By: Joshua Lee
December 6, 2024
The Subaru WRX stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of performance-focused sedans. With its aggressive looks, powerful turbocharged engine, and all-wheel-drive capabilities, it’s clear that Subaru is committed to delivering a thrilling driving experience. The question remains: is the WRX GT, with its automatic transmission, worth the extra investment compared to the more favored manual variant?
Subaru Canada provided us with the 2024 Subaru WRX GT for a weeklong test. The WRX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Subaru’s SPT transmission (CVT), the GT caters to a broader audience: those who want performance but may not wish to deal with the intricacies of shifting gears themselves.
However, the CVT feels slightly disconnected, even with paddle shifters that simulate manual gear control. While it offers smooth acceleration and efficiency, it lacks the visceral pleasure of manual shifting. Subaru’s sport-tuned suspension and the brand’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system provide stable handling, exceptional cornering, and solid grip, even in challenging conditions. During spirited drives, the WRX GT impresses with responsive steering, making it agile through tight turns and swift on the open road. Thanks to adaptive dampers, the suspension is firm yet composed, offering a sporty feel without compromising comfort too drastically.
What sets the GT trim apart is Subaru’s Drive Mode Select, which allows drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and a customizable Individual mode. This feature adjusts throttle response, steering, and shift behavior, giving the WRX GT a surprising level of adaptability depending on the driver’s mood or road conditions.
Our tester model was finished in Ignition Red with 18-inch matte-finish alloy wheels. The WRX makes a bold statement wherever it goes. Its front end is dominated by a sharp, hexagonal grille flanked by fierce, angular headlights with LED accents that exude confidence. The sculpted hood, functional hood scoop, and athletic stance hint at its performance pedigree, while the controversial, pronounced wheel arches steal the spotlight. These wide, muscular flares are a love-it-or-hate-it feature, adding both visual drama and a nod to Subaru’s rally roots. The rear features a lip spoiler, quad exhaust tips, and a rear diffuser.
Inside, the 2024 WRX GT features an upgraded cabin that balances performance-oriented design with family-friendly comfort. The GT trim includes bucket-style sports seats, which provide excellent support and comfort during spirited driving. They are power-adjustable, upholstered in soft-touch Ultrasuede inserts, and embroidered with WRX branding. The seating position is low, offering a more connected feeling to the road while still ensuring a commanding view of the surroundings.
The interior comes equipped with an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GPS navigation. The WRX GT also boasts an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated rear seats, and Subaru STARLINK connected services. Additionally, the WRX proves to be practical with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, 354 liters of cargo capacity, and standard integrated crossbar brackets.
Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, making the WRX GT not only a performance sedan but also a safe choice for families.
Subaru rates the WRX GT at 12.7 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 L/100 km on the highway, and 11.0 L/100 km combined. We achieved 10.3 L/100 km during our week of testing.
The 2024 Subaru WRX GT carries a premium over the base WRX, which starts at $36,174. The Sport starts at $40,674, the RS at $44,374, the Sport-tech at $44,474, and the WRX GT at $47,374.
The 2024 Subaru WRX GT certainly has its merits, offering a balanced combination of performance, safety, and technology. However, whether it’s worth the upgrade depends on what you’re seeking. If you prioritize performance and the engagement of a manual transmission, the WRX GT’s CVT may not meet your expectations. Even at the top trim, there’s not much differentiation from the lower trims; most exterior, convenience, and safety features are standard across the lineup. We would recommend the Sport if the automatic is a must, but our eyes would be on the six-speed manual RS with standard Brembos, RS-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, and Recaro seats. Whichever you choose, the Subaru WRX is a great family-friendly sports car that is versatile for daily use and more than capable of delivering performance.
