2023 Subaru WRX hatchback

The sporty Subaru WRX arrived as a fully redesigned model in 2022. The full redesign saw the sedan get an updated design, a more powerful turbocharged engine, a new platform, and a new interior design. After arriving as a fully redesigned model for 2022, we expect the 2023 Subaru WRX to be a carryover model.

Subaru recently announced that to meet the needs of the changing marketplace there are no more plans to produce the WRX STI model on the current generation platform. In other words, there will not be a WRX STI with an internal combustion engine. However, this is not to say that the performance variant will never see the light of day again. Perhaps Subaru will bring it back as an EV in the future.

As a carryover model, the 2023 WRX will have the same overall design as the current model that’s on sale. The WRX wears an aggressive design that starts off with a sharp front end. The sedan features angular headlights and a chiseled front bumper. Quad exhaust outlets, triangular taillights, and a prominent rear bumper are found at the back. The WRX’s wide fenders, body cladding, and massive hood scoop are signs of the sedan’s history in rallying.

The interior of the WRX receives an impressive overhaul for 2022. The sedan has a familial design with Subaru’s other vehicles, featuring a dashboard that’s designed around the vertically oriented touchscreen and a minimalist look with few buttons. With red accents, faux carbon-fiber trim, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, the WRX has a few sporty touches on the inside. As a carryover model, the 2023 WRX should have the same interior design as the 2022 model.

Subaru hasn’t confirmed all of the 2022 WRX’s tech features yet. The most impressive piece of kit is an available 11.6-inch touchscreen that’s vertically oriented. Features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, navigation, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are available. All of the 2022 WRX’s tech features will remain the same for the 2023 model year.

Under the hood, the current WRX features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine is rated at 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available. Every WRX comes with standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain should carry over unchanged for 2023.

2022 Subaru WRX models with the available CVT come with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite as standard. The safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency steering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. WRX sedans with the standard manual transmission miss out on a lot of these features. We don’t expect to see any changes for the 2023 model year.

Price: We expect the 2023 Subaru WRX to have a starting price of about $30,000.

Fresh from a complete redesign only last year, we expect the 2023 Subaru WRX sports sedan should roll into its latest model year with only minor updates to color and trim options.

The WRX has long served as Subaru’s calling card when it comes to thrilling handling and race-bred driving manners. That’s correct, despite being based on the humble Impreza compact sedan, the WRX has a long and storied history in the world of rally racing.

Previous iterations were known for being a riot to drive, but difficult to live with on a daily basis. Subaru has refined the edges of the WRX without going too soft on us, thankfully.

Under the hood is a 271-horsepower flat-4 engine, a powertrain that helps keep the center of gravity low and improves steering responses. While the WRX still has all the race-honed thrills from before, the new model is more refined in how it copes with uneven pavement and feels less frantic from behind the steering wheel.

And did we nearly get this far and forget to mention the standard all-wheel-drive hardware? It gives the WRX leech-like grip, especially when powering around corners, along with a degree of all-season practicality.

Ironically, the range-topping GT trim means going with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that’s available on other trims, but standard on the GT. WRX purists will staunchly stick with the 6-speed manual gearbox in lower trims, though it’s worth noting the CVT also brings along added active safety features and, in the GT, a set of driver-selectable adaptive dampers.

The cabin of the 2023 WRX reminds you this is a performance machine thanks to its heavily-bolstered seats and flat-bottom steering wheel. But there is also plenty of room for adults to get comfortable, and the trunk measures in at a handy 12.5 cubic feet in capacity.

If you’re still not feeling satisfied for some reason, the WRX STI has even more horsepower and provides a true road-legal rally car feel. We’ll have more data and details about the STI version once Subaru divulges them closer to the car’s on-sale date.

2023 Subaru WRX Pricing

We expect the base version of the 2023 Subaru WRX all-wheel-drive sedan will have a starting price of about $30,000.

In addition to the standard model, there are four additional trims: Premium, Limited, and GT. These should range in price from between $32,000 to $37,000.

As for the WRX STI, don’t expect much (if any) change from a car buying budget of $40K.

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Will Subaru make a WRX hatchback again?

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