Let's dive deep into the 2023 Subaru WRX Premium interior. Guys, if you're anything like me, the inside of a car is just as important as what's under the hood – maybe even more so since that's where we spend all our time! So, buckle up as we explore every nook and cranny of this ride's interior and see what makes it stand out.

First Impressions: What Catches Your Eye?

Okay, so stepping into the 2023 WRX Premium, the first thing I noticed was the overall design. Subaru has really stepped up their game in recent years, blending sporty aesthetics with practical comfort. The Premium trim strikes a nice balance, giving you upgrades without breaking the bank. The materials feel good to the touch, and the layout is driver-focused, which I always appreciate. No flashy distractions, just pure, unadulterated functionality. The dashboard is intuitively designed, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The seats are nicely bolstered, providing ample support during spirited driving, which is a must for a car like the WRX. Details like the red stitching add a touch of sportiness without being over the top. Overall, the initial impression is one of quality and thoughtful design.

How Comfortable Are the Seats, Really?

Let's talk seats. These aren't your grandpa's La-Z-Boy recliners, but they're not rock-hard buckets either. The WRX Premium offers cloth upholstery that feels durable and comfortable, even on longer drives. The bolstering is aggressive enough to hold you in place when you're carving corners but not so aggressive that it becomes a pain on your daily commute. I found the lumbar support to be adequate, though some might want to add an extra cushion for extended road trips. Both the driver and passenger seats offer manual adjustments, allowing you to find that perfect driving position. Heated front seats come standard on the Premium trim, a welcome addition for those chilly mornings. Rear seat passengers will find decent legroom and headroom, though taller adults might feel a bit cramped on longer journeys. Overall, the seats strike a good balance between comfort and performance, making them suitable for both daily driving and weekend adventures. The quality of the stitching and the attention to detail further enhance the overall experience.

Tech and Features: Staying Connected on the Go

In today's world, tech is king, and the 2023 WRX Premium doesn't disappoint. The centerpiece is the 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which dominates the center console. It's responsive and easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The infotainment system also includes Subaru's Starlink connected services, providing access to navigation, emergency assistance, and remote vehicle functions. The Premium trim features a six-speaker audio system that delivers decent sound quality for most listeners, though audiophiles might want to consider upgrading to the Harman Kardon system available on higher trims. One notable feature is the inclusion of physical knobs for volume and tuning, a welcome addition that makes it easy to adjust the audio while driving. The instrument cluster features a digital display that provides essential information such as speed, fuel level, and trip data. Overall, the tech and features in the WRX Premium are well-integrated and user-friendly, enhancing the driving experience without being overwhelming.

Diving Deeper into the Infotainment System

Let's take a closer look at that 11.6-inch touchscreen. It's the brain of the WRX Premium, controlling everything from your music to your climate settings. The screen is bright and clear, even in direct sunlight, and the touch response is quick and accurate. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with large icons and a logical menu structure. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is seamless, allowing you to access your favorite apps and services directly from the screen. The infotainment system also includes Subaru's Starlink connected services, providing access to a range of features such as remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency assistance. The integrated navigation system is accurate and easy to use, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates. The voice recognition system works well, allowing you to control many of the system's functions with simple voice commands. While the touchscreen is generally excellent, some users might find the lack of physical buttons for certain functions to be a minor inconvenience. Overall, the infotainment system in the WRX Premium is well-designed and feature-rich, enhancing the driving experience and keeping you connected on the go.

Space and Practicality: Can It Handle Daily Life?

Okay, so the WRX is a performance car, but can it handle the mundane tasks of daily life? The answer is a resounding yes. The trunk offers a respectable 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for groceries, luggage, or a set of golf clubs. The rear seats split and fold, allowing you to expand the cargo area when needed. The cabin features plenty of storage compartments, including a center console bin, door pockets, and a glovebox. Cupholders are strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring that you and your passengers have a place to stash your drinks. The WRX Premium also includes a variety of practical features such as automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a rearview camera. The outward visibility is generally good, though the thick C-pillars can create a blind spot. Overall, the WRX Premium is surprisingly practical for a performance car, making it a great choice for those who want a fun-to-drive vehicle that can also handle the demands of daily life.

Storage Solutions and Cargo Capacity

Let's delve deeper into the storage solutions and cargo capacity of the 2023 WRX Premium. The trunk, with its 12.5 cubic feet of space, is surprisingly accommodating for a sports sedan. It's large enough to hold a couple of suitcases or a week's worth of groceries. The wide opening and low liftover height make it easy to load and unload items. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide added versatility, allowing you to carry longer items such as skis or snowboards. In the cabin, you'll find a variety of storage compartments to keep your belongings organized. The center console bin is deep and wide, providing ample space for your phone, wallet, and other essentials. The door pockets are large enough to hold water bottles and maps. The glovebox is also a decent size, though it could be a bit larger. Cupholders are conveniently located in the center console and in the rear seat armrest. Overall, the WRX Premium offers a good balance of storage space and practicality, making it a suitable choice for daily driving and weekend adventures. The thoughtful design and attention to detail enhance the overall experience.

Fit and Finish: How Well Is It Put Together?

Now, let's talk about the overall fit and finish. Subaru has made significant strides in this area in recent years, and the 2023 WRX Premium is a testament to that. The materials used throughout the cabin feel durable and well-made. The plastics have a nice texture and don't feel cheap or flimsy. The stitching on the seats and dashboard is precise and consistent. The panel gaps are tight and uniform. The doors close with a solid thud, and there are no squeaks or rattles to be heard. Overall, the WRX Premium feels like a well-built and solid vehicle. However, some might find the interior to be a bit bland or utilitarian compared to some of its competitors. The focus is clearly on functionality and durability rather than luxury or opulence. But for those who appreciate a well-built and reliable vehicle, the WRX Premium is sure to impress. The attention to detail and the overall quality of the materials make it a standout in its class.

A Closer Look at the Materials and Build Quality

Taking a closer look at the materials and build quality, the 2023 WRX Premium shows a clear improvement over previous generations. The dashboard is made of a soft-touch material that feels pleasant to the touch. The door panels are also well-padded and feature durable fabric inserts. The seats are upholstered in a high-quality cloth that is both comfortable and hard-wearing. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The switchgear feels solid and well-damped. The overall fit and finish is excellent, with tight panel gaps and consistent stitching. There are no obvious signs of cost-cutting or corner-cutting. The WRX Premium feels like a vehicle that is built to last. While some might find the interior to be a bit understated, there's no denying the quality of the materials and the attention to detail. The focus is on functionality and durability, creating a cabin that is both practical and comfortable. Overall, the WRX Premium sets a high standard for build quality in its class.

Conclusion: Is the 2023 WRX Premium Interior Worth It?

So, is the 2023 Subaru WRX Premium interior worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. It's not the most luxurious interior on the market, but it's functional, comfortable, and well-built. The tech is up-to-date, the seats are supportive, and there's enough space for daily life. Plus, it's all wrapped up in a sporty package that's a blast to drive. For the price, you're getting a lot of value here. If you're looking for a performance car that you can live with every day, the WRX Premium should definitely be on your list.

Final Thoughts on the Overall Interior Experience

In summary, the 2023 Subaru WRX Premium interior offers a well-rounded and satisfying experience. It's not flashy or ostentatious, but it's thoughtfully designed and built to last. The focus is on functionality and comfort, creating a cabin that is both practical and enjoyable. The tech is well-integrated and easy to use, enhancing the driving experience without being overwhelming. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer drives. And the overall fit and finish is excellent, giving you confidence in the quality of the vehicle. While some might prefer a more luxurious or upscale interior, the WRX Premium offers a compelling value proposition. It's a performance car that you can live with every day, thanks to its comfortable and well-designed interior. If you're looking for a fun-to-drive vehicle that doesn't compromise on practicality, the WRX Premium is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive – you might just fall in love with the interior as much as the performance.