2023 Subaru WRX Review
Price Range: $25,800 - $34,998
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Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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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Average price: $26,341
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Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive enhances traction and performance
- Available 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is easy to read
- Brisk acceleration
- Stable and engaging handling
Cons
- Subpar fuel economy
- Noticeable road and wind noise
- Need to order the automatic transmission to get most of the car's driver aids
What's new
- New rear seat headrests
- Part of the fifth WRX generation introduced for 2022
Overview
Subaru leans harder into its rally-racing heritage with the latest WRX. Redesigned for 2022, the fifth-generation WRX adopts body cladding worthy of an SUV to protect the paint against nicks and chips while upgrading performance with a larger and more powerful engine and an available adaptive suspension. The car also adopts the latest in Subaru infotainment, driver assist and collision avoidance technology. However, the safety features are largely restricted to WRX models equipped with the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which Subaru calls the Performance Transmission.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
343 listings
- $26,690fair price$527 below market
- 27,150 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Heritage Subaru Catonsville (42 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
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Located in Baltimore, MD
Recent Arrival! *ALL WHEEL DRIVE*, *HEATED SEATS*, *BACKUP CAMERA*, *APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO*, *SIRIUS COMPATIBLE*, *BLUETOOTH*, *REMOTE KEYLESS EN...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VBAF66P9803313
Stock: 4U803313
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-31-2026 - $25,995good price$2,090 below market
- 40,515 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Kargar Motors (19 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
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Located in Manassas, VA
BUYING A CAR HAS NEVER BEEN THIS EASY.We specialize in 100% GUARANTEED APPROVAL. BAD CREDIT, NO CREDIT, BANKRUPTCY, REPO, FORECLOSURE...NO PROBLEM. NO...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1VBAF68P9819528
Stock: KMM15189
Certified Pre-Owned: No
After confirming the high-performance WRX STI won't return to the lineup, the only changes to the 2023 WRX are some new rear headrests and slightly revised settings to the climate control, suspension and all-wheel-drive system. Subaru's high-performance sedan continues to rival other sport compact cars, though it no longer brings the exclusivity of all-wheel drive to the segment. Rivals such as the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf R match that feature, though the Mazda isn't as powerful as the Subaru and the VW is significantly more expensive. Toyota also targets the WRX's fan base with its new all-wheel-drive GR Corolla, which appears to plug and play in the same space as the newly redesigned Honda Civic Type R.
Is the Subaru WRX still the standard against which other sport compact cars are measured? Be sure to read our Expert Rating to get all of the details from our vehicle testing team.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Travis Langness
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Subaru WRX on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the WRX drive? The WRX isn't as quick as some of its rivals, but it's still fun to drive. We tested a manual-equipped WRX, and at Edmunds' test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. That's appropriately quick, though achieving that time requires an abusive launch technique. Our test driver noted: "I'll be honest and say I thought I broke this car trying to launch it. The driveline shock when you drop the clutch is so harsh and severe that I thought there might be a pile of metal on the ground. Even with the new engine, there's a significant amount of turbo lag below about 3,000 rpm. That means getting the best launch basically means dropping the clutch from about 5,000 rpm." We have yet to test the automatic-equipped WRX.
The WRX is at its best when leaping from turn to turn on a curvy road. Its strong midrange power, all-wheel-drive traction, composed suspension and responsive steering make for an excellent, enthusiastic driving experience.
Unfortunately, the brakes in the WRX don't deliver the response or stopping confidence we'd expect. Its pedal feels too soft for something this sporty. At our test track, however, the WRX was able to stop from 60 mph in just 110 feet — a respectable distance for the segment.
The WRX is at its best when leaping from turn to turn on a curvy road. Its strong midrange power, all-wheel-drive traction, composed suspension and responsive steering make for an excellent, enthusiastic driving experience.
Unfortunately, the brakes in the WRX don't deliver the response or stopping confidence we'd expect. Its pedal feels too soft for something this sporty. At our test track, however, the WRX was able to stop from 60 mph in just 110 feet — a respectable distance for the segment.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the WRX? The ride quality and the seating comfort in the WRX are both right at the top of their class. It's worth noting that several hours of driving in the WRX gave us no significant fatigue or pain. The seats hold you in place well during corners and provide proper support all the time.
The climate controls that are located inside the big center touchscreen are a bit difficult to learn and can be distracting at first, but most owners will get the hang of them relatively quickly. On the downside, the WRX is pretty noisy, with a little rumble from the engine at highway speeds and some pronounced wind noise over the doors and mirrors at speed.
The climate controls that are located inside the big center touchscreen are a bit difficult to learn and can be distracting at first, but most owners will get the hang of them relatively quickly. On the downside, the WRX is pretty noisy, with a little rumble from the engine at highway speeds and some pronounced wind noise over the doors and mirrors at speed.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? Up front, the WRX feels roomy for its class, and finding an excellent driving position should be easy. There's lots of range from the adjustable steering column and the driver's seat. The cabin controls are all within reach, and with the exception of the center screen, which looks daunting to use, everything is pretty easy to navigate. The back seat is a bit more cramped, especially with the transmission tunnel running through the center of the floor, so don't put your long-legged friends in the center of the back seat.
Getting in and out of the WRX is easy thanks to wide-opening doors, and once you're inside, there's a good view forward from large windows. The high trunk line makes rear visibility more of a challenge compared to others in the class, but that's no major penalty.
Getting in and out of the WRX is easy thanks to wide-opening doors, and once you're inside, there's a good view forward from large windows. The high trunk line makes rear visibility more of a challenge compared to others in the class, but that's no major penalty.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The 11.6-inch center screen in the WRX Limited is a highlight of the interior experience. It has crisp graphics and quick responses to inputs. Some users may dislike the portrait-style layout, but getting used to its functions is relatively easy. Seeing navigation destinations and directions is easy too thanks to the clear screen and high-contrast display. The 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is excellent as well, with high-quality audio that's properly powered for high-volume listening.
Smartphone connections occur quickly, and voice controls are easy to use thanks to a number of on-screen prompts and the system understanding most natural language. Our test vehicle was missing some key optional driver aids including adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation, but the blind-spot monitoring system and the lane keeping assist on the vehicle worked well without false alarms or overly sensitive alerts.
Smartphone connections occur quickly, and voice controls are easy to use thanks to a number of on-screen prompts and the system understanding most natural language. Our test vehicle was missing some key optional driver aids including adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation, but the blind-spot monitoring system and the lane keeping assist on the vehicle worked well without false alarms or overly sensitive alerts.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? As a higher-performing compact sedan, the WRX goes up against a lot of competitors that are available either as sedans and hatchbacks, or hatchbacks exclusively. The WRX only offers 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is less than what the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra N offer. Thankfully, the rear seats do fold down to accommodate longer items.
Small-item storage is adequate enough for smartphones and small water bottles. Installing child seats into the back should be relatively easy thanks to wide-opening doors, though you have less rear legroom to fit a larger seat.
Small-item storage is adequate enough for smartphones and small water bottles. Installing child seats into the back should be relatively easy thanks to wide-opening doors, though you have less rear legroom to fit a larger seat.
Fuel Economy
5.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates a manual-equipped WRX will get 22 mpg in combined driving, which is one of the worst in the class. Driving the WRX on the Edmunds' test loop for 115 miles, the WRX averaged 24 miles per gallon. That's right where we'd expect it to be according to its fuel economy rating, but other cars such as the Golf GTI and Elantra N are more frugal.
Value
6.5/10
Is the WRX a good value? Build quality is excellent. There are lots of soft-touch surfaces, and the WRX feels classy from the moment you step inside. Unfortunately, the WRX has much worse fuel economy than competitors and worse mpg than already bad previous-generation models. It's also one of the more expensive higher-performing compact sedans on the market.
For the class, the WRX's warranty is average: three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and corrosion coverage for five years/unlimited miles. Roadside assistance lasts the life of the basic warranty.
For the class, the WRX's warranty is average: three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and corrosion coverage for five years/unlimited miles. Roadside assistance lasts the life of the basic warranty.
Wildcard
9/10
Fun is the name of the game in the WRX. We're heartbroken Subaru doesn't have plans to continue offering its even-higher-performing WRX STI, but this standard WRX model provides a significant performance bump over the Impreza and it's comfortable during daily driving. The plastic panels that line the bodywork are a polarizing bit of styling, especially in photos, but they're easy to get used to in person and they give the WRX an extra bit of personality.
2023 Subaru WRX trim level differences
Subaru offers the 2023 WRX sedan in base, Premium, Limited and GT trims. Each comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (271 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) requiring premium fuel. It powers all four wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (the automaker calls the CVT automatic a Subaru Performance Transmission). Compare the 2023 Subaru WRX trim levels in-depth.
Which WRX trim does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the Premium trim. Choosing this version of the car maximizes the WRX's value equation while supplying access to appealing features such as 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, the top-shelf infotainment system and a premium sound system.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$233/mo for WRX Base
WRX Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2023 Subaru WRX has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #41 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above 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
$748/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
0.56x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
20.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 23V754000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- WRP-23
- Manufactured from:
- 2023-09-04 to 2023-09-14
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3732
- Defect Description:
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- Defect Consequence:
- A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Subaru WRX Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(87%)
4(0%)
3(10%)
2(0%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
The Indominus WRX (base model review)
5 out of 5 starsRush2112, 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)
5 out of 5 starsFlynn 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 … the car (not exaggerating). My premium manual trim cost $33k which I feel is a very good deal for what the car comes with. My brother had a 2017 WRX Premium and upgraded to a 2021 STI and both I've test drove, but the tuning of the 2022 and in all areas (interior, engine -power delivery, handling, tech) is just better. Are there any other car brand/model that'll offer what the WRX can (270hp, AWD) starting at $30k? Probably not. No, it's not as fast as the Elantra N, does not have the gas efficiency of a Civic SI, or excellent interior like the Mazda 3, but if you are looking for sporty, practical, and fun sedan, the 2022 WRX is a wonderful bang for the buck car!
Absolutely not what automotive press claims!
5 out of 5 starsIodoxy, 08/13/2023
2023 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
First of all Rush2112's review is spot on. Here is what you read online: ugly, slower than last version, no STi, not as fast as an Elantra N or CTR, yada, yada, yada. Here is what you get: A powerful driver's car for $30k with AWD. My '19 Q5 was killed by a deer, and I was looking for an AWD sports sedan for the NW PA winters. With my kids almost all driving now, I wanted to get … back to a car for me rather than a CUV/SUV for a part-time family hauler.
My WRX is a Premium, with the Harmon Kardon stereo and moonroof with a 6 Spd. manual.
First of all I think it is a gorgeous car and looks better than the last generation. Mine is the Silica Black. The amount of cladding is no different than my wife's Ascent, which the automotive press had no issues with. Here in NW PA most roads out of town are tar&chipped, and this keeps the painted work free of dings and scratches. The WRX looks like everything else Subaru, which is a good thing because Subaru still believes in making its vehicles look unique. They have always been frumpy and quirkly looking, they are not street show cars. Everything else looks like a bubble. No one will mistake a WRX for anything else.
Second, this is not a drag racing car. The automotive press, especially in the US is obsessed with drag racing. Sorry, if that is what you like, you will live an unhappy life, and never be satisfied with any car, as someone will just have those extra $$$ that you don't and leave you in the dust. I autocrossed through the 90s, and spent tons of time on track days and time-to-distance events. Find a car that makes you smile driving, and that you can learn the art of driving, and you'll be more satisfied for your money. The 0-60 numbers from C&D and others are from people who don't own the car who can do clutch drops and abuse the F out of the car. Don't fall for the numbers game.
The transmission. The torque is amazing, and the clutch is light, direct and incredibly predictable. A new driver of manuals will pick this up easily. I had the STi shifter installed on delivery and it makes a huge difference in tightness. Pushing into each gear has definite tactile feedback. The gears are short, and remind me of the 99.5 Audi A4 I had, where you won't reach 60 in 2nd. Even in 6th gear you are at 2k rpm at 55-60. Yes the mpg is not stellar, but this car is always AWD, and is tuned for the close ratios.
The engine. Roars on startup. If you want a quiet car, this is not the one for you. The cold exhaust does drone for 1-2 minutes after start up at idle. After that it is sheer rumble when you are on the gas, and quiet when you are not. There is a hint of turbo noises, but nothing obnoxious. At my age I still love a rumbling exhaust, but not a fan of turbo noises (those are for the younger set). The engine has almost no lag. The 2.4L could pull the car on its own with no turbo and probably still put down a 7 sec 0-60. That and the twin scroll turbo make any lag minimal. My last car ('19 Q5) had far more lag. Car pulls from 2k all the way to redline linearly. Revs drop immediately on letting off gas to shift. Everything under the hood is accessible (except spark plugs, obviously). My wife's Ascent limited has a cheap prop rod for the hood, the WRX has a pair of real pressurized struts.
Tuning. I tuned my last three turbo cars, but to tell you the truth, I am going to leave this one stock other than an AWE exhaust, some Red Stuff pads and some dress up items. The Audis and Volvos I just had lacked any sense of speed, they were too quiet, too smooth too refined to enjoy any bit of the driving experience. 100 MPH and you thought you were doing 50. This car engages you in the driving experience, and I think it has all the power it needs. I also want to keep the warranty and still drive it hard. That is more genius from Subaru, as this engine has more headroom for tuning, but also gives stock power at lower boost than the previous model. We have 70k in our Ascent and no issues (CVT is another issue). The Ascent has more boost at lower rpm to increase towing torque and moving a bigger vechicle. The WRX works at lower boost peak, but shifts that to higher rpm to get more hp. Ascent takes 87 octane, the WRX takes 91.
Interior. Simple and livable. I can't fault my Q5 or the Audi virtual cockpit, that was flawless. But really once all those gizmos are set up the way you want, you simply need rpm, speed, coolant and oil temperature and won't bother with anything else. The WRX instrument display is straightforward and direct. Two big analog gauges for tach and speedo, and a changeable middle display for instant mpg, average mpg/range, tire pressure, media and then the turbo boost gauge that has a peak function. The 11.5" middle display combines the three from my wife's Ascent into one. A top 1/6 of the screen that scrolls L/R for media and a display for coolant temp, oil temp and average speed is cool. The main screen has the coolest feature in that it will do portrait mode of Apple car play. Bottom 1/6 of screen is HVAC controls, and YES, SUBARU FIXED THE HEATED SEAT CONTROLS!!! One push and you toggle through the heated seat levels, just like a physical button. Physical buttons are there for auto temp and volume, and push to pause music. Yes, the looks of the system are a little Windows Vista era, and I would beg Subaru to allow users to personalize background color and fonts (Volvo does that better than anyone). The system has been labelled as laggy by some reviews, but it is faster than in our '19 Ascent by a long shot.
Seats have great side bolsters for cornering that really hold you in. I'm tall and thin, and can see how a larger person may think they are too tight. Lumbar support actually gives me backaches, so I'm happy without it. Seats raise/lower, setback angle and front back, that's it. Moonroof is simple, but I wish controls were backlit, no biggie. I did have the LED interior lights as an option. No rear seat ducts for HVAC, don't see where that saved Subaru any money, but the car is small enough that it should not be an issue come winter. I can comfortably sit in the rear seat behind my driver seat (I'm 6'0").
Visibitliy is awesome.
Comfort. This is a sports sedan with a suspension made for a dirt track, you are not going to get a comfy detached ride. Buy another car for that. You will feel the road. Is it obnoxious or painful? No way. But the ride should be expected in this type of car. Big impacts ARE smoothed better than a comfy car, little undulations are really what you will feel in return.
Handling? A dream. All reviews of electric steering have been poor from Audi, BMW, etc. don't expect miracles from Subaru in a $30 car. I find no issues with knowing where the car is pointed vs. wheel position, and I used to amateur race. Car corners flat, and with the summer rubber will scare most drivers long before it lets go. Subaru opted for understeer at the limit, which is probably wise. I haven't pushed mine to that limit yet, but we'll see.
Trunk and storage are fine. Only quibble is the center armrest is a joke. I think they cut back since most people get manuals and you don't want your elbow constantly bumping a big console. For the lack of rear ductwork, Subaru could have put some cupholders in back (other than the ones in the rear armrest).
Subaru has a hit!!!
Go Drive It - you'll be glad you did...
5 out of 5 starsMarky_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 … premium 6 spd, and I'm ecstatic! I didn't plan on getting black, but it looked way better to me in person than the silver or blue - the black cladding on the fenders is more noticeable on the non-black cars. My neighbors love it, and they're not even sure what it is. The new platform is an improvement in every respect, and the ride is more refined, while still firm and sporty. The 6 spd is a joy to shift, and a huge improvement over my last stick (2005 STI). This car is marginally bigger than my 2015, but seems larger inside because the space is better utilized. The front seats are more comfortable too. From 1900 rpm to redline, you get maximum linear torque. I had to pay sticker, but until recently that was just a dream. I'm not sure why people are bashing this car in online reviews. There are MANY good reasons why the 2022 WRX only stays on a dealer's lot for an average of 8 days, an industry low.
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.
2023 WRX Features & Specs
Base
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $30,605 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $233/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.5 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9%
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