What is the difference between a WRX base and premium?
The Subaru WRX is a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its sporty performance and all-wheel-drive capability. However, when deciding between the WRX Base and Premium trims, it’s important to understand the key differences to determine which model best suits your needs. In this article, we’ll break down the distinctions between these two trims to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Engine
Both the WRX Base and Premium trims share the same powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This ensures that regardless of the trim, you’ll enjoy the thrilling performance the WRX is known for. Additionally, both trims come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing excellent handling and traction in various driving conditions.
Exterior Features
While the Base and Premium trims look similar at first glance, there are subtle differences in their exterior features:
- Base Trim: Comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and basic LED headlights.
- Premium Trim: Upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels and includes LED fog lights for enhanced visibility and style.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior is where the Premium trim starts to stand out with additional comfort and convenience features:
- Base Trim: Includes cloth upholstery, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a basic audio system.
- Premium Trim: Adds heated front seats, a larger 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a premium audio system for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Additional Features
Here are some other notable differences between the two trims:
- Base Trim: Offers a more straightforward driving experience with fewer luxury features, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Premium Trim: Includes a power moonroof, keyless access with push-button start, and additional driver-assistance features like blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price Difference
The Premium trim comes at a higher price point compared to the Base trim, reflecting the added features and upgrades. If you value comfort, technology, and additional safety features, the Premium trim may be worth the extra investment. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers excellent performance, the Base trim is a solid choice.
Conclusion
Choosing between the WRX Base and Premium trims ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. Both trims offer the same exhilarating performance, but the Premium trim provides enhanced comfort, technology, and safety features. Consider your needs and preferences to decide which trim is the best fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in WRX models?
| Subaru WRX Trim Levels Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subaru WRX | Limited | 268-hp, 2.0-liter H-4 (premium) |
| Subaru WRX STI | Base | 310-hp, 2.5-liter H-4 (premium) |
| Limited w/Lip | 310-hp, 2.5-liter H-4 (premium) | |
| Limited w/Wing | 310-hp, 2.5-liter H-4 (premium) |
Can you mix premium and regular gas?
There's nothing wrong with mixing premium and regular gas in the same tank. In fact, this is how midgrade gas is formulated at the station. Rather than drawing from a separate storage tank for each octane rating, gas pumps actively mix high-octane fuel with lower-octane fuel to create midgrade gas.
What's the difference between WRX base and premium?
The 2023 Subaru WRX Premium delivers the superb qualities you love in the Base trim with added functional amenities such as an enhanced infotainment system, heated seating, keyless access, and dual-zone climate control. Most Base features, plus: 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with dark gray finish.
Is the base WRX fast?
“The WRX is a speedy little car when fitted with the standard-equipment six-speed manual transmission, shown by its sprint from 0 to 60 mph of just 5.8 seconds.
What does WRX stand for?
World Rally eXperimental
Subaru tells us that the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental." Fast forward to 2015, and the WRX lineup was split from the Impreza range along with a different body style to simply be marketed as the stand-alone WRX.
Does a base model WRX have a turbo?
WRX may stand for World Rally eXperimental, but for Subaru devotees, it actually means fiercely fun performance. This rally-bred sporty sedan offers Base, Premium, Limited, and GT trims, all powered by a 271-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine.
Does a WRX really need premium gas?
If you drive a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy or Ascent, your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, or regular fuel. Performance Subaru models – the WRX, WRX STI and BRZ – have a premium fuel requirement, but even with those vehicles, check your manual for information on which fuels are appropriate.
What is the difference between WRX and WRX premium?
Upgrade to the 2022 Subaru WRX Premium and enjoy added capabilities like heated front seats, a larger multimedia system touchscreen, and more. Includes most base model features, plus: 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels with dark gray finish.
What are the grades of WRX?
The WRX sedan line-up currently comprises three grades (WRX, RS, tS) and five variants, only two of which come with a manual transmission – the rest feature continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) while the associated Sportswagons (WRX, GT, tS) are CVT-only.
Which Subaru WRX is the fastest?
Subaru WRX Project Midnight
It's called the Subaru WRX Project Midnight, it's very black and it packs a Nissan GT-R beating 670 horsepower.
