The Subaru WRX flogs its rally-ready hardware with the best of the compact-sport segment.
The Ford Focus and Mazda 3 are the two most interesting alternatives to the WRX; the Focus ST is a rorty blast to drive, bristling with edgy performance and styling, while the Mazda 3 has a flowing look and good road manners, though it doesn't yet have a new Mazdaspeed3 variant to battle the other high-performers.
There's also the new VW GTI, with its adult looks and excellent steering and ride quality, not to mention an upright cabin that manages to be both sporty and spacious.
While the WRX models have always been linked with the Mitsubishi Evolution, the Lancer-based all-wheel-drive sedan is taking its final bow in 2015.
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 2016 Subaru WRXBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2015 Mitsubishi LancerBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2016 Subaru WRX and WRX STI lineup offers an all-wheel-drive rocket for just about any budget, and the latest updates help make these performance machines even more livable day to day. |
From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, the 2016 Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving and best-looking small cars, with a more premium feel than its (now even lower) price might suggest. |
A lack of refinement and a poor interior will limit shoppers' interest in lower-trim Lancer models, but the Ralliart and Evolution cars both offer thrilling performance for any climate. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $26,595 | $17,225 | $17,845 | $17,395 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual Premium | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 4-Door Sedan Manual ES FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2016 Subaru WRX vs. 2016 Ford Focus | 2016 Subaru WRX vs. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2016 Subaru WRX vs. 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
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