2020 Subaru WRX — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Subaru WRX is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru WRX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 Subaru WRX: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 28 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2019 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 97 cu ft (2,747 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 25 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 21 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 237 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,550 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2020 Subaru WRX across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 23 mpg (US), or 23 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/24) | 262 | $3,900 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 237 | $3,550 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/22) | 301 | $4,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 Subaru WRX
Running Costs: 2020 Subaru WRX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Subaru WRX at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2020 Subaru WRX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2020 Subaru WRX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V522000, reported 21 July 2022. Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Subaru WRX. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (5), Engine (3), Visibility/wiper (3). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 25 complaints across the 11 Subaru WRX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Subaru WRX
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Electrical system (5 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (3 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Visibility (3 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2020 Subaru WRX's 28 mpg is 5 mpg below that make average. Its 237 g/km CO₂ figure is 31 g/km higher than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 12 Subaru WRX model years we cover, the 2020 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Subaru WRX year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2020 Subaru WRX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2020 Subaru WRX: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Subaru WRX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2020 Subaru WRX cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2020 Subaru WRX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 Subaru WRX?
Among the 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (5 complaints), Engine (3 complaints), Visibility/wiper (3 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 97 cubic feet (about 2,747 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.