2023 Subaru WRX — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sports

2023 Subaru WRX

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,170–$39,937
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sports
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Subaru WRX

Engine2.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG19 / 25 MPG
Combined MPG21 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,650
CO₂ Emissions419 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSports
Base Price$31,170–$39,937

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Subaru WRX

With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2023 Subaru WRX earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.5/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.7/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.6/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

The 8.5/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $31,170–$39,937, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru WRX sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. Value lands at 7.4/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Subaru WRX as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sportss

The 2023 Subaru WRX ranks #154 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 52% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $31,170 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 32%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →

Which WRX Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Subaru WRX scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.8/10$33,099 Read review →
2025 7.8/10$33,099 Read review →
2024 7.6/10$32,135 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.7/10$31,170
2022 7.6/10$30,206 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$29,242 Read review →
2020 7.5/10$28,278 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$27,314 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$26,350 Read review →
2017 7.4/10$25,386 Read review →
2016 7.2/10$24,422 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$23,458 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Subaru WRX

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Subaru WRX (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft
09/11/2023 · 23V754000
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.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2023 Subaru WRX

Is the 2023 Subaru WRX reliable?

We rate the 2023 Subaru WRX's reliability 7.7/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2023 Subaru WRX worth buying?

It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #154 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 52% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Subaru WRX cost?

The 2023 Subaru WRX starts at $31,170 and ranges up to $39,937 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Subaru WRX

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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