Which 2023 Subaru WRX variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]     

The all-new 2023 Subaru WRX in both sedan and wagon forms are now in the Philippine market. They offer a more potent engine compared to the old models, and they have plenty of safety equipment and convenience features as well. 

The all-new 2023 Subaru WRX Sedan and WRX Wagon

In total, the all-new WRX has three different trims for the sedan version, while the wagon version has two. The sedan has the WRX MT, WRX CVT EyeSight, WRX tS Eyesight. Meanwhile, the wagon has the WRX Wagon GT-S EyeSight, and the WRX Wagon tS EyeSight. So, which one’s the right one for you? Let’s find out. 

Subaru WRX Variants: Exterior 

To begin, let’s start off by comparing their dimensions. For the sedan, all of its trims are 4,670mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,465mm in height. These also have a wheelbase length of 2,675mm. 

The Subaru WRX Sedan

The WRX wagon variants in turn, are 4,755mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,500mm in height. Their wheelbases then span 2,670mm. 

In summary, the WRX wagon trims are longer but narrower than the sedan versions. They are also a bit taller, though their wheelbases are marginally shorter.  

The WRX Sedan from the rear

When it comes to curb weight, the new WRX progressively gets heavier as you go through its variant lineup. The entry-level WRX Sedan MT is the lightest at 1,515kg, whereas the top-spec WRX Wagon tS EyeSight is the heaviest at 1,629kg. 

Concerning exterior equipment though, all trims come standard with LED front fog lamps, LED rear fog lamps, LED taillights, power-folding side mirrors, and rear bumper with air outlets. All also come with UV protection glass, though only the wagon trims come with this feature rear quarter windows. 

The all-new WRX Wagon

In turn, only the WRX sedan trims have front fender air outlets as well as a side sport garnish. The sedan trims also have twin dual tail mufflers, whereas the wagon variants come with twin tail mufflers only.  

But when it comes to sunroofs, only the WRX Sedan CVT, WRX Sedan tS, and the WRX Wagon tS are equipped with a power-sliding, tilt-adjustable glass sunroof. The sedan also gets a trunk spoiler, while the wagon gets a roof spoiler. 

The WRX Wagon from the rear

Lastly, all WRX trims use a set of 18-inch wheels. These then come with a different design depending on the trim. Of note, the top-spec tS variants for both the sedan and wagon versions are the only trims that may come with the machined premium aluminum set.  

Subaru WRX Variants: Interior 

Regardless of body style and variant, the 2023 WRX can comfortably seat up to five occupants. All variants also come with rain-sensing wipers, sport pedals, a push-to-start button, a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. 

The sedan version's rear seats

For the seats though, only the WRX Sedan MT gets fabric seats, while the WRX Wagon GT-S gets leather seats, In turn, the top-spec tS trims get ultra-suede.  

Moreover, the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is only available on the WRX Sedan CVT variants, and the WRX wagon variants. 

Regarding cargo capacity, the WRX sedan can fit up to 414 liters, while the wagon version can handle up to 492 liters by default. For the wagon though, its capacity can be expanded further thanks to its 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. And yes, this isn’t available on the sedan version. 

Subaru WRX Variants: Tech and Safety 

Concerning on-board entertainment, all WRX trims come standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen headunit. These come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Strangely enough, only the top-spec tS sedan gets an 11-piece Harman Kardon speaker. The rest of the WRX variant lineup instead uses a simpler six-piece speaker set.  

Moving on standard safety equipment, all WRX variants are kitted out with a total of seven airbags, a rear-view camera, a driver monitoring system, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, an engine immobilizer, a car alarm, etc. 

A peek inside the all-new WRX's front cabin

Expect for the entry-level WRX MT, all also come with a vehicle auto start-stop system, auto vehicle hold, as well as the Subaru EyeSight 4. Of note, this latest version of the EyeSight includes a pre-collision braking system, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering control, vehicle adaptive steering, lane departure prevention, pre-collision throttle management, lead vehicle start alert, a manual speed limiter, and the EyeSight assist monitor.  

Moreover, the MT variant also lacks the high-beam assist, steering responsive headlamps, reverse automatic braking, the automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, and the Subaru rear vehicle detection system that’s present on all other WRX trims. 

Subaru WRX Variants: Engine & Performance 

Under the hood, all 2023 Subaru WRX variants use a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four gasoline engine that’s capable of producing up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. All variants are all-wheel-drive, but only the entry-level WRX variant gets a six-speed manual gearbox. The rest meanwhile uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters.  

The 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine that's standard on all WRX variants

All trims then use the same suspension types. For the front, they all use a MacPherson strut for the front, and a multi-link type for the rear. All also come with disc brakes for all four wheels. The entry-level MT variant then gets a hand-operated manual parking brake, whereas the rest come with an electronic parking brake. 

For performance stats, the WRX sedan variant with the manual tranny can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds, while the CVT versions can do that at a slightly slower time of 6.1 seconds. Both versions, though, can reach a top speed of 215 km/h. Of note, the figures mentioned here are according to Subaru. 

Subaru WRX Variants: Price 

Subaru WRX Variants: Conclusion 

To put this simply, the WRX Wagon will become the choice for you if you need the extra space for cargo.

The WRX Wagon's cavernous trunk

The sedan variants in turn, are considerably lighter than the wagon variants, so if what you're after is something fun to drive, then these might be the ones for you. Then again, do note that all trims use the same engine, and all come with all-wheel-drive. 

If you particularly like to row through gears though, the only variant for you is the WRX MT. This one however, lacks the EyeSight driver-assist suite, which is present on all the CVT trims.  

The WRX Sedan's trunk 

Also remember that the tS trims, while luxurious and better equipped, are indicated by Subaru as “indent orders” so these might take a while longer to get to you.  

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