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2023 Subaru WRX Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
27 reviews

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$29,972
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 WRX, so we've included reviews for other years of the WRX since its last redesign.
5 out of 5 stars

The Indominus WRX (base model review)

Rush2112, 08/08/2022
updated 02/15/2023
2022 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
54 of 58 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

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

Flynn Joseph, 12/20/2022
updated 06/21/2023
2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

"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!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

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

Marky_Mark, 10/07/2022
updated 04/26/2023
2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful

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.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Stealth speedster

JDW, 10/29/2022
2022 Subaru WRX Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Dont listen to the salty fanboys

Louis, 10/21/2022
2022 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful

This car drives great. BMW is not the only ultimate driving machine and this car proves that. The turbo sounds like a quiet vacuum when activated but the car goes and the turbo activates as low as 2500 RPM. The cladding looks good w darker colors (got mine in black) and not only that but it gives the car a rugged look. Only thing i dont like is that the stock radio on the base model doesnt play well w apple car play. The radio will randomly reset itself, even w a wireless carplay adapter. Outside of that i dont regret getting this car. At all.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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