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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 25 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 407 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $23,458–$31,075 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2015 Subaru WRX at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.1/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. Safety is a notable gap at 6.9/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.1/10. The Subaru WRX delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $23,458–$31,075, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru WRX sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2015 Subaru WRX is a passable sports but not a standout one. Weaknesses in safety and value and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2015 Subaru WRX ranks #278 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 12% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $23,458 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 49%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the WRX model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $33,099 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $33,099 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $32,135 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $31,170 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $30,206 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $29,242 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $28,278 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $27,314 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $26,350 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $25,386 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $24,422 | Read review → |
| 2015 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $23,458 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Wiring 06/10/2017 · 17V625000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 WRX and WRX/STI vehicles, equipped with an optional factory-installed subwoofer in the trunk. Items in the trunk may cause the subwoofer wiring to contact the subwoofer metal frame, possibly… |
|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Gasoline / Turbo/supercharger 21/03/2016 · 16V162000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may… |
| Exterior lighting / Back up lights / Switch 21/07/2022 · 22V522000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2015 Subaru WRX's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #278 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 12% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2015 Subaru WRX starts at $23,458 and ranges up to $31,075 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.