Car Comparison: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R vs Subaru WRX

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Growing up, sport compacts were about unbridled automotive enthusiasm and value. They packed as much performance-oriented gear as possible into a small, affordable, practical package. We saw big turbos and all-wheel drive 20 years ago, but today that might not be enough. 

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Here we match a pair of decidedly different flavours of sport compacts. The 2022 Subaru WRX starts at $33,099 (our optioned tester swings for 41,399.00), with 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque delivered to all four wheels in typical Subaru fashion. It’s old-school in a way, with just the elements of an affordable, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive compact car. 

Alternatively, we have the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, which costs a whopping $49,932 and features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This model makes 315 hp and a maximum of 295 lb-ft of torque (manual-equipped models get 15 lb-ft fewer) sent through its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. That price also delivers a comparatively upscale interior, plenty of drive modes, and adjustable dampers to customize the experience. It’s a contrast to the Subaru WRX, but is that what modern enthusiasts are seeking?

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The powertrains are relatively familiar. The Subaru features a turbocharged boxer engine, this time a 2.4-litre unit rather than the outgoing 2.0-litre. It makes three more ponies than the old engine and its same measure of torque. Our tester featured a six-speed manual transmission, but shoppers can get a continuously variable setup in Sport and Sport-Tech models, which cost more but include the automaker’s EyeSight suite of safety equipment and driver assists. 

Power delivery in the WRX skews towards the unrefined side of things. The engine is peaky, with a significant delay before the motor doles out the power. The clutch is heavy, and rowing through the gears feels barbaric as it clunks between ratios. 

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In comparison, the Golf R’s two-litre presents 40 more ponies, and feels more mature. It sounds and feels more refined and runs without the WRX’s turbo lag. It’s simply smooth and predictable.

Golf R buyers can also choose between a manual or automatic transmission. The manual is adequate, feeling less engaging than the one you have to manhandle in the Subaru. We recommend the quick-shifting and clever dual-clutch unit for Golf R buyers. It just suits the character of the car a bit better. 

The coolest trick in the Golf R is that it can behave like a variety of cars. Drivers can toodle around town in comfort mode, pick up the pace in Sport mode, tackle the track in Race mode, or goof off in Drift mode. It also has a custom mode to let drivers pick and choose between various traits to concoct their own recipe of enthusiasm. 

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In contrast, the Subaru WRX feels like it has one mode and is at its best when pushed hard. Keep it in its narrow power band, and it’s a laugh. Mistime the shifts, however, and it feels like a waste. While the steering is on the light side, it’s not nearly as light as the Golf’s. The ride is far less forgiving, thumping hard on road imperfections as it lacks the ability to switch moods as the VW can. 

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For all the complaints about the WRX, there’s an authenticity to it. It reminds us of the sport compacts of yesteryear that jammed as much motor as possible into a car and shrugged at any undesirable traits while pointing out how thrilling and raw it felt. It feels like it shouldn’t be enjoyable, but somehow it is. It’s aloof and silly, encouraging you to push harder. Is it fun? Absolutely, but in a reckless way. Is it mature or refined? Not even close.

Alternatively, the Golf R waits its turn. Instead of encouraging you to play, the German hatchback asks you to press the button, change its settings and enjoy yourself. It’s a more accommodating approach that can be comfy and unassuming for one second, then speedy and sporty when you flip the switch. The same goes for the ride, which can be varied from stiff and harsh to completely soft and reasonable. 

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This comes thanks to the adaptive dampers in the Golf R, which can change the vehicle dramatically. Along with the all-wheel-drive system, the VW just feels clever and high-tech. It gives drivers the confidence to overcome any tricky corners. The WRX, on the other hand, relies on its 50-50 front-to-rear power split to help it brute force its way through poorly planned approaches. 

Eventually, you take your mind off the road and try to enjoy the cabins of these two compacts. The leather seats in the Golf R are high-end, featuring an extra flair of blue piping. There’s a digital gauge cluster that can change layouts depending on your mood or drive mode. It has lots of pizzazz, but the infotainment system requires some familiarity to find and perform basic functions. Fortunately, the vehicle features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to help drivers get up to speed quickly. There are a few bleak panels in the cabin, with scratchy, hollow-feeling black plastic, but overall the Golf R feels more upscale compared to the WRX.

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It’s a shame, as the WRX features a far more refined cabin than its outgoing model. Despite the Japanese automaker’s best efforts, the materials and design still feels a step behind the Golf. There’s a large, vertical-oriented infotainment display, which is slow to respond. The system doesn’t take advantage of the screen real estate when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, making it look underbaked. 

Both vehicles are practical and are usable for families or hauling duties. The Golf has more space for stuff, while the Subaru features more room for people.

Naturally, the difference between these two rides is expected when $10,000 separates the starting prices of these two sport compacts. The Subaru feels more raw, unrefined and old-school. It’s brutal but affordable. 

The Golf R, on the other hand, is high-tech, fancy and mature. It displays incredible versatility. The ability to switch between an unassuming hatchback to track-capable monster is what you’re paying the extra money for, which makes the Golf R feel a bit more modern than the hot hatches of yesteryear. 

If you have the money for a Golf R, it won’t disappoint, but the Subaru delivers an entirely enthusiast-focused experience for less money, making it the choice for speed hunters on a budget.