I mean, most things are more expensive now. Think about it though - the STI debuted in the US in 2004 for $32,000. That's $53k today adjusted for inflation so really it seems that the fun Subaru car has actually gotten cheaper. Too many people don't take into account how much your dollar is actually worth today vs even 5 years ago.
I was there, 3000 years ago 🥲, I remember the absolute fully optioned 2009 sti was about 44 thousand and I thought that was unbelievably expensive! We had just under 50 come in that August, they all sold within 2 weeks 😮. And they still look incredible!
The newer base model WRX is in the low to mid 30s, and has the exact same power train as the more expensive models, except the top GT trim that comes with a CVT. I think Subaru intentionally left the ceiling open for enthusiasts, because there are those who have done very slight modifications to achieve 400hp without having to bolster any part of said power train.
I sold new ones at a dealership back in 2003 and 2004 and they were like $29k at that time. And we only sold one to a kid who burned the clutch up and was livid it didn’t have a warranty on it. Big college town too. I was always confused why people didn’t want them. I thought they were pretty good until ya lined up beside a SS Fbody
Subarus are tuner cars, they don’t need a lot of power from the factory, you modify it to your needs, but the one thing that everyone seems to forget is these are meant for all weather and road conditions fun, not just your perfect weather weekend days only, but gravel,rain, mud, and snow is where they really shine, every body always, and I mean always want to compare the Subaru to the other cars only in perfect weather conditions, and usually drag racing, which is the worst thing that Subarus do but still are pretty good at doing that too! Doug you need to get with O’NEIL RACING when ever you back on the east coast, be a awesome collaboration!
@@calebsullivan5869 As a WRX owner I am very familiar with the vaping, flat-brim wearing stereotype, but never knew they were especially popular with military personnel. Hmm. I’ll pull over to the side of the road and think on that.
I hate how car companies are going to touch screen for everything. Physical buttons work a lot longer and I'm guessing car companies now do this for two reasons to either charge you costly repairs or basically coerce you to just buy a new car after 6 years and the tech is falling apart
A lot of the cars with touch screen still have physical buttons. They are usually on the steering wheel. I prefer the Screen anyway. Mostly because it comes with Android/Apple Auto. lol The built in (and responsive depending on your phone) navigation is a godsend. Now it comes with the car instead of having to buy all of that stupid extra TomToms and Radio Tuners or Aux cables is also nice. I drive a lot to and from work though. So might just be me... just like physical buttons. Once you know where everything is. It really don't matter.
the TR has no performance upgrades, yet is the “high performance” model? You pay $9k more for a sunroof delete, slightly better brakes and recaro seats? Id rather buy a fully speced out 2023 TRD Camry
*I actually like it. It looks like a big toy. Except for the taillights, they look good in 2014-2015 time, not that sophisticated in my opinion and very much like Civic and their BRZ.*
The rear cladding saved my kid an expensive body shop visit. A coworker backed into his car at work, seriously dented the cladding. A heat gun and some pressure from behind popped it out, and the textured gray hides the slight scrapes well. If his had been a 21 or older, that would have seriously scratched up a gloss body color painted area.
the reason the panel looks so small on the screen between the two gauge clusters is because the cruise control mode is currently active, the information gets larger when you close out of that
@@LingLing1337It already is. It used to be the crosstrek was a lifted Impreza, now the Impreza is a lowered Crosstrek, as evidenced by the plastic cladding which is a more crossover like feature.
Doug, you were a partial reason I got my '22 WRX after your '22 video. I have a Premium 6MT that I paid $30k for in 2022. I just cannot get behind spending $13K more for a car that has the same exact power as a stock '22. I get it has nicer headlights, better interior, drive modes; but is that really worth $13K when I can spend a lesser or equal amount modifying my '22 and it will have more power? I just don't think so. I could buy a second full drivetrain (engine, transmission, ECU, diffs, axles, etc.), get my car to 400whp, and still have money left over before buying a TR.
Been a fan and a follower of all your content/channels/podcast that have come 'n gone and evolved since day one. After all these years, there is still one minor thing slowly eating away at my sole; as a guy who loves marketing and branding - Please utilize the empty box of the top left hand corner of "the doug score" with your logo, lease it to an advertiser, put a smiley face there, place a different puzzle piece on each upload that potentially takes the entire year for us devotee's to decode, but please don't leave an empty space where millions upon millions are watching year after year... something.... anything, Doug! please. thank you for all the excellent content. :)
I work at a Subaru dealership so Ive gotten to drive the base model and the TR, and the conclusion Ive come too is the TR is for people who want a upgraded WRX but cant or wont modify their base model. The interior in the TR is nicer but not nice enough for that price bump. What reinforces this opinion is that most people who get the TR also option it with a STI short shifter. A $700 add on. Anyone with some mechanical skill and a free day could put on a short shifter for half that on their base WRX
I bought a new 2018 WRX Premium and after a year I felt it was under powered and it had some major issues (Transmission issues and Pitch Mount Broke, needed major service engine removal to be fixed) It was one of the best handling cars I ever had, but I very much regretted it and wish I spent my money on something else. I won't be going back to a newer WRX anytime soon.
I leased the same car, had the exact same experience. Amazon handling but very underpowered, engine and transmission issues. Had an S5 after turning it in - felt like a rocketship in comparison. In early 2000s WRX was as quick as an S4, that’s what was so cool about them.
@@mtntrailsubie while that might be, new cars shouldn't have engine mounts on their firewalls peel off. For that reason alone I will steer clear. No hate to ya'll though, its a personal choice.
They were thinking the same thing as every company. “Raise the price and they’ll HAVE to pay for it because of supply chain issues or some bull crap.” That’s kinda how we got where we’re at! We just take what they have to offer. No one complains and that’s why we ALL have to pay that price.
Its funny you said that, because I immediately thought "Geez, this looks just like a cheap rental car" It looks cheap inside and out. I cant believe they want 43K for this
@@ABarancic look at the 400 plus cars. Rs3 is right there, brand new 68+ thousand. Subaru knows it can price it up there. My opinion it have 330hp or just enough to beat type R stock for stock cause again my opinion that’s the best 4cyl engine out there from Japan as of now. With this hp range maybe sitting around 50k maybe. Trust me I’d love to have a 400hp sti from factory cause I a die hard Subaru guy even I have a Gr Corolla my 07 sti is my favorite. I just don’t think that the hp will be that high from stock. The aftermarket is where the fun will begin and I’ll be right there ready to void my warranty lol 😂
@@mikeythetoyotaguy No. A majority of the vehicles in the Subaru fleet share a majority of their parts aside from drivetrain. The pre-2015 WRX's shared the shame frame and platform as the Impreza. After 2015, the frame and platform mechanically changed.
The car industry today is like Alternative Rock bands in the 1990s...make a bunch of $$ then O.D. or kill themselves. probably because they are all being bought by liberals...it figures. might as well name a new EV..."Nirvana". However, Elon Musk remains a mystery...perhaps it was his idea to make a cash cow and bail out all the time...just like David Geffen.
@@ImARealHumanPerson But What's the median? I don't need the price of a new Bugatti, or something as common as a Lexus, factoring into our conversation about Subaru.
Smart move my Subaru, get rid of the STI and say you won't make another, only to make up a new STI model replacement that costs the same and likely there will be real STI that's even more expensive out soon.
Would be nice if that engine and transmission was offered in the Forester and the Legacy. I’d sell my ‘11 Fozzy 5 speed with 190k miles for one. But $43k for a suspension, brake upgrade and sunroof delete is a big ask with no power gains.
Got my 2023 Base WRX for 29k. Can't beat it. So much fun and the plastic cladding is just fine when my gravel/dirt roads throw up dirt and rocks. saves me from rock chips on paint.
@@hkfan4596what brand new car with recaros and brembos can you get for 35k let alone 28k? You can’t even get a Miata with those add ons for less than 40
I have all of that in my 22 WRX GT …… with the eyesight tech I don’t mind it being an automatic . Still a very fun car as a daily with a few bolt ons and an access port it really wakes it up
I'm one generation ahead of Doug and his take on the WRX is exactly mine. I have a '24 Limited and while it's only been a few months, I can say it is nearly perfect for what I want. I really like the technological amenities and the large display but I most especially like that they don't have anything to do with how the car drives. Eyesight is a really nice feature when you want it and it's easy enough to turn it off when you don't. Adaptive cruise is a stress reliever on the freeway and the car is totally analog on backroads. I had the opportunity to drive an Ioniq 5 N recently and it's an incredible machine. But there's too many functions. Get in the WRX and drive. It performs as well as you want it to based entirely on your own inputs without any setting changes required.
As someone who had posters of Imprezas on my wall growing up and have had a couple over the years, and am in the age bracket and financial position where I can finally afford new ones this is one of the last cars I want. It isn't what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
What makes a Subaru a Subaru? Is Subaru not allowed to change/evolve? I’ve noticed the people who hate the vb are usually the ones who are big fans of the older wrx’s. You guys sound like the old “get off my lawn” fogies. I personally think a lot of the older ones look like basic boring dorkmobiles and I like the looks of this one.
You didn't mention that the Grand Touring trim has a CVT, not a regular automatic transmission. If it had a DCT like the Elantra N or a regular torque converter like the 2025 GR Corolla, some of us wouldn’t mind.
My 2014 Outback has a CVT with over 110k miles. Never had an issue with it, and in a 2022 Outback, it feels way better. The WRX also gets a CVT that’s been upgraded to shift just as fast as a DCT without the same level of mechanical complexity or unreliability.
Rumor has it from a recent podcast (can't remember what auto media the guy works for) that Subaru is already in the works to bring it back. Obviously it would be a very early stage for now considering Subaru said they would bring the STI back in some kind of electric fashion. I think they've seen the performance hybrid sports cars are achieving and working on that platform, instead of a fully electric car. The enthusiast hybrids right now are ridiculously fast and fun to drive, right up a sporty Subaru customers' alley.
@@feo130 obviously car buyers want horsepower in sports cars. There are countless examples of cars that have been hugely successful by offering more power.
TR stands for Tuner Ready, not Track Ready. That's why it was the base trim during some of the GD generation. Now it makes sense for TR to stand for Track Ready but Subaru hasn't said that's what it now stands for.
Needs the STI 6 speed and it would be golden. That is the Achilles heel of the current WRX especially with the big power the 2.4 can easily make. These engines can be tuned to push 325 HP and 370 torque at the wheels… without any parts being added or changed. Transmission is probably crying though…
I have a 2023 WRX premium. I love it. Where I live it was it cost me $37,560.00 with sunroof and upgraded sound system. The Honda Type R was $53,890.00 with dealer mark up. No brainer! The MSRP on the type R was $46,870.00 before dealer mark ups.
I drive a Bugeye WRX and I feel it’s the best looking WRX not just because it’s the one I have but it simply has the most personality to its look and charm. Plus it’s a fantastic daily driver
@@andrewolson4280 I used to have a 2003 yellow Bugeye. My first and most loved Subi…I’ve owned 4 total including my current 2018 WRX. Damn I miss my Bugeye.
@@4gedcarbon537 right?!?! I got mine a few months ago for $5k with a little over 200k miles but she’s completely stock and has been very well maintained as all the previous owners were a family who gave me complete maintenance records and along with the car for only $5k, she also came with a full set of snow tires and wheels ready for this winter.
Car nut here. I watch read car news info all the time. I drice a 02 nb miata. I will put 20 k into it before i spend that money amon a new car that,i dont like,is over complex and expensive. The simplicity,pureness and enjoyment i get cannot be matched.
It’s been some time since they released the new WRX and man it still looks ugly. I’ve gotten used to the nee kidney grill on the BMW 4 Series but the WRX I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it
For what it’s worth, I had a 13 and 21 WRX (lost one to bad used transmission & 2nd to a flood). Looked at upgrading brakes on the 21 bc they were terrible, it’s $6K-$8K. Now drive the TR and the brakes alone are worth it!
was kind of expecting a higher DougScore, given how you've built the car up when you touched on design and performance ;) but i'm happy you touched on some some features found on new Subarus like the infotainment system & the seats as i'm a proud Crosstrek owner, and wanted to know your opinion on this.
To change the time on the center gauge cluster screen you have to become a Master Freemason and change it by rotating the Apprentice Pillar from the gear housing below Roslyn Chapel.
🔥 You wish you had a Porsche, no worries, get the WRX/STI and enjoy that sweet Boxer/Rumble sound. It mimics a Porsche and a Motorcycle - Simply an amazing Car .
I ended up going with a GR Corolla premium. (Had to travel for MSRP). But if the the WRX was a hatch and looked better and maybe had 300 - 320 HP then it would have been on my short list. Just can't get over the looks. When it's that expensive and you could have the GRC for msrp fairly easily if you're willing to put in a little work I'm not sure why you'd pick this gen of WRX nowadays. Looks are subjective sure but the GRC is the faster car and more exclusive if that's something that matters to you.
The new VB wrx is underrated at horsepower and makes around 250 to the wheels stock and can compete with the Sti on a roll, and these make 320 wheel with just a tune and intake
@@oversteer6771 Subaru left the ceiling open on the newer WRX. They cut the turbo down to like 12.9 psi at sea level while pairing it with a bigger, beefier motor. It's been over 2 years and so far I haven't heard any horror stories from modders, compared to the yearly carnage stories we had prior.
I like how, during the driving section, Doug's passed by two Outbacks, both of which slowed down a bit to check out the WRX. Nice. Also I love how it looks. Man, I promise I'm not doing this on purpose, but lately I find myself NOT one of the cool kids disparaging car designs these days. I think so many look slick and eye catching, then I get online or watch videos and everyone's trashing them. They're clearly designing them with me specifically in mind. Sadly I have a brand new truck for the next three years, so no new car for me.
Apologies if it’s been mentioned already but at 11:00 in when you’re talking about the middle display… ther was a minor oversight - if it’s the same system that’s in my 24 RS, (which I feel is very possible)… there is a way you can at least expand that information to be more prominent. It appeared as though the lane assist function was set to full… which provides that animation you see in the middle full time instead of just when cruise control is engaged. If you switch that option off in the settings the information presented above that animation becomes prominent and much easier to see 😁
IMO car looks fantastic, the black cladding fits the car perfectly well, love the BRZ-ish tail lights, the handling is fantastic. We gonna miss this car sooner or later
They’re doing their best to make anything BUT the STI
Can't blame them. "STI" didn't age well
But charge the same amount as if it was an STI
@@SSruhwhy? That term was coined before the car was.
They no longer have room in their fleet for a gas guzzling STI unless they turn it into a trim level an utilize the existing FA24 in the VB.
@@SSruh how you mean? the STI acronym alluding to a type of infection has been around for a long while
"The WRX is a car that people vape into, on the way to the military base" 🤣
bro called me out, along with literally 4 of my other friends😂
Cracked me up! So perfect.
@@justindorsey4671 same lol
The most factual statement Doug has ever said 😂😂
Damnit, caught red handed.
Car companies wonder why their fun-to-drive cars don't sell. Maybe if they'd actually make them affordable to most enthusiasts they'd sell.
It almost seems that it’s on purpose
Yeah because for 43000 I would rather buy a used f80 bmw m3 that was over 60 back in the day
we are now living in the world , hyundai shitbox cost $45,000.
I mean, most things are more expensive now. Think about it though - the STI debuted in the US in 2004 for $32,000. That's $53k today adjusted for inflation so really it seems that the fun Subaru car has actually gotten cheaper. Too many people don't take into account how much your dollar is actually worth today vs even 5 years ago.
@@kylemullet1 stop 👏🏻 being 👏🏻 poor 👏🏻
Remember when STI’s used to go for $35k-$38k? Inflation is crazy
Alcyone SVX Lsi and S4 back then were also only costed $33.000.
I was there, 3000 years ago 🥲, I remember the absolute fully optioned 2009 sti was about 44 thousand and I thought that was unbelievably expensive! We had just under 50 come in that August, they all sold within 2 weeks 😮. And they still look incredible!
The newer base model WRX is in the low to mid 30s, and has the exact same power train as the more expensive models, except the top GT trim that comes with a CVT. I think Subaru intentionally left the ceiling open for enthusiasts, because there are those who have done very slight modifications to achieve 400hp without having to bolster any part of said power train.
I sold new ones at a dealership back in 2003 and 2004 and they were like $29k at that time. And we only sold one to a kid who burned the clutch up and was livid it didn’t have a warranty on it. Big college town too. I was always confused why people didn’t want them. I thought they were pretty good until ya lined up beside a SS Fbody
You can get a “base” one- still w/ same awd, same engine, same manual trans for like $33k
Subarus are tuner cars, they don’t need a lot of power from the factory, you modify it to your needs, but the one thing that everyone seems to forget is these are meant for all weather and road conditions fun, not just your perfect weather weekend days only, but gravel,rain, mud, and snow is where they really shine, every body always, and I mean always want to compare the Subaru to the other cars only in perfect weather conditions, and usually drag racing, which is the worst thing that Subarus do but still are pretty good at doing that too! Doug you need to get with O’NEIL RACING when ever you back on the east coast, be a awesome collaboration!
This car makes me think Subaru should start designing and manufacturing agricultural equipment instead of cars.
Subaru used to be called Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan
This was my very first impression of my (FA20) WRX. "This engine sounds like it was pulled out of a tractor, oh well"
That's taken by Lamborghini
Doug is now a shill. That thing is STILL ugly. Doug knows it. He's just pandering to the manufacturers.
@@hashish2007already taken over by Lamborghini?
Doug is the type of guy to buy a WRX and not be a stoner
IMPOSSIBLE!
So a normal person
Lol, you beat me to it. @knifetoucher
@@babushkaboi7288you should Get some ganja and chill out bud
🤣🤣🤣
“Driven by people who vape to their military base” 💀🤣💀🤣
@@calebsullivan5869 As a WRX owner I am very familiar with the vaping, flat-brim wearing stereotype, but never knew they were especially popular with military personnel. Hmm. I’ll pull over to the side of the road and think on that.
@@NatNoodles Driven by people who don't know better and end up with predatory loans for stupid overpriced cars.
He wasn't even joking a bit when he said that. Completely straight-faced. 😂
@@NatNoodles they definitely are. My barracks mate had two.
@@jontaylor1586…aaand I’m immediately reminded why I never leave UA-cam comments. Good hot take, bud.
I hate how car companies are going to touch screen for everything. Physical buttons work a lot longer and I'm guessing car companies now do this for two reasons to either charge you costly repairs or basically coerce you to just buy a new car after 6 years and the tech is falling apart
A lot of the cars with touch screen still have physical buttons. They are usually on the steering wheel. I prefer the Screen anyway. Mostly because it comes with Android/Apple Auto. lol The built in (and responsive depending on your phone) navigation is a godsend. Now it comes with the car instead of having to buy all of that stupid extra TomToms and Radio Tuners or Aux cables is also nice. I drive a lot to and from work though. So might just be me... just like physical buttons. Once you know where everything is. It really don't matter.
@@xj3ewok It’s definitely a money grab.
man, Subaru has an impressive skill at making cars look ugly.
What do you mean? Hideously large hood scoops are so epic bro 🤣
they seem to love making their sport cars look like big fat balloons. was hoping they would make the design more appealing… nope!
At least it has some personality even if it's fugly asf
@@emptychair3932
all their cars look like they were made by fisher price
You are absolutely correct. 2007 was that last good looking year. Hands down.
43k in 2024 is around 28k in 2006, which is about what I paid for my WRX back then.
People were buying sedans back then. Not so much now.
@@moad8794What?
@@moad8794many people only like to buy exotic sportscars and not sedans.
Imagine buying this over an e92 v8 m3 for the same exact price!!!
@@purwantiallan5089 no. Many people like to buy suvs, not sedans and sport cars.
the TR has no performance upgrades, yet is the “high performance” model? You pay $9k more for a sunroof delete, slightly better brakes and recaro seats? Id rather buy a fully speced out 2023 TRD Camry
Wait until you discover Porsche.
uhh.. they are not even in the same class. camry is a mid sized family sedan with a far inferior AWD system.
apparently, Subaru hates themselves and they want to die...like a Nirvana song.
Not slightly better brakes, MUCH better brakes. The standard ones are terrible while the Brembos are like a $2500 upgrade.
@@sssnake2332race pads and fluid is all you need when you don’t even make 300hp 😂
The rear bumper is a diving board into hell
It's a big black diaper.
*I actually like it. It looks like a big toy. Except for the taillights, they look good in 2014-2015 time, not that sophisticated in my opinion and very much like Civic and their BRZ.*
It's almost every car. The rear always looks big and unnecessary
big, fat, clumsy looking
@@2quick2comeeven the rear of Impreza WRX TR surprisingly bigger than Wiegert Vector W8 Twin Turbo.
The rear cladding saved my kid an expensive body shop visit. A coworker backed into his car at work, seriously dented the cladding. A heat gun and some pressure from behind popped it out, and the textured gray hides the slight scrapes well. If his had been a 21 or older, that would have seriously scratched up a gloss body color painted area.
@@AnonymousFreakYT that would’ve sucked for his coworker who would’ve been responsible for fixing it.
Yes but it looks bad
@@holyrat5548why that car looks bad btw?
In about 5 years get him some Back to Black......all that trim will turn grey
@@michaeltabanao8092 We still have some from his last car. 😆
the reason the panel looks so small on the screen between the two gauge clusters is because the cruise control mode is currently active, the information gets larger when you close out of that
"The WRX is driven by people who vape, to their military base" was a hilarious (accurate) ricochet shot
@@natejlambert just about to do that today
At 0:01 the car looks absolutely massive! Is it just the angle? Or maybe how far back Doug is from the edge of the car?
At this rate it’ll be a crossover next generation.
@@LingLing1337It already is. It used to be the crosstrek was a lifted Impreza, now the Impreza is a lowered Crosstrek, as evidenced by the plastic cladding which is a more crossover like feature.
to be honest it looks like my ‘07 minivan fits in the WRX footprint
It's pretty big already. It looks worse cause Doug is standing so far away. 😂
It’s still a compact sedan
Doug, you were a partial reason I got my '22 WRX after your '22 video. I have a Premium 6MT that I paid $30k for in 2022. I just cannot get behind spending $13K more for a car that has the same exact power as a stock '22. I get it has nicer headlights, better interior, drive modes; but is that really worth $13K when I can spend a lesser or equal amount modifying my '22 and it will have more power? I just don't think so. I could buy a second full drivetrain (engine, transmission, ECU, diffs, axles, etc.), get my car to 400whp, and still have money left over before buying a TR.
Nice dude! I paid $37k OTD for my ‘22 limited! Haven’t done power mods yet but have taken to the track many times!
Doug is not trying to get you to buy this car, he is just reviewing it.
Been a fan and a follower of all your content/channels/podcast that have come 'n gone and evolved since day one. After all these years, there is still one minor thing slowly eating away at my sole; as a guy who loves marketing and branding - Please utilize the empty box of the top left hand corner of "the doug score" with your logo, lease it to an advertiser, put a smiley face there, place a different puzzle piece on each upload that potentially takes the entire year for us devotee's to decode, but please don't leave an empty space where millions upon millions are watching year after year... something.... anything, Doug! please.
thank you for all the excellent content.
:)
Doug! TR stands for tuner ready not track ready!!
Fun fact about the TR wheels, they are quite literally the exact same 1:1 production of the VIZIV concept from a few years ago...
Doug is the type of guy to read “Doug is the type of guy” jokes to his kids as their bedtime story.
🤣
You going to hell for this one 😭😭😭
Not original. Not humorous. Using a dead meme. Grow up.
@@ozarkliving7263 is this a meta joke or are you serious
Just asking
You have to turn off cruise control to make the center screen show a bigger graphic
Not necessarily. It looks like LKA (Lane Keep Assist) was left on and that's why.
@@chippsdubbo89 it worked that way on my legacy
I work at a Subaru dealership so Ive gotten to drive the base model and the TR, and the conclusion Ive come too is the TR is for people who want a upgraded WRX but cant or wont modify their base model. The interior in the TR is nicer but not nice enough for that price bump. What reinforces this opinion is that most people who get the TR also option it with a STI short shifter. A $700 add on. Anyone with some mechanical skill and a free day could put on a short shifter for half that on their base WRX
Best wrx review I've seen. Especially the TR for daily.
17:59 the most accurate description of a WRX owner
@@jivan093 As a Subaru Salesperson, yes it is.
😂
i wonder if they just give you a vape at the dealership if you buy one
@@mikeydude750 well bought an RS and they gave me a charger even though I have a wireless charging pad in my car 💀
@@spicyroo4429Impreza RS?
That’s crazy
“High performance”
With no added performance
Didn’t you watch the video where he explained the upgraded performance parts?
Just bought a 24 WRX base. Love it.
TR moniker actually stands for tuner ready, not track ready. Bought one new in 2006 and still own it. Still drives great
19:34 2044? That man is years ahead of every car reviewer!
Doug I believe TR stands for “Tuner Ready” not “track ready”
@@samnelson3852 not anymore
I bought a new 2018 WRX Premium and after a year I felt it was under powered and it had some major issues (Transmission issues and Pitch Mount Broke, needed major service engine removal to be fixed) It was one of the best handling cars I ever had, but I very much regretted it and wish I spent my money on something else. I won't be going back to a newer WRX anytime soon.
the dog bone under the "intercooler"?
I leased the same car, had the exact same experience. Amazon handling but very underpowered, engine and transmission issues. Had an S5 after turning it in - felt like a rocketship in comparison. In early 2000s WRX was as quick as an S4, that’s what was so cool about them.
@@MS-gr2nv The mount for it attached to the firewall tore. There is a TSB for it (2015 - 2017)
FA24F is a significantly better engine my guy.
@@mtntrailsubie while that might be, new cars shouldn't have engine mounts on their firewalls peel off. For that reason alone I will steer clear. No hate to ya'll though, its a personal choice.
The more Analog the better. Makes it more future proof
These cars used to look so cool when I was in college. Now my corolla looked as good
Back in the mid 00s?
Modern corolla is ugly af what are u talking about
The fact that the same model is about 10k cheaper in Canada means US is paying way too much.
You can get a WRX base for under $35k CAD out the door if you are a sweet talker.
buddy like we have a choice? you mean they just hate americans and overcharge us
@@DaDaDo661 the base WRX went for about $33k in 2022 if you found a dealer that didn't have any markups (which I did.)
Don't buy then😊
@@Zorbino88 they aren't allowed to mark up here. The hard part is finding a base when all they have on the lot are RS or premium
So... this is about 10 grand more than the GTI. What were they thinking?
They were thinking the same thing as every company. “Raise the price and they’ll HAVE to pay for it because of supply chain issues or some bull crap.” That’s kinda how we got where we’re at! We just take what they have to offer. No one complains and that’s why we ALL have to pay that price.
Golf R is more in the same league than GTI.
Literally the same thing every competing company is thinking.
God is that color called rental red?
Arrest me red.
"I didn't talk to Tesla Red"
Pull me over red
I Wish I Bought A Lancer Evolution Red.
Its funny you said that, because I immediately thought "Geez, this looks just like a cheap rental car"
It looks cheap inside and out. I cant believe they want 43K for this
The cladding is to stop idiots from attempting to roll their fenders in the driveway.
Right after budget coil overs and a loud axle back exhaust😂
I really like the cladding, i love the concept of a lifted off roading sedan, and the cladding gives that vibe off
Completely insane that the WRX has been sub 300 HP for almost 20 years.
This should have 500 HP by now.
@@CJ-cv1ds it’s be 70k+ with that high hp
@@GR_Papi but why? Why does it have to be that way? lol
@@ABarancic look at the 400 plus cars. Rs3 is right there, brand new 68+ thousand. Subaru knows it can price it up there. My opinion it have 330hp or just enough to beat type R stock for stock cause again my opinion that’s the best 4cyl engine out there from Japan as of now. With this hp range maybe sitting around 50k maybe. Trust me I’d love to have a 400hp sti from factory cause I a die hard Subaru guy even I have a Gr Corolla my 07 sti is my favorite. I just don’t think that the hp will be that high from stock. The aftermarket is where the fun will begin and I’ll be right there ready to void my warranty lol 😂
@@GR_Papi Mustang GT used 32k base.
@@Q-gf8vb nice. Not sure what you’re trying to say here. It’s a nice price car for used mustang
12:45 Doug says it’s based on an Impreza but actually this is the first generation of WRX to not be based on the Impreza
Negative. The VA was the first WRX to be based on it's own platform, not the VB.
Which makes it even worse, I guess. 😂 @@Starworshipper
It’s the universal platform now so technically the crosstrek, Impreza, and wrx are all based on each other
@@Starworshipper yeah but isn’t the VB the first to not share any parts with the Impreza
@@mikeythetoyotaguy No. A majority of the vehicles in the Subaru fleet share a majority of their parts aside from drivetrain. The pre-2015 WRX's shared the shame frame and platform as the Impreza. After 2015, the frame and platform mechanically changed.
$43K is a hard pill to swallow for a Subaru.
The average new car is 47k. Keep that in mind.
Edit - ** $48,644
The car industry today is like Alternative Rock bands in the 1990s...make a bunch of $$ then O.D. or kill themselves. probably because they are all being bought by liberals...it figures. might as well name a new EV..."Nirvana". However, Elon Musk remains a mystery...perhaps it was his idea to make a cash cow and bail out all the time...just like David Geffen.
When adjusted for inflation, Suby WRX and STI's have been in the same range for years. Quit complaining, boomer.
It's 2024. Prices have been high for several years now and are only going up. There's nothing we can do. Buy used. Stop complaining
@@ImARealHumanPerson But What's the median? I don't need the price of a new Bugatti, or something as common as a Lexus, factoring into our conversation about Subaru.
Smart move my Subaru, get rid of the STI and say you won't make another, only to make up a new STI model replacement that costs the same and likely there will be real STI that's even more expensive out soon.
Would be nice if that engine and transmission was offered in the Forester and the Legacy. I’d sell my ‘11 Fozzy 5 speed with 190k miles for one. But $43k for a suspension, brake upgrade and sunroof delete is a big ask with no power gains.
Got my 2023 Base WRX for 29k. Can't beat it. So much fun and the plastic cladding is just fine when my gravel/dirt roads throw up dirt and rocks. saves me from rock chips on paint.
Why doug its not accelerating cars anymore... watching his face was the best feed back ever!
Imagine paying 43 grand for this.This is a 35 grand car at best.
28K
@@hkfan4596what brand new car with recaros and brembos can you get for 35k let alone 28k? You can’t even get a Miata with those add ons for less than 40
Unfortunately car regulations and tech bloat ruins the price.
Not even 35 really. Prices went up for all cars for no reason.
This Subaru is like a 30K car and that's it.
@@pepelaugh4091 you can get a base model for that all day long. Not the one with brembos.
I'm gonna argue what "TR" stands for on that previous model WRX. I'm pretty sure I means "Tuner Ready" back in the day.
now it stands for total rip-off
I have all of that in my 22 WRX GT …… with the eyesight tech I don’t mind it being an automatic . Still a very fun car as a daily with a few bolt ons and an access port it really wakes it up
I love my WRX VB, and I love how it looks. I’m glad Doug agrees
This car is not worth anything over 40k, especially when you could get the regular versions for 2-3k off sticker
imagine if they made an sti model. youd be at 53-63k for a wrx. crazy.
I bet Toyota forced Subaru to kill the STI to protect GR Yaris & Corolla sales, and Subaru is slowly pumping up the WRX
Yup, I went GRC. If an STI hatch was on the table with around the same specs it would have been something to think about vs GRC and Golf R.
Was honestly thinking the same.
Prove that.
@@all-flat-engines I’m sure they stopped it bc of the prehistoric EJ, it likely can’t survive new EPA standards and the FA series is the predecessor
I agree with Doug, I think the WRX TR looks amazing.
I'm one generation ahead of Doug and his take on the WRX is exactly mine. I have a '24 Limited and while it's only been a few months, I can say it is nearly perfect for what I want. I really like the technological amenities and the large display but I most especially like that they don't have anything to do with how the car drives. Eyesight is a really nice feature when you want it and it's easy enough to turn it off when you don't. Adaptive cruise is a stress reliever on the freeway and the car is totally analog on backroads. I had the opportunity to drive an Ioniq 5 N recently and it's an incredible machine. But there's too many functions. Get in the WRX and drive. It performs as well as you want it to based entirely on your own inputs without any setting changes required.
Doug is the type of guy to buy a WRX and actually like the cladding
You mean like he directly said right in the video? Thanks for the brilliant revelation, Professor.
@@jasonrogers1576 woosh, you have no sarcasm detector it seems.
@@usbombs That isn’t sarcasm, homie.
@@ViaticalTree Seems like you all lack brain cells, homie.
Stating the obvious using a dead meme doesn’t make you relevant nor humorous. Grow up. Keep your inane comments to yourself.
As someone who had posters of Imprezas on my wall growing up and have had a couple over the years, and am in the age bracket and financial position where I can finally afford new ones this is one of the last cars I want. It isn't what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
What makes a Subaru a Subaru? Is Subaru not allowed to change/evolve? I’ve noticed the people who hate the vb are usually the ones who are big fans of the older wrx’s. You guys sound like the old “get off my lawn” fogies. I personally think a lot of the older ones look like basic boring dorkmobiles and I like the looks of this one.
Also reminds me of the C8 haters. The c8 is objectively the best corvette ever made but “purists” think it’s trash trying to be a Ferrari.
@@ViaticalTree I'm all for the C8. It is amazing!
@@ViaticalTree At least the old ones don't look like a Honda accord.
@@ViaticalTreethis WRX looks horrible
18:00 driven by people who vape to their military base😂😂 never change dougie
Doggy*
They should bring back the sti trim with a manual and no cladding and such, but also make a rally focused trim with the cvt and rugged appearance.
exhaust, downpipe, intake, Good tune this engine could push mid 300's easily
You didn't mention that the Grand Touring trim has a CVT, not a regular automatic transmission. If it had a DCT like the Elantra N or a regular torque converter like the 2025 GR Corolla, some of us wouldn’t mind.
I'll take the stick, thanks.
@@mikescherrer4923 your welcome bend over
Wife's Outback has the CVT and while the 2.4 Turbo is great in it, that CVT is AIDS! I wish so bad it had a DCT.
My 2014 Outback has a CVT with over 110k miles. Never had an issue with it, and in a 2022 Outback, it feels way better.
The WRX also gets a CVT that’s been upgraded to shift just as fast as a DCT without the same level of mechanical complexity or unreliability.
@@cessnafun5385 The CVT in the GT is very different from the outback/Ascent. It feels like a dual clutch. The shifts are faster than a dual clutch.
Subaru is long overdue for putting some serious power in a WRX. If they finally put 500 HP in an STI people would finally start caring again.
Rumor has it from a recent podcast (can't remember what auto media the guy works for) that Subaru is already in the works to bring it back. Obviously it would be a very early stage for now considering Subaru said they would bring the STI back in some kind of electric fashion. I think they've seen the performance hybrid sports cars are achieving and working on that platform, instead of a fully electric car. The enthusiast hybrids right now are ridiculously fast and fun to drive, right up a sporty Subaru customers' alley.
You will never need that much hp. VW gti 220hp feels good for that hp and so does 260 for this
@@josephmwangi3526 that's kind of an odd take.
@@mattuw82 Why is that an odd take?
@@feo130 obviously car buyers want horsepower in sports cars. There are countless examples of cars that have been hugely successful by offering more power.
Doug is the type of guy to use his old RadioShack microphone while being one of the biggest car reviewers on UA-cam.
Yes! I bought a 2023 WRX premium and I love it!
Every time i hear quirk and features I think about the cadillac voyage that concept made for guys like doug to review
All these cars have recarro seats yet recarro is bankrupt lol
No way 🙅🏿♂️💀😭?
Recaro*
Probably because people can't spell RECARO properly.
Recaro that makes those seats is not bankrupt, Recaro Automotive is bankrupt. Stop spreading fake/kacap news.
@@TakuroSpirit77 you and daweed are the most miserable people on earth. Grow up and get a hobby. How do you both live life like this?
For 10k more (53k), you can get an old R35 GT-R. This pricing is stupid.
Keyword here is "old"
TR stands for Tuner Ready, not Track Ready. That's why it was the base trim during some of the GD generation. Now it makes sense for TR to stand for Track Ready but Subaru hasn't said that's what it now stands for.
06-07 TR is Tuner Ready, 2024 is Track Ready, dealership press kits say Track Ready.
It stands for Tried Retcon
Needs the STI 6 speed and it would be golden. That is the Achilles heel of the current WRX especially with the big power the 2.4 can easily make.
These engines can be tuned to push 325 HP and 370 torque at the wheels… without any parts being added or changed. Transmission is probably crying though…
I have a 2023 WRX premium. I love it. Where I live it was it cost me $37,560.00 with sunroof and upgraded sound system. The Honda Type R was $53,890.00 with dealer mark up. No brainer! The MSRP on the type R was $46,870.00 before dealer mark ups.
Doug is the kind of a guy who would ride a city bus and give it a Doug Score.
Why can't they just bring back the sti
I guess it has something to do with electrification. They'll probably put that name on a performance EV at some point.
@damilolaakanni Subaru recently trademarked "STe".
Don't tell me it's Subaru Technical electric hell no
I drive a Bugeye WRX and I feel it’s the best looking WRX not just because it’s the one I have but it simply has the most personality to its look and charm. Plus it’s a fantastic daily driver
@@andrewolson4280 I used to have a 2003 yellow Bugeye. My first and most loved Subi…I’ve owned 4 total including my current 2018 WRX. Damn I miss my Bugeye.
@@4gedcarbon537 right?!?! I got mine a few months ago for $5k with a little over 200k miles but she’s completely stock and has been very well maintained as all the previous owners were a family who gave me complete maintenance records and along with the car for only $5k, she also came with a full set of snow tires and wheels ready for this winter.
Car nut here. I watch read car news info all the time. I drice a 02 nb miata. I will put 20 k into it before i spend that money amon a new car that,i dont like,is over complex and expensive. The simplicity,pureness and enjoyment i get cannot be matched.
dough bro love your website man i mean the amount of detail guven is crazy
Why do people think it's ugly? It's unique and doesn't look like any other car on the road
The giant plastic fender flares make it ugly
It’s been some time since they released the new WRX and man it still looks ugly. I’ve gotten used to the nee kidney grill on the BMW 4 Series but the WRX I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it
That's weird, my WRX has rear heated seats. Maybe it's a Canada thing.
It probably depends on the trim. I would imagine this trim did it to save weight but the touring trim does, and more.
For what it’s worth, I had a 13 and 21 WRX (lost one to bad used transmission & 2nd to a flood). Looked at upgrading brakes on the 21 bc they were terrible, it’s $6K-$8K. Now drive the TR and the brakes alone are worth it!
Man I love the red paint on the new WRX. It's shockingly bright.
Thisss is the new subaru wrx. A car that's only a shell of it's former self.
The interior is absolutely beautiful for a Subaru imo.
@@lowkeycraig9330 they’ve grown on me a lot
Gotta have something nice to look at, when every reflection is you sitting in that hideous monstrosity
if you think thats beautiful you certainly never sat in a German car
all great except for that middle screen. Like why have physical gauges and a huuuge infotainment that looks like an eyesore?
the screen is hideous
Those plastic fender liners ruin the whole car 🤮
was kind of expecting a higher DougScore, given how you've built the car up when you touched on design and performance ;)
but i'm happy you touched on some some features found on new Subarus like the infotainment system & the seats as i'm a proud Crosstrek owner, and wanted to know your opinion on this.
The gauge cluster display expands when you turn off adaptive cruise control. Something that an owner would know but that a reviewer might miss.
To change the time on the center gauge cluster screen you have to become a Master Freemason and change it by rotating the Apprentice Pillar from the gear housing below Roslyn Chapel.
haha its simple. just press up or down on the steering wheel button.
🔥 You wish you had a Porsche, no worries, get the WRX/STI and enjoy that sweet Boxer/Rumble sound. It mimics a Porsche and a Motorcycle - Simply an amazing Car .
Doug accurately described the TR name. Bravo, no one else says it was the basement, below even WRX base mode option.
True, but I believe it was originally tuner ready, not track ready
if you turn off the lane keeping assist, the customizable LCD cluster becomes more useable space.
I ended up going with a GR Corolla premium. (Had to travel for MSRP). But if the the WRX was a hatch and looked better and maybe had 300 - 320 HP then it would have been on my short list. Just can't get over the looks. When it's that expensive and you could have the GRC for msrp fairly easily if you're willing to put in a little work I'm not sure why you'd pick this gen of WRX nowadays. Looks are subjective sure but the GRC is the faster car and more exclusive if that's something that matters to you.
$43k for 250hp Subaru
With a China style copy of a new civic
That couldn't take a cheaper Corolla GR in a race track.
Source: SavageGeese WRX TR vs GR video
he said 270hp. The Outback XT has the same turbo engine but only 260hp
You haven’t noticed that everything doubled in price since, um, ah, four years ago?
The new VB wrx is underrated at horsepower and makes around 250 to the wheels stock and can compete with the Sti on a roll, and these make 320 wheel with just a tune and intake
Doug the type of guy to watch his own review on a car before buying it
Imagine having 6 piston brembos with only 280hp 😂
@@hi9016t with 2k in parts and a tune it goes well into 400 hp and 550nm. So yea.
@@brold6111 lol we all know the stories with these wrx, the 2.0 needed like 5k to get to 300hp to wheels and it was unreliable, heat soak blah blah
@@oversteer6771 this aint the 2.0 my brother.
@oversteer6771 Yeah the fa24 got much better with making power. Literally intake tune is almost 350 wheel.
@@oversteer6771 Subaru left the ceiling open on the newer WRX. They cut the turbo down to like 12.9 psi at sea level while pairing it with a bigger, beefier motor. It's been over 2 years and so far I haven't heard any horror stories from modders, compared to the yearly carnage stories we had prior.
I like how, during the driving section, Doug's passed by two Outbacks, both of which slowed down a bit to check out the WRX. Nice.
Also I love how it looks. Man, I promise I'm not doing this on purpose, but lately I find myself NOT one of the cool kids disparaging car designs these days. I think so many look slick and eye catching, then I get online or watch videos and everyone's trashing them. They're clearly designing them with me specifically in mind.
Sadly I have a brand new truck for the next three years, so no new car for me.
Apologies if it’s been mentioned already but at 11:00 in when you’re talking about the middle display… ther was a minor oversight - if it’s the same system that’s in my 24 RS, (which I feel is very possible)… there is a way you can at least expand that information to be more prominent. It appeared as though the lane assist function was set to full… which provides that animation you see in the middle full time instead of just when cruise control is engaged. If you switch that option off in the settings the information presented above that animation becomes prominent and much easier to see 😁
I’m not a big fan of the rear, as it just looks like an everyday driver instead of a WRX.
Someone has broken Doug. He now likes the ugliest WRX ever made. I'm gonna go swan dive off of the roof.
I’ve driven one. I mean it’s a great car but boy is it ugly.
@@enemyspotted2467 Ive seen a black one paint matched with the cladding and it actually looks decent but yea, any other color is no
Broken? You mean a paid review?
@@ripskip160 You understand that some people are capable of changing their mind and having a different opinion than other people, right?
@@CryptbloomEnjoyer Nah I've been watching Doug for years and know his taste
IMO car looks fantastic, the black cladding fits the car perfectly well, love the BRZ-ish tail lights, the handling is fantastic.
We gonna miss this car sooner or later
"... while you vape to your military base." Speaking from experience, this is 100% accurate hahaha
Got dang that thing is ugly. The bug-eye circa 2002 WRX's were quite attractive imo