The affordable sports car segment is one that's filled with attractive, powerful, and elegant cars. But the 2020 Subaru WRX stands above the crowd, a testament to the powerful rally-inspired engineering of Subaru. That's not just big talk: Subaru Motorsports USA is the 2019 Americas Rallycross team champion, and has also won 13 total U.S. national rally championship titles. With this spirit going into the Subaru WRX, it's no wonder that it's a much better choice than the 2020 Honda Civic Si, another affordable sports car. But how exactly do these two differ? Let's check it out below.
Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si: Design
These are both attractive cars, but how do the design features compare? The 2020 Subaru WRX comes in a number of trim levels, while the 2020 Honda Civic Si only offers one model. The result is that the Honda Civic Si sometimes starts off with higher features than the entry-level Subaru WRX, but Subaru makes up for it by offering available features that are even better. Let's take a look at the wheels, for example. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Honda Civic Si, while the Subaru WRX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. The Honda Civic Si also comes with heated seats, which are an available upgrade in the Subaru WRX. But not only do higher Subaru WRX models have these same features, but they also include others that you won't find in the Honda Civic Si. If you're interested in a power-adjustable driver's seat, Recaro® performance-design front seats, and LED Steering Responsive Headlights, the Subaru WRX is the only one of these two that offers them. The Subaru WRX also features a roomier and more comfortable cockpit than does the Honda Civic Si, with greater headroom and legroom in both rows.
Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si: Driver Assistance Technology
The 2020 Subaru WRX comes with Subaru EyeSight® as a standard feature in its automatic transmission models, and the Civic Si comes with Honda Sensing®. Both of these driver assistance suites include features like adaptive cruise control to keep you from getting too close to cars in front of you, pre-collision braking to help prevent collisions, and lane departure/sway warning functions to keep you from straying out of your lane. But you'll find an extra feature in the 2020 Subaru WRX: available blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. These can make your drive even safer, and they can't be found in the 2020 Honda Civic Si.
Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si: Performance
A performance car should have astonishing performance, and the Subaru WRX fits the bill. It's powered by a direct-injection turbocharged BOXER® engine that generates 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.The Honda Civic Si only gets 205 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, but that's just the beginning. While the Honda Civic Si has an inline engine, the 2020 Subaru WRX has the benefits that come from a horizontally opposed Subaru BOXER® engine. This gives the Subaru WRX a lower center of gravity for better handling and balance.
While both of these cars have four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, the Subaru WRX offers an available Brembo® performance braking system. The Honda Civic Si doesn't offer a high-performance braking system like this. You'll also get a 6-speed manual transmission standard on both vehicles, but the WRX offers an available Sport Lineartronic™ automatic transmission with SI-Drive and paddle shifters that gives you the choice between 6- and 8-speed manual modes.
Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si: All-Wheel Drive
There's another feature that doubles as both a performance and safety feature: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This powerful AWD system is standard in every Subaru WRX. This gives you more power and control, as well as stability and power distribution. The Honda Civic Si, on the other hand, is a front-wheel drive vehicle. This certainly reduces its sports car cred a bit, and it means that you won't get the impressive cornering power that you'll find in the Subaru WRX.
Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si: Value
The Subaru WRX may cost a bit more than the Honda Civic Si, but it also provides better value. When you're in the market for a track-ready sports car that's just as at home on side streets and freeways, the Subaru WRX is the natural choice. Experience one for yourself and you'll see just what makes the 2020 Subaru WRX such an in-demand car!
| 2020 Subaru WRX |  | 2020 Honda Civic Si |
| $27,495 | Starting MSRP* | $25,200 |
| 268 | Horsepower | 205 |
| 258 lb-ft | Torque | 192 lb-ft |
| Available | Automatic Transmission w/ Paddle Shifters | Not Available |
| Standard | All-Wheel Drive | Not Available |
| 21 City MPG / 27 Highway MPG | Gas Mileage | 26 City MPG / 36 Highway MPG |
| 96.6 cu. ft. | Passenger Volume | 95 cu. ft. |
| 5 Stars | NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating | 4 Stars |
| Available | Blind-Spot Detection | Not Available |
| Available | Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Not Available |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
