Among other higher-performing (but not high-performance) sedans, the 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.
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.
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.
Cost to DriveCost 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
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
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Among other higher-performing (but not high-performance) sedans, the 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Storage
7.0/10
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.
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.
Wildcard
9.0/10
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.
Which WRX 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.
Subaru WRX models
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).
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.
"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!
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.
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.
Last year, Hyundai unleashed the remarkably satisfying Elantra N sport sedan, which the automaker tuned on Germany's fabled Nürburgring Nordschleife under the direction of the former boss of BMW's M division. It lacks the Subaru's all-wheel-drive system but is otherwise a legit alternative to the WRX thanks to comparable power and a choice between manual and dual-clutch transmissions. Everything is standard, too, making the Elantra N a better value, even before factoring in the Elantra's superior warranty, complimentary maintenance and generous connected-services trial period.
On paper, the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo appears to target the same type of driver as the Subaru WRX. Both vehicles employ turbocharged four-cylinder engines and standard all-wheel drive, but the Mazda aspires to attract customers who would otherwise choose an entry-level luxury car. As such, it comes with an upscale interior, a standard automatic transmission, and a smoother, more refined driving experience. Unlike the WRX, the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo comes in both sedan and hatchback body styles.
At a glance, the Volkswagen Golf R appears to be far more expensive than the Subaru WRX. However, Volkswagen equips its five-door hatchback with every available feature, so it is best to compare this turbocharged, all-wheel-drive VeeDub with the WRX GT. That won't completely erase the price disparity, but the Golf R's extra power, more upscale interior, and the added practicality of its hatchback body style might be worth the extra cost.
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 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
9%
2023 Subaru WRX First Impressions
by the Edmunds Experts
•1/28/2022
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.
FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 WRX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 WRX gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the WRX has 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru WRX. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Subaru WRX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Subaru WRX:
New rear seat headrests
Part of the fifth WRX generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Subaru WRX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the WRX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the WRX's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Subaru WRX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Subaru WRX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 WRX and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 WRX gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 WRX is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Subaru WRX?
The least-expensive 2023 Subaru WRX is the 2023 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $30,605.
Other versions include:
4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $30,605
4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $32,455
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $33,105
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $35,155
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $37,495
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $39,745
GT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $43,395
If you're interested in the Subaru WRX, the next question is, which WRX model is right for you? WRX variants include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of WRX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more