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2018 Subaru WRX Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Rating: 4.63
Based on 70 Owner Reviews β–Ά
Drew B | March 31, 2025
The 2018 Subaru WRX is a performance-oriented compact sedan known for its rally-inspired heritage and standard all-wheel drive. It's part of the fourth generation WRX, which debuted in 2014. Key trims include the base WRX, Premium, Limited, and the performance-focused STI. New pricing ranged from approximately $27,000 to $41,000. The WRX stands out for its turbocharged engine, engaging driving dynamics, and practicality as a daily driver with AWD confidence.
The Good

The 2018 WRX offers thrilling performance with its turbocharged engine and AWD. It appeals to emotional buyers seeking fun and engagement. For practical buyers, it provides decent reliability, all-weather capability, and a relatively affordable entry price for a performance car. Its functional design and comfortable front seats enhance its appeal.

The Bad

Weaknesses of the 2018 WRX include a somewhat stiff ride, especially on rough roads. The interior design can feel dated, and the fuel economy isn't stellar for its class. Potential buyers should watch out for signs of previous modifications or aggressive driving, as this can impact reliability. The infotainment system can also feel a bit clunky.

2018 Subaru WRX: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (WRX)
  • 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (WRX STI)
  • Horsepower:
  • WRX: 268 hp
  • WRX STI: 305 hp
  • Fuel Economy (estimated):
  • WRX (manual): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
  • WRX (CVT): 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
  • WRX STI: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
  • 0-60 Times (estimated):
  • WRX: 5.4 seconds (manual)
  • WRX STI: 4.9 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
  • Trim Level Features:
  • WRX (Base): Cloth upholstery, 6.2-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth, USB port, automatic climate control, all-wheel drive.
  • WRX Premium: Heated front seats, sunroof, fog lights, upgraded 7-inch touchscreen.
  • WRX Limited: Leather upholstery, LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, push-button start.
  • WRX STI: Performance-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Recaro seats (optional).
  • WRX STI Limited: Adds leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to the STI features.

2018 Subaru WRX Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2018
Make Subaru
Model WRX
Trim -
Style CVT
Type -
Category Compact Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In Japan
Manufacturing City OTA
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight 1538.13 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating -
Overall Height 147.57 cm
Overall Length 459.49 cm
Overall Width 179.58 cm
Wheelbase Length 264.92 cm
Standard Seating 5
Engine & Performance
Engine 2.0-L
Engine Size 2L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds 6-Speed
Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System 4-Wheel
Steering Type Rack & Pinion
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $36,095 USD
Invoice Price $34,123 USD
Delivery Charges $860 USD

Vehicle History Report

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Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2018 Subaru WRX Have?

The 2018 Subaru WRX, while generally reliable, does have some frequently reported problems and potential long-term reliability concerns. One common issue involves the engine, specifically related to excessive oil consumption and potential ringland failure, especially in modified or heavily driven vehicles. This is more pronounced in the STI models due to higher engine stress.
Another area of concern revolves around the manual transmission, with some owners reporting issues with shifting smoothness and premature clutch wear. This can be exacerbated by aggressive driving habits.
Infotainment system glitches and connectivity problems have also been noted, although these are typically minor annoyances rather than major reliability issues. There have been a few recalls for the 2018 WRX, including potential fuel pump failures. Owners should check with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or Subaru to verify if their specific vehicle is affected and ensure all recall work has been completed. Long-term, the durability of the turbocharged engine and AWD system depends heavily on proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and inspections. Preventative maintenance is crucial to mitigating potential issues down the line. Overall, while the 2018 WRX can be a reliable vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect any used WRX before purchase, ideally with a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.

How long will the 2018 Subaru WRX last?

With proper maintenance, a 2018 Subaru WRX can reasonably provide 150,000 to 200,000 miles of service, potentially lasting 10-15 years. However, this lifespan is highly dependent on driving habits and adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule. Long-term durability concerns revolve around the turbocharged engine and AWD system. Regular oil changes, timely replacement of belts and hoses, and careful monitoring of boost levels are essential. Weaknesses may emerge in the form of increased oil consumption, turbocharger wear, and potential drivetrain issues if not properly maintained. The suspension components may also require attention over time due to the car's performance-oriented nature.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2018 Subaru WRX offers a decent array of built-in tech and safety features. The base model includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trims upgrade to a 7-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink system, offering smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, are available on the Limited trim. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, is *not* available on the manual transmission WRX models.
Entertainment features include a standard four-speaker audio system, with upgrades to a Harman Kardon premium sound system available on higher trims. Optional features include navigation and keyless access with push-button start.
The 2018 Subaru WRX received good crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), earning a "Top Safety Pick" award when equipped with optional EyeSight. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it an overall safety rating of five stars.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Crystal White Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Dark Gray Metallic
Crystal Black Silica
WR Blue Pearl
Pure Red
Lapis Blue Pearl
Interior Colors
Black/Red
Black/Red
Black

2018 Subaru WRX Prices and Market Value

The 2018 Subaru WRX had a starting MSRP of around $27,000 when new, with the STI model reaching upwards of $41,000. Current used market prices range from approximately $20,000 to $35,000, depending on the trim, mileage, and condition. The WRX holds its value relatively well due to its popularity and all-wheel-drive capability. However, factors such as high mileage, modifications (especially poorly executed ones), accident history, and lack of maintenance records can negatively impact resale value. Lower trims and models with the CVT transmission tend to depreciate slightly more than the manual transmission WRX and STI models.

2018 Subaru WRX Cost of Ownership

The 2018 Subaru WRX is moderately costly to own. Insurance rates are higher than average due to its performance-oriented nature. Fuel costs can be significant, especially with aggressive driving. Maintenance costs are average, but repairs can be expensive, particularly engine or transmission-related issues. Long-term ownership costs depend heavily on maintenance habits; neglecting regular servicing can lead to costly repairs. Overall, it's not the most economical vehicle in its class, but the driving experience can justify the higher running costs for some.

2018 Subaru WRX Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 42.4 liters
City Mileage 5.31 km/l
Highway Mileage 4.08 km/l

2018 Subaru WRX Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Side Overall Star Rating Not Tested
Overall Rollover Star Rating Not Tested
Combined Front Seat Rating Not Tested
Combined Rear Seat Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Overall Side Star Rating Not Tested
Side Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Side Pole Star Rating Not Tested
Combined Side Barrier And Side Pole Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating Not Tested

2018 Subaru WRX Recalls & Defects

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Recall date 2021-07-29
Recall no. 21v587000
Source NHTSA
Summary 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.
Consequence Fuel Pump Failure CAN Cause AN Engine Stall While Driving, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy 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.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.
Exterior Lighting:back UP Lights:switch
Recall date 2022-07-21
Recall no. 22v522000
Source NHTSA
Summary 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.
Consequence Inoperative Backup Lights and AN Inoperative Rearview Camera CAN Reduce Vehicle Visibility and Driver Awareness, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy 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.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.

2018 Subaru WRX Warranty

Basic
Original warranty 36 months / 36000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Roadside
Original warranty 36 months / 36000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Drivetrain
Original warranty 60 months / 60000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Rust
Original warranty 60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining Expired

2018 Subaru WRX Insurance

Insurance for a 2018 Subaru WRX is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2018 Subaru WRX Compare to Other Vehicle?

The 2018 Subaru WRX competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen GTI/Golf R, Honda Civic Si/Type R, and Ford Focus ST/RS (though the Focus RS is no longer in production). In terms of performance, the WRX offers strong acceleration and capable handling, though the Civic Type R and Golf R might offer slightly more refined handling. Feature-wise, the WRX is generally well-equipped, but some rivals have more modern infotainment systems.
Reliability is a mixed bag; the WRX can be reliable with proper care, but engine issues are a potential concern. The GTI is generally considered more reliable. Price-wise, the WRX is competitive, often undercutting the Golf R and Civic Type R.
Alternatives to the WRX include:
* **Volkswagen GTI:** More refined and slightly more fuel-efficient, but lacks AWD.
* **Honda Civic Si:** Excellent handling and value, but less powerful than the WRX.
* **Volkswagen Golf R:** More powerful and sophisticated than the WRX, but more expensive.
* **Hyundai Elantra N:** Offers similar performance to the WRX at a competitive price, with a more modern interior.
If AWD isn't a necessity, the GTI or Civic Si are solid alternatives. If you're willing to spend more, the Golf R offers a more premium experience.

Ranks #429 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0β˜…)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0β˜…)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0β˜…)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0β˜…)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (4.0β˜…)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0β˜…)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0β˜…)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0β˜…)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0β˜…)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0β˜…)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0β˜…)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0β˜…)
429 2018 Subaru WRX (5.0β˜…)

Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Subaru WRX a Good Vehicle?

The 2018 Subaru WRX is ideal for enthusiasts seeking an affordable and engaging performance sedan with all-weather capability. It's worth buying, especially on the used market, if you're willing to accept its quirks and potential maintenance needs. A used 2018 WRX is a good value if it has been well-maintained and hasn't been excessively modified. Opting for the Premium or Limited trim adds desirable features like heated seats and a sunroof. Avoid heavily modified examples and prioritize vehicles with a clean service history. If you need a practical, reliable and sporty car and you don't mind the specific quirks and needs of the WRX, then it's a solid buy.

2018 Subaru WRX Owner Reviews

4.63
Consumer Rating, Based on 70 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Anthony on December 9, 2024

This car has been nothing short of a pleasure to own.

This car has been nothing short of a pleasure to own. Its so much fun to drive, handles well, pulls hard, and just puts a smile on my face all the time. Its practical with good storage space and good back seat room. The AWD system on the car is great and offers endless grip. The car does have its quirks, it is a little noisy on the highway (wind noise), and the interior quality is just so-so (materials aren't bad, but aren't great either), and there are a couple of creaks and rattles. Even so, this vehicle has been great.

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kstumply on June 8, 2021

Best handling car I've ever driven.

I get a lot of complements on my 2018 Subaru WRX Limited. I love how well it handles and it's quick too. I drive it daily and always look forward to getting behind the wheel.

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Diver Dan on February 28, 2021

Great fun to drive!

This car was exactly what I needed in a small, very sporty version. The strength of wheels could be improved. Infotainment system not fully compatible with Android phones. Electric requirements too much for the battery. Replaced 3 times in the first 36 months but at no cost to me.

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5thSubaru on December 12, 2019

5th Subaru so maybe I’m biased

Yup, I’m a Subaru fan boy, but a WRX has been on my bucket list for years & to finally drive one is awesome! The ride is definitely rougher than my outback, but the fun of driving it out-weighs all of that.

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Otto Parts on November 26, 2019

Extremely fun to drive. Value performance

For the money, the performance is amazing. Handling is hard to believe and motor is strong from low RPM. Seats are supportive in performance driving, steering and brakes very good.

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JAAM Design on October 6, 2019

Great enthusiast daily driver

What can I say about the 2018 subaru wrx? It is versatile for all your daily needs. It's just fun to drive! Taking the kids to school in a hurry, cruising the beach parking in the sand the awd will pull you right out. Cruising the mountain twisty roads in the fall hearing that turbo spool or hitting the slopes in winter with your friends. Even getting 26-30mpg everywhere. It does everything very well but some things could use a extra touch for instance it handles ok some antiroll sway bars could help for aggressive driving alot of body roll and chassis flex. Now my biggest complaint can be fixed with a cobb accessport if you dont mind voiding warranties. The 18 wrx has a weird factory tune. The powerband is irritating it peaks 22psi of boost @3000rpm to 4000rpm at part throttle and then gets pulled back to 16.5psi threwout no matter how hard you push the throttle down. It says let's play SIKE!!! It's a issue that can be resolved with a simple flash tune but those of us that want to keep the powertrain warranty are forced to live with it. So there you have it my pros and cons to the 2018 SUBARU WRX

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Subiedad on August 26, 2019

Great car but needs to be tuned, Lots of potential

I love the looks, the comfort and reliability. So far it has been running great. But for a turbo 268hp car i feel like the power is held back by the stock tune. The power needs to be unleashed. Especially on 2nd and 3rd gear around 4k rpm you feel a huge rev hang like it wont accelerate faster it just hangs. Pretty disappointed but over all the looks and handling makes up for it. Spend the extra 1k if you want more performance from the STI or just aftermarket tune it.

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CarGuy21 on July 10, 2019

Very fun car!

The low end torque makes it an enjoyable car for driving around town. The direct injection allows it to make great MPG on the highway. There is definitely still turbo lag however, and the stock tune is horrendous. It leaves you feeling like the car is loosing power in the higher RPMs and almost seems to come and go while under full acceleration. Thankfully, the handling is incredible and makes up for some of the flaws of the acceleration.

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BlakeC on July 6, 2019

Joy to drive! Beautiful car

This car met all my needs, was a joy to drive, and is a great value for someone wanting a high-performance vehicle without spending a lot of money. I used it primarily for interstate commute and it adds a little fun to the daily drive to work and back.

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Boy racer on March 28, 2019

We’ll built

Quality and performance are top notch but the infotainment system is third rate. Half the time Bluetooth won’t connect to my iPhone. When it does and I’m playing music, the song information won’t refresh. The only thing that works consistently is SiriusXM and local FM/ AM. The build quality is really good. The car is solid and seats are comfortable and the ride is acceptable for a performance vehicle.

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Drew B

Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma