Wondering About Wrx Premium: Blind Spot Monitoring Feature?

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature in vehicles that uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor the driver's blind spots. When a vehicle is approaching or is in the driver's blind spot, a warning light appears on the side mirror, alerting the driver. While Blind-Spot Detection is available on select Subaru models and trim styles, it is not standard on all models. The WRX Premium trim with a 6-speed manual transmission does not come with Blind-Spot Assist (BSA), but the Limited trim offers both BSM and rear cross-traffic alert. Some drivers find the turn signals and blind-spot detection lights on the WRX's exterior mirrors confusingly similar, but others find that the rapid flashing of the blind-spot monitoring light helps distinguish the two.

Blind-Spot Detection is available on select Subaru models and trim styles

While every new Subaru model comes with a variety of advanced standard safety features, Blind-Spot Detection is only available on specific models and trim styles for the 2020 and 2021 model years. For instance, the 2020 STI base model does not have Blind-Spot Detection, but the Limited trim does. Similarly, the 2023 WRX Premium trim with a 6-speed manual transmission does not have Blind Spot Assist (BSA) as an option, even with the automatic transmission. However, the Limited trim of the same model year offers both blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

It is important to note that the side mirrors of the WRX are similar to those of the Limited spec. The turn signal light housing is visible on the left side of the mirror, while the blind spot monitoring system is located on the right side. The turn signal light flashes at a normal cadence, while the blind spot monitoring flashes more rapidly, helping to distinguish between the two.

If you are interested in purchasing a Subaru model with Blind-Spot Detection, it is recommended to contact an authorized Subaru dealer or refer to the Subaru website for detailed information on specific models and trim levels.

The 2023 WRX Premium with a 6-speed manual does not have Blind Spot Assist

The 2023 WRX Premium with a 6-speed manual does not come with Blind Spot Assist. Blind Spot Detection is a feature that uses radar sensors in the rear bumper of your vehicle to monitor your blind spots in both mirrors. When it senses that a vehicle on the right or left is approaching in another lane or is in your blind spot, a warning light will appear on your side mirror, alerting you to that vehicle's presence.

While the 2023 WRX Premium does not have this feature, the Limited trim of the WRX does come with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. This means that if you are interested in having blind spot monitoring, you may want to consider the Limited trim option.

It is worth noting that some drivers have expressed confusion with the mirrors and distinguishing the blind spot detector light from the turn signal light in the WRX. This is because the turn signal indicators embedded in the exterior mirrors look similar to the blind-spot-warning lights also embedded in those mirrors. However, others have noted that the turn signal is of a normal cadence, while the blind spot monitoring flashes more rapidly, so it is easy to distinguish between the two.

If you are considering adding blind spot monitoring to your 2023 WRX Premium with a 6-speed manual, it may be possible to find an aftermarket solution. However, keep in mind that this could be expensive and may not work as well as a factory-installed system.

The WRX Limited trim has Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The WRX Limited's Blind Spot Monitoring system is designed to be distinct from the turn signal indicators, with the former featuring rapid flashing and located on the inside of the mirror, while the latter has a normal cadence with only a small part of the light housing showing on the far outside section. This distinction aims to prevent confusion and ensure a safe driving experience.

The inclusion of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert in the WRX Limited trim enhances the vehicle's safety features, providing drivers with valuable assistance and peace of mind while on the road.

It is worth noting that Blind Spot Monitoring may not be available on all WRX models and trims. Some sources indicate that it is not an option on the base model or the Premium trim with a 6-speed manual transmission. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the specific model year and trim package to confirm the availability of this feature.

The 2020 STI base model does not have blind spot detection

Blind-spot monitoring is an important safety feature in vehicles, and while it is available on some models and trim styles, it is not standard on all cars. For example, the 2020 STI base model does not come equipped with blind-spot detection. This means that drivers of this particular vehicle will not have the benefit of an extra set of eyes warning them of potential dangers in their blind spots.

The absence of blind-spot detection in the 2020 STI base model is a notable omission, especially when compared to other vehicles in its class or with similar trim levels. It is worth noting that blind-spot monitoring has been available as a feature in cars since 2014, with Subaru implementing it in their models from that year onwards. This technology typically uses radar sensors in the rear bumper of a car to monitor the blind spots, providing drivers with an important safety alert.

While the 2020 STI base model may not have blind-spot detection, it is possible that other trim styles within the same model year or subsequent model years may offer this feature. It is always worth checking the specific features and options available for your desired vehicle before making a purchase decision. Additionally, there may be aftermarket solutions to add blind-spot detection to your vehicle, but these can be expensive and may require significant modifications to your car.

It is worth noting that even without blind-spot detection, the 2020 STI base model may still offer other advanced standard safety features. These features could include lane departure warning, auto brake functionality, or rear cross-traffic alert, which can also enhance your driving experience and safety on the road. However, blind-spot monitoring remains a desirable feature for many drivers, providing an extra layer of confidence and security while on the road.

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle and blind-spot detection is a must-have feature for you, it is important to do your research beforehand. Check the specifications of the car you are interested in to confirm the availability of this feature. Additionally, you may want to test drive the vehicle to familiarise yourself with the placement of mirrors and warning lights, as well as the overall visibility and driving experience, to make an informed decision about your purchase.

Subaru Forester did not have Blind Spot Detection until the 2017 model

Blind Spot Detection (BSD) is an innovative safety feature that provides drivers with an extra set of eyes, warning them of potential dangers. This technology uses radar sensors and cameras in the rear bumper and side mirrors of a vehicle to monitor blind spots. When a vehicle or object enters the driver's blind spot, BSD triggers an alert, typically a blinking light on the corresponding side mirror, sometimes accompanied by a beeping noise. This system can give drivers greater confidence when merging or changing lanes.

While Blind Spot Detection has become an increasingly common feature in modern vehicles, it wasn't always standard. The Subaru Forester, for example, did not have Blind Spot Detection until the 2017 model. Prior to 2017, the feature was not available on any trim level of the Forester. This meant that, for earlier models, drivers had to rely solely on their mirrors and manual checks to monitor their blind spots.

The introduction of Blind Spot Detection in the 2017 Subaru Forester was a significant enhancement to the vehicle's safety features. It provided drivers with greater awareness of their surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions due to blind spots. This addition brought the Forester in line with other vehicles in its class that had already adopted this technology.

It is worth noting that, even without Blind Spot Detection, the Subaru Forester has always been known for its safety features. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, for instance, offers a range of advanced safety functions, though it does not include blind spot monitoring. With the inclusion of BSD from 2017 onwards, the Forester further solidified its position as a safe and reliable choice for drivers.

Today, Blind Spot Detection has become an expected feature in many vehicles, including those in the Subaru lineup. The 2023 Subaru WRX, for instance, offers Blind Spot Assist on its Limited trim, ensuring that drivers can benefit from this important safety enhancement.

Frequently asked questions