The 2012 Subaru WRX is a turbocharged all-wheel-drive sport compact available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback, designed for drivers who want year-round traction and strong performance without moving up to a larger sports sedan. It sits in the enthusiast market alongside cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Volkswagen GTI, but stands out with standard AWD and rally-inspired roots. The 2012 model is part of the third-generation Impreza-based WRX (2008–2014), featuring the wide-body styling introduced for 2011 and familiar, tuner-friendly mechanicals. It’s ideal for commuters in snow-belt climates, weekend backroad drivers, and buyers who want practical space with genuine speed.

- Turbocharged 2.5L SUBARU BOXER engine (EJ255) producing 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque, with strong midrange pull and easy aftermarket support. - Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for confident traction in rain and snow, plus a performance-oriented chassis that feels planted at speed. - 5-speed manual transmission for maximum driver involvement; a 4-speed automatic was offered in some trims, but most enthusiasts prefer the manual. - Sport-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, delivering quick responses and a more aggressive feel than a standard Impreza. - Practical body styles: sedan for a classic look and hatchback for extra cargo flexibility—one of the big reasons many shoppers seek out a 2012 specifically.

Shoppers often search “2012 Subaru WRX problems,” “2012 Subaru WRX reliability,” and “2012 Subaru WRX common issues” because this model can be very dependable when stock and well-maintained, but it’s less forgiving of poor maintenance, aggressive tuning, or neglected fluids. 1) Engine wear and bearing/short-block failures (often 80,000–140,000 miles)