DecodedCars2023 Subaru WRX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Sport 4dr Sedan, Sport Eyesight 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 271 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,340–3,530 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 271 hp, versus about 201 hp for similar 2023 models.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints9 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 37 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 19% below the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Subaru WRX is a midsize car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,340 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 19% worse than the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 WRX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 WRX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 WRX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,340 lb | 60/40 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,411 lb | 60/40 |
| Sport Eyesight 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 72 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,530 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -19% | $3,750 | 407 |
| WRX | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -22% | $3,900 | 419 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9% |
Similar 2023 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru WRX (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V754000 · 4,701 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- Risk
- A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Not every 2023 Subaru WRX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Subaru WRX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru WRX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other WRX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 3 |
| 2024 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2022 WRX | 22 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2021 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 13 |
| 2020 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2019 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 31 |
| 2018 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2017 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 53 |
| 2016 WRX | 23 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 WRX | 24 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →