The Subaru WRX TR Is a Pure Driver’s Machine — But Is It Worth the Extra Cost?

Subaru has always had a loyal following when it comes to the Subaru WRX TR— a car loved for its rally heritage, all-wheel drive grip, and no-nonsense driving feel. For, Subaru has pushed things further with the WRX TR, a version that takes the performance up a notch without shouting too loud about it. But with a sticker price of around $43,000, the big question is — is it worth it?

Let’s take a look at everything the WRX TR offers — and whether it’s the WRX to get.

Performance Tweaks That Matter

Under the hood, the TR continues with the same 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that powers the regular WRX. No bump in horsepower here — it still delivers around 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. But what truly separates the TR is what’s around that engine.

You get upgraded Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers, improved brake pads, and larger rotors that offer serious stopping power. Alongside that, Subaru has stiffened the suspension and recalibrated the dampers. While this might make the ride a bit firmer, the payoff is sharper handling and more confidence in the corners.

Handling That Sharpens the WRX

One of the key differences in the TR is the steering setup. Subaru has retuned the steering rack, giving it a quicker ratio that feels more responsive and precise during spirited driving. It’s not just a numbers upgrade — you feel it when you’re carving through corners or weaving through traffic.

Add to that the unique 19-inch alloy wheels that come exclusive to the TR, and you’ve got a package that feels more planted and agile than the regular WRX. Subaru also removed the sunroof, likely to save weight and lower the center of gravity — subtle moves that add up.

A Subtle Exterior With a Sporty Attitude

If you were expecting wild TR badging and flashy accents, you’ll be surprised. The WRX TR keeps things understated — no special exterior logos or aggressive spoilers. It’s a performance car that flies under the radar.

That said, the design still has plenty of attitude. The wheel arches wear rugged plastic cladding — controversial, yes, but it’s grown on many enthusiasts. The front end is aggressive, and while the rear plastic bumper might feel overdone to some, there’s no denying it gives the car a distinct personality.

Interior Upgrades Focused on the Driver

Step inside, and the first thing you notice are the Recaro seats — heavily bolstered, wrapped in suede-like Alcantara, and stitched with the Recaro logo. They’re supportive without being punishing, and the driver even gets a power-adjustable seat, a nice surprise in a compact performance car.

While the interior still leans more functional than fancy, Subaru has added some touches to justify the price — like Alcantara trim pieces on the dashboard. They’re small but effective in elevating the feel. Of course, don’t expect luxury-level finish — this is still a WRX focused on speed over sophistication.

Only Offered With a Manual Transmission

True to its roots, the WRX TR is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. No CVT here — and that’s a big deal in today’s world where manual options are fading fast. For purists, this is a strong selling point. It’s one of the few new cars left that forces you to stay engaged behind the wheel.

Infotainment and Tech, Simple but Smart

Subaru’s large vertical touchscreen dominates the dashboard and controls almost everything — from climate to music. Thankfully, it retains physical buttons for key functions like temperature and defrosting.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with USB-A, USB-C, and even an AUX port — a rare sight these days. One quirky but lovable feature? You can store reminders for birthdays or anniversaries so you never forget an important date — very Subaru.

Space and Practicality Where It Counts

While the WRX isn’t a luxury sedan, it’s surprisingly practical. Rear seat space is decent, offering enough legroom and headroom for adults. You don’t get climate vents or fancy features back there, but power ports and cupholders keep things functional.

The trunk is also larger than expected for a performance sedan, and while the rear seats don’t fold from the trunk area, you can drop them from inside for more space.

Pricing and Where It Stands

At around $43,000, the WRX TR sits well above the base WRX, which starts at approximately $34,000. That’s a big jump, especially when models like the Civic Type R or even the Nissan Z start creeping into the same price range.

What you’re really paying for in the TR is the improved handling, steering precision, braking power, and a slightly nicer interior. Whether that’s worth the extra cost depends on how much you value those upgrades.

Who Should Buy the WRX TR?

The Subaru WRX TR is for the enthusiast who wants the most capable version of this platform without going full track toy. If you plan to push your car hard through corners or just want the sharpest WRX experience, the TR will absolutely deliver.

But if your driving is mostly daily commutes and weekend drives, the standard WRX or Premium trim might be a better balance between comfort and fun — especially considering the price difference and ride stiffness in the TR.

Final Thoughts

The WRX TR might not add more power, but it doesn’t need to. With real-world performance upgrades, sharper steering, serious brakes, and driver-focused interior changes, it elevates the WRX experience in meaningful ways.

Still, it’s not perfect. The ride is stiffer, the price is high, and some might expect more interior luxury for the money. But if you’re after one of the last true manual-only, all-wheel-drive sedans with serious performance chops — the WRX TR stands tall in a shrinking field.