Drive Notes: 2024 Subaru WRX TR

The TR is the highest trim of the WRX you can currently get with a manual transmission, at least until the higher-performance tS arrives in 2025. Underhood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged "boxer" horizontally-opposed four-cylinder that makes 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This being a Subie, it has all-wheel drive, naturally.

Base price: $41,655. There were no options, so with D&D ($1,120) the out-the-door price was $42,775.

When you pick a TR over the Limited you get Brembo brakes, Recaro front seats, 19-inch wheels with performance tires, and stiffer springs with revised damping. You also lose the moonroof.

Here's what I thought, in bullet-point form.

Pros

• It's torquey and the engine is tuned to get it right into the middle of the wide torque curve (2,000 RPMs to 5,200 RPMs). This makes it peppy and quick and enjoyable.
• Its turn-in is a bit sharp and requires a little patience on corner entry.
• The huge infotainment screen is a plus, especially when using Apple CarPlay.
• Most HVAC controls are easy to use.
• The TR's Brembo brakes are stout and solid.
• Stiffening the suspension probably does lead to flatter, sharper cornering.

Cons

• That stiffer suspension is probably a hoot on the track, and it made cornering more fun, but it makes commuting a chore. This thing is STIFF.
• Not just is it stiff, but bumps and rough road make it feel not particularly well screwed together.
• The engine's sounds are not mellifluous. It's got a "tick-tick-tick" sound that's a bit uh, agricultural.
• The interior materials are middle-of-the-road.
• The shifter is fun to row, and the clutch has good feel, but an abrupt takeup made me feel like like I was learning how to drive a manual. Smoothness was difficult to achieve.
• Rear-seat room is good but the sloping roofline cuts into headroom.
• The Recaro seats are a bit too firm for daily use.

Time was I really wanted a WRX, but the car seems a bit dated now, especially compared to the competitive set. It also asks for some sacrifice in terms of comfort compared to say, a Jetta GLI. I said as much with the last one I drove, and the TR is a bit more raw.

To be fair, the TR is probably for the track rat or autocrosser. Personally, if I were signing on the dotted line for a WRX and I wanted to row my own, I'd go for the Limited -- I don't think the Brembos and stiffer suspension are worth it unless you drive hard frequently. For the person who wants a fun car to daily drive, the Limited will suffice.

Don't get me wrong, the WRX is still a hoot to drive. I've been a tad harsh here, but it's not a bad car, especially from a performance standpoint. I just think Subaru could, with some effort, keep this car's raw and fun character while making it more livable as a daily.

That last sentence applies every recent WRX I've driven. Being specific to the TR, I understand that trade-offs are made -- it's a bit more of a serious player on the back roads at the expense of some comfort. It's also as close to an STi you can get until the zootier (is that a word? It is now) tS shows up this winter.

So it's a matter of knowing what you're getting in to. If you want to drive hard as much as possible and can handle a stiff ride, go for it. Otherwise, if you like the WRX and want to shift for yourself, opt for the Limited (or Premium, depending on how fancy you are) and save a couple grand while still getting plenty of creature comforts.

Performance does have a cost, after all.

[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC.com]

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