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2023 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2023 Subaru WRX is a rear-seat safety update: all three seating positions have head restraints, and the outer restraints are larger. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with the same four trims, turbo engine, AWD system, transmissions, styling, and cabin technology as 2022.
About the 2023 Subaru WRX
5th generation WRX, second model year of the all-new 2022 redesign.
Subaru positions the WRX as a rally-bred street sedan that mixes real performance with year-round usability. Its core appeal is simple: turbo power, standard AWD, sharp steering, and a sport-tuned chassis, but with four doors, a usable back seat, and fold-down rear seatbacks. Against front-drive sport compacts, the WRX’s big differentiator is standard AWD and a more all-weather personality, while still keeping the driver-focused feel that Subaru ties closely to its motorsports history.
The four-trim lineup runs from the straightforward base WRX to the more comfort-focused Premium and Limited. Premium adds an 11.6-inch touchscreen and heated front seats, while Limited brings navigation, upgraded audio, and more upscale upholstery. The automatic-only GT sits at the top with adjustable suspension, selectable drive settings, Recaro front sport seats, and a forward-collision and adaptive-cruise safety suite.
What changed, by category
Safety
All three rear seating positions received head restraints, and the two outer restraints were enlarged to meet updated IIHS whiplash requirements.
2023 Subaru WRX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Performance w/Manual Mode | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 271 hp | 271 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2023 Subaru WRX compared with the 2022 model?
The rear head restraints changed for 2023. All three rear seating positions have restraints, and the outer two are larger; the engine, AWD system, transmissions, four-trim range, styling, chassis, and cabin technology otherwise carry over from 2022.
Did the 2023 Subaru WRX get a different engine?
No. The 2023 WRX keeps the 271-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine from 2022, along with standard AWD and the same transmission availability.
Does the 2023 Subaru WRX still have a manual transmission?
Yes. A manual transmission remains in the 2023 lineup, including on the Limited trim. The GT is automatic-only and uses paddle shifters with an eight-speed manual mode.
What distinguishes the 2023 Subaru WRX GT?
The 2023 WRX GT is the automatic-only top trim with electronically adjustable suspension, selectable drive settings, Recaro front sport seats, automatic rear braking, and a forward-collision and adaptive-cruise safety suite.
Is the 2023 Subaru WRX meaningfully different from the 2022 model?
No, not in most respects. The revised rear head restraints are the meaningful update, while the powertrain, styling, chassis, technology, and trim range remain largely the same.
2023 Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Subaru WRX.
4.5
2023 Subaru WRX
(66 reviews)
“The bass WRX is a really good value if you want a comfortable hot rod later in life.”
“So much fun to drive. Quick, responsive, tight handling, smooth transmission, and a solid clutch. You can really tell Subaru went to work on this car to make big improvements from the last generation on pretty much every aspect of the car. If you want an old school sports car with modern tech and amenities this is the car for you.”