It's Possible to Overlook the WRX's Stiff Ride
I first drove our long-term WRX on a day when it still had its winter tires, and I quickly understood what the rest of the team had been discussing. As Byron mentioned in his long-term review of the Blizzaks, on dry pavement, “they're far too squirmy and uncommunicative for my comfort.” He changed his tune once he experienced them in the snow. Unfortunately, I didn't get such luck. There were also complaints about the WRX’s stiff ride, but my brief experience with it didn’t leave me feeling uncomfortable. Maybe I’m just more tolerant of a firm ride.
Once the summer tires were back on, there was talk about how much better the WRX felt. The tires in question are 245/40 Y-rated Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 600 A tires on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Fast forward to last week, and I had another go in our long-term WRX. My time with the WRX Limited came after several days of free-range driving and a comparison test (coming soon) with the WRX TR.
Subaru describes the WRX’s standard suspension as “track-tuned,” featuring a chassis-mounted rear anti-roll bar and “high-performance summer tires.” The goal is a car with excellent grip, stability, and minimal body roll. And indeed, the WRX delivers. Carrying speed through corners is a joy, and it feels well-controlled and communicative.
However, after driving the TR, I realized the ride could be much better. Relative to the “Tuner Ready” trim with its upgraded suspension, the Limited felt like riding a wooden roller coaster. I expected the TR to have the choppier ride with its sportier suspension and larger wheels, but it surprised me by handling our local, less-than-ideal roads with minimal fuss. We'll dive deeper into the differences in the upcoming comparison, but it's worth noting that while the TR handled cracked pavement and highway frost heaves comfortably, our Limited long-termer felt harsh in comparison.
A week later, though, and I no longer notice the roughness of the WRX’s ride. Unless I consciously focus on it, I overlook the thumps, bumps, and extra noise. In isolation, the setup feels great, balancing spirited driving with daily practicality. For now, I’m no longer complaining and am enjoying the WRX, even for short drives across town. We'll see how I feel next time I drive another equally well-balanced, entertaining car with a smoother ride.
source: autoblog