Subaru’s 2023 WRX AWD compact sedan is the answer to Gen Zs driving desires and tuners love it. But it can still double as a family driver – albeit with zest and spirit.
WRX is derived from its rally racing heritage and sized equivalent to Suby’s Impreza sedan. It differs significantly as it’s built on a sport-tuned suspension with quick ratio dual pinion electric power assist steering and adaptive dampers with selectable Comfort, Normal and Sport modes.
Offered in Base, Premium, Limited and top-line GT that we tested, WRX is one of the few sedans offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. Our test car came with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that Subaru calls a Performance Transmission. With Drive Mode Select, the driver can configure steering feel and damper settings. And with WRX’s Si-Drive, there are up to 430 different customizable options, says Subaru.
WRX has a fast look with its large front air vents at its belt line and wide functional hood scoop. A massive cladded rear bumper accents the stainless-steel quad exhaust tips along with a subtle trunk lip spoiler for a sporty, racy look.
WRX’s interior continues the racy look with a flat-bottom steering wheel, paddle shifters, brushed aluminum pedals and Recaro sueded leather front seats that snug the torso every so securely for spirited driving. They’re so supportive that my belt-mounted cell phone holder caught the edge of the confining seat and broke the first time I got into the WRX.
What really grabs the eyes is the large 11.6-inch vertical infotainment screen that controls many features and functions including the audio, climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, satellite radio, navigation, Travel Link with traffic/weather apps, rearview camera and more. But it could be a bit frustrating in that to turn on the heated seats you must tap the seat heater icon then go to the seat heater screen, then adjust the desired three position settings of 1, 2 or 3. A single mechanical switch that most cars offer would be easier and preferred. The only thing missing was a wireless phone charger although receptacles are offered for wired charging.
Rear seats offer easy ingress/egress as they’re comfy and not confining for two adults or three youngsters as a high transaxle hump negates decent leg room for the center passenger.
Back in the 12.5 cubic foot trunk, it has a load depth of 38.5 inches or 66 when folding down the rear seatbacks. Beneath the trunk floor is a hard foam insert to stow small items and houses the tire inflator kit.
But the real enticement comes from WRXs potent 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that develops 271-hp and 258 lb/ft of torque for EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 city, 25-highway mpg. This mileage is somewhat surprising since the larger, heavier BMW M340i xDrive (AWD) we recently tested was rated at 23 city, 32-highway mpg for the 3.0-liter six-cylinder under the hood. But WRX exhibited a quick and exhilarating explosion of power with a tad of turbo lag at low rpms. The mode switch offers S, S-Plus, Mode C and Normal settings.
The sound emanating from the quad pipes under full, even half throttle is sweet music to the ears.
Handling wise, WRX can be tossed in the turns and remains planted. Credit for that goes to Subaru’s proven AWD system and active torque vectoring wherein the system can send torque to a single wheel plus it gives added torque to the outside wheels when cornering for extra stability.
Ride wise on Michelin 18-inch wheels is on the taut side but not jarring. Unimproved rail crossing bumps can be felt in the cabin as can pronounced highway tar strips. But after all, WRX is a sports sedan with beefed up suspension.
There were no extra options as a long list of convenience and safety items are standard. The list includes EyeSight system with automatic emergency steering, brake override system and safety pedal system, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, remote keyless entry (doors will automatically unlock when nearing the car with the fob in a pocket), tire pressure monitoring and more. As such, the base price of $41,895 bottom lines at $42,890 with delivery.
WRX comes with a 3 year/36K mile basic, 5/60K powertrain, 5/Unlimited rust prevention, 3/36K 24/7 roadside assistance.
Subaru’s WRX is not only a sportster, but can serve nicely as a family sedan. If owning a pickup,