2023 Subaru WRX Review

Name: 2023 Subaru WRX Review
Brand: Subaru
Price: 24046 USD

Price Estimate: $25,990 - $34,995

Among other higher-performing (but not high-performance) sedans, the 2023 Subaru WRX is a bit rougher around the edges. That may sound like a drawback for those seeking comfort and refinement, but it's a ringing endorsement for those familiar with the WRX's rally-racing heritage and Subaru's history of producing fun and engaging vehicles.

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2023 Subaru WRX Review

by the Edmunds Experts

5/16/2022

What's new

New rear seat headrests
Part of the fifth WRX generation introduced for 2022

What is the WRX?

The 2023 Subaru WRX is a sporty compact sedan with a turbocharged flat-four engine and all-wheel drive. The WRX has a storied history in rally car racing and a loyal fanbase of enthusiasts who are into tuning their vehicles. For 2022, the WRX received a much-needed redesign and features a new engine, transmission and bolder exterior styling. The current-generation Subaru WRX gets its power from a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed (so-called boxer) engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Our editors have praised the WRX for its nimble handling, spirited acceleration and easy-to-use clutch pedal. At the time of writing, we haven't tested the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), so we can't speak to how it performs.

We don't expect much to change the 2023 WRX since it's only a year removed from a full redesign. The only major item to keep an eye on is the debut of the even higher-performance WRX STI variant, which could possibly make an appearance in either late 2022 or early 2023.

The WRX costs several thousand more than its competitors, which include the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N and the Kia Forte GT. But the WRX has an ace up its sleeve in the form of all-wheel drive, which few rivals can match. Only the Mazda 3 Turbo comes standard with all-wheel drive, offers similar power and is comparably priced. Although in the Mazda 3's case, you're paying for a nicer interior and overall refinement rather than a more performance-oriented car in the WRX.

Edmunds says

There shouldn't be any major changes to the 2023 Subaru WRX, so if you are interested in this car, it's worth taking a look to see if there are any 2022 models on dealer lots.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$222/mo

$160/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#41 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru WRX from 2008-2022.}

$748/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.56x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

20.1%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Subaru WRX Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

30 reviews

5(90%)

4(0%)

3(7%)

2(0%)

1(3%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The Indominus WRX (base model review)

Rush2112, 08/08/2022

2022 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

This is my fifth Subaru since 2010, and my second WRX. My first was a 2014 hatchback (wagon), so much of my review on the 2022 model is in comparison to my past experiences with my 2014, and lessor to the common attributes of Subaru manufacture in general. First off, you'll see a large discrepancy between "shop" reviews and user reviews. Shop reviews tend to follow each other in … lockstep, with an emphasis on creating "views" more than focusing on an objective honest review from a purchaser standpoint. My first advice to you if you are interested in the WRX, is to quit reading/watching shop reviews online and go test drive one immediately. It's highly likely (I won't speak for you) that the experience you have in person will be much different than any review you read online. In fact, I would say it's likely much more positive than the cookie cutter/lock step shop reviews out there. Secondly, come back here and write your own review and mention the differences of your experiences vs. the shop reviews. Consumers want consumer reviews, be detailed and take your time- we all benefit. Here is my review: Refined. That was the word that summed up my first test drive. Every detail of the WRX seemed better than my 2014 WRX, and there were even refinements over my 2018 Crosstrek, and 2021 Ascent that I appreciated (mainly, but not limited to, the refinement of the firmware in the interface and electronics). I was impressed. My second test drive was extended, over a half hour long, and I could dig deeper into the way the drive train, handling, and engine performed. Overall I left more impressed than my first test drive and that experience caused me to custom order my own. My 2022 WRX was delivered almost a month early than the expected delivery date. I've had it for 3 days and I've driven it in every condition that I will experience. Freeway, mountains, wet weather (monsoon storm in the desert), and in town. I am still in the break in period so I'm paying attention not to go over the 4K rpm mark, and I have not used cruise control (both recommendations from the dealer). Since I took ownership, my impression has only improved further. You get a lot for your money here, even with the base model- but I do recommend getting the short throw shifter, its pretty much an affordable must. There's too much to list in terms of positive experiences, but all I can keep thinking is how refined it is in every way. From the aluminum hood with gas struts, to the awesome instrument cluster, the excellent vision out of the windows, the thrill of the handling (which is amazingly good), to the spirited acceleration, it's all fantastic. Unless you want obnoxiously loud exhaust, you'll find the sound of this WRX is near perfection. Just enough growl and beautiful harmony to keep a smile on your face, without waking up the neighbors and getting shoes thrown at your car. I was able to easily get over 30mpg on the highway (as high as 35mpg, and as low as 28mpg) and even with all the back roads driving and in town start and stops, I had no issues getting 25mpg or more. Those numbers will likely change after break in when I can use the full rev range and/or I'm able to use cruise control (I expect a wider range of high and low MPG). Many positive details will reveal themselves the more time you spend driving a 2022 WRX. For instance, the dual screen set up- I prefer this to the 11" screen. It's a more organized way to divide up the functions for both the car (bottom) and infotainment (top). There are also a few more analog controls which I prefer to most touch screen interfaces. I find more reliance on touch screens tend to demand more attention away from the road. Fancy, but overkill for my needs. The dual screen set up is a good overall compromise between modern tech and analog. Now as far as the drive train, whoa. I can tell you the sound and smoothness of the engine are far superior to my 2014 WRX. The power comes in just over 2K, so much sooner than the older (and more quirky/less reliable 2.5), and wow is it just a treat feeling it push you back in your seat. The gear box really shines on mountain roads to whit I feel it is best suited. Going up hill you'll practically live in 3rd gear which gives you plenty of punch as low as 25mph, and yet can be revved up comfortably to well over 65mph. Its nearly perfect for the twists and turns and that mixed with the incredible grip on hard turns, gives you complete command of the road. It's an awesome experience that I can't properly describe with text. The gear box feels a bit low for around the town driving, 1st gear especially, but that gear is awesome in bumper to bumper traffic, to whit I believe is its main purpose. At first I wasn't sure I'd like the gear ratios but after driving it in so many different circumstances, I see the brilliance of the engineering and decisions to design it as such. Again, driving it will enlighten you. Reviews do not do this car justice. It's roomier, more refined and well thought out, faster, handles better, and has better gas mileage than my old 2014. On top of that, is that its engine can stand for some serious upgrading without fear of it blowing up (like the old 2.5's did). When the aftermarket gets rolling on WRX mods, I think this car will be the most popular WRX yet, proving all the naysayers wrong. If I have the option to update this review in the future I will, for now, I've pretty much covered the basics. There are many little details that I wanted to include in this review, but I'd rather leave some room for surprise and to your own experience to find. If you live in So Cal give Irvine Subaru a try, I can't recommend them enough. Family owned and awesome down to earth staff, they will take care of you like a friend, no hassle, top rate service. Update: Just reread my review, I agree with everything that I've said previously still. It's because my weekend driver. I hope I have it the rest of my life. Cobb tuning now has a tuning kit available you can purchase if you want more horsepower out of your WRX. Check it out online you can bring the torque up to 400 foot pounds and the horsepower over 300 (barely). I may look into that in the future. Still 100% satisfied with my purchase I have no real complaints about my new WRX I just wish Subaru would make a hatchback version. Subaru do not get rid of the gas powered WRX. Subaru do not get rid of the manual transmission. If you do both you will kill the spirit of driving.

The Jack-Of-All-Trades (Premium Trim in Manual)

Flynn Joseph, 12/20/2022

2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

"A jack of all trades is a master of non, but often times better than a master of one" This is true for the 2022 WRX. The engine produces pretty good horsepower, excellent handling, comfortable seats, actual usable back seats for adults and good space in the trunk, enough technology, good price and with good resale value. I dig the looks and functionality of the plastic cladding around …

Go Drive It - you'll be glad you did...

Marky_Mark, 10/07/2022

2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

UPDATE - I'm not wild about the touchscreen infotainment system. During daylight hours it catches glare and is difficult to see even with sunglasses. It's not intuitive, and there's no knobs or switches to control common heat/ac functions. I have to take my eyes off the road to make changes - not cool. I traded in my 2015 silver WRX premium cvt (88,000 miles) for a 2022 black WRX …

Stealth speedster

JDW, 10/29/2022

2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I bought the premium model with the sunroof and updated radio package. Added the short shifter too. This car is AMAZING. Powerful, shifts smoothly, comfortable interior. Bought it in the mag grey. Hides the wheel cladding. You will have zero regrets buying this car.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Subaru WRX, so we've included reviews for other years of the WRX since its last redesign.

See all 30 reviews of the Subaru WRX

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2023 WRX Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,605
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$222/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the WRX models:

EyeSight Assist Monitor: Projects alerts and warnings onto the windshield as warning lights. It is not a traditional head-up display.
Automatic Emergency Steering: Enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance.
Lane Centering: Works with the adaptive cruise control to center the WRX in its lane, creating a hands-on-wheel driving assistance system.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9%

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2023 Subaru WRX Review