Skip to main content
  • The 2022 Subaru WRX Premium is the trim level to get
  • Subaru’s new GT trim level offers adaptive dampers but no stick shift
  • The 2023 Subaru WRX STI could be getting a stick and the adaptive shocks

Whether you’re a fan of the WRX’s plastic fenders or not, the 2022 Subaru WRX is almost here. So, it’s time to take a look at the newest model’s trim levels. The nomenclature hasn’t changed much, but Subaru did include a totally new GT trim level with adaptive shocks and three drive modes. Here, we’ll be picking out the best WRX trim, and deciding if it’s worth the wait for the 2023 Subaru WRX STI.

A red 2022 Subaru WRX sedan shot from the front 3/4 on a rainy day
The WRX now comes with a new comfort-oriented GT trim | Subaru

What are the 2022 Subaru WRX’s trim levels?

As with the previous 2014-2021 Subaru WRX, the 2022 ‘Rex sticks to three basic trim levels: base, Premium and Limited. You’d think the Premium WRX to be the top-of the line, but the new GT trim level now holds that spot. In fact, if we’re going by pricing, it’s: base, Premium, Limited, and then GT. We’ll start with the 2022 Subaru WRX base.

The 2022 Subaru WRX base is pretty bare bones. We don’t have official pricing yet, but Autotrader thinks it’ll start at about $30,000. For that money you get Subaru’s updated infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and some basic driver aids. However, that’s only true if you opt for the CVT, as features like adaptive cruise and pre-collision brake assist won’t work with a stick.

Which WRX trim level should you buy?

The black cloth interior of the new Subaru WRX with red stitching accents
Even your seats vary based on trim level | Subaru

From there, the 2022 Subaru WRX adds small nicities as the trim levels climb. The estimated $32,100 WRX Premium adds automatic dual-zone climate control, as well as a cold weather pack and keyless entry. The cold weather pack sounds like an option to us, and one that’s well worth it to get heated seats. You can also option a sunroof and a Harmon Kardon-made set of speakers. The $36,000 (est.) 2022 WRX Limited builds on these features, making the sunroof standard and adding contrast-stitched alcantara seats.

But the big news is the new GT trim level. Obviously, that includes the adaptive shocks we mentioned above, as well as those three selectable drive modes (comfort, normal, and sport). Notably, you can only choose Subaru’s new CVT, dubbed the “Subaru Performance Transmission.” If you’re asking us, we’re picking the WRX Premium with heated seats as the 2022 Subaru WRX trim to get.

The 2023 Subaru WRX STI could get the GT’s adaptive shocks

A red 2022 Subaru WRX shot from the rear 3/4 on a rainy day
The WRX STI will almost certainly offer more features | Subaru

Frankly, why Subaru wouldn’t offer the GT’s adaptive dampers with a manual transmission is beyond us. It seems like a missed opprotunity when the take rate on automatic WRX models is less than 15%. One running theory is that Subaru is saving the stick/dampers combo for the upcoming 2023 Subaru WRX STI. It makes sense, as the new WRX is set to come in close to $40,000. We’ll simply have to wait and see.

Related

How Much Is a Fully Loaded 2022 Subaru Legacy Sedan?

Best in Sedans & Coupes
MotorBiscuit Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Chase Bierenkoven

Chase Bierenkoven has been obsessed with cars his whole life and now finds joy in sharing what he’s learned from his own daily drivers. Chase earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a focus on legal studies from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and quickly became an automotive journalist. When he isn’t writing, Chase is either driving his passion project, a 2004 BMW M3 in Carbon Schwartz Metallic, or playing around Colorado’s terrain, mainly mountain biking and skiing.