The All-New 2022 Subaru WRX is Coming, and it’s Coming in Hot!

We've all been waiting for August 19th, the day Subaru would debut the all-new WRX for the 2022 model year. The New York International Auto Show would have been where the unveiling took place, but since the show (rescheduled from its original April date) has now been canceled due to the pandemic, it figures we'll have to wait a little longer. Thanks, COVID-19. Again.

What We Know So Far

This new WRX will be the first substantially redesigned model in several years, the current generation having been remodeled in 2015. Since that time, the sports sedan and hot hatch classes have practically disregarded it, focusing instead on other stars in the segments. Perhaps the time has come for one of the original four-door sports cars to get back on top.

Subaru has been putting out a few teaser videos leading up to the launch date, but they don't give away much of the WRX's looks, other than it's an evolution of the current model's design. However, the latest teaser did reveal a pretty important detail. The 2022 Subaru WRX in Albuquerque, NM will include a manual gearbox. Red contrast stitching and metallic trim are also visible.

Although the newest video is quite similar to the previous ones, there are a few glimpses of the rally-bred sedan, albeit not with much detail. The car is visible in red or possibly orange paint, along with a view of the manual shifter and a proper mechanical handbrake. We're betting this color will be the launch color since red is the way the WRX has always been introduced, while the WRX STI usually debuts in blue paint.

While the automaker has been tight-lipped about exactly when the new WRX will now be introduced, a video posted to social media says coming soon. In the 15 second clip, plastic body cladding and black wheels can be seen. Previous teasers have shown a hood-scoop, prominent grille, and swept-back headlights. A dual exhaust, relatively small spoiler, and black trim are other noticeable exterior features.

What Will Power the 2022 Subaru WRX in Albuquerque, NM?

As stated above, you can still choose a 6-speed stick shift for the upcoming WRX or the continuously variable transmission (CVT). What remains unknown, however, is what the transmission will be sending power from. Rumors would have us believe the 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that's shared by some other Subaru vehicles will be what does it.  In the Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, this engine delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. We predict the engineers at Subaru will increase those figures for the WRX. Something around 300 hp for the WRX and around 400 hp for the STI version would be fantastic. 

Nonetheless, we do know the 2022 WRX will be built on Subaru's Global Platform, which supports everything from the subcompact Crosstrek to the three-row Ascent SUV. This underpinning should give the new WRX a quieter and more comfortable ride, a lower center of gravity,   and keep it steadier in the straight line.

Of course, another known fact is no matter what powers the 2022 Subaru WRX in Albuquerque, NM, that power will be sent to all four wheels, thanks to Subaru's full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Final Thoughts

Expect this generation to be the last WRX that comes without assistance from a hybrid engine. All future Subaru models must aid the company in achieving its goal of pushing EV sales to 40% by the year 2030. But for the upcoming WRX, it's all about performance.

And no matter when it finally debuts, you can rest assured that we'll let you know. Until then, visit Fiesta Subaru at 8201 Lomas Blvd NE in Albuquerque NM to view or test drive any of our outstanding Subaru models.