The 2023 Subaru WRX is a reliable, compact sports car. However, it undoubtedly comes with a variety of pros and cons. Subaru offers this sports car model in a variety of trim options. Surprisingly, the most popular WRX trim isn’t the cheapest or fanciest in the lineup. Here’s a look at the most popular 2023 Subaru WRX trim. 

A look at the 2023 Subaru WRX trims 

The 2023 Subaru WRX is a compact sports car that seats five passengers. According to Car and Driver, the WRX is available in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and GT. Subaru starts the Base WRX trim at $30,605, the Premium trim at $33,105, the Limited trim at $37,495, and the GT trim at $43,395. All trim levels come standard with LED headlights, all-wheel drive, and a 271-hp 2.4L flat-four-cylinder engine. 

As the highest-level trim, the WRX GT comes standard with the most bells and whistles. Some of these standard features that are either optional or are simply not available on the lower three trims include a sliding-glass moonroof, the Subaru performance transmission, EyeSight driver assist technology, and Recaro performance-design front seats. 

The first three trim levels come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. However, these three trim levels can be upgraded to the Subaru Performance Transmission with variable automatic with manual mode selection. In contrast, the GT trim is only available with the Subaru Performance Transmission. 

Buyers seem to gravitate toward this WRX trim the most 

Despite the Subaru WRX GT trim providing the most bells and whistles, most consumers seem to gravitate toward a different trim option. Edmunds says the most popular 2023 Subaru WRX is the standard Premium trim with the six-speed manual transmission. 

There isn’t anything that separates the first three trim levels when it comes to the powertrain. The real differences between these three trims are their standard amenities and safety features. For example, most Premium trim comes standard with 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a premium sound system that does not come standard on the lower-level Base trim. 

What does the Premium WRX trim have to offer? 

While the 2023 Subaru WRX Limited and GT trims offer buyers a bit more when it comes to standard amenities and safety features, consumers don’t see these extra features as worth the extra price tag. The biggest win for the Premium WRX trim for consumers is that they can gain access to a number of premium features, all while staying under $35K. 

Subaru offers the 2023 Premium WRX trim with the manual six-speed transmission at a starting price of $33,105. However, for consumers looking to gain access to an automatic transmission on the Premium WRX trim, it will add an extra $2,050 to the build price when opting for the Subaru Performance transmission. In addition, buyers can look forward to enjoying 12.5 cu. ft. of cargo capacity and a premium black cloth interior on the Premium WRX trim. 

Overall, Edmunds gives the 2023 Subaru WRX a score of eight out of 10 when it comes to performance, a seven and a half out of 10 in the area of comfort, an eight out of 10 on the interior score, a seven and a half out of 10 in terms of technology, and a seven out of 10 when it comes to storage. These are certainly good scores overall. Edmunds rates the WRX worst in fuel economy, with a five and a half out of 10. The WRX only averages 24 miles per gallon.