What Is the 2023 Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is a compact performance sedan with seating for five people. It shares basic design elements with Subaru’s mainstream Impreza compact car, but it has a gutsier engine, a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system and distinctive sporty styling touches inside and out, including unusual SUV-esque matte-black body cladding. A 271-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission; however, available driver-assist safety features (including adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, evasive steering assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking) can be had only with the CVT. The WRX comes in base, Premium, Limited and GT trim levels; the GT comes solely with the CVT and includes Recaro sport front seats, a premium sound system, an adaptive suspension and additional drive modes. The WRX lineup spans a fairly broad price range, so rivals include the Hyundai Elantra N, Toyota GR Corolla, Volkswagen Golf GTI and, at the high end, the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.
What’s New on the 2023 Subaru WRX?
Redesigned for 2022, the WRX sees no significant changes for 2023.
What Features in the 2023 Subaru WRX Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- All-wheel drive
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 60/40-split, folding rear seat
- Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Dual 7-inch infotainment touchscreens
- LED headlights
- Dual front USB ports
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Available features include:
- Continuously variable automatic transmission
- Adaptive headlights
- Keyless entry and ignition
- 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Navigation system
- 11-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system
- Dual rear USB ports
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Should I Buy the 2023 Subaru WRX?
Though the WRX lost some of its raucousness and edginess when it was redesigned for 2022, it became more refined all around and gained a larger engine with smoother power delivery. Even though the car has grown up a bit, its distinctive rally-bred attitude is still there. Despite some equipment availability frustrations — desirable safety features are available only with the automatic transmission, and you’ll have to step up to the pricey, automatic-only GT trim to get certain performance features — the WRX continues to appeal as an everyday performance car that can be driven in all seasons.
