
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.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2018 Subaru WRX looks tame compared to its newest rivals. Step on the gas and you’ll be convinced otherwise. |
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. |
The 2018 Honda Civic is a good car made better by plenty of options and value at nearly every stop. |
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. |
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 Hwy | 19 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
Manual | S Sedan | LX Manual | CLA 250 Coupe | 1.8T S Manual |
Drivetrain | ||||
All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Ford Focus | 2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Honda Civic | 2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | 2018 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf |