The All-New 2023 Subaru WRX: A Review of Performance, Design, and Technology

The 2023 Subaru WRX is a highly anticipated model. Below, we’ll dive into the exciting features, design, performance and technology that make the 2023 Subaru WRX stand out in its class. From its aggressive styling to its turbocharged engine, the WRX is sure to impress both driving enthusiasts and daily commuters alike. Please join us in evaluating whether the car is a car worth owning or not.

Overeview of the 2023 Subaru WRX

It has been over 30 years since the World Rally Championship last hosted a competition in the United States, and cars influenced by this fast and rugged motorsport are scarce. While the Mitsubishi Evolution ended its raucous run in 2015, its legendary pro-rally competitor, the Subaru WRX, continues to exist in a more subdued form as compared to its previous STI iteration. The WRX is solely available as a four-door sedan (apologies to hatchback enthusiasts) and is powered by a 271-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine paired with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The CVT transmission might be a difficult sell to devoted WRX fans, but it is actually the quickest way to reach 60 mph. Unlike rivals such as the Hyundai Elantra N and Volkswagen GTI, the WRX comes standard with all-wheel drive. Despite driving in a more conservative manner than before, it has not forgotten its origins. Its chassis delivers predictable handling and offers a touch of suppleness over bumps instead of the stiff ride associated with race cars. However, now that American rally fans must live without the high-performance STI variant of the WRX, the Toyota GR Corolla holds the title for the most powerful engine in town.

Subaru has announced that the Subaru WRX will be returning in 2023 without any significant changes. As part of their safety upgrades, Subaru has now equipped all three seating positions with rear-seat head restraints. These restraints have been enlarged to comply with safety regulations aimed at minimizing the risk of whiplash injuries in case of a collision.

See more: 2024 Volvo XC90 Review: A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Performance

Exterior Design of the 2023 Subaru WRX

The 2023 Subaru WRX showcases a bold and aggressive design that is sure to turn heads on the road. With its muscular fenders, prominent grille, and sleek LED headlights, the WRX exudes confidence and athleticism. The wide stance of the vehicle gives it a commanding presence, while the redesigned rear spoiler and dual exhausts add a touch of sportiness. Furthermore, the WRX offers various trim options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to suit their style preferences.

The 2nd generation Subaru WRX 2023 launched at VMS 2022 exudes a sporty style that is not “humble” at all. The car model on display at the event wore a striking yellow outfit, with a hood integrated with a small air vent that looked very sports car-like.

The front of the car is “sculpted” with strong, personality lines. It would be remiss not to praise the aesthetics of the sharp C-shaped front lights. The hexagonal grille adorns a sleek metal slat across the center – all painted glossy black.

The front bumper and air vents are painted matte black, very beautiful and sturdy. The integrated fog light sockets on both sides are both discreet and strong. The front of the car is made from aluminum alloy to help reduce the weight of the car, the design is not too “bulky” but still very attractive, giving it a sporty look.
Moving to the side, the rearview mirrors and door handles are all painted in the same body color, while the underbody and wheel wells are covered with fenders like high-undercarriage cars, adding a unique aggressiveness to the sports sedan.

The car model at VMS 2022 is equipped with standard 18-inch multi-spoke wheels painted black and looks quite “gentle”.

At the rear, the 2023 Subaru WRX shows off its sporty personality with a fastback hood equipped with a fish-fin antenna. The angular C-shaped taillight cluster is reminiscent of the Honda Civic that once captivated many people.

The spoiler on the standard WRX 2023 is not as ostentatious as the WRX STi, but is just a modest one-piece form. However, the rear bumper is thickly clad and extremely aggressive. The two traditional dual exhaust holes are enough to show the terrifying power of the Boxer engine.

The All-New 2024 Acura TLX: A Review of Performance, Design, and Technology

Interior Comfort and Features of the 2023 Subaru WRX

Step inside the 2023 Subaru WRX, and you’ll find a comfortable and driver-focused cabin that blends functionality with modern aesthetics. The high-quality materials and refined finishes create an upscale feel, while the intuitive layout of controls ensures ease of use. The supportive sport seats offer excellent bolstering to keep you firmly in place during spirited driving. Furthermore, the WRX comes equipped with an array of advanced technologies, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system, making each journey enjoyable.

Inside, the WRX shares a resemblance with other modern Subaru models, but it distinguishes itself with carbon-fiber-like accents and red contrast stitching. It features a thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel and a set of analog gauges. The high-end GT trim includes heavily bolstered Recaro front seats covered in microsuede. Additionally, the trunk can be accessed from inside the car through the 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Stepping into the cabin, it is easy to recognize the very typical marks of a racing car: Not flashy, everything is simple and practical, with suede material used delicately, mixed with Outstanding red stitching.

The first impression of the interior of the new generation Subaru WRX may be like that of a popular manual sedan, not a 2 billion VND sports car. However, everything is subtle in the details.

The dashboard is symmetrical, in the center is a large vertical screen with 2 narrow air vents on the side. This is an upgraded entertainment screen from 7 inches in the old generation to 11.6 inches, supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, providing a better visual experience.

Right below is the center pedestal with a traditional gear lever. Glossy black plastic surface, combined with leather details.

3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, sporty beveled bottom, integrated function buttons. The feeling of holding and steering wheel is quite comfortable. Behind is a pair of Analog watches integrated with a high-resolution 4.2-inch LCD multi-information screen. Very “mechanical” but also very sporty.

The front seats are Recaro’s sporty design, covered in Ultrasuede suede with contrasting red stitching, embroidered with a red WRX logo on the headrests. The sitting feeling is extremely tight and very comfortable, different from regular street sedans.

The high-end version also has a sunroof for the front seats, providing a free experience when driving the car.

The rear seats are really cramped, “extremely” like a racing car. The legroom is somewhat modest, the headrest is not comfortable and soft. In return, there is still a separate air vent for this row of seats.

The 2023 Subaru WRX has a luggage compartment capacity of only 414 liters on the sedan version and 492 liters on the wagon version. When folding the entire rear bench, the storage capacity on the wagon can be expanded to a maximum of 1,430 liters – equivalent to its “brother” Forester.

Performance and Handling of the 2023 Subaru WRX

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Subaru WRX truly shines. Under the hood, you’ll find a robust turbocharged engine that delivers exhilarating power and quick acceleration. The standard all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction and stability in various driving conditions, making the WRX a capable performer in any weather. Additionally, the precise steering and well-tuned suspension provide exceptional handling and responsiveness, allowing drivers to confidently tackle winding roads or enjoy spirited driving on the track.

Under the hood of the WRX is a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine. It delivers 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which can be transmitted through either a standard six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). As is customary, all WRX models come with all-wheel drive. For those who choose the automatic transmission, it can be controlled using paddle shifters on the steering wheel and offers three different drive-mode settings. The GT trim, which is only available with the automatic transmission, also includes adaptive dampers. Buyers can also choose between 17- or 18-inch wheels paired with summer performance tires.

We have tested the WRX and were impressed by its smoother ride and improved refinement compared to the previous generation. During our tests, the WRX with the manual transmission accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at a speed of 101 mph. The WRX GT model, equipped with the standard CVT, reached 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, but took slightly longer to complete the quarter-mile at 14.1 seconds, also at 101 mph.

Cutting-Edge Technology of the 2023 Subaru WRX

All WRX models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, with the base model featuring a 7.0-inch display and all other trims boasting a vertically oriented 11.6-inch display. The system primarily relies on touch inputs, but it also includes physical controls for the climate system and stereo. An optional 11-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system is available. In terms of multimedia features, the WRX includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Subaru WRX 2023 also offers many modern technology equipment in the cabin. The first is the STARLINK multimedia system that supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. The central touch screen has also been strongly upgraded from 7 inches to 11.6 inches.

The car also has a “huge” sound system with 11 Harman Kardon speakers integrated with a 504-watt high-performance D-Class amplifier. Bringing a realistic and lively music and entertainment experience like a miniature theater.

Safety Features and Fuel Efficiency of the 2023 Subaru WRX

Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2023 WRX is no exception. The vehicle comes equipped with an impressive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect both occupants and pedestrians. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and more. With these cutting-edge technologies at your disposal, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re protected on every journey.

Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the 2023 Subaru WRX also manages to deliver respectable fuel efficiency. Thanks to its efficient turbocharged engine and advanced engineering, the WRX achieves competitive fuel economy ratings for its class. This means you can enjoy the thrill of driving without sacrificing efficiency or breaking the bank at the fuel pump.

The EPA rates the WRX to deliver a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg with the manual transmission and 21 mpg with the optional CVT automatic. However, during our real-world testing on a 75-mph highway fuel economy route, both the six-speed manual WRX Limited and the automatic WRX GT test vehicles achieved an impressive 28 mpg.

The WRX offers a range of popular driver-assistance technologies, but these features are only available on models equipped with the automatic transmission. For detailed information on the WRX’s crash-test results, please visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Some key safety features include:

• Optional forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Optional lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Optional adaptive cruise control

Similar to new Subaru models, WRX 2023 (automatic version) is also equipped with the advanced driver assistance system EyeSight 4.0 including a series of modern extended features such as:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Maintain lane
• Brake to prevent collisions
• Emergency automatic steering
• Throttle control to avoid collisions
• Driver monitoring,…

Pricing and Trim Options of the 2023 Subaru WRX

The 2023 Subaru WRX offers various trim levels to suit different budgets and preferences. From the base model to the range-topping trims, each variant comes equipped with an impressive array of features and technologies. The pricing for the WRX starts at a competitive level compared to its rivals, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance vehicle without breaking the bank.

We would opt for the Premium model of the WRX, which comes with the standard six-speed manual transmission. This particular model provides a desirable blend of features without becoming overly expensive, unlike the fully equipped GT model that is only available with an automatic transmission.

Specifications

Feelings about 2023 Subaru WRX

The 2023 Subaru WRX exemplifies power, performance, and practicality in one package. With its aggressive styling, comfortable interior, impressive safety features, and exhilarating performance capabilities, the WRX caters to both driving enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable daily driver with a touch of excitement. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling ride or simply want a practical sports sedan that can handle any weather condition with ease, the 2023 Subaru WRX is undoubtedly worth considering.

In the highly competitive compact sports sedan segment, the 2023 Subaru WRX faces tough competition from rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R, and Ford Focus RS. While each competitor brings its own unique strengths to the table, the WRX stands out with its renowned all-wheel-drive system, superior handling dynamics, and excellent reliability record. Additionally, Subaru’s reputation for safety and robust build quality further elevates the appeal of the WRX within its class.

Reference: https://www.subaru.com/

FQA: 2023 Subaru WRX

See more at: Car Care Vip