2018 Subaru WRX vs. Its Competition

2018 Subaru WRX
Aaron Cole Aaron Cole Managing Editor

The Subaru WRX most often competes with the Honda Civic and Ford Focus in different permutations.

The WRX is more often aligned with the Focus ST and Civic Si; the WRX STI faces off against the Focus RS and Civic Type R.

Most notably, the Subaru boasts standard all-wheel drive (the Focus ST and Hondas are front-wheel drive), although it doesn’t have the bold exterior looks of both.

The GTI sports a nicer interior, but feels less lively behind the wheel.

The Audi S3 offers all-wheel-drive and luxurious options, but also boasts a luxury price tag too.

Same goes with the Mercedes CLA, which offers a CLA45 complete with 375 horsepower.

2018 Subaru WRX2018 Subaru WRX
Browse Used Listings		2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition2018 Ford Focus
Browse Used Listings		2018 Honda Civic2018 Honda Civic
Browse Used Listings		2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class
Browse Used Listings		2018 Volkswagen Golf R2018 Volkswagen Golf
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.2
The 2018 Subaru WRX looks tame compared to its newest rivals. Step on the gas and you’ll be convinced otherwise.
6.2
The 2018 Ford Focus is irony on wheels: it comes in a dizzying range of models, of which the SEL and ST are our picks.
7.5
The 2018 Honda Civic is a good car made better by plenty of options and value at nearly every stop.
6.2
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a gorgeous shape in an impressive package. Equally impressive? Its ability to get expensive, even despite being the most affordable sedan in Mercedes' stable.
6.5
There's a VW Golf for everyone, and they're even better for 2018 thanks to a big tech upgrade inside.
MSRP From    
$26,995$17,950$18,940$32,700$20,910
Gas Mileage    
16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class    
Compact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsSubcompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name    
ManualS SedanLX ManualCLA 250 Coupe1.8T S Manual
Drivetrain    
All Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
55555
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
SedanSedanSedanSedanHatchback
Transmission    
Manual w/ODManual w/ODManual w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODManual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Ford Focus2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Honda Civic2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf