2020 SUBARU WRX | JF1VA2S63L9832471

Body Styles

The WRX is a compact four-door sedan with a distinctly athletic silhouette defined by flared fenders, an aggressive front fascia, and a prominent rear spoiler in STI versions. Its proportions reflect its rally heritage, with a relatively short wheelbase, wide stance, and low center of gravity, courtesy of the Boxer engine layout. The sculpted hood with functional air intake, subtle character lines, and quad-tip exhaust system reinforce its purpose-built appearance, while its overall length of approximately 4.6 meters allows for everyday usability without compromising on performance-focused design.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental", a reference to Subaru's rally development heritage. The acronym was originally coined to highlight the car’s link to the World Rally Championship and its intention to bring motorsport technology to the street.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Subaru WRX was available in a selection of bold and performance-oriented exterior colors that reflected its rally heritage and sporty persona. The standout WR Blue Pearl remained the most iconic, echoing Subaru’s motorsport liveries, while other choices included Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Pure Red. Special editions such as the Series.Gray introduced an exclusive Cool Gray Khaki matte-like tone, and the Series.White came with a crisp Crystal White Pearl finish, often paired with blacked-out trim elements. The limited-run Type RA featured WR Blue with bronze wheels as a factory combination, paying direct tribute to Subaru’s championship roots and fan-favorite spec configurations.

Inside, the WRX featured dark, motorsport-inspired cabins with heavy emphasis on black fabric or leather and red contrast stitching. Base models came with durable cloth upholstery, while Premium and Limited trims introduced leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. The WRX STI models added Ultrasuede inserts, embroidered logos, and more aggressive bolstering for spirited driving. The red-themed interior accents extended to the gauge cluster, HVAC dials, and ambient lighting in higher trims. Carbon fiber-style dash appliqués and silver metallic trim gave the cabin a rugged yet technical aesthetic, staying true to the performance focus of the model.

Wheel designs varied across trims, starting with 17-inch ten-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels in gunmetal or silver finishes for base WRX models. Premium and Limited versions received more sculpted 18-inch wheels with machined faces and dark-painted pockets for a dual-tone effect. The WRX STI lineup offered 19-inch forged BBS wheels in lightweight silver or dark gunmetal, combining motorsport pedigree with visual aggression. The overall wheel design language balanced functional strength with minimal ornamentation, reinforcing the car’s reputation as a serious driver’s machine.

Top Expensive Options

• BBS 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels: $2,300
• Recaro Performance Seats: $1,800
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio: $1,200
• Navigation with STARLINK Infotainment: $900
• STI Short Throw Shifter: $650
• STI Performance Exhaust System: $1,000
• Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler (STI): $1,500
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights: $800
• Ultrasuede & Leather Seat Trim (Limited): $1,100
• Series.Gray Exclusive Paint & Trim Package: $2,000

vs Competitors

Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R, Ford Focus RS, and Honda Civic Type R, the Subaru WRX STI leans heavily into mechanical feel and rally-car driving dynamics. While the Golf R may offer a more refined interior and the Civic Type R more predictable front-wheel-drive precision, the WRX counters with a rugged all-wheel-drive layout and analog driver involvement. In terms of pricing, it often undercuts German competitors while offering true all-weather performance. Though not as polished as some of its rivals, its unique drivetrain, heritage, and turbocharged Boxer sound create a distinct personality that appeals to driving enthusiasts who prioritize function over flair.

Fun Fact

The WRX STI’s engine bay still houses the EJ257 engine—a direct descendant of Subaru’s original rally engines—that remained in use for nearly two decades. This powerplant, while older in design, was continually refined and remains one of the last turbocharged, high-output Boxer engines in a manual-only configuration, making the 2015–2021 WRX STI one of the final analog performance sedans available with true rally DNA.