2023 SUBARU WRX | JF1VBAL69P9820787

Body Styles

The 2022 WRX is a compact four-door sedan with crossover-inspired design cues and a wider, lower stance than before. Its pronounced fender flares, hexagonal grille, and air vents on the rear bumper lend it an aggressive look, while the controversial black cladding around the wheel arches and lower body visually lowers the silhouette. The fastback roofline and short overhangs contribute to a muscular yet compact profile, and a rear decklid spoiler adds subtle downforce without overwhelming the design. Measuring just under 4.7 meters in length with increased width and track over the previous model, it delivers a planted appearance that hints at rally-inspired proportions.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name WRX continues to stand for "World Rally eXperimental", reaffirming the model’s motorsport roots. With every generation, Subaru reinforces this connection, developing the WRX as a direct descendant of its rally championship efforts.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The latest generation of the WRX is offered in a focused yet expressive selection of exterior colors that reflect both its rally-inspired legacy and its more mature design direction. The standout shade is Solar Orange Pearl, a vibrant, high-saturation tone exclusive to this generation that immediately distinguishes it from any WRX before. This fiery hue is complemented by other signature Subaru finishes such as WR Blue Pearl, a timeless motorsport favorite, alongside more restrained and metallic options like Magnetite Gray, Ice Silver, Crystal White, and Crystal Black Silica. Crimson Red Pearl introduces a deep, luxurious alternative for drivers seeking a bolder yet sophisticated look. The sharp contrast between the sculpted sheet metal and the matte black cladding that surrounds the wheel arches and rocker panels visually enhances each color choice, intensifying the WRX’s wide, planted stance.

Inside, the cabin balances functional simplicity with performance-driven detail. Black dominates the overall theme, but orange contrast stitching appears on the seats, steering wheel, and shifter boot in higher trims, echoing exterior tones like Solar Orange Pearl. Depending on the variant, seats are finished in high-grip woven cloth or Ultrasuede with leather bolsters, offering both comfort and lateral support during spirited driving. The dashboard features a mix of soft-touch surfaces and metallic textures, while decorative panels finished in brushed aluminum or carbon-style inserts add visual rhythm without overwhelming the driver-focused environment. Accent lighting, digital displays, and the new vertical touchscreen interface contribute to a more immersive and modern interior atmosphere, while still retaining analog performance cues that long-time WRX fans appreciate.

Wheel designs vary distinctly across trims, underscoring the WRX’s dual nature as both a street-ready performance sedan and an all-weather companion. Base models ride on simple yet purposeful 17-inch alloys in silver or dark metallic tones, optimized for ride compliance and light weight. Moving up the range, Premium and Limited versions are equipped with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels featuring machine-cut faces with gloss black accents. At the top, the GT trim introduces exclusive 18-inch matte gray Y-spoke wheels with a turbine-like design that visually widens the car’s stance and reinforces its muscular fender arches. Across all variants, the wheels are designed not only for aesthetics but for aerodynamic stability and improved brake cooling, blending function with aggressive form.

Top Expensive Options

• GT Trim with Adaptive Suspension: $2,400
• Ultrasuede Performance Seats with Orange Stitching: $1,200
• Harman Kardon 11-Speaker Premium Audio: $1,400
• 18-inch Matte Gray Alloy Wheels: $1,000
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (CVT only): $900
• Power Sunroof with Tilting Glass Panel: $900
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: $650
• Navigation with STARLINK 11.6-inch Display: $1,200
• LED Steering Responsive Headlights: $700
• Keyless Access with Push Button Start: $650

vs Competitors

In the modern sport compact segment, the WRX faces off against front-wheel-drive rivals like the Hyundai Elantra N, Honda Civic Si, and VW GTI. What sets it apart is Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, providing unmatched year-round grip and performance potential, especially in wet or snowy conditions. While the WRX may not feel as agile as the Elantra N or as refined as the GTI, its rally-bred foundation delivers superior traction and a more mechanical connection with the road. The manual transmission is retained in most trims, preserving driver engagement where competitors move toward dual-clutch automatics. The new platform offers greater comfort and tech without diluting its core identity. Against more premium sport sedans like the Audi S3 or BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the WRX undercuts on price while offering true AWD and a more rugged, performance-first character.

Fun Fact

The 2022 WRX is the first in the nameplate’s history to be built on the Subaru Global Platform—a modular architecture shared with the Outback, Forester, and Ascent. This switch allows for a 28% increase in torsional rigidity and a 75% improvement in suspension mounting stiffness, giving the new WRX a more planted feel while setting the stage for potential electrification in future generations.