There are three models in the 2021 range: base, Premium, and Limited. The base model uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four as the rest of the range. It provides 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The base is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment at this level includes 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, brake assist, a cloth interior, and a six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat. It also comes with climate control, a 6.5-inch color touchscreen infotainment interface, and a six-speaker sound system.
The mid-spec Premium adds the new keyless entry with a push-button start system, which is the only new feature for 2021. It also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, auto headlights, and a seven-inch infotainment display. The top-spec Limited adds a decent amount of comfort and safety features. It comes with a full leather interior, a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and LED lights that respond to steering input.
Add the CVT transmission to the Premium or Limited for an additional $1,900, and you'll also get Subaru's EyeSight safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The price of the Subaru WRX is indicative of its strong value for money. The base WRX has an MSRP of $27,495. There isn't a lot you can add to the vehicle, so that's basically what it costs. The Premium retails for $30,045, while the WRX Limited has an MSRP of $32,095. If you want the CVT transmission, it adds another $1,900 to the price of both the Premium and Limited. These prices do not include the $925 destination and delivery charge.
Be wary of the options, however. If you include a CVT gearbox, navigation, 18-inch STI alloy wheels, and an STI performance exhaust, the price quickly climbs to over $40,000. That's within spitting distance of the top-spec STI, not to mention a few other brilliant performance cars like the Honda Civic Type R.
There are no packages available for the base model but rather a host of standalone features that allow you to spruce up the interior and sound system. If you'd like the WRX to be a bit more vocal, we recommend the $1,171 STI performance exhaust system. You can also add the previously-mentioned STI exhaust system and 18-inch STI wheels for an additional $1,785. The Limited grants you access to a package that's aimed at luxury and safety-minded customers. On the CVT model, it retails for $2,400 and adds navigation, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a Harmon Kardon sound system.
The full-fat STI is all about performance at the expense of everything else. The WRX is a more balanced car worth keeping in mind when you choose what trim level you want. The base model with its manual box is appealing, but you don't get a lot in terms of comfort and amenities. For that reason, we'd go for the mid-spec Premium and its new keyless entry and push-button start system, among other features. We'd go with a manual, too. Not only is it more fun, but it's slightly more frugal as well. You do lose out on the advanced safety kit, but just pay attention when you drive.
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