2024 Subaru WRX TR AWD: A Performance Sedan Outfitted With A 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Highlight: This sporty sedan is available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 42,755 (Base Model: $33,855)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; all-wheel drive; traction control; vehicle dynamic control; a high beam auto system; a rear camera; hill start assist system and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; summer performance tires; a 12-inch infotainment screen; a 6-speed manual transmission with hill speed assist; a leather wrapped shifter; aluminum-alloy pedal covers; a manual operated tilt/telescopic control system; a leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel with red-stitching; a keyless entry system; cloth seats; manual operated front seats; performance design  front seats with red stitching; a dual zone automatic temperature control system; and a quad exhaust system

Standard Equipment (TR): 19-inch wheels; 6-speed manual only; Brembo braking system; larger pads and rotors; a large brake master cylinder; stiffer springs with revised damping rates; retuned dual-pinion steering rack; an ultrasuede Recaro performance seats; a power driver’s seat; heated front seats; a Harman Kardon 11-speaker system; an advance cruise control system with lane centering; a push button ignition system; and a trunk lid body-color rear spoiler

Options: none

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Limited

GT

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 4-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD audio system w/SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/271-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy

What’s New: The WRX, which is designed for the tuner ready crowd, adds an all-new TR trim for the 2024 model year.

Why: 

Stylish design with a hood scoop

A great vehicle for the tuner rider

AWD

19-inch wheels

Performance-oriented

An engaging driver experience

Upgraded performance handling

6-speed manual transmission standard on all trims

An automatic transmission on select trim

Fun-to-drive

Easy-to-use infotainment system

None of typical safety driving aids like electronic blind spot

Power moonroof available on select trims

Recaro performance seats

Seats five

Available in five trims

A radar activated cruise control system that can be used with a manual transmission

Safety driving

But: 

The price of the base mode WRX has increased over $3,200 since we last reviewed the model in 2022.

No sunroof available on our TR model

A stiffer ride

Only available as a sedan

Requires premium fuel

Verdict: At a starting price just a hare under $34,000, the sporty looking Subaru WRX is available in five trims. New for this year is the WRX TR. This new addition to the WRX family is geared toward the tuner crowd.

While each WRX is outfitted with supportive seats, a fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission and a 2.5-liter engine, which spews out 275-horsepower, the TR allows for modifications.

Up until now, the tuner community yield to the Honda Civic Type R hatchback and the VW Jetta GLI. However, now that Subaru is in the game, the WRX TR follows the lead of the Honda.

The Subaru WRX TR is now outfitted with 19-inch wheels, larger pads and rotors, a stiffer suspension system, Brembo braking and performance-oriented front seats. And most of all, the WRX TR offers an engaging driving experience in a world where so many of today’s vehicles lack distinctives traits.

The all-new all-wheel drive WRX TR slots right in between the Honda and the VW despite lacking a hatchback and less horsepower.

Competition: 2024 Honda Civic Type R and 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI