DecodedCars2018 Subaru WRX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Sti 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 268–305 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,369–3,402 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 305 hp, versus about 174 hp for similar 2018 models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 15% below the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Subaru WRX is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,402 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 15% worse than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 WRX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 WRX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 WRX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,402 lb | 60/40 |
| Sti 4dr Sedan | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 57.9 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.6 in | 3,369 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 383 |
| WRX | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -22% | $3,900 | 420 |
| WRX | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -30% | $4,350 | 471 |
| WRX STI Type RA | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -33% | $4,550 | 477 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Subaru WRX.
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru WRX (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights › Switch · Jul 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V522000 · 59,934 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 175,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Not every 2018 Subaru WRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Subaru WRX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 7 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru WRX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other WRX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 2024 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 9 |
| 2022 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2021 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 13 |
| 2020 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2019 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 31 |
| 2017 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 53 |
| 2016 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 WRX | 24 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →