
    Toyota GR Corolla Circuit (2023)5.4 s
    26

Prices

Value today $13.6K–$67.4K3233

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$100K$200K$300K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $13,550–$67,420 2002 · $24,520 · US base 5MT, incl. destination2009 · $25,660 · US base WRX, 5MT2011 · $25,495 · US base, excl. $725 destination2018 · $27,855 · US base, incl. $860 destination2019 · $28,080 · US base, incl. $885 destination2022 · $39,240 · US Limited 6MT, as tested2024 · $33,855 · US base 6MT, incl. destination2025 · $46,875 · US tS 6MT, base2026 · $32,495 · US base 6MT, excl. destination2026 · $45,995 · US Series.Yellow 6MT, excl. dest. 2002 · $24,520 · US base 5MT, 2002; destination included 2024 · $106,000 · 1998 Impreza 22B STi, 78k km shown, BaT2025 · $66,666 · 2005 Impreza WRX STi, BaT2025 · $8,901 · 2002 WRX sedan 5-speed, 87k miles, BaT2025 · $53,055 · 2019 WRX STi S209, 32k miles, BaT2026 · $205,000 · 1998 Impreza 22B STi, 32k km, BaT2026 · $13,550 · 2004 WRX Sport Wagon 5MT, 106k miles, BaT2026 · $67,420 · 2005 Impreza WRX STi, 7k miles, BaT2026 · $22,250 · 2018 WRX STi, 48k miles, BaT2026 · $40,250 · 2006 WRX STi, 45k miles, BaT2026 · $19,000 · 2011 WRX modified, 22k miles, BaT $205.0K BaT, 2026
579141718222426323334353637383940
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2002Launch price$24,520US base 5MT, 2002; destination included
2002Price when new$24,520US base 5MT, incl. destination
2009Price when new$25,660US base WRX, 5MT
2011Price when new$25,495US base, excl. $725 destination
2018Price when new$27,855US base, incl. $860 destination
2019Price when new$28,080US base, incl. $885 destination
2022Price when new$39,240US Limited 6MT, as tested
2024Price when new$33,855US base 6MT, incl. destination
2025Price when new$46,875US tS 6MT, base
2026Price when new$32,495US base 6MT, excl. destination
2026Price when new$45,995US Series.Yellow 6MT, excl. dest.
2024Auction sale$106,0001998 Impreza 22B STi, 78k km shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$66,6662005 Impreza WRX STi, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,9012002 WRX sedan 5-speed, 87k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$53,0552019 WRX STi S209, 32k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$205,0001998 Impreza 22B STi, 32k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5502004 WRX Sport Wagon 5MT, 106k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$67,4202005 Impreza WRX STi, 7k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$22,2502018 WRX STi, 48k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$40,2502006 WRX STi, 45k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,0002011 WRX modified, 22k miles, BaT
2026Value today$13,550–$67,420

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “6:57.5 in a purpose-built Nürburgring special”
    • “Three straight WRC titles, three champion drivers”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 40 sources
  1. Subaru WRX - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. A not-so-brief history of the Subaru WRX STI timeslive.co.za
  3. The history of the iconic Subaru WRX | Subaru Australia subaru.com.au
  4. Subaru Impreza WRX and STI: A Guide To Every Generation carthrottle.com
  5. Tested: 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Gives Us a Hit of the Good Stuff caranddriver.com
  6. Comparison Test: Seven Cheap Speeders of 2009 caranddriver.com
  7. Tested: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX caranddriver.com
  8. 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 | Miami | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  9. WORLD PREMIER OF ALL-NEW SUBARU WRX | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  10. 2022 Subaru WRX Grows but Remains Young at Heart caranddriver.com
  11. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  12. Subaru Impreza - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. Subaru Impreza special editions Mk1 and Mk2 - 22B, RB5, P1, UK300 and more | evo evo.co.uk
  14. 2025 Subaru WRX tS First Test Review: Two-Thirds of the STI’s Name, One-Third the Intrigue motortrend.com
  15. Subaru WRX and STI Buyer's Guide: Every Think You Need to Know roadandtrack.com
  16. S210｜HERITAGE｜STI sti.jp
  17. SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2024 WRX prnewswire.com
  18. 2026 SUBARU WRX BRINGS BACK THE AFFORDABLE RALLY-INSPIRED SPORTS SEDAN STARTING AT $32,495 MSRP prnewswire.com
  19. Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special Sets Sub-Seven Minute Nurburgring Lap prnewswire.com
  20. SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL INTRODUCES LIMITED-EDITION STI S209 IN THE U.S. MARKET | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  21. S208 Special Edition of WRX STI Announced; Limited to 450 Units | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  22. 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $181,000 on January 27, 2026 (Lot #227,594) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. Subaru Impreza (second generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Subaru Announces Pricing for 2011 Impreza WRX and STI Models prnewswire.com
  25. 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STi caranddriver.com
  26. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla vs. Subaru WRX: Did Toyota Build a Better WRX? motortrend.com
  27. Subaru WRX STI Scores Back-to-Back Class Win in the 47th Nürburgring 24-Hour Race | NewsRelease | Subaru Corporation subaru.co.jp
  28. Why The Subaru WRX STI S209 Isn't Technically Built By Subaru jalopnik.com
  29. Semenuk Seals National Championship with Second Place at Overmountain americanrallyassociation.org
  30. RWD Subaru? 'Baby Driver's' stunt genius tells us how he drove those scenes - Autoblog autoblog.com
  31. Akira Teshima’s Own Subaru Impreza 22B Was Scanned for GT Sport – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  32. No Reserve: Single-Family-Owned 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,550 on May 11, 2026 (Lot #241,961) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve:7k-Mile 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $67,420 on July 8, 2026 (Lot #251,504) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2019 Subaru WRX and STI research specs, options, photos, prices, details. cars101.com
  35. 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,901 on July 8, 2025 (Lot #199,668) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 45k-Mile 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $40,250 on April 2, 2026 (Lot #236,152) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2019 Subaru WRX STi S209 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $53,055 on May 2, 2025 (Lot #190,022) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $106,000 on March 11, 2024 (Lot #138,620) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 48k-Mile 2018 Subaru WRX STi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,250 on April 13, 2026 (Lot #237,626) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 22k-Mile Modified 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,000 on March 20, 2026 (Lot #234,266) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • timeslive.co.za
  • subaru.com.au
  • carthrottle.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • subaru.co.jp
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • sti.jp
  • prnewswire.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • jalopnik.com

Photo credits

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