The tablet-style touchscreen is largely intuitive and there's plenty of personal/charging space.
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Brandon LimauteurMotorTrend staffPhotographer
About six months laterour long-term test of our 2022 Subaru WRX Limited, we have more than enough experience with it in everyday life to talk about its interior and infotainment system. These two items may not be as exciting to investigate asby WRXperformance and driving dynamics, but they are hugely important to typical customers in today's market, regardless of the car in question. Indeed, young buyers may not even remember a time when sporty cars were ratedexclusivelyon their drivability, while their other features and conveniences came a long way second on the checklist of what matters.
Interior design
Subaru WRXThe sedan's interior feels grown-up compared to some of today's crazier, more playful sedan interiors. There is little clutter on the dashboard; the infotainment "tablet" means there aren't many hard, physical buttons used to control various items. On the other hand, in addition to the huge touchscreen that dominates the front of the cabin, the cockpit is quite pedestrian. UsWRX Limitedhas off-color red stitching on the dash, steering wheel, seats and door panels, and red embroidered "WRX" logos on the front headrests to remind you what you're driving, but the interior is generally more subdued and serious than fun and lighthearted. It can overwhelm some people at first glance, or even fourth glance. But while it's a bit bland compared to, say, Hyundai N products or Toyota's GR lineup, the understated layout never comes across as gimmicky, and we expect it to age well and be pleasing to the eye in the long run. eyes will remain.
Interior space
The Subaru WRX Limited offers a relatively spacious cabin, and we and our passengers appreciate that they never feel cramped. Four adults fit in without a problem, and the generous boot swallows plenty of luggage and/or groceries, including enough for outings - we haven't had to share cabin space with luggage yet due to a lack of boot space. Meanwhile, the Subaru's low beltline and flat roof give front and rear passengers a roomy greenhouse and provide decent visibility for rear seat occupants. If you find yourself driving with no occupants, you can carry a huge amount of gear while maintaining a good view to the outside.
Infotainment usability
It's easy to look at the huge 11.6-inch screen and condemn the car trend of replacing almost every real button with what looks like an iPad. But it doesn't take much time for you to realize just how seamless the user experience is while driving. After six months in the car, the screen's vertical orientation combined with extra-large text makes it easy to decipher information quickly. Divided into three different areas for vehicle information (top), media (middle) and HVAC (bottom), it's incredibly quick and easy to adjust various settings and controls with small gestures, as everything on the screen is right at your fingertips.
Like an iPhone, Subaru categorizes its infotainment offerings into apps, bound by square borders. Organized three by three wide, these colorful apps are incredibly simple and straightforward compared to the monotonous color scheme used by some other manufacturers. One result is that your memory of which app is which is driven by the colors of the various visual icons rather than their shapes. This design makes them easy to spot when you're looking at the screen quickly, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road as long.
HVAC controls
Older Subarus had three dials for controlling driver/passenger temperature and fan speed. The tactile click of incremental temperature adjustments along with a longer, smoother turn of the fan speed dial also meant you didn't have to take your eyes off the road to make adjustments. Likewise, Subaru's new display retains hard buttons for controlling the dual-zone temperature setting. Not so in the same way, you have to use touch controls to change the fan speed. Our drivers are split between these "virtual" fan buttons. One said he never uses the wrong buttons to increase or decrease the fan speed, while another says it's sometimes hard to get the fan to respond to his fingertip commands, which annoyingly means you have to use the fan more than once. hit the up and down arrows. once to make a single desired adjustment.
Apple CarPlay integration
Apple CarPlay insideby WRXuses most of the screen in portrait orientation, retaining the utility of simple hand placement for ease of use. Information is split into three categories in CarPlay: the top bezel contains in-app switching functions, the middle bezel shows app information, and the bottom bezel offers app selection, as well as ever-present buttons for home, car, and user profile.
A permanent Home button while using CarPlay creates harmony between your phone and the Subaru WRX. One-touch access takes you to and from Subaru's main apps, while other systems have the three-touch home button disguised as an iPhone app. Unnecessarily complicating usability with extra touches, swipes, and layers ruins the convenience of a touchscreen. Subaru's decision not to bury access to home, car, or user profiles a screen or two deeper from CarPlay is a good one.
In the cons department, the screen is too dim in certain situations. Brightness is a problem in the middle of the day, forcing you to squint, take off your sunglasses or stare too long at the screen to decipher information. The dark screen and slightly slanted angle exacerbates the problem of reflections on the screen. Displays with hoods, inset positions or even increased brightness perform better. When driving under a blazing sun, this problem often becomes obvious.
Usually solid
Overall, the relatively seamless integration between common user controls, media and HVAC functions proves that large infotainment tablets can work well, and we're largely happy with the car's lack of traditional, physical buttons. Our long-standing Subaru WRX has simple analog gauges and a six-speed manual transmission for maximum engagement, and the giant touchscreen doesn't detract from the fun of driving. And if you have to transport a lot of stuff on the road, you don't have to worry about that either.
Looks good! More detail?For more information on our long term 2022 Subaru WRX Limited:
- 2022 Subaru WRX Limited Yearlong Review Update 1: How much fun is it?
- 2022 Subaru WRX Limited Yearlong Review Arrival: Still intriguing after all these years?
| 2022 Subaru WRX Limited from MotorTrend | |
| LIFESPAN | 6 months/3,987 miles |
| BASIC/AS TESTED PRICE | $37.490/$37.754 |
| OPTIONS | Cargo Box ($132), All-Weather Flooring ($132) |
| EPA CTY/HWY/CMB FUEL ECON; CMB RANGE | 19/26/22 mpg; 397 miles |
| AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION | 20,0 mpg |
| ENERGY COST PER MILE | $ 0,25 |
| MAINTENANCE AND WEAR | $ 0 |
| INJURY | $ 0 |
| DAYS OFF DUTY/WITHOUT LOAN | 0/0 |
| TO ENJOY | Fun enough to enjoy on winding roads, easy to drive long distances, well ahead of its segment. |
| THE SERIOUSNESS | Bassy exhaust irritates at low rpm, fuel consumption, constant need for steering input. |
| REMEMBER | No |
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FAQs
What is so good about Subaru WRX? ›
The 2023 Subaru WRX remains true to its rally car heritage with a flat-four engine, spry handling and grippy all-wheel-drive system. However, poor gas mileage, a distracting touch screen and a small trunk sour the WRX's overall appeal.
How big is the screen on a 2023 WRX? ›SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia
comes standard on the 2023 WRX. A high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen is available for intuitive control of entertainment and navigation.
In general, the Subaru WRX is a relatively reliable compact sedan. However, some years are certainly worse than others in terms of reliability. Here are some of the most common reliability woes for the WRX: Engine issues: Apparently, the WRX had some troubles with internal engine issues.
Is Subaru WRX expensive? ›2022 Subaru WRX Limited — $43,602
This 2022 Subaru WRX Limited is listed for $43,602. There aren't a lot of WRX models from the brand new VB generation on Autotrader, but the most expensive one at the moment is this Limited model. Limited is the top of the three trims.
Because it has a turbocharged engine, the WRX STI drives exhaust back into the cylinders as it runs. This technique increases engine pressure, forcing the pistons to move faster and produce more power.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the WRX? ›In explaining its discontinuation of the combustion engine version of the STI, Subaru explained that "regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ)" were behind the decision to halt production on the car.
What is the top speed of the 2023 WRX? ›What's the top speed of the 2023 Subaru WRX? The Subaru WRX top speed is 145 MPH which is on par with the 2023 WRX 0-60 times.
Is the WRX being discontinued in 2023? ›The Subaru WRX is the last 2023 model year in Subaru of America's lineup to be announced. All other models' pricing and upgrades are available for customers but not the WRX. The BRZ has a dealer launch date among the two remaining sports cars.
What is the 1 4 mile time for a 2023 Subaru WRX? ›At our test track, the six-speed manual WRX powered through to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 101 mph.
Are WRX expensive to maintain? ›Subaru vehicles are generally quite trustworthy and handle well, but they are expensive to fix and maintain. Maintaining a low cost of ownership for your Subaru will require routine inspections, the same as with any other car model.
How many miles will a WRX last? ›
This legendary engine was essential for rally race wins and is famous for its distinguishable growl. Drivers have reported that the boxer four-cylinder can last up to 250,000 miles with proper care. On the other hand, pushing your WRX past its limits could wear out the engine at only 60,000 miles.
Are WRX good daily drivers? ›It all depends on your preferences. The WRX is somewhat noisy and has stiff suspension, but if you like that sort of thing, it's no problem. The ride certainly is harsher than most cars, but the excellent handling more than makes up for it. It's not uncomfortable in my opinion.
Is a WRX considered a sports car on insurance? ›Is a Subaru WRX considered a sports car for insurance purposes? Yes, Subaru WRX is considered a sports car when determining its insurance costs.
Is it better to buy a WRX or STI? ›Overall, the key difference between the Subaru WRX and WRX STI is performance. The Subaru STI is the more powerful and performance-oriented of the two. It comes with a bigger engine, stiffer springs, thicker tires, more powerful brakes, and more. By comparison, the WRX isn't something to sleep on.
What does WRX stand for? ›The Subaru WRX. It was the original turbocharged “pocket rocket” when launched in Japan in 1992 and since then, the Subaru WRX has become a global phenomenon. The three letters WRX, stand for World Rally Experimental, and marked a serious assault by Subaru on the World of Rallying.
What year is the fastest WRX? ›2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition
The 2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition was capable of doing 0-60 MPH sprint in 4.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 142 MPH.
- 10 VW Golf GTI.
- 9 BMW M2 Competition.
- 8 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
- 7 Subaru BRZ.
- 6 Nissan Z.
- 5 Kia Stinger.
- 4 Toyota GR Supra.
- 3 Ford Mustang.
It can be set to automatically adjust the vehicle speed limiter to match the speed limit signs recognised by the Speed Sign Recognition system.
Will there be a 2023 Subaru WRX? ›The 2023 Subaru WRX will make its way to dealerships in the spring. Full pricing, which includes the $1,020 destination fee (that's up from $995 for 2022), can be found below: Base: $31,625. Premium: $34,125.
What replaced the WRX? ›Subaru says plans are now in place to launch the Solterra STI in time for the 2025 model year. This means that the WRX STI's replacement will be an electric vehicle.
Will there be a 2024 WRX? ›
We expect to see first 2024 Subaru WRX arrive at Planet Subaru in the spring of 2024. Subaru introduced a "full-model-change" 2022 WRX early in 2022.
Where is the 2023 WRX made? ›The number-one-selling Subaru model in North America is the 2023 Crosstrek. The Crosstrek subcompact SUV, Forester compact SUV, WRX performance sedan, and BRZ sports coupe are all built at the Japan plant and have minimal U.S. parts.
How fast does a stock WRX go? ›Subaru WRX Speed
The WRX is said to sprint from 0-100km/h in around 6.0 seconds for the manual and 6.1 seconds for the CVT auto. Maximum speed is 250km/h.
What Does STi Stand For? Now that you know what it means to drive a Subaru WRX, what is the deal with the STi name? These letters stand for Subaru Tecnica international, which is essentially a name to describe Subaru's own motorsports program.
Will Subaru keep making WRX? ›The 2022 WRX only just launched and the previous-generation car was around for seven years. If Subaru follows that timeline with the new car, we may not see the next-generation STI until 2030, by which time it is almost certainly the carmaker will have decided to make it either as a hybrid or a full-electric model.
What is the difference between the 2023 WRX? ›What's new for the 2023 WRX? There are no new upgrades for the 2023 model year WRX. If you can still order the 2022 WRX, it's the exact vehicle and costs $1,525 less. The FA24 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine powers all 2023 WRX trim levels.
Will the 2023 WRX be electric? ›Subaru of America announced the next-generation 2023 Subaru WRX STI would not have a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine like the 2022 WRX, and the Japanese automaker is moving towards an all-electric STI.
How fast is a WRX 1 4 mile? ›Equipped with this engine, the 2021 Subaru WRX takes 5.2 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and achieves the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds. The 2021 Subaru WRX can reach a top speed of 150 mph with this engine configuration. Another engine available here is a 2-liter Gas Inline 4 that makes - and -.
What is the fastest Subaru? ›| 2021 Subaru WRX STI | Specs |
|---|---|
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 159 MPH |
Our Stage 1 map smooths out the entire band, offers a linear power curve and improves the low-end torque and response while maintaining a very powerful, consistent and reliable tune.
Are Subarus expensive to insure? ›
On average, it costs $1,284 per year to insure a Subaru, which is relatively inexpensive compared to other makes. However, Subaru insurance costs vary depending on the car model.
How much should I pay for a WRX? ›The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2022 Subaru WRX starts at $30,600 for the Base base-level trim with destination fee and popular options. Prices will increase as you add options or choose a trim with more features. MSRP stands for manufacturer's suggested retail price.
How do I keep my Subaru WRX reliable? ›Making your Subaru WRX more reliable is possible by doing simple engine cooling and ECU tuning. By adequately cooling the engine, you can keep the engine temperature down and reduce the chance of any issues arising. Additionally, ECU tuning can improve the performance of your engine and help it run more smoothly.
How far can a WRX go on a tank of gas? ›| 2022 Subaru WRX | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Premium Gasoline |
| 22 MPG 19 26 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 4.5 gal/100mi | |
| 365 miles Total Range |
- 2015 Subaru WRX. The 2015 Subaru WRX offers plenty of good stuff for performance car enthusiasts, including top-notch handling, a tenacious cornering grip, and a potent engine. ...
- 2016 Subaru WRX. ...
- 2017 Subaru WRX. ...
- 2018 Subaru WRX. ...
- 2019 Subaru WRX. ...
- 2020 Subaru WRX.
When properly maintained, a Subaru clutch should last at least 50,000 miles.
What is the average age of a WRX driver? ›A WRX owner's median age is 35 years, and their median annual household income is $97,586. Nearly two out of three WRX owners is a Millennial (62%). Surprisingly, 35% of WRX owners claim they are Price Buyers, outranking the 30% who claim they are Performance Buyers.
Are WRX fun to drive? ›Easy shifter throws, light clutch pedal, and assisted steering helped me drive long distances without fatigue. Yet as pedestrian as the car felt during daily driving, the WRX offered just enough engagement and fun in the corners to keep me wanting to drive it."
Can you run regular in a WRX? ›On ordinary Subaru family vehicles like the Ascent and Forester, regular gas is all you'll need. However, the engines found in the Subaru BRZ, the Subaru WRX, and the Subaru WRX STI are built for higher compression with a powerful turbocharger -- as a result, regular fuel can be problematic in these engines.
How much does a turbo increase insurance? ›This is a subjective evaluation, so there is no hard and fast rule about what modifications will cause the increase. Finally, your insurance rates may increase if your modifications make the car more risky on the road. For example, turbocharging your engine can increase your insurance premium up to 91 percent.
What class of car is a Subaru WRX? ›
AWD 4-Door Sports Car.
What does a Subaru WRX compare to? ›Conventional wisdom suggests all-wheel-drive sport compacts like the 2022 Subaru WRX are inherently better than front-drive cars like the 2022 Honda Civic Si, thanks to their four-corner traction. They offer stability and performance you supposedly can't get with only two driven wheels.
What is the difference between WRX and premium? ›2022 Subaru WRX Premium (starting at $31,605)
To the base trim, Premium adds 18-inch alloy wheels, three-mode heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a windshield de-icer. Also included are an 11.6-inch touchscreen, alloy pedal covers, dual USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and LED fog lights.
The Subaru Impreza is offered in a hatchback or sedan body style and is a modern commuter vehicle. The WRX, on the other hand, is a performance-focused turbocharged sedan. For more information, read through the following Impreza vs. WRX comparison crafted by the McLaughlin Subaru team.
Why is the WRX popular? ›Performance on a budget
Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the Subaru WRX has a smaller price tag than most sports cars. This has helped make the WRX accessible to a wide range of drivers who want a performance vehicle without breaking the bank.
The latest in a long line of iconic BOXER power plants, it produces 271 horsepower and features a twin-scroll turbocharger with an electronic wastegate for near-instant boost response and 258 pound-feet of peak torque with a broad, flat power band.
Are WRX reliable? ›In general, the Subaru WRX is a relatively reliable compact sedan. However, some years are certainly worse than others in terms of reliability. Here are some of the most common reliability woes for the WRX: Engine issues: Apparently, the WRX had some troubles with internal engine issues.
Is a WRX or STI faster? ›The Subaru STI is the more powerful and performance-oriented of the two. It comes with a bigger engine, stiffer springs, thicker tires, more powerful brakes, and more.
Is WRX good for beginners? ›Since you've expressed having a background in mechanics and car mods, it's likely that the Subaru WRX will suit your needs perfectly fine for a first-time car.
Will WRX go up in value? ›
Yes, the price of WazirX is expected to go up in the future. All four authority sites are bullish on WRX and believe it is a good investment. The price predictions range from a minimum price of $6.27 and a maximum price of $7.86 by the end of 2032.
What is the fastest version of the WRX? ›2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition
The 2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition was capable of doing 0-60 MPH sprint in 4.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 142 MPH.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The WRX is rated by the EPA to deliver 22 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 21 mpg with the optional CVT automatic. On our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy route, both our six-speed manual WRX Limited and our automatic WRX GT test vehicles managed 28 mpg.
If the snow is much more than 8–10 inches deep, the WRX STI is going to be iffy, while the RR is literally going to be able to rise above it, up to a point. The RR also has a locking Txfr case, which makes some amount of difference. Still, the WRX is a sure footed in snow.
Can you sleep in a WRX? ›All you need to do is follow the steps below: Fold down rear seats. Lay out your air mattress from the now flat seats and into the trunk space. Your trunk does not need to be totally empty, just free of major obstructions.
Is the WRX better as a manual or an automatic? ›Because of the weight difference, the 6-speed manual trim levels will be quicker and faster and still get better fuel mileage than SPT automatic models. Most 2023 Subaru WRX buyers will choose the 6-speed manual gearbox because it offers the best driving experience in a sports car.
Which WRX is the most reliable? ›What year is the most reliable Subaru WRX? The 2004 Subaru WRX is generally regarded to be the most reliable model year. This is based on the total number of complaints that have been filed per year. The 2005 through 2007 model years also generally are considered to be more reliable than the earlier and later years.