The 2016 WRX for the U.S. market comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and offers an optional Sport Lineartronic with manual mode. The new generation WRX's stiffer structure and chassis greatly enhanced handling agility, and improvement continues for 2016 with the adoption of 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 summer tyres on Premium and Limited trims.

With its 268bhp, 2.0-litre direct injection turbo Boxer engine and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the high-performance AWD sports compact segment. The WRX STI is powered by the legendary 305bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine.

The 2016 WRX joins other Subaru models in offering the company's EyeSight system, one of the highest-rated front crash prevention systems by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

EyeSight, which is integrated with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure warning, uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology. Newly added to the 2016 WRX EyeSight system is Lane Keep Assist, which uses the vehicle's electric power steering system to help the driver keep the vehicle within its lane when driving on the highway. 

Models equipped with EyeSight also come with Steering Responsive fog lights. This feature, which works when the fog lights are turned off, activates the left or right fog light independently, depending on the vehicle speed and steering angle, to provide enhanced illumination in the direction of the turn. The fog lights are pre-aimed for maximum coverage in corners.