2023 Subaru WRX in RI

2023 subaru forester

Overview

The WRX is not just another performance sedan. Subaru’s long history of successful motorsport rally competition has continuously inspired this extremely fun-driving four-door and informed its design, helping the model build cult status. It’s no surprise that a manual transmission still comes standard – after all, true driving enthusiasts wouldn’t have it any other way. The 2023 WRX also gets a track-tuned suspension, bolstered front seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and an all-wheel drivetrain that’s engineered for top performance. The Subaru Global Platform’s high-strength steel lends excellent rigidity and torsional stiffness to the WRX’s chassis while also keeping the cabin quieter than you’d expect. And, as a safety improvement for this model year, whiplash-mitigating head restraints have been added to the back seats.

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Trims, Powertrain, and Performance

You’ll have a quartet of choices with the 2023 Subaru WRX, which comes in Base, Premium, Limited, and GT trims. A 271-horsepower (258 lb.-ft. of torque) twin-scroll turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine puts the thrills into the powertrain, which is completed with either the standard short-throw six-speed manual transmission or the available continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters that enable eight speeds in manual mode (the GT only comes with the CVT). All-wheel drive is standard, but the version in the GT boasts variable torque vectoring. With the manual, the EPA estimates that the WRX will achieve 19 mpg around town and 26 mpg on the highway. The CVT will change highway fuel economy to 25 mpg.

Base

The Base isn’t as simple as its name makes it sound, especially with track-inspired attributes such as sport front seats (manually adjustable), a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather with red contrast stitching, summer performance tires on 17-inch wheels, and an analog instrument cluster with electroluminescent gauges. It works well as a daily driver with remote keyless entry, automatic climate control (one zone), and automatic on/off LED headlights. The STARLINK infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen that controls the smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and sound system with six speakers. Two front-row USB data ports and a 12V power outlet are included.

Besides the newly added anti-whiplash headrests for the back seat, the Base trim’s safety-related features include High Beam Assist (automatic high beams), a rear vision camera, and a full complement of airbags. The optional Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology will equip the Base trim with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure and sway warning, and lane keeping assist.

Premium

The Premium gets a series of upgrades designed to make wintertime driving more pleasant. Those features are heated front seats, heated side mirrors, a second climate-control zone, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Subaru also supplies it with standard LED fog lights, 18-inch wheels, a trunk-mounted spoiler, proximity access with push-button start, aluminum-alloy sport pedals, and illuminated vanity mirrors. An audio upgrade to a Harmon Kardon unit with 11 speakers is available, and two second-row USB charge ports are added at this trim level. The EyeSight Driver Assist suite remains optional.

Limited

Steering-responsive headlights are one of the most notable features on this nicely equipped trim, which also gets a moonroof, upgraded side mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and seating with simulated-suede accents. The infotainment touchscreen increases to 11.6 inches, and navigation, voice recognition, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (optional in the Premium trim) are added. Blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert join the list of safety features; Subaru EyeSight and reverse automatic braking are optional.

GT

Although Subaru doesn’t build the GT with the old-school stickshift, it nevertheless stands out with its special performance management system, drive-mode selector, sport-tuned suspension with electronically controlled dampers, and variable torque-vectoring AWD system. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the Recaro performance front seats and wheels finished in matte gray. Subaru EyeSight comes standard, equipping the GT with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane departure and sway warning, and lane keeping assist. It also gets blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. The infotainment array is the same as the Premium trim gets: an 11.6 inches touchscreen with all of the base features plus voice recognition, navigation, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (optional in the Premium trim).