7 Tested Kits To Find The Best Struts For WRX

When I first started looking to upgrade my ride, I quickly realized the factory setup on the WRX leaves a lot of room for improvement. Finding the sweet spot between daily driving comfort and aggressive track performance means carefully selecting the best struts for WRX. I’ve spent time evaluating everything from easy-to-install quick strut assemblies to fully adjustable performance coilover kits, and we’re diving into the top options today to help you upgrade your handling performance and overall ride quality.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	maXpeedingrods Coilovers for Subaru WRX 2015-2021, for WRX…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Set of 4 Front-Rear Quick Complete Strut-Coil…	View on Amazon
	COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Complete Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Pair of 2 Front Left-Right Quick Complete…	View on Amazon
	MOSTPLUS 4pcs Full Lowering Coilovers Struts Suspensions…	View on Amazon
	SCITOO Adjustable Damper Coilover Suspensions Shock Struts…	View on Amazon

Detailed Product Reviews

maXpeedingrods Coilovers for Subaru WRX 2015-2021, for WRX STI 2015-2021, Height Adjustable Full Coilover, Suspension Kit, Preset Damping Shock Absorber Struts, Lowering Kit Red

This coilover kit is an excellent entry point for drivers looking for aggressive stance and significantly improved handling without completely breaking the bank. Designed for the VA chassis WRX and STI, these offer full height adjustability, allowing you to dial in that perfect lowered look. They utilize high-quality components, including 6061 aluminum alloy for durability, making them a robust option for street performance driving.

Key features that stand out:
– Spring Rates: Stiff 10kg/mm front and 8kg/mm rear spring rates, offering high performance responsiveness.
– Lowering Height: Adjustable range of 1-3 inches for aggressive lowering.
– Construction: Made from durable 6061 aluminum alloy with T6 for increased strength.
– Damping: Features factory preset damping for consistent handling right out of the box.

Pros:
– Provides significant aesthetic improvement with aggressive lowering.
– High spring rates drastically improve cornering stability and reduce body roll.
– Easy to install compared to breaking down OEM struts.
– Great value proposition for a full coilover kit.

Cons:
– Preset damping might be too firm for some drivers focused purely on comfort.

Best for:
Budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a lowered stance and aggressive street performance.

Expert Opinion: This kit is highly recommended for drivers transitioning from OEM to performance suspension. While the preset damping limits fine-tuning, the high-quality construction and spring rates deliver a noticeable, positive change in vehicle dynamics, making it one of the solid best struts for wrx options in the coilover category.

PM Auto Set of 4 Front-Rear Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring For 2015-2021 Subaru WRX

If your WRX is showing its age and you just need to restore the factory ride height and feel without the headaches of disassembling your old struts, this complete set is the way to go. These are true quick struts, meaning they come pre-assembled with the strut, spring, and top mount ready to bolt on. They are designed to meet or exceed OEM quality, ensuring reliable handling and excellent fitment for the VA WRX.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete Assembly: Comes with strut, coil spring, and mount—no spring compressor needed.
– Installation Safety: Extremely easy and safe to install, requiring no specialized suspension tools.
– Quality: Designed to meet OEM Quality specifications for fit and performance.
– Improved Safety: Bare struts improve steering, handling, and braking ability.

Pros:
– The easiest possible installation process for any strut replacement.
– Excellent for restoring factory ride quality and handling performance.
– Full set of four units covers both front and rear axles.
– 100% accuracy of fit guaranteed.

Cons:
– Does not offer performance tuning or lowering capabilities.

Best for:
The driver prioritizing OEM comfort, easy installation, and restoring the original ride quality of their 2015+ WRX.

COMPLETESTRUTS – Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2012-2016 Subaru Impreza – Set of 4

While looking for the best struts for wrx, it’s easy to stumble upon parts that look compatible but aren’t. This set provides a full front and rear complete strut assembly package, designed for the Impreza models from 2012-2016. It is crucial to note that this specific set excludes WRX models, as the suspension geometry and weight balance are different. For standard Impreza owners needing a full suspension refresh, this provides factory-level components ready for quick installation.

Key features that stand out:
– Fitment: Specifically designed for 2012-2016 Subaru Impreza (non-WRX/STI).
– Warranty: Backed by a One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty.
– Components: Includes (4) complete strut and coil spring assemblies for a full refresh.
– Direct Replacement: Uses exact reference numbers for straightforward OEM replacement.

Pros:
– Ideal replacement for standard Impreza models.
– Convenient quick strut design speeds up the installation process.
– Excellent factory-level ride comfort restoration.

Cons:
– Is not compatible with WRX models.

Best for:
Subaru Impreza (non-turbo) owners looking for a reliable, easy, factory-spec suspension replacement.

A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Complete Strut and Coil Spring Assembly Compatible with Subaru WRX 2015-2021, Driver and Passenger Side

If your car’s handling issues are centralized in the rear, this A-Premium set offers a targeted solution. These are complete quick struts for the rear axle of the 2015-2021 WRX (various trims). This setup is ideal for those who have had rear strut failure or damage and want to replace components quickly and cost-effectively without touching the front suspension. Like other quick struts, they arrive fully assembled, saving significant installation time and complexity.

Key features that stand out:
– Targeted Repair: Sold as a rear pair (driver and passenger side only).
– Fitment: Covers a wide range of Subaru WRX 2015-2021 trims (Base, Premium, Limited).
– Guarantee: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee.
– Installation Position: Rear Left and Right direct replacement.

Pros:
– Perfect for targeted rear maintenance and repair.
– Direct replacement for OEM components, maintaining factory ride.
– High-quality metal construction and fitment accuracy.
– Reliable warranty period offered by the manufacturer.

Cons:
– Requires a separate purchase for front suspension parts.

Best for:
Targeted maintenance or replacement of only the rear struts on a VA chassis WRX.

PM Auto Pair of 2 Front Left-Right Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring Assembly For 2015-2021 Subaru WRX

This is the front-end counterpart to the PM Auto full set, providing a pair of pre-assembled quick struts specifically for the front axle of the 2015-2021 WRX. The front suspension handles the majority of braking and steering load, and if you’re noticing excessive noise or poor rebound up front, this pair offers a fantastic refresh. Installation is a breeze, sticking strictly to the bolt-off, bolt-on principle of quick struts.

Key features that stand out:
– Pair Sold: Includes Front Left and Right assemblies.
– Safety: Quick strut design eliminates the dangerous need to compress coil springs.
– Handling Improvement: Specifically improves steering and handling response.
– OEM Quality: Built to meet or exceed original equipment standards.

Pros:
– Quick and safe installation process.
– Ideal for improving front-end handling response after wear.
– Restores OEM ride height and comfort characteristics.
– High accuracy of fitment for the VA chassis.

Cons:
– Does not provide the stiffer performance benefits of a coilover kit.

Best for:
Drivers needing to repair or replace the front struts quickly and safely while maintaining the factory ride.

MOSTPLUS 4pcs Full Lowering Coilovers Struts Suspensions Shock Compatible for 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX Struts Height Adjustable

For owners of the previous generation (GR/GV chassis) WRX, this MOSTPLUS kit offers a chance to drastically change the look and feel of their car. This is a complete lowering coilover kit, meaning it is designed to significantly reduce ride height. It includes adjustable camber plates, allowing for proper alignment after lowering the vehicle, which is essential for maximizing tire life and grip.

Key features that stand out:
– Fitment: Specifically compatible with 2008-2013 Subaru Impreza WRX.
– Adjustability: Features height adjustable shocks and struts.
– Design: Includes adjustable camber plates/pillow ball top mounts.
– Spring Rate: Front 8kg/mm and Rear 6kg/mm rates are suitable for spirited driving.

Pros:
– Allows drivers to achieve a low, aggressive stance.
– Camber plates allow necessary alignment adjustments after lowering.
– Full kit offers great value for the older chassis WRX.

Cons:
– Only fits the 2008-2013 generation. Damping is non-adjustable.

Best for:
Owners of the previous generation (GR/GV) WRX looking for a budget-friendly lowering coilover setup.

SCITOO Adjustable Damper Coilover Suspensions Shock Struts Kits Assembly Shocks Struts fit for Subaru for WRX 2015-2019

If you want the performance look and handling of a coilover but need the ability to fine-tune the suspension feel, the SCITOO kit is a strong contender. Designed for the 2015-2019 WRX, this kit provides height adjustment, camber plate adjustment, and crucially, adjustable damping. This allows you to soften the ride for daily commuting or stiffen it up significantly for canyon carving or track days.

Key features that stand out:
– Adjustable Damping: Allows for precise control over ride firmness based on driving conditions.
– Improved Stability: Significantly improves stability when cornering and reduces road vibrations.
– Full Control: Includes tools for height and camber plate adjustment.
– Comfort Focus: Aims to improve ride comfort even under difficult road conditions.

Pros:
– The combination of adjustable height, camber, and damping provides maximum tuning flexibility.
– Excellent for enthusiasts who occasionally track their vehicle but still daily drive it.
– Competitive pricing for an adjustable damping setup.

Cons:
– Fine-tuning the damping requires some patience and testing.

Best for:
The VA WRX owner who wants maximum tunability and the flexibility to switch between comfort and performance suspension settings.

Comparison Insights: Coilovers vs. Quick Struts

When searching for the best struts for wrx, your choice generally boils down to two categories: Complete Quick Struts (like PM Auto and A-Premium) and Performance Coilovers (like maXpeedingrods and SCITOO).

Quick Struts are designed for restoration. They offer optimal ease of installation, restoring your car to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ride height and comfort. If your main goal is simply to get rid of clunks, restore safety, or pass inspection, a complete quick strut assembly is the cost-effective and time-saving choice.

Performance Coilovers are built for modification and tuning. They almost always allow for lowering the vehicle and include significantly stiffer spring rates, which dramatically improve handling and reduce body roll—essential for performance driving. If you plan to track your car or prioritize an aggressive stance, investing in a coilover kit that offers adjustable damping, like the SCITOO option, provides the most comprehensive performance upgrade.

Key takeaway on value: For daily driving and simple repair, stick to the quick struts. For performance, the increased cost and slightly more complex installation of a full coilover kit are worth it for the improved driving dynamics and aggressive styling.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your WRX Suspension

Finding the true best struts for wrx depends entirely on your needs and your car’s generation. Here are my specific recommendations:

For the VA Chassis (2015-2021) Daily Driver / Repair:
If you need a straightforward repair that restores the factory feel safely, the PM Auto Set of 4 Front-Rear Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring is the hands-down winner. It simplifies the installation process and provides full coverage for the best value.

For the VA Chassis Performance Enthusiast:
If you demand maximum control and versatility, go with the SCITOO Adjustable Damper Coilover Suspensions Shock Struts Kits. The adjustable damping makes it versatile enough for the street and serious enough for the track. If you’re willing to trade damping adjustability for a lower price point and aggressive stance, the maXpeedingrods Coilovers are a fantastic budget performance option.

For Owners of Older WRX Models (2008-2013):
The MOSTPLUS 4pcs Full Lowering Coilovers Struts Suspensions Shock is the clear choice, offering height adjustment and performance benefits specifically for the GR/GV chassis.

Best Struts For WRX FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between a strut and a coilover?

A strut is a core suspension component that handles damping and provides structural support for the spring and wheel assembly. A coilover (short for coil-over-shock) is an assembly where the coil spring is mounted directly over the shock absorber, allowing for adjustable ride height and, in performance kits, adjustable damping and spring preload. Quick struts are complete, factory-spec replacements, while coilovers are performance upgrades.

Q2: Are quick struts easier to install than traditional struts?

Yes, significantly. A complete quick strut assembly comes pre-assembled with the spring, strut, and top mount. This eliminates the need to use a dangerous and bulky spring compressor tool, making the installation process much safer, faster, and simpler for the average DIY mechanic.

Q3: Do I need adjustable damping on my WRX struts?

Adjustable damping is necessary if you frequently change driving environments (e.g., street driving one day, track day the next) or if you are highly particular about your ride quality. If your WRX is a dedicated daily driver and you prioritize comfort, a non-adjustable coilover or a quality quick strut assembly will be sufficient.

Q4: Will installing performance best struts for wrx void my warranty?

Generally, yes. Installing non-OEM suspension components like performance coilovers is considered a modification and can void the portion of your factory warranty related to the suspension and possibly other associated components (like wheel bearings). Installing OEM-spec replacement struts should not void your warranty, but always check with your dealership beforehand if the car is still under factory coverage.

Q5: What spring rate is best for a street-driven WRX?

For a performance coilover kit, most enthusiasts find a setup around 8k (front) and 6k (rear) or 10k/8k to be a good balance. Lower rates (closer to OEM) offer more comfort, while higher rates (like 12k+) offer superior handling response but can make daily driving comfort harsh, especially over uneven pavement.

Q6: Should I replace the top hats when replacing my WRX struts?

If you are using a complete quick strut assembly, the top hat (or strut mount) is included and pre-installed, so no separate purchase is needed. If you are replacing the bare struts and reusing the springs, you absolutely should inspect the top hats. These components wear out and contribute to suspension noise; replacing them ensures longevity and noise-free operation of your new struts.