The 2022 Subaru WRX comes with a larger and revised 2.4-liter turbochargedflat-four “Boxer” engine over the previous generation. With an aluminum block and heads and a 10.6:1 compression ratio it produces 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and a continuous 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm.
It features direct fuel injection and an electronically controlled turbocharger waste gate that produces up to 12.0 psi of boost. All four of its chain-driven cams feature variable timing. As tested with a 6-speed manual transmission the EPA rates it at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined on premium fuel.
Following the airflow, the intake charge starts at the front of the engine compartment at the top of the radiator and comes to the air box at the passenger side through a large plastic snorkel. From there a tube takes it down around the frame rail and to the turbocharger mounted below the front of the engine out of sight.
From there a tube brings the boosted charge up to an air-to-air intercooler at the top of the engine before it makes its way through a drive-by-wire throttle body and into the two opposed cylinder banks by way of a plastic intake plenum.
Most of the fuel system is out of sight and under the engine’s valve covers as it has direct fuel-injection. Once the combustion process is complete, exhaust exits through manifolds at the bottom of the engine and into the turbocharger.
The air-to-air intercooler itself is force-fed cooling air through the functional hood scoop which has a pretty substantial shroud to insure maximum air flow and a seal. As seen, note that debris can collect on the intercooler and should be checked and cleaned from time to time.
Routine maintenance in the WRX engine bay is simple and accessible more than most. The brake fluid can be checked at the driver side firewall. Note that our non-Eyesight equipped car has a traditional vacuum booster and brake cylinder in leiu of an electronic brake controller.
To the right of the brake system is the main engine ECU and the main fuse box. Accessing the fuses is as simple as popping a couple clips. A fuse removal tool can be found inside. The 12-volt battery is just ahead of the main fuse block.
Coming to the front driver side you will find the windshield washer fluid and main coolant reservoirs notable by their bright yellow caps. The oil filler cap and the oil filter itself can be found on top of the engine at the driver side. The oil dipstick to check your levels on the passenger side front of the engine.
Other notable items under the hood are the ABS brake control unit which for reference is found at the passenger side of the engine compartment near the firewall. With the engine’s forward mounting design you can actually get a good view of the transmission and front drive axles easily on the passenger side.
At the front of the engine is a single serpentine accessory drive belt which can be easily checked and serviced. The alternator and AC compressor units are at the top, the water pump at the bottom. Ahead of the engine, the radiator features two cooling fans – watch your hands whether the car is on or off.
