I do have a VB WRX, top level trim (different in Canada) but with a manual, in that amazing orange colour. It's been great for our family, and adverse weather use. It sticks like glue, spacious and comfortable, and fun to drive. Unmodified yet, but maybe one day.
I’m the guy that came out and bought some exercise equipment from you and I ended up buying a 21 STI and I’ve actually been thinking about buying an older Toyota for a runaround and buying another new WRX and your videos are really helping me.
The VA CVT also has the same brake calipers. They're good for autocross, honestly. I don't think I'd want them for a track day but if you take the VA or VB to a track day it's likely you're not picking the CVT or if you are then it's almost certainly modified to handle the stress
I have a '21, Unless some Karen destroys it in a Cybertruck I don't plan on selling it anytime soon. Personally I prefer the look and the "unrefined-ness" of the VA. Sat in a VB and it felt more like a luxury car than a sports sedan but Subaru is trying to go for that premium market.
Have a 23 premium. Owned it for about 8 months now. My two biggest complaints are exactly what you mentioned. The turn signals and having to look at the screen to adjust anything. The turn signals still drive me INSANE!! and sometimes adjusting stuff has my eyes off the road for a few seconds. Love the car overall though!
solid info, while staying neutral overall and not completely hateful like some others. nice vid! just got a 22 VB in 6MT, enjoying it lots. hated the looks when car came out, but has grown on me. and stock engine tuning is great compared to previous gens. no rev hang!
me personally, got used to the soft touch turn signals quickly and love them. kind of satisfying to use once you get over how they operate differently. but to each his own, def get it as a gripe for many.
Have a 22 WRX with a manual. Love the car overall. I’ve adjusted to the turn signal stalk now. It mainly sucks when driving another vehicle. I have to adjust again every time I drive my Wife’s Mazda. No spare time is a joke and cost cutting measure by Subaru. Can’t stand it. It’s always worrying me on long trips when I take this car.
You should look into doing an STI transmission/drivetrain swap. IT's the only way for you to safely push a ton of HP through it without the transmission committing sudoku.
@AoiKaze2000 that's way way too expensive. Better off just selling the car and buying an actual sti. And not only that, but his has a CVT transmission. I doubt he is interested in pushing a ton of power.
I've had my 23 since mid-march and here is my take. The soft turn signal isn't my first choice but it took me a day to get use to it, non-issue. The sound system sucks, and infotainment/hvac controls are annoying. The exterior styling is always going to be a point of contention with these cars, I like the cladding because as a detailer I've seen enough bumps and bruises to know that replacing a piece of plastic is way cheaper and easier than body work and you can swap them with painted pieces if you want. The power should be higher BUT the FA24 is a way better engine and has better power delivery and with a tune and a few bolt ons you can make 300-350 whp which past gens wont touch for the same price. Wireless options would be nice but even being into tech I am in the minority with not really caring about tech in my car, just want my NAV on the screen. Having a factory brake upgrade would have been a nice option with no STI in the US. Feel like most complaints about these cars are nit picky but overally I don't know what you can get new for 35k with awd and a 6 speed.
Unfortunately the stock manual transmission can't handle much more power, which you touched on when mentioning warranty claims. I went through it with my 2011 WRX and swore off Subaru manual transmissions that weren't Aisin-designed (BRZ and STI are the only qualifiers). The spare tire is probably due to cost and warranty claims as well. Subaru's symmetrical AWD setup strongly favors even tread wear and width on tires, so having a spare that isn't 1:1 isn't very helpful. Having personally driven my BRZ, Impreza and Forester between Alaska and the other 48 states over 15 years, I never once needed a spare tire. They're more for in-town conveniences since that's where more people are who drop random stuff, and that's where you drive the most. At that point it's best to just have it towed if you can't use a tire patch kit. I've been in all those scenarios. It's unfortunate that the WRX will most likely not receive any midcycle design refreshes until there's a new electrified performance model. Subaru can't afford to do anything too drastic with the VB with having to focus on EVs and profitable cars. Thanks for vid, bro!
Because they can't. The gears are too small, teeth are too short. Subaru knows this, and that's why the WRX has never made more power. But they did make a 300hp CVT Levorg GTS. Plus I owned a WRX and have been into Subies for 20 years now. I know many owners or former owners who've blown up their transmission. My own WRX broke the shift fork for 3rd/4th gear. It wasn't even two years old and made less than 300hp. My STI, however, was solid.
@@ChanoWilliams I guess the word 'more' is what I'm talking about. 25% more is significant to me, maybe your 'more' is 100%. I have a CVT so I'm definitely not going to have much more, especially torque. 320 max with a new cooler and other reliability mods, focusing more on handling at that point and never launching. I'll probably get a used TS in 7-8 years and swap to STI transmission, and shoot for your definition of 'more'.
@@murmsuniversalrobotics3938 Legitimately, even 30 more horsepower brings the reliability down to a nosedive. It's not even really a skill issue, although knowing how to take proper car of your transmission and shift well does help. However, a stock WRX is way, way more forgiving, at the cost of being way less exciting. And this isn't the usual "Well, no duh, if you add more power you break stuff" scenario as the STI, BRZ and, for comparison's sake, GR Corolla, all seem to take pretty good abuse over stock horsepower. The weakest link with the ZC BRZ and STI are the engines. The VB WRX engine seems to be robust. The VA WRX engine was the weakest link. Subaru did some very slight modifications to the gearing for the VB WRX transmission, but I think the gears themselves are still not robust. The WRX was never meant to be a race car once the STI came out. The WRX is the affordable, fun, competent daily driver with an iconic image. The STI was the track/trackable car.
No…. Put 11,000 on it in about 9 mos and tbh sometimes wished I was driving the minivan home which we now have replaced with a new Acsent onyx limited. Then I was offered almost 7,000 more than I bought it for new and we were doing some additions to the new home so I think I made the right choice in selling it. But man I miss that car. I will get another WRX for sure but will be a year or two currently. I actually like the watch CVT and I was actually pondering getting a CVT in the new one or going for another six speed manual, which is why I pay attention to your videos.
This is Astra from Roadanvi . We are a brand specializing in car stereos, infotainment systems, and related accessories.I would like to invite you to review our products. How should I contact you?
I owned the 22vb before I traded to a 2020 sti... I echo your gripes. Worst of all is the infotainment, in -25c or colder winters it is abyssmally slow.
The design is what really depressed me about the new model. I got used to the 2015+ redesign (even though it wasn't great either) but this one just looks like a boring sedan.
You got used to it because you saw it for 7 years. Of course it’ll take time but, you’re gonna see this generation for another 7 years. Come back in 5 and let me know how you feel
You make a declarative statement based on a subjective observation. I had a 16 WRX and now a 23 - I like it much better as a car, it is a huge improvement over the VA, and the looks grew on me quickly……….
You make a declarative statement based on a subjective observation. I had a 16 WRX and now a 23 - I like it much better as a car, it is a huge improvement over the VA, and the looks grew on me quickly……….
“Nobody likes this” - really?! Did you talk to all owners? All of us? Seems your criticisms seems irrelevant to driving this great platform. Personally, I buy a car for the feel of the driving experience. This is not a retire, but an op ed.
I wanted to love and buy the WRX but OMFG the interior design and controls are worse than a Chinese import.. Cheep Nasty and Hidden in software! So I went back to a Mazda :)
Hello, I am Mikki, I am a seller specializing in auto parts(portable jump starter and portable tire inflator), and our products are mainly sold on Amazon. I saw your video on UA-cam and I liked it very much. I would like to ask if you are interested in cooperating and putting my products on your video, and we can send one of our products for free. If you are interested, please tell me your cooperation details.Thank you.
My only complaint about this is that you got a VB with a CVT 😂 I absolutely love my VB is it perfect? No it isn't but for the price and aftermarket support it has there's nothing that can't be fixed. Tired of all the " Things I hate about my VB " videos. Get rid of it then or buy something else lol
I do have a VB WRX, top level trim (different in Canada) but with a manual, in that amazing orange colour. It's been great for our family, and adverse weather use. It sticks like glue, spacious and comfortable, and fun to drive. Unmodified yet, but maybe one day.
I’m the guy that came out and bought some exercise equipment from you and I ended up buying a 21 STI and I’ve actually been thinking about buying an older Toyota for a runaround and buying another new WRX and your videos are really helping me.
Oh hey man yeah I remember. Do you still have your STI?
The VA CVT also has the same brake calipers. They're good for autocross, honestly. I don't think I'd want them for a track day but if you take the VA or VB to a track day it's likely you're not picking the CVT or if you are then it's almost certainly modified to handle the stress
A well rounded list. Couldnt agree more..
Awesome to see videos again
Makes me want to upgrade to VB WRX
But imma wait a few years
Still want to keep my 16 WRX CVT but we will see.
I have a '21, Unless some Karen destroys it in a Cybertruck I don't plan on selling it anytime soon. Personally I prefer the look and the "unrefined-ness" of the VA. Sat in a VB and it felt more like a luxury car than a sports sedan but Subaru is trying to go for that premium market.
Have a 23 premium. Owned it for about 8 months now. My two biggest complaints are exactly what you mentioned. The turn signals and having to look at the screen to adjust anything.
The turn signals still drive me INSANE!! and sometimes adjusting stuff has my eyes off the road for a few seconds.
Love the car overall though!
solid info, while staying neutral overall and not completely hateful like some others. nice vid! just got a 22 VB in 6MT, enjoying it lots. hated the looks when car came out, but has grown on me. and stock engine tuning is great compared to previous gens. no rev hang!
me personally, got used to the soft touch turn signals quickly and love them. kind of satisfying to use once you get over how they operate differently. but to each his own, def get it as a gripe for many.
Have a 22 WRX with a manual. Love the car overall.
I’ve adjusted to the turn signal stalk now. It mainly sucks when driving another vehicle. I have to adjust again every time I drive my Wife’s Mazda.
No spare time is a joke and cost cutting measure by Subaru. Can’t stand it. It’s always worrying me on long trips when I take this car.
You should look into doing an STI transmission/drivetrain swap. IT's the only way for you to safely push a ton of HP through it without the transmission committing sudoku.
@AoiKaze2000 that's way way too expensive. Better off just selling the car and buying an actual sti. And not only that, but his has a CVT transmission. I doubt he is interested in pushing a ton of power.
Hey @Boost & Shutter! Can I ask a question about the 15-17’ Model CVT’s?
In agreement with most of those, my big gripe is that i feel the hood will open while driving over mild bumps
You can adjust the rubber pieces under the hood to stop or greatly reduce any shudder.
My screen failed and it took a month for me to figure out what to do. How am I go without any climate controls for a month.
I've had my 23 since mid-march and here is my take. The soft turn signal isn't my first choice but it took me a day to get use to it, non-issue. The sound system sucks, and infotainment/hvac controls are annoying. The exterior styling is always going to be a point of contention with these cars, I like the cladding because as a detailer I've seen enough bumps and bruises to know that replacing a piece of plastic is way cheaper and easier than body work and you can swap them with painted pieces if you want. The power should be higher BUT the FA24 is a way better engine and has better power delivery and with a tune and a few bolt ons you can make 300-350 whp which past gens wont touch for the same price. Wireless options would be nice but even being into tech I am in the minority with not really caring about tech in my car, just want my NAV on the screen. Having a factory brake upgrade would have been a nice option with no STI in the US. Feel like most complaints about these cars are nit picky but overally I don't know what you can get new for 35k with awd and a 6 speed.
My only gripe with the 22 wrx was no wireless Apple/android auto
Do you still use the rexing dash cam? I’m thinking to get one as a gift for my boyfriend he also has a subaru sti
Unfortunately the stock manual transmission can't handle much more power, which you touched on when mentioning warranty claims. I went through it with my 2011 WRX and swore off Subaru manual transmissions that weren't Aisin-designed (BRZ and STI are the only qualifiers).
The spare tire is probably due to cost and warranty claims as well. Subaru's symmetrical AWD setup strongly favors even tread wear and width on tires, so having a spare that isn't 1:1 isn't very helpful. Having personally driven my BRZ, Impreza and Forester between Alaska and the other 48 states over 15 years, I never once needed a spare tire. They're more for in-town conveniences since that's where more people are who drop random stuff, and that's where you drive the most. At that point it's best to just have it towed if you can't use a tire patch kit. I've been in all those scenarios.
It's unfortunate that the WRX will most likely not receive any midcycle design refreshes until there's a new electrified performance model. Subaru can't afford to do anything too drastic with the VB with having to focus on EVs and profitable cars.
Thanks for vid, bro!
Thanks for watching brother , your input is appreciated
What makes you think the stock manual can't handle much more power 😂
Because they can't. The gears are too small, teeth are too short. Subaru knows this, and that's why the WRX has never made more power. But they did make a 300hp CVT Levorg GTS.
Plus I owned a WRX and have been into Subies for 20 years now. I know many owners or former owners who've blown up their transmission. My own WRX broke the shift fork for 3rd/4th gear. It wasn't even two years old and made less than 300hp.
My STI, however, was solid.
@@ChanoWilliams I guess the word 'more' is what I'm talking about. 25% more is significant to me, maybe your 'more' is 100%. I have a CVT so I'm definitely not going to have much more, especially torque. 320 max with a new cooler and other reliability mods, focusing more on handling at that point and never launching. I'll probably get a used TS in 7-8 years and swap to STI transmission, and shoot for your definition of 'more'.
@@murmsuniversalrobotics3938 Legitimately, even 30 more horsepower brings the reliability down to a nosedive. It's not even really a skill issue, although knowing how to take proper car of your transmission and shift well does help. However, a stock WRX is way, way more forgiving, at the cost of being way less exciting.
And this isn't the usual "Well, no duh, if you add more power you break stuff" scenario as the STI, BRZ and, for comparison's sake, GR Corolla, all seem to take pretty good abuse over stock horsepower. The weakest link with the ZC BRZ and STI are the engines. The VB WRX engine seems to be robust. The VA WRX engine was the weakest link.
Subaru did some very slight modifications to the gearing for the VB WRX transmission, but I think the gears themselves are still not robust. The WRX was never meant to be a race car once the STI came out. The WRX is the affordable, fun, competent daily driver with an iconic image. The STI was the track/trackable car.
Im betting the next generation will be a major improvement over the current one
No…. Put 11,000 on it in about 9 mos and tbh sometimes wished I was driving the minivan home which we now have replaced with a new Acsent onyx limited. Then I was offered almost 7,000 more than I bought it for new and we were doing some additions to the new home so I think I made the right choice in selling it. But man I miss that car. I will get another WRX for sure but will be a year or two currently. I actually like the watch CVT and I was actually pondering getting a CVT in the new one or going for another six speed manual, which is why I pay attention to your videos.
Another soild video,sir. We will release a Portable car Vacuum. Can we invite you to do a review?
No spare tire was the biggest surprise for me
Is the norm in most vehicles, economy to luxury line.
This is Astra from Roadanvi . We are a brand specializing in car stereos, infotainment systems, and related accessories.I would like to invite you to review our products. How should I contact you?
I owned the 22vb before I traded to a 2020 sti... I echo your gripes. Worst of all is the infotainment, in -25c or colder winters it is abyssmally slow.
The design is what really depressed me about the new model. I got used to the 2015+ redesign (even though it wasn't great either) but this one just looks like a boring sedan.
Can't say that I disagree, a lot of potential left on the table. Thankfully we mostly don't keep the cars as-is anyways
You got used to it because you saw it for 7 years. Of course it’ll take time but, you’re gonna see this generation for another 7 years. Come back in 5 and let me know how you feel
You make a declarative statement based on a subjective observation. I had a 16 WRX and now a 23 - I like it much better as a car, it is a huge improvement over the VA, and the looks grew on me quickly……….
You make a declarative statement based on a subjective observation. I had a 16 WRX and now a 23 - I like it much better as a car, it is a huge improvement over the VA, and the looks grew on me quickly……….
“Nobody likes this” - really?! Did you talk to all owners? All of us? Seems your criticisms seems irrelevant to driving this great platform. Personally, I buy a car for the feel of the driving experience. This is not a retire, but an op ed.
Yo what happened… got rid of your STi ?! Me too!…. And i kinda miss it 😭 😂
I wanted to love and buy the WRX but OMFG the interior design and controls are worse than a Chinese import.. Cheep Nasty and Hidden in software! So I went back to a Mazda :)
Hello,
I am Mikki, I am a seller specializing in auto parts(portable jump starter and portable tire inflator), and our products are mainly sold on Amazon. I saw your video on UA-cam and I liked it very much.
I would like to ask if you are interested in cooperating and putting my products on your video, and we can send one of our products for free.
If you are interested, please tell me your cooperation details.Thank you.
My only complaint about this is that you got a VB with a CVT 😂 I absolutely love my VB is it perfect? No it isn't but for the price and aftermarket support it has there's nothing that can't be fixed. Tired of all the " Things I hate about my VB " videos. Get rid of it then or buy something else lol
Amen.
After watching your video I guess I will keep driving my 2015 wrx for a bit longer...