The Subaru WRX lineup spans four trim levels, and the differences between them are meaningful enough to change how the car feels and performs in daily Nassau County driving. Choosing the right trim comes down to how you prioritize driving engagement, daily comfort, and feature content.
Bottom Line: The WRX Premium is the best value trim for most Nassau County buyers who want a complete sport sedan experience without the GT’s performance-focused premium. The GT is for buyers who will actually use the Brembo brakes and STI-tuned suspension.
- Base (~$32,395): manual only, full AWD and EyeSight, no frills - the purist’s choice
- Premium (~$34,695): adds heated seats, full infotainment, manual or CVT available
- Limited (~$38,195): adds leather, moonroof, Harman Kardon - most features at a mid-range price
- GT (~$43,195): STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, BBS wheels - the track-oriented WRX
What Every WRX Trim Has in Common
Every WRX shares the same 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged flat-four engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system comes standard on every trim, as does the EyeSight driver assistance suite - which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane centering.
The base performance, chassis, and safety foundation are consistent across the lineup. The trims differ primarily in transmission availability, interior materials, audio system quality, and suspension tuning - with the GT sitting notably apart from the other three.
WRX Base (~$32,395): The Purist’s Choice
The Base trim is manual-only - it comes exclusively with the 6-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. For buyers who know they want full manual control and are not interested in the CVT option at any price, the Base is the entry point and the most driver-focused variant in the lineup.
It includes 17-inch alloy wheels, EyeSight safety technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and Subaru’s Lineartronic Sport mode display. Heated seats and a power moonroof are not available as options on this trim - those require a step up.
For Nassau County buyers who want maximum engagement and minimum cost, the Base is genuinely compelling. The equipment gap to the Premium is real, but the driving experience difference between Base and Premium is essentially zero.
WRX Premium (~$34,695): The Best Value for Most Buyers
The Premium trim is the recommended starting point for most Nassau County buyers who want the WRX as a rounded daily driver. It adds heated front seats, a full-color multi-function display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and upgraded infotainment - and critically, it is available with either the 6-speed manual or the Lineartronic CVT.
The approximately $2,300 step from Base to Premium is well-spent for buyers who commute daily and want cold-weather heated seat comfort. For buyers splitting use between daily driving and spirited weekend driving, the Premium manual hits the ideal balance.
The CVT option on Premium opens the WRX to buyers who prefer automatic operation, particularly for stop-and-go Nassau County commuting on the LIE or Northern State Parkway.
WRX Limited (~$38,195): Feature-Complete at a Mid-Range Price
The Limited adds the premium comfort features that buyers crossing over from luxury compact sedans tend to expect. It includes leather seating surfaces, a power moonroof, Harman Kardon 11-speaker audio, automatic headlights, and a heated steering wheel. Like the Premium, it is available in manual or CVT.
For Nassau County buyers who spend significant time in the car and want a more refined interior experience without stepping all the way to the GT’s performance premium, the Limited is the logical endpoint. The Harman Kardon audio is a genuine upgrade - noticeable on the Long Island Expressway at highway speeds.
The Limited does not change the suspension tuning or braking system from the Premium - it is a feature and comfort upgrade, not a performance one.
WRX GT (~$43,195): When You Will Actually Use the Upgrades
The GT is where the WRX gets serious about track and canyon capability. It adds STI-tuned front and rear suspension with firmer dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers with 12.4-inch rotors, 18-inch BBS forged wheels, and Recaro front seats with additional lateral bolstering.
The ride quality is firmer on the GT - meaningfully so over the variable pavement quality common on Long Island roads. Nassau County buyers who drive mostly on public roads and commute daily often find the GT’s ride less comfortable than the other trims without using the performance capability that justifies it.
The GT is the right choice for buyers who track the car, regularly drive on roads where the Brembo brakes and suspension tuning have room to shine, and can accept the firmer daily ride. For highway commuting in Hicksville and Bethpage, the Limited or Premium will be more comfortable.
| Trim | MSRP | Trans. | Key Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | ~$32,395 | 6-MT only | AWD, EyeSight, CarPlay |
| Premium | ~$34,695 | 6-MT or CVT | ✓ Heated seats, full infotainment |
| Limited | ~$38,195 | 6-MT or CVT | Leather, moonroof, Harman Kardon |
| GT | ~$43,195 | 6-MT or CVT | Brembo, STI suspension, BBS wheels |
"The Premium manual is what most Nassau County buyers end up choosing. It gives you the full WRX experience - the engine, the AWD, the feel - without giving up heated seats or a real infotainment system. The GT is excellent, but you have to drive on roads where you can actually feel the suspension and brakes doing their job."
General Manager, Grand Prix Subaru
The WRX’s safety credentials are strong for a sport sedan. Current NHTSA crash test results and safety ratings are available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-ratings.
Browse WRX inventory at Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville, serving Nassau County, Bethpage, and Syosset. Schedule a test drive to experience the trim differences back-to-back.
For the complete WRX picture, see the Subaru WRX complete guide for Nassau County buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which WRX trim is best for daily commuting in Nassau County? The Premium trim with either manual or CVT is the best daily commuter choice. It adds heated seats and a full infotainment system at a modest step from the Base, with no ride quality sacrifice compared to the GT.
Is the WRX Base trim only available with a manual? Yes. The Base trim comes exclusively with the 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The CVT option is available starting with the Premium trim.
What does the GT trim add that justifies its $11,000 premium over Base? The GT adds STI-tuned suspension, Brembo four-piston front brakes, 18-inch BBS forged wheels, and Recaro front seats. These are meaningful performance upgrades for buyers who track the car or drive roads where the suspension and braking enhancements can be felt. For primarily highway and suburban driving, the value proposition is harder to justify.
Are all WRX trims all-wheel drive? Yes. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD comes standard on every WRX trim. It is not a selectable option - the WRX does not come in front-wheel-drive configuration.
Does the WRX Premium come with a sunroof? The Premium does not include a power moonroof as standard equipment. The moonroof is standard on the Limited and GT. Check current build options with Grand Prix Subaru as packages can vary by model year.
How do the WRX trim levels compare in fuel economy? All WRX trims share the same 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Manual transmission models are EPA-rated at approximately 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. CVT models are rated at approximately 20 city and 27 highway.
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