Used 2023 Subaru WRX

We continue to be amazed at the WRX’s performance chops and are thrilled it is still tame enough to drive on a daily basis. Active torque vectoring contributes to the WRX’s surefootedness in twists and turns. It is also one of the very few sedans today in which you can still stir the transmission manually.

Sedate, stately, and subtle are three adjectives we’d never use to describe the WRX. It’s a fierce barnstormer for enthusiasts who are more passionate about the drive than the destination. Yet, the WRX is refined enough to haul the princess to her piano lessons or go to the grocery store for a gallon of milk.

Subaru engineered the WRX to tackle the track. This is evident in its rather flat torque curve from 2,000 rpm all the way up to 5,200 rpm, near where its maximum of 271 horsepower resides. What that means is we had plenty of acceleration in reserve even as we continued giving the turbocharged 4-cylinder more throttle. Moreover, the sport-tuned suspension in the first three trim levels keeps this careening missile well-planted in the curves. Opting for the WRX GT brings with it adaptive dampers that further contribute to stability at speed.

As if that weren’t enough, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system includes active torque vectoring that distributes engine torque to the wheel or wheels where it will do the most good. When cornering, the system knows to send more torque to the outside wheels while slowing the rotation of the inside wheels to improve cornering stability. In foul weather, the same system determines which wheel or wheels have grip and ushers in the engine torque to them. It’s a totally seamless system that allowed us to concentrate on the traffic around us.

If you want the full sport-car treatment, the WRX GT delivers. It even includes uber-supportive Recaro front seats. However, at its core, the WRX is a sedan that seats up to five. Easy to live with, the instrumentation and controls are sensibly placed. The seats are comfortable, and there is plenty of elbow room. Its rear seats provides 36.5 inches of legroom. This falls neatly between the VW Golf GTI and the Hyundai Elantra N. The WRX’s tidy 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space isn’t as much as either of our named rivals, but we found it practical enough for typical family errands.

Displaying two styling cues alerting curb standers that something special is scooting by them are the large, functional hood scoop and the dual exhaust outlets with stainless steel tips. Otherwise, most folks won’t realize the WRX is anything but another small 4-door. Well, as long as you don’t notice the roar of its exhaust.

Turbocharged Engine
It produces 271 horsepower, the most muscle a WRX sold in the United States has ever had. It also delivers 258 lb-ft of torque. Its flat design lowers the WRX’s center of gravity for better cornering.

All-Wheel Drive
Standard on every WRX, Subaru’s setup allows the AWD system to distribute engine torque where it will be most effective.

Active Torque Vectoring
Taking full advantage of the AWD system, active torque vectoring can send all or some engine torque to a single wheel. It also gives more torque to the outside wheels when cornering, making them rotate faster than the inside wheels for additional stability. In our experience with the WRX, we found its cornering positively exhilarating.

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Using photosensors, this mirror recognizes bright headlights closing in from behind, then automatically dims their reflection.

Proximity Keyless Entry
Standard on the Premium and higher trims, this allows your doors to automatically unlock as long as the key fob is on your person.

All Weather Package
Standard beginning with the Premium grade, this package includes 3-mode heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a windshield de-icer.

One small drawback to the punchy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powering the WRX is that it requires premium gasoline to deliver optimum performance. We think it’s a small price to pay for its thundering acceleration.

On all but the top-of-the-line WRX GT, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Included on the GT and a $1,850 upcharge for the lower trims is an automatic transmission. Although we appreciate the added control of performing shifts ourselves, there is good reason to opt for the automatic. Doing so adds a bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies like forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. If such advanced technologies and a manual transmission are must haves, Subaru provides both in 2024 WRX models.

2.4-liter turbocharged flat 4-cylinder engine
271 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,200 rpm
Fuel economy: 22 mpg (19 city, 26 highway) manual; 21 mpg (19 city, 25 highway) automatic

More WRX fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Subaru protects the WRX with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is about average for new cars in general. However, the Golf GTI and the Elantra N do better and include some complimentary scheduled maintenance, which isn’t part of the WRX’s warranty protection.