Fresh from its rebirth last year, the 2023 Subaru WRX arrives in showrooms wearing four distinct trim badges. The base WRX offers an excellent performance-to-dollar ratio, appealing to purists who thrive on speed and simplicity. Moving up the trim ladder brings more luxury and high-tech features but also higher price tags.
The WRX derives power from a 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine regardless of trim. Subaru offers a 6-speed manual on all but the top-line GT trim, which comes standard with what Subaru calls a “Subaru Performance Transmission” (SPT). This specially tuned continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) isn’t as responsive as a dual-clutch or stepped-gear transmission. Still, it does the job and comes with a more sophisticated electronic all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.
Performance rivals include the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai Elantra N, neither of which offer all-wheel drive. The VW Golf R and Audi S3 come standard with AWD but have starting prices rivaling a fully loaded WRX GT.
WRX Base
Starts at $30,605| See listings
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Optional sport-tuned CVT with shift paddles
- AWD
- Dual 7-inch screens
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Sport seats with red stitching
- 60/40 split-folding rear seatback
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Dual front USB ports
- Automatic climate control
- 6-speaker audio
- See more
WRX Premium
Starts at $33,105 | See listings
- 11.6-inch multimedia screen
- Heated front seats
- Keyless access/push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED fog lights
- Trunk spoiler
- Heated side mirrors
- Dual rear USB ports
- See more
WRX Limited
Starts at $37,495 | See listings
- Ultrasuede upholstery
- Power driver’s seat
- Navigation
- Moonroof
- 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- Steering-responsive headlights
- Body-color side mirrors with turn signals
- See more
WRX GT
Starts at $43,395 | See listings
- Electronically controlled shock absorbers
- Recaro sport seats
- Subaru Performance Transmission
- Variable torque distribution
- EyeSight safety and technology suite
- SI-Drive engine management
- Four selectable drive modes
- See more
2023 Subaru WRX: $30,605 (manual); $32,455 (automatic)
The base WRX has a 6-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD. When so equipped, the WRX possesses a less sophisticated mechanical AWD setup and removes the standard EyeSight driver-assist systems you get when ordering the automatic.
Additional performance equipment includes a high-flow exhaust, a sport suspension, active torque vectoring, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control with Trac Mode, and incline start assist.
The WRX rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and features wiper-activated automatic on/off LED headlights with automatic high beams, power mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, and a rearview monitor.
The WRX’s interior is basic but functional, with manually adjustable sport front seats, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom tilt/telescoping steering wheel, one-touch up/down front power windows, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and single-zone automatic climate control.
While Subaru’s massive 11.6-inch touchscreen has attracted much attention, you won’t find one in the base WRX. Instead, dual-stacked 7-inch touchscreens control the audio and climate functions.
The top screen gives access to the car’s infotainment system, including an AM/FM radio with six speakers, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio with Travel Link, and Subaru’s Starlink cloud-based apps.
The bottom screen controls the climate, fan speed, and vehicle information.
Opting for the SPT automatic brings the EyeSight suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Checking the box for the automatic deletes the auto-dimming rearview mirror and incline start assist but adds auto-vehicle hold, steering-wheel paddle shifters, SI-Drive modes, and an electronic parking brake.
With the $1,020 destination charge, the 2023 Subaru WRX costs $31,625. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to $597. See 2023 Subaru WRX models for sale near you
2023 Subaru WRX includes:
- 6-speed manual – The WRX’s manual transmission makes it a true enthusiast’s car, giving the driver complete control of gear selection.
- Trac Mode – By shutting off traction control, Trac Mode makes it easier to drift and slide, which is half the fun when running on an enclosed track.
- Available adaptive cruise control – An advanced cruise control system keeps the WRX safe from the car ahead and can change speeds as traffic patterns change.
2023 Subaru WRX Premium: $33,105 (manual); $35,155 (automatic)
The Premium trim continues the base WRX formula of not offering EyeSight driver assistance on manual transmission models.
Building off the base, the Premium adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and a low-profile rear spoiler.
The standard All-Weather Package adds heated side mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icers.
Subaru’s Keyless Access key fob telegraphs your proximity to the car. With the key fob in a purse or pocket, one need only touch the door handle to unlock the vehicle. Once inside, the same fob enables the push-button starter. The system also includes a PIN code if you can’t take your fob with you and need to lock it inside the car (think surfing, hiking, or skiing).
Premium amenities include one-touch up/down windows on all four doors, dual-zone automatic climate control, aluminum pedals, and rear-seat USB-A charge ports.
The Premium’s Multimedia Plus system upgrades to an 11.6-inch touchscreen with the ability to arrange where specific icons appear on the screen. The system also accepts voice commands for controlling the audio and climate controls.
An optional package adds an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a power moonroof.
As with the base model, adding the automatic transmission brings the EyeSight accident-avoidance system, SI-Drive, and paddle shifters, but the Premium also gains a transmission oil cooler.
With the $1,020 destination charge, the 2023 Subaru WRX Premium costs $34,125. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to about $644. See 2023 Subaru WRX Premium models for sale near you
2023 Subaru WRX Premium includes:
- LED fog lights – Bright LED fog lights better illuminate the road when driving in dense fog or heavy rain.
- 11.6-inch display – The Premium’s 11.6-inch touchscreen puts controls at your fingertips and provides a massive display for viewing apps and maps via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
- All-Weather Package – Heated seats are a nice touch, but it’s nicer to have heated side mirrors and front wiper de-icers when driving in winter weather.
2023 Subaru WRX Limited: $37,495 (manual); $39,745 (automatic)
The Limited brings a lot more luxury to the WRX, adding things like a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and built-in GPS navigation.
The Limited gains steering-responsive LED headlights, a blind-spot monitor with lane change assists, rear cross-traffic detection, and a power moonroof.
The Limited’s seats wear Ultrasuede and simulated leather, highlighted by red stitching that adorns the seats, door panels, and dash.
Opting for the automatic transmission brings all the same equipment as found on the Premium trim with the automatic, plus reverse automatic emergency braking.
With the $1,020 destination charge, the 2023 Subaru WRX Limited costs $38,515. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to approximately $727. See 2023 Subaru WRX Limited models for sale near you
2023 Subaru WRX Limited includes:
- 10-way power driver’s seat – Although it has the same thick side bolsters as the Premium’s seats, the Limited’s power driver seat affords more opportunities to find the perfect seating position. And its power lumbar support helps lessen lower back fatigue.
- Harman Kardon audio – The 11-speaker Harman Kardon system delivers superior sound compared to the stock system, with a 504-watt amplifier and powered subwoofer for optimal highs and lows.
- Reverse automatic braking – Available when ordering the automatic transmission, this system warns of objects behind the vehicle when backing up. It can even activate the brakes to help avoid a collision.
2023 Subaru WRX GT: $43,395
The GT is a head-scratcher. It is the best-equipped WRX, featuring upscale enhancements such as Recaro sport seats, electronically controlled shock dampers, and configurable Drive Mode Select settings for the steering, throttle, and shocks.
Yet, for all its performance aspirations, the GT lacks the option of a 6-speed manual, leaving the automatic as the only transmission choice. As paddle-shift CVTs go, it’s sporty but not as engaging as a traditional manual.
Beyond the upgrades mentioned above, the GT shares the same equipment as the Limited with the automatic transmission.
With the $1,020 destination charge, the 2023 Subaru WRX GT costs $44,415. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and zero down, the monthly payment works out to about $838. See 2023 Subaru WRX GT models for sale near you
2023 Subaru WRX GT includes:
- Recaro seats – Performance seats by Recaro hold occupants firmly in place during aggressive driving. They also look fantastic.
- Electronic dampers – Adjustable shock dampers feature Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings.
- Selectable drive modes – The Drive Mode Select system allows up to 430 customization options affecting the steering feel, electronic dampers, and SI-Drive shift points.
