Subaru WRX Interior Review: A Sporty and Tech-Filled Long-Term Experience
Slipping into the well-bolstered, super comfy “Ultrasuede” seats of our Limited tester is mighty easy, thanks to the high seating position. This provides excellent visibility, which is surprisingly good for a new car. The sedan boasts thin pillars, a low dash, large windows, and a sizable rear window, making it a joy to see out of.
The layout of the center console is also a big win. The cupholders are positioned far enough back that they don’t interfere with shifting gears or elbow movements. Additionally, the physical handbrake is a nice touch, but the small cutout next to it proves to be useless.
The opening ahead of the shifter and under the infotainment screen might seem like a good place to put your phone, but it’s not ideal for larger phones. iPhones of the “plus” variety will hang over the lip and potentially fly out during full-throttle acceleration. To avoid this problem, many drivers resort to placing their phones in the cupholder instead. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto integration would be a welcome upgrade.
The central touchscreen in the dash has its pros and cons. While having touchscreen-only controls for heated seats can be frustrating, there are backup physical controls for temperature settings, defrost, volume, and tuning. However, the piano black trim surrounding the screen gets dusty quickly.
Subaru excels in providing clicky and easy-to-use buttons throughout the rest of the interior. The steering wheel features switch toggles for adjusting volume and cruise control speed settings, making them easily accessible. All four windows have auto up/down switches, and the traction control switch is conveniently placed on the left side of the wheel. The only downside is that the fully-loaded Limited model has several blank button switches.
The rear seat of the WRX is average in terms of spaciousness, but Subaru ensures that the same high-quality materials found in the front are carried through to the back. The all-black interior is elevated by the lighter tones of the suede, faux carbon fiber trim, and red stitching. Despite lacking visual panache, the interior is highly functional and comfortable.
The analog gauges in the WRX feel like the right move in a world where digital gauge clusters are becoming more common. However, Subaru could improve the dated-looking screen between the gauges. On a positive note, there is a boost pressure view available for added fun.
Overall, the WRX’s interior is a blend of sportiness and old-school charm, with a touch of modernity. While it may not stand out in any particular area, there are no significant drawbacks either. Subaru has managed to create an interior that works well for its target audience. For those who appreciate a functional and comfortable driving experience, the WRX delivers.
