2019 Subaru WRX vs. Its Competition

2019 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Series.Gray
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

The 2019 Subaru WRX is hard to categorize thanks to its sedan body, all-wheel drive, plentiful grip, and strong acceleration.

Rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R check some of those boxes, but trade friskiness for refinement.

The Honda Civic Si and Type R feature flashy designs that may be over the top for some paired with terrific driving dynamics.

Audi’s S3 and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG-tuned CLA45 cost more than the Subarus, but perhaps not as much as some buyers expect for their luxury labels.

Finally, Ford dealers may still have the manic, unrefined, but wildly fun Focus ST and Focus RS hatchbacks.

2019 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Series.Gray2019 Subaru WRX
Browse Used Listings		2019 Honda Civic Si2019 Honda Civic
Browse Used Listings		2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class
Browse Used Listings		2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen2019 Volkswagen Golf
Browse Used Listings		2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition2018 Ford Focus
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
6.2
The 2019 Subaru WRX and WRX STI trade eye-catching design for breathtaking performance on a variety of road surfaces.
6.5
Safety upgrades this year make the 2019 Honda Civic as compelling as ever.
5.8
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a compact luxury car with finesse. Its low price is justified in its small footprint and interior, but it still looks great.
6.5
The practical 2019 VW Golf is a smart choice whether as a frugal hatchback or a zippy GTI.
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.
MSRP From    
$27,195$19,550$33,100$21,845$17,950
Gas Mileage    
15 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class    
Compact CarsMid-Size CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name    
ManualLX CVTCLA 250 Coupe1.4T S AutomaticS Sedan
Drivetrain    
All WheelFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
55555
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
SedanSedanSedanHatchbackSedan
Transmission    
Manual w/ODCVT w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODManual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2019 Subaru WRX vs. 2019 Honda Civic2019 Subaru WRX vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class2019 Subaru WRX vs. 2019 Volkswagen Golf2019 Subaru WRX vs. 2018 Ford Focus