2023 Subaru WRX
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 25 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,650 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 419 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $31,170–$39,937 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
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.
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).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
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.
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Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.