5 Reasons to Buy a New Subaru WRX (and Why Not)
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- Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
- The all-new WRX has faced many critics since its debut, but I still find it to be a great option that stands out from the VW GTI, Hyundai Elantra N, and Honda Civic SI. Today, I'll explain why and a few of the problems with the car.
Full Review
• 2022 Subaru WRX 6-Spee...
Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me test drive a WRX.
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I just bought a 2022 WRX I can honestly say, it drives great, HWY Mpg is great and the plastic I don't mind since I got dirt roads, also I rather have plastic get damage than my paint lol.
That's why there's mud flaps guards.
@@4corners312 they really don’t help much. I’m cool with how this subie looks
mine is 600km, hwy most of the time, I avg 9.6L/100KM
I think the cladding on the rear could have been less but however it's still a wrx and I would love too own one soon ..
@@4corners312 those do nothing against rocks.
I like everything about the WRX. Cladding and all.
Especially in person. Its much nicer in person imo
I just bought the 2022 WRX after having a tuned 2015 WRX. The refinement of this new global platform/engine 6speed is dreamy. A better car all around!
Agree - had a 2016 - this is totally different, yet very familiar - much better platform all around.
Had mine for about 4 months now and with an even split of city and highway, I get about 21.5mpg. Runs great on 93, the torque consistency is probably my favorite thing about the car. Got it in black so the cladding doesn’t really bother me except the rear bumper. The rest is pretty tactical, it’s only in spots where the most abuse would get kicked up. Biggest complaints are the road noise and no physical knobs even for fan speed on the ac. It’s so irritating to try to change this while you’re driving. Overall, it’s the only car in its class and price range for my long island lifestyle. It’s thirsty, but it literally does everything 24/7/365
I’m looking into one of these in the base trim. Do you have any reference on the road noise issue when compared with the 2022 Civic Si ? I currently have the Si and my biggest complaint about that car is it’s too loud. I want the 6 MT and everything else but don’t want another loud car. The other option is GLI for me. Thanks in advance !
You are right about the knob.. i just hit the talk button and talk to it and adjust the ac
@@addykumar672 LoL , I currently have a ‘22 Si as well and am cross shopping the Rex and looked at the Gli 😅
Look into painting them. Aeroflow does them and they look great
@addykumar672 - it is noisy like the Si…if you are looking for quieter, get the GLI…just make sure to budget for new performance tires on the GLI as the stock tires are terrible.
I looked at the Elantra N, GTI, and Civic Si before purchasing a WRX. The looks for the car don't bother me at all. I actually like it. No worries about rocks flung up by those sticking Dunlops chipping your paint.
I take a different view of the WRX than most people. I'm a middle aged guy and I have a Lexus in the garage if I want luxury. I wanted 180 degrees polar opposite from that. I wanted loud, stiff, and as analog as I could get. I wanted a car as close to the ones I had back in the 80's and 90's. Before all the safety nannies, digital everything, electronic e-brakes, etc. The WRX is so engaging to drive. Handles well. It doesn't ride like a luxury car...because it's not one. The ride is stiff, but not punishing. I have the base model as I hate sunroofs and safety nannies...so I WANTED the base model. I even like the old school key. Since I have the base model it has the smaller 235/17 tires. I test drove a Premium model and it rode noticeably worse but I didn't notice any difference in handling. The steering in my car is perfect. Not too light, and very responsive.
I think if you evaluate the WRX for what it is, not what the competition is....then you will love it. But if you want a fuel efficient family hauler...it's probably not the car for you.
Why did you pick it over the GTI? I’m cross shopping it with the WRX now
Agree….
I have Dark Grey 22, 6MT Limited. I drove 4200 miles in 5.5 days. Average 28 mpg and I love it.
Just over 1 month and 3000 miles on my 22 WRX 6MT Limited. If you like to hoon it you will get the low mileage mark, however, I was able to get 32 mpg on a 200+ mile round trip drive between Denver and Vail, CO, with a light foot. 24 or so mpg around the burbs is seeming standard for my driving style.
I got a 2022 dark metallic grey WRX limited AT. I liked the cvt more than the manual so I went with it
How do you like it?
Is the suspension comfortable enough?
So I’ve owned for a month now, It’s been growing on me more and more. Suspension is great, but it can definitely be better, only complaint is that the car is really quiet
@@awesomedude65 okay great! I am getting mine next month. I’m very excited!!
I liked the AT WRX more than the MT says nobody..
Bring back a WRX Wagon with a manual transmission and I'll buy it in a heartbeat
Great reviews! I think what separates WRX from GTI and Elantra N is reliability and AWD. I wish they added more torque to this model but I think they wanted to make it more reliable.
"It offers an aggressive grip on the road that feels like it could choke a bear." -Realistick, August, 2022
The timestamp is necessary
Loved the thoughts dude, thanks for sharing!
I think it's great looking car ..
I agree
The regular “kidnap” test in the trunk / boot is always hillarious.
I got over 30mpg on a road trip with the CTV. Cruise on. 600 miles, Highway. 32mpg.
Impressive, most epa ratings are conservative, but turbo engines typically struggle more to hit their ratings.
I got 33mpg in my 6 speed 2022 on a 300 mile trip on the highway. 65 mph, windows closed, no AC on. I hit a bit of rain and traffic in there too. It’s an impressive car to have AWD, 200 treadwear tires, low gearing and still hit that number. Oh FYI, I was running 87 octane fuel.
My 22 gti gets 38 on the highway
2015 wrx no issues yet (104 000km). slowly converting mine to entry level rally car. just want to go faster on local dirt roads
Have a 2023 WRX 6 speed, 3000 miles and car is refine sports car with that AWD grip. l live Montana so plenty snow and dirt roads and car can hustle, just keep revs up and keep it on the road and the AWD is forgiving and will keep you safe, manual is smooth matched very well with that 2.4 turbo, feels like natural aspirated really because of low turbo boost, feels good and car is so easy to drive, light response. First up grade is air filter, exhaust and steering wheel. all around car and not to be overlooked for dirt and snow
Premium gas is not required, it's only recommended. IMO, if you buy a manual car you expect to manually drive the car... not auto braking and lane assist stuff. It just makes no sense to complain about this.
The owners manual says otherwise. It will allow regular gas but says to use regular only if you can not find 91 octane. Me too (which is why i didn't complain) i'd rather save money on it with a manual but it is something most competitors have and worth noting.
@@Realistick You’re not interpreting the manual correctly. The motor is capable to run properly on 91 or 87 octane. 91 will provide the best fuel economy and the best power, which is why it is “recommended”. But there is nothing wrong with running 87. It doesn’t say anything about only using it for a little. If it can run on 87 once, it can run on 87 it’s whole life. It’s designed to run on both. For highway driving, it’s financially more economical to run 87 as the extra mileage that 91 could theoretically provide is not as great as the 15% surplus in cost over 87.
@@SuzukiKid400 My old mitsubishi manual said specifically "for maximum performance" which is what you are describing. This one says if 91 isn't available, you can use 87. Interpreting it any other way and then spreading it would be unwise for me as media, if you want to do that, go ahead.
good review, but where i disagree wind and tire noise is good ting for a sports car, being able to hear what your tire and wind noise adds a sensation of speed. but i totally agree the lack of steering feel is disappointment, they should improve steering feedback and feel and add option LSDs and brembos, then this would be an amazing buy in lue of the lack of the STi.
I like this car a lot. Always look forward to driving it. Fun.
In the market anyone know a dealer with no markup in southern California?
I’m a 2016 wrx owner. I’ve never had a mechanical problem. I’ve had it tuned to stage 1 for the last 40k miles. Zero issues. I’ll be going stage 2 soon. I get a combined 27 mpg. I don’t know why anyone would “upgrade” to the newer generation.
I highlighted the advantages in this video actually but glad to hear yours has been trouble free!
Drive one and you'll know why
Mine is grey which effectively hides the cladding.
2015 STI owner checking in. Mine has been garage kept, driven through Wisconsin winters since 2015. I have 60k on the odometer. Running Stage 1 Cobb, off the shelf tune. No other mods to engine or drivetrain. It's been pretty reliable (knock on wood) only issues was the bluetooth connection issues on the older headunit. It was replaced three times under warranty until I just removed it and replaced with an aftermarket Alpine headunit. The windshield washer bottle keeps coming apart at the neck which is a minor nuisance. Probably the worst issue of them all is rust on the weep holes at lower edge of the trunk lid. This car has always been washed after every snow event with full wash and undercarriage spray. I have never had a car in the 30 years I have lived here and owned cars that have had rust issues in this manner. I asked Subaru for some help and they denied my request as it was past the warranty period. Many other owners of the older VA body that I have spoken to are seeing similar rust issues in the same spot. I had it remediated and hopefully it has fixed the issue🤞. It looks like it may be a design and/or manufacturing defect due to the way they sealed the crimp in the steel or how the weep holes were designed.
Interesting, thank you for sharing and sorry about the rust there, I hope they have that fixed on the new car!
How much did just the stage 1 do for you?
You posted it’s a 2022/23 model year. Are we waiting until 2024 for the next model year?
Where did I post that? There shouldn't be any revisions in 2023 so this video should wprk for that model too. If there are, I'll cover that with a quick video! Otherwise, It will probably be a few years before I post another full wrx review. I will try to get a cvt video done before then.
Actually cross shopping this vs a b9 A4. I like the manual but the mpg is awful
I have a 2022 6MT, and the clutch feels fine but the gears are finicky, Esp. 2nd for some reason. The synchros feel very mechanical, tight, so maybe just needs some break-in plus some getting used to the car.
I feel the same way about mine, shifting into 2nd feels horrible at times. Do you the factory short throw on your as well?
Yeah 1st and 2nd don't feel great to me, but I'm still
Darkmatterx is working on a shifter, should be in production early 2023
@@brentdeyoung7778 yes. I had the STI short throw shifter installed from the factory. And, it is way better than the regular shifter that I test drove several times.
@@brentdeyoung7778 Yup. I've been following. pre orders are open. Thing is that (a) I'm pretty sure Subi says changing the shift linkage will void any warranty repair work related to the trans, such as the sychros, and (b) I'm not so sure it would be any better than the STI shifter I have already. I don't need a bump stop because the slack is so much reduced by the STI short throw.
Port and direct injected is best, WRX only has direct (lots of carbon buildup on the valves), annoying CVT. It does not come in hatchback form or even better like in Australia - Japan - UK they also a have a Wagon WRX !
Is this the Sapphire or WR Blue?
WR
The two separate little screens though ☹️
Thanks for the review! As an owner of previous gen, I find this one quite ugly. Plus, I do not like extra plastic they put around body. Thankfully it has much better tuning and that agonizing rev hang from previous gen is almost gone.
Thanks for watching! It's quite perplexing on why they did that but it could look super cool of Subaru makes a special edition with all color keyed fenders. Or if they listen to the outcry.
Who is everyone lying to?! The paint-matched fenders look weird as fuck.
@@lowery02 agreed, people paint matching them make it look worse than the black. I’d like to see someone remove them, then do body work to fill in the holes and make it flush with the body.
I wound up searching for and buying a '21 after test-driving the new '22 two times. I much prefer the older model.... Not just because of the cladding issue, but because I don't like the overly busy-looking interior, the huge cartoonish touchscreen and the bulky center console of the new model. Both cars have the same clunky shifter, not precise and crisp like on a Honda, and the same brakes, which can be described as adequate but no better. And the rev hang? Every year we hear that "Subaru claims to have finally eliminated the rev hang" and I don't honestly see the difference between a '21 and a '22. Sure, a '15 and a '22 are probably totally different, but my admittedly-limited experience with a '22 didn't strike me as better than the '21. Obviously these are my opinions of course but for me the '21 was a better car and that is where my money goes.
What color is that car?
Rally blue or sapphire blue?
Rally
@@Realistick thanks! I’m in internal debate of ordering the sapphire or the grey metallic
World rally blue 💙
You are all funny! I dont see many drivers in here. Enjoy!
the interior room is more than spacious but you're just too tall
doesn't seem too much different to the forester 2022 it looks like the forester but with features missing
IDK about these estimated fuel economy numbers. I have a 2022 base MT with about 7.5k miles and my overall combined fuel economy so far is just a hair under 28mpg with probably about a 40/60 city/hwy split. I did swap the tires out for some all season GT tires almost immediately (which probably also helps a little with the road noise), but even without the tire swap, I can't imagine getting 22 combined MPG.
Sales of sedans has tanked in recent years. The cladding gives more of an SUV feel and hopefully keeps this legendary sedan relevant to modern tastes. I just ordered an XT outback in dark gray. It’s rugged and has sufficient ponies to do what I need. If the WRX was a little bigger I would have gladly bought one
That's why they have a legacy, lacking performance. This model feels larger than all the predecessors
2010 - 2014 Rex hatch is about one of the coolest little cars ever made. Period. Stopped paying attention after that.
Subaru's primary demographic these days seems to be hipster families living in Burlington, VT, Colorado Springs, etc. Maybe it always was. But damn if that aforementioned Rex wasn't channeling the '88 BMW E30.
And btw, great vid. Thank you.
@Pablo Romo it does very well. I’ve hit train tracks and large speed bumps at speed in my 2022 and it does not bottom out or feel harsh. Wonderfully tuned suspension.
2022 WRX does not require premium fuel. It recommends premium.
Not true, but not entirely false. It can safely be used with 87, BUT SHOULD NOT BE USED REGULARLY. The owner's manual says 87 is okay to use if 91 octane is not available. Mazda's 2.5 turbo is a better example of "recommended for max performance, but not required." Many cars are like this.
I’ve put 3,000 miles on my 2022 with only 87 octane. No pinging, amazing fuel mileage, and really doesn’t lack that much power compared to 91. The ECU is phenomenal in this gen.
@@SuzukiKid400 that's actually great, I might note that in a future video with the WRX here soon but I still stand by what the owner's manual says.
@@Realistick one of the main points of going to a larger engine with less boost is being able to use regular fuel. You don’t need the resistance to pre-detonation if your not compressing the fuel past its critical limit. The ECU senses for knock and will retard timing and pull boost. For highway driving at 2,000 rpm this is not necessary as you don’t require much power anyway.
@@SuzukiKid400 I'm aware of why premium is needed, but if I bought one, I'd use premium unless I couldn't find it.
At this point worth waiting for a 2023, probably announced in the next month or two
yeah, i read it today, they should make some external corrections for 2023 and price will slightly increase as well.
I bet the base will be faster to 60 due to smaller wheels
The overall diameter of the tire is the same as the higher trim levels.
@@DanielKwetny that not what he means. A larger rim has a larger polar moment of inertia. It takes more energy to rotate a wheel that has its mass out farther from the pivot point than one that has its mass closer to the pivot. He’s entirely correct that a smaller rim will spool up faster than a smaller rim.
@@DanielKwetny its not, base gets 235/45/17, other trims get 245/40/18 and base has no sunroof so another weight save beside the wheels!
what about the head gasket problem ??? for 2022 model or 2023
Too soon to tell. Plus most of the people experiencing those problems were tuning and effing with mods. Keep it stock it would last twice as long.
The manual trans version is just like after thought. And want a manual but I want all the safety tech also.. but then again maybe it's less stuff that will break later down the road... its alot of plastic but that's the design of the times right now. I cant wait to see what the fan boys do!!
The availability for it would be nice but if it means it costs less, actual MT WRX buyers probably won't shed many tears. The aftermarket potential for this will be insane though! Especially with the new engine.
@@Realistick exactly make it available and see how it does, and or let people choose
Having a 22 si the forward collision warning is nice but the rest of the safety tech is spotty at best. My cars even braked a few times when there was nothing to brake for. Lane keep gets weird during lane merges and constriction zones. Adaptive cruise also follows too far away and is jarring how it brakes.
Brake warning is appreciated but the rest is pretty overrated and useless. I'm assuming other manufacturers are similar. I appreciate the manual version not having the extra nannies.
@@SpecialK69420 i think having the option to add them would be nice and they should be able to be completely shut off at times when you dont need them. But for the sake of commuting it would be nice to have them
Hmm.... Turbo-charged 4 cylinder sports sedan with AWD. Too bad there's nothing else out there like that for buyers. Except for the Mazda 3 Turbo.
I've driven that, it's not a competitor to this. That is more so a competitor to the new acura Integra, audi a3 and other small luxury cars.
Problem with the Mazda3 is that the turbo is only available with an AT.
Subaru’s are nice besides the design. They don’t make good looking cars, besides the BRZ
rear is a honda civic ugh
I think, for the price I would rather get a Kia Stinger GT-Line
I'd agree but only at the WRX GT price level, the base and premium are considerably cheaper than an awd Stinger.
No manual on awd stinger and much more expensive!
What price are you talking about?
@@SuzukiKid400 Manual is pointless on a sports car, it literally makes it slower
@@tonynittoli4792 35-40k
For that price for the new wrx, I'd rather get a used sti. But I'm done with subarus, moved on to better
What's "better" out of curiosity? For the price point it's really the only good priced mild performance car. Premium model for 34k MSRP..little room for negotiation it's a good overall package
@mattsiegel1446 Well for me, when i moved on from subaru i went to Audi. I traded in my STI for an RS3, (literally an STI on steriods) but if mid 30s is your ideal price point and you want new vs used then yeah wrx is an ideal option but there are still other cars out there imo I would rather get for that price that are CPO like a lexus IS for example. But 34k for a wrx is crazy, they used to be 26k brand new. I got my STI brand new in 2019 for 35 so a wrx for 34 is just criminal when they used to cost 26 new.
For $35k the N is likely a better toy, but that price is almost at entry level 230i territory. With a 230i you still get useable back seats and better interior and handling dynamics but it is not as user friendly. This car is for someone who absolutely needs 4 doors but still wants something with a little flare. I just think your better off getting an Elantra N if you can find one or just stepping up to a 230i BMW if you can afford the price jump, you’ll be much happier if you are an enthusiast.
I can see that but it's honestly just a different experience. I'd personally trust the resale and durability of the WRX over those two. I still think the elantra n and the beamer are better executed for their purposes, but the WRX has its own niche, it's just now a bit less of a pain in the ass!
@@Realistick I’ve owned a WRX and I think we just seem to forget that it is intended as a rally car for the road. It would get dusted by the Elantra N and 230i with ease on the tarmac but in a low traction environment it would really show its worth. Also just look up the how well the B48 and B58 are. 200k is easily possible in BMW with proper maintenance if you are worried about reliability. BMW CEO has really made it a priority to increase reliability. Think about it, even Toyota turned to BMW to bring back the Supra when they could have easily just done a rebadged Lexus. Toyota gives BMW its stamp of approval with reliability. The WRX does have it’s own charm to it though.
I think if it was paint matched it might be worth looking at, but to me I think that suv cladding looks hideous. It hasn't grown on me at all over this last year.
I'm always wishing that SoA would actually bring us the WRX Wagon that everyone else got. It's paint matched and I'd actually be willing to trade in my Forester for it.
How about go look at one in person and have an objective mindset instead of just saying crap other naive fools say behind their phone. I was stunned at how good it looked in person. Getting one this month
Paint matched cladding defeats the purpose. Then you’ll have paint chipping off your cladding after a spirited gravel road session.
I have a 2016 wrx and I was looking forward to upgrading but I just can't get past the ugly plastic cladding and lack of performance improvements. And yes I've seen it in person. Will be getting a Golf R instead.
To me, it felt like performance improvements took a backseat compared to livability improvements, both of which the Golf R has it beat at still. However, you pay for it and it's quite hard to find.
@@Realistick I already have my Golf R ordered and I don't mind paying a bit extra for more power, luxury and refinement.
That is a base wrx. Premium has short throw shifter
Unless they changed it, the short throw shifter is an accessory you can buy for any trim though not standard (might be on the upcoming TR but I haven’t checked that yet)
@@Realistick it's the same with the display screen and rim size
@@Realistick premium is the way to go
Yeah, this is the trail runner shoe of sports sedan world! Too much plastic cladding for what this car is.
It's a little bit of a headscratcher but if they come out with a color keyed version down the road, that would look really sweet.
@@Realistick agreed. Styling is great overall.
Subaru designs great vehicles ...but has horrendous execution. What do we know about the new WRX..... lousy steering feel, rattles, sloppy shifting, over assisted clutch, unreliable infotainment system... and then there's the grenading engine. Sorry, but this car needs to go back to the drawing board.
The clutch is not overassited, the GR rattles more (believe me), the FA20 and offspring FA24 have been trustworthy and notchy does not equal sloppy. It could use better brakes, a thorough rework of the steering and tasteful changes to the style but you have to give credit where it’s due!
@@Realistick ....Subaru is not worth of any 'due'. They've been building these style cars for decades..they should be getting then right by now.
The Subaru Accord does have some redeeming qualities
Will never beat the toyota veloster though🤧
5 reasons why I won’t be buying one,
2022 and No wireless Apple car play, black cladding which looks like crap after a few years!
The brakes are budget brakes!
The steering has no feel!
Not enough boost!
No adaptive dampers!
It’s like a Big Mac is half the size now!
Same a the new Rex!
I can't get over how the thing looks, I always say you do you when it comes to style, but I can't help but laugh at these on the street, it just looks so fucking bad even compared to the wonkiest shit BMW has put out recently.
That is one ugly looking car ! 🙄
Look so bad
Looks better than the previous gen
@@SuzukiKid400 yup
@@SuzukiKid400 lol looks really are subjective, this thing is so nasty, ugliest sport model anything on the road.
I got one of the last 2021 WRX premium in Michigan. (Metro detroit) Black, 8miles (now has 10k) for 32k like a couple weeks before car prices went insane. So happy I did. These came out just after I don’t hate em but feel like I got what I wanted. Still have it stock for now aside from winter tires. We’ll see if I keep it stock or not. No I don’t vape and I’m not a hippie lol I play hockey and golf. #not-sterotypical
Yours is still a cool Subaru, of all the odd looking cars out there, this is the only 'sports' model I laugh at every time I see one.
@@hellobooom broke problems
I just bought mine in the metallic gray. The plastics don’t really bother me. It drives awesome can’t complain. It’s weird how mine has a key for a 2022. But it’s still badass, gives me memories of my first standard vehicles