Released earlier this year, the fifth-generation WRX range continues the high performance, fun and affordability formula that made its forebears so popular over the model’s almost 30-year history.

The 2022 update sees Sportswagon variants join the sedans for an expanded WRX family that delivers more power and greater handling precision, as well as new performance-inspired exterior styling.

The styling speaks proudly of its lineage without straying too far from the previous model.

The expanded range includes a new top-shelf tS version in both sedan and wagon body styles. The entry-model WRX AWD sedan with six-speed manual gearbox is priced from an affordable $44,990, or $48,990 with the newly enhanced CVT auto, dubbed Subaru Performance Transmission.

It’s followed by the manual WRX AWD RS sedan costing $50,490, or $54,490 with CVT auto, and the top-of-the line auto-only WRX AWD tS sedan costing $56,990.  

The six-speed manual isn’t offered at all in the Sportswagon variants, reflecting Subaru’s position that the two body styles target distinctly different audiences, with specifications tailored accordingly.

Where the sedan is aimed more at enthusiasts, the Sportswagon is expected to attract a broader mix including families that are chasing WRX performance in a more versatile wagon body style.

Prices for the slightly taller, higher riding, and less aggressively styled wagon start from $49,990 for WRX Sportswagon AWD, rising to $55,490 for the WRX Sportswagon AWD GT, and topping out at $57,990 for the WRX Sportswagon AWD tS tested here.

The latest-generation car is the first WRX built on the Subaru Global Platform and features a full inner-frame construction to enhance strength and rigidity and further refine vehicle driving dynamics.

All Sportswagon model grades are extensively equipped with features including an 11.6-inch central information display, eight airbags (including a front passenger-seat-cushion airbag), Subaru Vision Assist with blind-spot monitor, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling and steering responsive LED headlights and LED front fog lights.

Over and above the Sportswagon AWD GT, the tS variant adds electronically controlled dampers, drive mode select with Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and individual settings, unique design 18-inch alloys, dual sports-style tailpipes, and a premium lower front bumper trim.

Inside, there’s Ultrasuede trim on the seats and instrument cluster, a leather trimmed steering wheel embellished with STI logos (despite this not being an official STI variant), felt-lined door pockets, and a driver monitoring system.

On the infotainment front, all Sportswagons are equipped with DAB+ radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, while the GT and tS grades also boast sat nav and a single disc CD player.

Oddly, the Harman Kardon premium 10-speaker audio system fitted to RS and tS sedans is missing in action from the high-spec Sportswagons.

From a safety perspective, auto equipped models including the Sportswagon AWD tS make a stronger case than the manual sedans as only they benefit from a full suite of the latest-generation Subaru Eyesight driver assistance technologies.

This is easily the best Eyesight system yet from Subaru, with improved processing speed and revised camera hardware, so it’s a real shame it’s not available on the manual sedans.

The extra haul of safety equipment helps account for the extra $4,000 asked for auto-optioned sedans and includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency steering, intelligent speed limiter, lane centring function, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, speed sign recognition, high-beam assist and reverse auto braking.

The lightweight close-ratio manual gearbox fitted to sedan models carries across from the previous model with some minor improvements and will likely remain a popular choice with enthusiasts.

But for everyone else, especially those using their ‘Rex’ as a daily driver, the newly developed Sport Lineartronic CVT will arguably be the better option.

It’s easily Subaru’s best CVT gearbox to date, with significantly faster upshifts and downshifts than the outgoing model, as well as adaptive shift control to perform rev-matching downshifts when braking, and an eight-speed manual mode with advanced shift logic. A wider spread of gear ratios enhances driveability too.

CVT auto models also come with a three-mode Subaru Intelligent Drive system, or SI Drive as Subaru prefers to call it.

In Intelligent mode the system provides more-efficient powertrain operation, while Sport and Sport Sharp incrementally wind the wick up on throttle response and gear shifting for a sportier driving experience.

The tS sedan and wagon variants are also equipped with an additional drive mode select feature that allows the driver to select from three settings that configure steering feel and the stiffness of the electronically controlled dampers, ranging from maximum comfort through to fully tied down for sportier driving.

The tS variants also score a two-mode Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system rather than the single-mode VTD found in the other Performance Transmission equipped models.

In Normal mode the 45:55 front to rear torque split of the single mode system is maintained, while selecting Sport increases the rear axle torque bias to improve vehicle turning performance for more engaging handling.

Manual gearbox models renounce such electronic trickery in their AWD system, opting for a fully mechanical arrangement with a viscous-coupled limited-slip centre differential proportioning torque to the front and rear axles based solely on available traction.

Combined with increased body and frame rigidity, a new steering system with improved response and feel, plus a range of suspension tweaks, the Sportswagon AWD tS delivers great grip and cornering ability.

It also feels more civilised and liveable than earlier WRXs, thanks in part to a softer and more compliant suspension tune than the sedan.

Tyres play a part too, with the tS Sportswagon wearing 18-inch alloys shod with slightly narrower 225/45R18 Yokohama Blue Earth GT rubber, instead of the sedan’s 245/40R18 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx boots.

Under the fifth-generation WRX’s aluminium bonnet is a new FA24 turbo four-cylinder Boxer engine, displacing a larger 2.4 litres in lieu of the old model’s 2.0-litre direct injection turbo engine.

The engine’s extra capacity comes as a result of its larger bore, with stroke identical to the old model.

Peak power rises by a modest 5kW over the outgoing model to 202kW while maximum torque remains unaltered at 350Nm. But numbers don’t tell the full story, because the new engine’s additional cubic capacity makes it less stressed and capable of delivering a broader, more useable torque curve.

This translates to better low-rev drivability and a more immediate and linear engine response rather than the ‘slam-in-the-back’ delivery of past WRX models.

On the road the engine and auto combine nicely for lively and responsive performance that complements the WRX’s exhilarating cornering skills.

The WRX sedan is now 25mm longer in the wheelbase, 75mm longer overall, and 30mm wider than its predecessor, creating a more spacious interior.

The Sportswagon, in turn, is 85mm longer than the sedan and, at 1500mm high, stands 35mm taller.

Where the sedan provides 414 litres of boot space, the Sportswagon offers a more capacious 492 litres with the rear seat upright, expanding to 909 litres with the seat folded and loaded to the window line, and 1,430 litres when loaded to the roofline.

By way of comparison Subaru’s popular mid-size SUV, the Forester, with its taller body offers volumes of 498/1060/1768 litres.

Inside the cabin there’s a new cockpit design with large easy-to-read instruments, a prominent tacho and speedo flanking a 4.2-inch multi-information display and logically laid-out controls that fall easily to hand.

Soft-touch trims and red accent stitching add a dash of premium sportiness, while the newly designed sports seats are comfortable and supportive, with a good range of adjustment.

With this new WRX, Subaru has done a great job of delivering on the model’s traditional virtues of exhilarating performance and incisive handling, while polishing it into a more mature and refined offering.

The addition of the Sportswagon variants means it’s now a more desirable package which will appeal to an entirely new audience.

Key stats

• MLP: $57,990
• ENGINE: 2.4-litre turbo-petrol Boxer four-cylinder
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not yet rated
• FUEL CONSUMPTION (combined cycle, litres/100km)_: 8.5 (192g/km CO₂)
• FOR: Well equipped, new engine delivers strong performance with enhanced drivability, impressive all-wheel drive grip and cornering, more civilised and mature, sophisticated sports-oriented CVT transmission.
• AGAINST: Space-saver spare, omission of additional safety tech on manual sedans, CVT models softer than the hard-edged WRXs of old.