In the US, the Subaru WRX has had four generations: the Impreza WRX from 2002 to 2007, the second generation from 2008 to 2014, the standalone WRX from 2015 to 2021, and the current car from 2022. The engine moved from the 2.0-liter EJ205 to the 2.5-liter EJ255 in 2006, to the 2.0-liter direct-injection FA20 in 2015 (268 hp) and to the 2.4-liter FA24 in 2022 (271 hp). The WRX STI used the 2.5-liter EJ257 from 2004 until it ended after 2021.
WRX generations and years (US)
| Generation | Model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen Impreza WRX | 2002-2007 | 2.0L EJ205 turbo (2002-2005), 2.5L EJ255 turbo (2006-2007) |
| 2nd gen | 2008-2014 | 2.5L EJ255 turbo |
| 3rd gen (standalone WRX) | 2015-2021 | 2.0L FA20 direct-injection turbo, 268 hp |
| 4th gen | 2022 on | 2.4L FA24 turbo, 271 hp |
WRX STI years (US)
The STI arrived in the US for 2004 and used the 2.5-liter EJ257 turbo through its final 2021 model year, alongside the WRX generations above. See EJ255 vs EJ257 for how the WRX and STI engines differ.
Why the generation matters for parts
- Engines: EJ and FA engines share nothing internally, and the FA20 and FA24 differ too; see FA20 vs FA24.
- Clutches: Subaru changed clutch sizes during 2018 production, so check the VIN-based fitment notes in each clutch listing.
- Exhausts and lighting: listed by year range and often by body style (sedan vs hatchback).
First-generation nicknames
Enthusiasts name the 2002-2007 cars by their headlights: the “bugeye” for 2002-2003, the “blobeye” for 2004-2005 and the “hawkeye” for 2006-2007. The second generation was offered as a sedan and a hatchback, while the 2015-2021 and current WRX are sedans in the US.
Building a WRX engine
The EJ engines in earlier WRX and STI models and the FA engines in later cars both respond well to boost, but the factory blocks have limits. Closed deck short blocks with forged internals, like the IAG 1000 Series FA20 and FA24 blocks we carry, are built for cylinder pressures well beyond the factory engine; see closed deck vs open deck.
WRX and STI parts we carry
Closed deck EJ25 and FA20/FA24 short blocks and long blocks from IAG Performance and Turn In Concepts, ACT clutch kits, AWE, Tomei, MAPerformance and Invidia exhausts, BC Racing coilovers and Molded Innovations LED headlights. See them all on our Subaru WRX and STI parts page, or by engine: EJ25 blocks and FA20 and FA24 blocks. Built engines and head gaskets: Subaru head gasket problems and ringland failure.
More guides: WRX exhaust · WRX vs STI · FA20 vs EJ25.
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