2020 Subaru WRX Review: Performance on a budget | CarGurus
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- A year or two away from a full redesign, the 2020 Subaru WRX gets a Series.White design package to boost its appeal.
Shop for the 2020 Subaru WRX on CarGurus: cargur.us/DcTlf
Few cars feel as unfiltered as the Subaru WRX. Although the engine is getting old, it still delivers terrific performance, and the six-speed manual transmission feels beautifully mechanical. Subaru is expected the revamp this car for 2022, adding a new engine along the way. Should you wait for the new WRX, or buy this one?
Video review: Matt Smith
Cinematography: Elliot Haney
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0:00 Introducing the 2020 Subaru WRX
1:06 Series.White Customizations
1:55 Inside the WRX
2:24 Pricing Overview
3:29 Engine Stats & Driving Impressions
5:52 Fuel Economy
6:41 Technology & Infotainment
7:40 Safety Features... Or Lack Thereof
8:54 Final Thoughts and Closing 
Авто/Мото
You are 100% on the money with how it drives. I rarely use 6th gear because the engine likes to be spun up. And 1st and 2nd are especially difficult to deal with. It shifts best when I'm in a rush and just want to go. Driving smooth is counter intuitive. However my MPG has been incredible over the past year. My average after 10k miles is 26 MPG because of idle time. However, any drive over 10 miles I regularly break 30 mpg. I only put $20 in the tank every two weeks. I didn't buy it for mpg but it's a nice surprise. And I have a base model and actually like the simple infotainment. It does what I need without constantly fiddling with it. Plus 9 times out of 10 I'm not even paying attention to the stereo because I have muffler deletes. However my base model has the basic cloth seats which on top of being too high up don't have any knee support. In heavy traffic I get shaky legs quite often leading to some rough clutch engagement and embarrassment. Overall I feel like this generation, especially 2018+ with the changes they've made is the perfect car for me. Definitely not forgiving but rewarding for it's lack of drive modes and gimmicks. Every day is a challenge to meet what the car wants and when you nail it you are rewarded with incredible sound and speed.
Best car for the money
I agree.
2 years with my Wrx now, dont regret a thing.
I feel the same way, can’t go wrong with these cars
I'm tempted to get one, but wondering if I should wait.
@@mistamaog If you want the redesigned 2022 version with the FA24 engine, then wait. Otherwise, just pull the trigger and get one. Almost 2 years with my 2016 WRX and I still love getting behind the wheel every single time, without fail.
@@BlastGT1 Manual or automatic?
@@BlastGT1 I'll end up waiting to see what the new one has, and also so I can save up money 😂. So probably a couple of years.
Had my 2017 premium for almost 3 years now still loving the awd feel, no regrets.✌
Hey Omi,
Do u think, this can be an affordable daily driver? I'm based in Vancouver..
@@antonymohan3281 hmm. For me its monthly cost is $347.40 on payments/insurance cost started $201.14 - then dropped $116.00 6 months later with a good driving record thats my honest answer. But im in Wisconsin, and put 9k down + traded a 07 mazda3 in the process. Hope this helps.
How's it do in the snow
@@2wheeldom11 IDK I store mine away for the winter to avoid salt damage and rust 😅 im stuck with a 02 jeep liberty 4x4 sorry.
@@omialmanza1900 Thanks Omi!
Great review and great perspectives!
Drove it, bought it, love it. 2 weeks ago.
For all the reasons you mention. It reminds me of my Alfa Sprint Veloce - well balanced, responsive and comfortable enough for a sports car. Replacing an ‘08 BMW Z4 auto (wife’s transmission choice) and a old Honda Pilot (RV towed car). The WRX has a Very different feel, but it punches my buttons, especially when I outfit it for towing and show up at the Campground with a FUN car on the tow bar.
Been driving manuals since high school - had my driving test in a Corolla 5speed and a School Bus. I like the shifting better than my BMW 5 and 3. Tight and positive, like my 62 Alfa Spyder was. Wife will do well in this, recalling her Acura Integra GSR 6speed.
I got my 2020 STI 6 month ago, this is my first manual car, I think it is easy to drive, I only learn how to drive stick shift in driving school, but I play race game all the time like dirt rally and assetto corsa, so I think if you don't know how to drive manual, try to play some simulation race game, you will learn downshift and heel and toe very fast, at least for me, I do them all very smooth in real life after one week I got the STI.
Great review. I just bought a ‘17 WRX for all the reasons you mention. It’s really the last of a dying breed and I couldn’t be happier driving it.
Love my 2016 WRX! A few modifications, sure. But what a great car! So fun to drive, and yet, even practicable with four doors and very good trunk space.
Lost me when you started blabbing about lane keep assist and adaptive cruise.
Those things are all rubbish and I personally find them more distraction then help. I truly hope WRX with manual continues without that, because if it does I'm sure not jumping on board of one.
Better safety option is when cars offer better visibility, stronger chassis and truly sorted out handling. These things always get overlooked. How is it that we consider car "safe" when it's jam packed with this faux safety tech and screens, with claustrophobic vision out of it, but cars that truly handle well, speak to the driver and make you concentrate on the job at hand, the job of driving are being put down as unsafe?!?!
I am convinced that lawmakers and manufacturers are going down the wrong path - annoying chimes are distracting. Steering wheel being pushed left or right just when you overtake a cyclist or avoid a road kill on a road with great visibility....that is not safety, that is nonsense.
I spent a year researching and 3 months locating a used series White. such a great driving car. I did an exhaust swap and did a burble tune to add to the old school. feel.
Love my 2020 WRX!
The sunroof center of gravity info was cool! Did not know that.
i just got to drive this car for the first time and maaannnnn watching the review is nothing like being able to drive one for yourself. the beautiful purr of the engine, the amazing whine from the turbo when you accelerate, the way the seats hold me just right, i am absolutely in love with this car. the first thing i realized is until you get use to how fast the car is you gotta watch your speed because you don’t even realize how fast you’re going until you look and see that you’re going 100 mph for no reason 😅
You didnt care about how shifting from 1st to 2nd is not smooth? Also, how plastically how the interior look almost like the cars in the 80'?
@@bj10jgo 1st to 2nd shift can be helped a lot with a shift stop, cheap and simple upgrade to clean up the sloppy shifts. As for the look of the interior, you don't buy this car for the interior, you buy it for the driving experience. Hell, I'd take my old 84 Celica GT hatch over any "pretty interior" car because of the fun factor in driving. If all you want is to get from A to B, the WRX is definitely NOT the car for you.
Love my 2018 wrx base
Love that its pegged on Phish radio. My 21 is always on phish radio itself. Cheers. YEM.
Good honest review.
Oh and I sub..........scribed to the channel.
Danke Schoen from Florida for this review
Sti, WRX, Land Cruiser, 4 Runner, BRZ, Miata... I think those are all great examples of analogue vehicles, in some cases, that get accused of being old and outdated but are cherished by purists for their lack of frills and focus in quality, competence, and experience. Good piece, I like your prerogative and agree.., plus yeah buddy, I spy Phish 😆
and all vehicles hold their value too.... I wonder why?
Contacted a guy about a 2017 limited. Really hoping they respond. Thank you CarGurus
Buying essentially the car on display just before it would be replaced by that... weird new buggy... will probably be the best car purchase I ever make in my life.
I own this exact car. 2020 WRX premium and I can say. The brembos are amazing. The heated recaros are spectacular. The turbo is cool for a bit but if you’re a genuine speed demon you’ll get bored of it pretty quick. I’d recommend buying something that’s stock 400hp vs trying to raise one of these to 400
I bought a 2020 WRX premium with only 26 miles and may trade in for the 2022 WRX premium.
There is a TSB out for the shifter vibration. Fix the 4th gear shifter fork and everything else is smoother
*Comment stating that author owns one too.*
*goes into detail how great it is*
This is what alfa romeos used to be like .... the analog driving experience, well said
How is the handling chassis ride etc.. what about its turn in corner exit.. perhaps some comparison to the similar priced cars you mentioned (GTi etc) other than auto or DSG transmisson.. Have they solved the rev hang issue? You haven't mention any of driving experience in traffic mountain road or at track etc and you call this a review???
I've been looking at this car since 2014. I bought and still have a 2017 wrb base 6MT. I don't think I've ever noticed a WRX with that door bumper molding down the side. It's terrible. Have i been blind?
At sea level where i live i have a cvt 2k19 and on highway at cruse 110kmh i do around 7.5 to 8 /100km i can even get to 7/100km if i drive 100kmh and im not bullshitting i avg with city 8.5 to 9.5
I just purchased that exact same car and absolutely love it!
Same, on accident, thought i was buying a regular wrx
The car represents the Japanese domestic market with fascination for rally cars and the lancer evolution it’s twin it would be amazing to see the new generation of lancer evolution 10
I got mine 5 days ago 2020 base model, but u got a lot from base, it is my 1st manual car,. But i got learned just 3 days and took out for main road, but still a lot of learning space for me, but man i love it, i love the 2nd to 3rd gear and going to 4 is so powerful. But the 1st to 2nd is a bit jerk.
The lower the gear, the slower you have to release your clutch. That's help with your 1st to 2nd
Rev up first and push in clutch when rpm gauge falls to 2k you can immediately let clutch out for a smooth shift to second. The rev hang isn’t super bad in the 2020. Got my 2020 base in oct luv it.
So any issue with your wrx after having for two years?
The presentation on this video was much smoother. Thank you for not doing the multiple camera jumps.
I will always love the Subaru I have on owned four Subarus and they seem to last for ever every time I would buy one my friend would take the car I had 🤠
Just had a year with my cvt wrx and I love everything about it. Don’t hate until you kill some highways in it.
I'm a female and I really really want this car!! I cant drive a Manual but ill try lol
Trust me its easy
@@krator1655 you sound like the type to burn out clutches
@@interceptingfist5682 you sound like the type to not mind their own business
@@krator1655 public comment section kid. It's everyone's business
the clutch is harder to press down than other cars, try it before you buy it. A lot of stop and go driving may make your leg tired. i got a 2019 impreza, then the 2020 wrx - i put a small rubber stop under the pedal, and a heel rest. sometimes i'm concerned my foot will slip off the clutch. It is so much faster than the impreza - so i prefer it on a trip.
We don't have manual wrx here in PH. Why????????
Proud Subie owner here!
Me too
Still own and love my 09 civic si but wanting to upgrade to AWD. I’m really glad they kept the analog feel of this car. Looks like you can add a short throw shifter for extra $. How’s the rev hang?
Rev hang sucks a little (although I hear they fixed that a bit with the 2018 model), but worse is the stock tune on the WRX. Full-on boost at 2000 RPM, then the torque wall you hit at 4500 RPM, and the throttle mapping is not 1:1 so it's getting way more gas than you want for the distance you push the pedal, which makes it more difficult to feather the throttle and clutch smoothly. There's an easy fix though, buy a Cobb Accessport and flash a Stage 1 tune. It completely changes the throttle mapping, smooths out the torque curve and upper end response, and turns this into a completely different car. Best $675 bucks you can ever spend on a WRX, hands down.
@@BlastGT1 That's an awesome hack, totally worth the money. Thanks for letting me know. Wish this was still in a hatch, but can't have it all I guess.
@@jacksonludwig8560 no problem! I agree, I loved the 3rd gen hatch myself, and I'd be fine with a body based on the latest Impreza hatch. I'm not thrilled with the Levorg wagon look personally, but we don't have a choice either way for 4th gen.
If you end up in a WRX, pick up the Cobb Accessport from MA Performance, as you'll also get their $75 off-the-shelf tune for free, and that tune makes the Cobb OTS tune feel tame by comparison, putting you at or near STI power levels. I've been on that tune for close to 2 years now and it is SO much better than stock, no additional mods needed.
The stock WRX is really quiet though, so if you want to actually hear the car somewhat, invest in a set of axle-back muffler deletes. You can get a decent set of those (BLOX Racing set on mine) for about $250 and it adds that oh so sweet audio porn to your daily drive without being obnoxiously loud.
@@BlastGT1 how many speeding tickets have you had?
Excellent job on the review. The 3-2 downshift was easily the best part. As a former 370Z owner and now Dodge Challenger, I appreciate the analogue machines left an this this WRX and STI are definitely among them. I like that you didn't knock it for having button and knobs that just work. I am all for functionality an I think the WRX has that in spades. Up to $30k ish mark the WRX makes all the sense in the world. Any bit over that mark, would have me eying a STI though. However that is even less civilian than the WRX so I can understand the desire not to.go STI
I promise I nailed a few 3-2 shifts during the shoot, but we liked that take the most!
My favorite take of the day by far! Thanks Blake!
What engine did you get in the Challenger and how does it compare to the 370Z? Both manual?
I got a 2018.💪
just traded my 2009 WRX of 12 great years for a 2020 STI. I did not want to wait and pay extra $$$ for the extra HP. I know the HP on the new upcoming WRX and STI, but that also will come with a price. The new WRX will have similar price tag as the outgoing STI and the new STI will start mid 40's up to 50's. You are going to pay premium for the new modernized WRX and STIs with generous increase in horsepower.
enjoy fixing ur engine every 3 years
I was looking at WRX’s and STi’s a few months ago. I personally didn’t like the wrx at all. The STi was great but way overpriced for what you get. The dealer tried to get me to pay nearly 45 out the door. I got a 2020 Camaro LT1 instead 35K out the Door and I love it.
@@driftracerr34 only problem is the difference that you saved will go to mechanics over time….
Sure like it.
What exhaust is on the series white I have a normal 2020 wrx and it doesn’t sound like this one?
It probably has the Subaru spt exhaust
Get the last of the Sti before they are gone. It will hold its value because people will miss it like they did the Evo.
thanks for the advice im gonna go buy 5 bruv
They are discontinuing the Sti???? All I’m seeing is that the next gen is delayed, but will be 400 horsepower and use a different engine(good.... they’ve milked the shit out of it $$$$$$$$)
Yes we know it’s performance on a budget, Ppl have been calling it that since 2002. Good job with this breaking news
its a great car i like it
Better looking WRX compared the new 2022 model
Hell yeah. Phish. Good taste
I use to own a Mugen SI. had it for over 8 years before someone pulled out on the road in front of me without bothering to look... loved that little sporty 6 speed car... everything he described at the end was exactly how i felt with my car. never was I more emotionally attached and connected with a car. I could feel every part of that car when driving it. What it liked, what it didnt like. i could tell for example how it didnt like certain weather times but then loved me for taking it out on other weather conditions. The up shifting and the downshifting... the smooth transition and that purrrr of the motor telling me im dancing with it just right. begging me to push it and do more... so much energy and responsiveness... it took every turn with such grace and took off in a way that surprised all... god i miss that... fuck that stupid asshole for taking my baby away from me T_T ....
Stay out of the right lane, if you’re in the United States ( left lane if you are in England or Australia). Think ahead when you’re driving and it can help you avoid accidents…
1:18 omg the rear similar to bmw 3 series !!!! wow
I got my STI from a Car Gurus add ❤️
ad
Should I get a older wrx or the new 86?
Do you want an all-wheel-drive sedan, or a rear wheel drive 2 seater? Obviously a WRX is going to be much more practical, especially if you live somewhere where it snows.
Hasn’t changed much since 2015.
Me: laughs in STI
dude called the future he said in 2022 and look here we are with 4 hp more
2018 wrx love it! Hate the rev hang. First gear also short. Just gotta work it.
Is the rev hang on the WRX as bad as the rev hang on the Si? I have an Si right now and it has horrible rev hang and I want a WRX someday.
5:52 better than my camaro it is my guy
1:51 what?
Is this better and/or more reliable than a VW GTI?
By far
Depends how well you take care of it and monitor your fluids. If you drive it like a normal car yea more reliable if you drive it like a teenager about the same reliability or lack of.
Japanese cars are generally more reliable, and I can guarantee you that the WRX will be cheaper to repair than the VW. Also, the WRX has 40 more HP than the GTI, and AWD. The FA20 motor in the WRX is a better overall design and more reliable than the old EJ engine in the STI, but any car is going to blow up if you hot rod it all the time.
Way better than VW
People are going to hate me for this but this thing is a nice R34 GTR Homage.
The all wheel drive performance aspect is right on the money. Remember the Evo as well…
Is a Subaru more reliable than a BMW 230i with manual transmission?
Obviously
Dear god, why why why can’t they offer exactly this spec in an estate wagon or hatchback body type?
Becuase most people won't buy thos
Very low demand for hatch/wagon in the US, unfortunately. My favorite is the 3rd gen 2011-2014 widebody hatch.
Boost controller
Got to learn how to down shift to have it Silky Smooth 😂, I Usually use the 1 finger 3-2 shift on a 2016 STI. 👆
Love my 2019 Wrx! But there is a learning curve in driving this car.
sure if you come from a Chevy Aveo
So much for having significantly more power lol 🤣
He spoke, spoke, spoke, and spoke a little more for more than ten minutes and did not inform the capacity of the trunk, something that is essential in a sedan.
It's definitely on the small side at 12 cubic feet. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@msmith617 So it's really small.
This is very old. Also, law enforcement seems to “notice” these on the highway. JMHO.
They always see the big wing lol
Without the STI wing, a WRX tends to stay under the radar unless you're a lead foot. I've been pulled over once in 2 years, and I was going 17 over at the time, so that's on me.
Does this one have turbo?
Yes, single turbo.
Pristine edge
It's getting old because it has the engine from 5 years ago? Lol.
@Va Mllr the sti EJ motor is from 1992
Subaru are one of the best cars in the made in Indiana USA 🇺🇸
The WRX is still made in Japan. The Impreza is now made in the USA.
@@mossmiller I'm sorry I didn't know that the WX was made in Japan all Subaru I bought were made in Indiana USA 🇺🇸
@@allancatellier7424 Yeah, Subaru splits their production between Japan and Indiana. The Legacy, Outback, and Impreza are made in Indiana. The WRX, Crosstrek, BRZ and Forester are made in Japan.
@@vossler360 so don’t buy the Legacy, Outback, or Impreza …got it!
@@steviesevieria1868 The Indiana Subaru plant (SIA) has been operational since 1989, and it has a good reputation. SIA even built some Toyota Camrys between 2007 and 2016.
These just went up in demand lolll new wrx is poopoo
Old lol? Dude my z is old
I like the car, I like the look, I don’t like the price. 36 is too much for this car period
The mid-trim WRX has an MSRP of less than $31k, which excludes some of the features of the special edition test car.
Harry.. Harry..
“Should you pull the trigger on this one or be better off waiting for the 2022”…….well have you seen the 2022? 🤮
I’m gonna zonk the absence of LED license plate, but everthing else is awesome!
Why not just get a slightly used Golf R!?
Why not just make that comment on a RUclips video for a slightly used Golf R!?
Lol golf r is transverse garbage
🤦🏼♂️
More power lol they failed
Soooo outdated
This car is too old. Go with a GLI!
Yeah, you do that
@@BlacKBerry23311 lol, VW garbage
Get the STI. The WRX will not be enough for you. If you can't afford the STI, get a GTI.
Get the s209 if you can’t get that buy a civic , lmao jk.
@Va Mllr It's a rally car not a luxury car. Insurance is relative to your age, where you live and your driving record. You knew the MPGs before you bought it.
@Va Mllr I always hear the STI guzzles gas. Many other sports cars get similarly poor MPG's. I've had a 2016 since new so I have 60k+ miles of experience. I have not reset "trip a" in 10k miles. My LONG term average is 22mpg. I drive very aggressive and a lot of in town. Car review after review gives as tested MPG's for many sports cars in that ballpark. Don't say the 4 cylinder guzzles like an 8 cylinder. It's power output that takes fuel. If a 4 cylinder makes 300hp it will drink gas like any other engine making 300hp. It's is VERY SHOCKING how close my average MPG's are to newer sports cars given the ancient STI engine. It has stood the test of time but is showing it's age. It could and probably should just ride out the end of the internal combustion engine. How will we handle the all electric STI? I think a dual (electric) motor STI would be an absolute beast with Subaru AWD.
As for high maintenance... learn to wrench. A brake job was quoted from my local dealership at $2,400. I did it in an afternoon taking my time. I swapped in new fluid and took my time doing a nice job. Total cost was about four hours and $600 for as good as or maybe better parts. For the 60k maintenance, I swapped the trans fluid, diff fluid, spark plugs and filers in a few hours for less than $100. The dealership wanted so much more. What makes the STI so perfect is how easy it is to work on. It's basic and you don't need complicated scan tools to diagnose and calibrate after repairs. Some new cars are dealership repairable only. No thanks! In over 60k miles I have had nothing other than wear items need replacing. Knocking on wood! That's great. My 2016 Fiesta ST has had several issues in under 30k miles.
Who buys an STI for the interior. You surely sat in it before signing papers. Did you not notice then? My wife has a 16 WRX and it's the same inside... so, your point is?
Insurance is high, but so are all sports cars. I'm 37 with a clean record and no wrecks with full coverage and
$500 deductible, I pay about $210 monthly. My wife is the same but a few years younger and hers is $180 for the WRX.
Are you an owner or have I provided paragraphs of troll food? You seem to have ended up with a car you really don't like. The grass isn't always greener. You could be driving many other cars right now and what you said could apply.
@@CarStory gti ugly as faaark
@@bhansen9468 The new MK8 isn't great looking but I love the MK7.5.