The Subaru WRX, the rally-inspired turbocharged sports sedan that’s been kicking hard here on our continent for over two decades now, remains, to this day, a tried and proven formula for anyone wanting to combine the performance of a sports car with the daily usability of an all-wheel drive sedan.
In my review of the current-generation model, I said that while I wasn’t sure about the way the car looks, I had absolutely adored its upgraded 2.4-liter engine, easily exploitable performance and still relatively affordable price tag.
And it seems that I’m not the only Canadian that buys into Subaru‘s performance promise with the WRX, because as I write this, it’s currently the best-selling sports car in Canada. I mean, are you surprised to read this? I know I’m not.
Fusing Subaru’s tradition of customization with top-shelf hardware, the ultimate 2024 WRX is a modern take on the classic ‘Tuner Ready’ badge
Subaru Canada confirmed its sales figures during a private track event where we automotive journalists and content creators were given the opportunity to hoon the latest, 2024 WRX RS. What’s an RS, you ask? It’s Canada’s way of calling the TR, essentially a more track-focused model with improved handling and stopping components. I’m currently cooking up a review of that car, so stay tuned.
But yeah, Subaru claims that in Canada, during the 2023 model year, the WRX outsold all sports cars, including the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. The WRX even outsold the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 911, says Subaru. Curious to know if these claims checked out, I validated the sales numbers myself through Automotive News’ Data Center, and they all check out.
|
Model |
Canadian Sales In 2023 |
|
Subaru WRX |
3,756 |
|
Ford Mustang |
3,491 |
|
Volkswagen Golf GTI |
2,831 |
|
Chevrolet Corvette |
2,784 |
|
Dodge Challenger |
2,602 |
|
Porsche 911 |
2,033 |
Now, some could argue that the Subaru WRX is not technically a sports car, but rather a sports sedan. But a similar statement can be said about the Golf GTI being a hot hatchback.
As a Canadian myself, I can relate as to why the Subaru WRX is such a success story in Canada. The obvious first reason is its all-weather capability thanks to Subaru’s famed all-wheel drive system. The second reason is how the WRX’s suspension was set up to take on beaten, gravel roads. Look, Canadian roads are crap, especially in the Eastern provinces where harsh winters, road salt and spring thawing destroy our tarmac. A sports car that can take on all of that is incredibly appealing.
Perhaps, more importantly, it’s how the current-generation WRX – introduced on our market in 2022 – is priced in Canada. In a world where everything has gone up exponentially in price, the WRX remains a true bargain for a sports compact car. It kicks off at $33,695 CAD ($32,735 USD) and tops out at $47,363 CAD ($44,215 USD).
Add to that all the practicality of a sedan, and you’ve got yourself the quintessential all-season sports car for any parent also required to carry kids and gear around. As a father who also happens to be an automotive enthusiast, I’m happy this kind of car still exists.
All versions of the Subaru WRX pack a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder Boxer engine good for 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes, of course, standard, and so does a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, the WRX can be paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but I don’t recommend you get that one. Long live the ‘Rex!
