2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 BMW 3 Series

2022 BMW 3 Series
2022 BMW 3 Series
$41,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 BMW 3 Series
$41,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$41,450

MSRP

$30,605

Average price

$32,174

Average price

$28,366

Listings

865

Listings

241

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Manual transmission not available
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
  • Less cargo space than rivals

2022 BMW 3 Series Reviews Summary

Four years ago, the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series sedan arrived wearing an evolutionary design and a traditionally conservative appearance. While BMW has expanded the lineup to add plug-in hybrid and performance-tuned models and has tweaked the car’s available colors and features, the 2022 3 Series remains essentially the same as it has since 2019. Every 3 Series has the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with navigation this year, and BMW makes minor changes to the standard and optional equipment lists.

2023 Subaru WRX Reviews Summary

Subaru's image is centered around rugged station wagons, outdoor activities, and cute dogs, but the automaker also has a sporty side—exemplified by the 2023 Subaru WRX.

The WRX first appeared in the 1990s as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC), which at the time required cars to be closely related to production models. Subaru viewed rallying as the perfect way to show off its all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles so, after a trial with the Legacy midsize sedan, it launched the Impreza-based WRX with the goal of becoming more competitive. It worked: Subaru has won multiple rally championships and the WRX has endeared it to car enthusiasts.

Subaru didn't begin selling the WRX in the United States until the 2002 model year, but it's remained a fixture of the automaker's U.S. lineup every since, competing against other sporty compact cars like the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI, and other derivatives of those models.

The current, fourth-generation WRX was introduced for the 2022 model year, so there are no changes to report for 2023. The lineup includes base, Premium, Limited, and GT trim levels. For this review, we drove the WRX GT, which sits at the top of the range.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

2.4L 271 hp H4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

271 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

26
2022 BMW 3 Series
2022 BMW 3 Series
$41,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 BMW 3 Series
$41,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru WRX
$30,605MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$41,450
$30,605
Average price
$32,174
$28,366
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
4.5
Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Manual transmission not available
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
  • Less cargo space than rivals
Summary
Four years ago, the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series sedan arrived wearing an evolutionary design and a traditionally conservative appearance. While BMW has expanded the lineup to add plug-in hybrid and performance-tuned models and has tweaked the car’s available colors and features, the 2022 3 Series remains essentially the same as it has since 2019. Every 3 Series has the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with navigation this year, and BMW makes minor changes to the standard and optional equipment lists.

Subaru's image is centered around rugged station wagons, outdoor activities, and cute dogs, but the automaker also has a sporty side—exemplified by the 2023 Subaru WRX.

The WRX first appeared in the 1990s as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC), which at the time required cars to be closely related to production models. Subaru viewed rallying as the perfect way to show off its all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles so, after a trial with the Legacy midsize sedan, it launched the Impreza-based WRX with the goal of becoming more competitive. It worked: Subaru has won multiple rally championships and the WRX has endeared it to car enthusiasts.

Subaru didn't begin selling the WRX in the United States until the 2002 model year, but it's remained a fixture of the automaker's U.S. lineup every since, competing against other sporty compact cars like the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI, and other derivatives of those models.

The current, fourth-generation WRX was introduced for the 2022 model year, so there are no changes to report for 2023. The lineup includes base, Premium, Limited, and GT trim levels. For this review, we drove the WRX GT, which sits at the top of the range.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
2.4L 271 hp H4
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
26
19
MPG Highway
36
26
Look and feel
2022 BMW 3 Series
9/10
2023 Subaru WRX
9/10

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a distinct powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 stood at the top. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Adaptive M Suspension.

The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The optional Cooling and High-Performance Tire package added 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials and a technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, no longer resembling the Impreza, featured distinct front and rear styling, wide-body sides, and functional hood scoop feeding air to an intercooler. Base models had 17-inch wheels, while higher trims had 18-inch wheels with standard summer tires. The WRX's exterior styling conveyed its performance capabilities and Subaru heritage, with a tuner aesthetic fitting Subaru's design theme. The interior, typical of Subaru, was basic but durable, with GT models featuring Recaro Performance Design front seats with red contrast stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery.

The WRX GT test car's interior included comfortable and supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. The mostly black interior was livened up by red contrast stitching. The WRX's interior was practical, with good outward visibility, but lacked a proper place for a modern smartphone, a surprising flaw for a recently redesigned 2023 model.

Performance
2022 BMW 3 Series
10/10
2023 Subaru WRX
8/10

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, driving the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i also featured M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension, with the test car having the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and the car returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, just shy of the EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The M340i's driving dynamics were impressive, with quick, precise steering response and a taut ride. The car felt hard-wired to the driver's inputs, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons. The transmission behaved flawlessly, and the car's performance was thrilling, making it a strong recommendation for driving enthusiasts. The 3 Series remained the standard against which other sports sedans were measured, with the M340i providing ample performance without the need for the even more capable M3.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It sat between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power, and between the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R. Unlike its mostly FWD competition, the WRX had AWD, with power routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT, branded as Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The SPT/CVT, standard on the GT test car, responded quickly to throttle inputs, feeling more like a conventional automatic transmission.

The WRX GT also had electronically controlled dampers and a drive mode select system with multiple settings for steering, engine, AWD system, driver aids, and climate control. The WRX's well-mannered character made it a pleasant daily driver, with confidence-inspiring grip from its AWD system and standard summer tires. However, the driving experience felt muted, with quiet exhaust, blunted acceleration from the CVT, and laid-back steering, making it competent but lacking exuberance.

Form and function
2022 BMW 3 Series
8/10
2023 Subaru WRX
7/10

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i, a traditional four-door sedan, offered driving satisfaction without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided ample support, and the driving position was perfect, with a thick-rimmed steering wheel for comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers had just enough legroom, with the back seat offering good thigh support but limited center seating. The M340i featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, a compact sedan, offered practicality with a bit more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si, but less rear-seat space. The WRX's 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space was smaller than the Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Hyundai Elantra N. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, but Subaru didn't quote a cargo-space number with the seat folded. Roof-rack mounts were standard, and the WRX preserved good outward visibility with low window-sill lines, thin forward roof pillars, and a low dashboard. However, the WRX lacked a proper place for a modern smartphone, with the typical spot under the touchscreen too small, leaving the center console storage bin as the only option.

Technology
2022 BMW 3 Series
8/10
2023 Subaru WRX
7/10

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the digital gauges weren't as impressive as Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus, the infotainment technology package worked well. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard, but the 16-speaker Harman Kardon system was no longer available. Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various queries. The M340i also had a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with base models featuring dual 7-inch touchscreens and higher trims getting an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text in an easily legible size, but physical buttons and knobs would have been appreciated. The menus were mostly easy to navigate, but the SiriusXM interface required too many steps, and the system took a long time to load on startup.

Safety
2022 BMW 3 Series
9/10
2023 Subaru WRX
9/10

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Emergency Stop Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured Subaru's EyeSight safety system, with adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning, available only with the CVT. Other available safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 BMW 3 Series is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Subaru WRX scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 BMW 3 Series is the clear winner, offering a superior driving experience, advanced technology, and a well-appointed interior. If you seek a thrilling and refined sports sedan, the BMW 3 Series is the better choice.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 BMW 3 Series is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Subaru WRX scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 BMW 3 Series is the clear winner, offering a superior driving experience, advanced technology, and a well-appointed interior. If you seek a thrilling and refined sports sedan, the BMW 3 Series is the better choice.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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