The 2024 Subaru WRX TR is a brand new trim stage for the corporate’s all-weather efficiency sedan. It provides issues like larger brakes, a stiffer suspension, and the power to pair the automobile’s accessible Recaro seats with a handbook transmission. We drove the WRX TR, and it appears like half-hearted fill-in for the dearly-missed STI, particularly because it has no extra energy. Issues get even worse when you see the worth: $42,775, together with vacation spot.
When it went out manufacturing in 2021, the Subaru WRX STI had a beginning MSRP of $38,170. The TR is over $4,000 dearer than that, but it would not have the additional energy, limited-slip differentials, adjustable middle differential, or the large wing included our favourite rally-inspired sedan. You possibly can blame inflation partially for the TR’s exorbitant worth, however the delta between it and the bottom WRX — now priced at $33,855 for 2024 — means that Subaru is sincerely making an attempt to fill the void left by the sportier STI with this TR trim.
The WRX TR’s $42,775 base worth means it competes immediately with the Toyota GR Corolla, one other rally-inspired four-door from Japan. Even in its $37,195 base core trim with no choices, the Toyota will get an adjustable middle differential and 300 hp — 29 greater than the TR. Choose the Corolla’s non-compulsory efficiency package deal, which provides entrance and rear limited-slip differentials, and you are still $4400 underneath the Subaru’s worth. Granted, the TR’s inside is a bit nicer, particularly with these seats, and also you get more room inside. However personally, I would fairly have the trick diffs and extra energy.
The craziest half is, the TR is not even the most costly WRX trim for 2024. That title goes to the WRX GT. Beginning at $45,335, it will get issues like a Harman Kardon sound system, these Recaro seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an electronically adjustable suspension system with three stiffness settings. It is the one trim the place you may get adjustable dampers, and it is accessible solely with Subaru’s constantly variable automated transmission.
Please, Subaru. Simply carry again the STI. It is all we have ever wished.