I had the tS a few weeks ago on loan. With no power added, I don't see a point in the price increase. Brembos and Recaro's are cool but I could do without them.
Ah, I was hoping there'd be SOMETHING more to it for the cash. It feels like the tS engineers really wanted to build an STI but Subaru wouldn't approve of the cost to have another (presumably inefficient) sport sedan rated by the EPA and whatnot.
I've got a 22 wrx limited (bought in in the first year of vb, no issues thusfar) and i just adore it. It's a confident, frugal little car that's incredibly versatile and unstoppable in inclement weather. However, while the increase in price is unfortunate, i think it may have something to do with the addition of eyesight technology (radar cruise, lane centering, collision avoidance etc) which werent available on mt cars in the first few years. We do use those features on my fiancees forester wilderness and they work wonderfully.
I love my 23 Limited too. Super easy to drive, and drive smoothly. Lovely back to basics gearbox and motor. Unstoppable in the snow. Responds amazingly well to a light tune. Good sound system, roomy, sounds good (apart from the cold start, grr). Don't think i'd describe it as frugal though!
@joby602 Fair, ive always had giant gas guzzlers and my perception is a little skewed, so averaging 23-25 mpg seems astonishing to me. Stings paying for premium at the pump but oh well.
I had a 22 limited in south CA where it saw almost every desert and unpaved road around. It was a great and fun car to start performance journey, WRX was easy to work on and get into modding as well. But after time comes.. you just realize that it's not fun enough. Sure, I'll buy it again with no regrets especially if I'm planning any more rally driving where it felt the best. But for the paved roads I rather have something smaller and more fun like my current Miata. And would buy a second car for the family things.
I traded my heavily modded FBO 17 STI for a 22 WRX because I was almost at 100k, the head gasket was leaking, and I wanted a warranty again. I really like it. Definitely not as cool of a car, but I'd argue it's a better daily for sure. Especially considering I had a leg day stage 1 HD exedy clutch and super light flywheel in the STI...so it was NOT an easy car to drive if you aren't used to it. Tire shops were pure comedy. Eventually they just let me pull it in and out of the garage because the old guys that worked there just couldn't drive my car without stalling it lol.
I had a 22 WRX till I got into a car crash with it and it had gotten totaled, then I got an Elantra n and it drives so much better and rides so much smoother than the WRX at least to me
Fact: You shouldnt have to Modify a Single Thing to be Competitive. At 45,000 You get more Warrantied Power going with a GR Corolla. Especially being able to change the Torque Split. The Outback XT has a 0-60 of 6-6.3 Seconds. So Subaru's WRX only offers Half a Second Quicker.. than a Lifted Wagon. Which Means a Cobb Accessport in a Outback XT makes you just as "Quick" as a Stock WRX with Little to No Effort. I mean.. It IS the same 2.4liter Engine. If Subaru didnt spend money doing extra Stamping of the Fender/Qtr Panels, Whilst Designing "Flares" for the car.. While also doing "Extra Laser/Water" Etching to give the exposed plastic "Golfball Texture," That would have Left enough Money on the table to Finish Painting the Bumpers and Side Rocker Panels. I would know, I Run a Auto Body Collision Repair Shop. Many of us, (Yes I own a 2022), would have liked Subaru to FINISH PAINTING THE EXTERIOR. Why? Because Sun Damage on exposed plastic, Because Shoe Scuff Marks on the Rocker Panels that Can't be Fixed Unless you Buy a whole new piece, when one could have just "Buffed" the Scuff off.
I addressed that twice. Subaru dealers rarely discount below invoice unless they are absolutely desperate so I would not anticipate 5k below. Also, coming from someone who owns a GR Corolla and contemplated buying another, MSRP is the norm now in a lot of regions. Civic Type R is still a shit show but not impossible to get at msrp in some regions😅
@bmanboogie got my 2025 GR corolla for 39k 800 under msrp. The markups are over. That's coming from a regional toyota rep friend. They are forcing dealerships to sell it at MSRP unless if they don't want any allocations for it anymore.
The new WRX is probably one of the last affordable awd sports sedans. I simply can't get past the unpainted exaggerated plastic trim. It's like the designers forgot they were no longer working on the Crosstrek 😂
We bought a new 23 WRX for 29k and I frankly think it's a shame to drop the base model. The TR and tS are way too expensive, especially when you get no hp or tq gains.
Still take the WRX over the GR .. just a Cobb flash will put down 300+whp.. that’s around 360 crank hp, I really like how the new WRX drives and handles!! The GR engine takes alot of work to get there!! So I wonder what the 2025 GR will cost next year?
GR has more tuning overhead than you’d think, especially if you do the valve springs. Still $40k with front/rear LSDs and big brakes after the refresh so I don’t see it going up much the next year unless tariffs actually tear up the market.
@@Realistick True, but you don't have to do the valve springs with the WRX. Just an intake and a tune can get a WRX to like 380HP safely. GR corolla takes way more work to get there.
@@djsir901 I think that 360 number was more accurate but that is true, it's definitely easier if power is the big concern! It's remarkably good for tuning.
YES!, I want a WRX! But I would prefer it as the hatchback. No, I don't want a car that needs premium fuel! No, I don't want to get in/out of a car that low. .... I guess I don't really want a WRX after all!
I’m all for modding cars to fit your preference, but that should be more out of passion or practical usage (track build) than to make up the difference with a similarly priced car. The GR Corolla only has awd cooling problems at the end of a 15 minute session for me (it’s fixed with a transfer case cooler and programming tool for about $3k). You’d overheat the stock brakes on a non tS WRX well before the awd system cooks on a GR Corolla.
@@Realistick The thing is it's not similarly priced if you do it correctly. I mean I know we are talking new cars, but I bought my 22 limited with 14k miles for 29k. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than a GR corolla, and now I can throw 3k into the engine and smash it on a straight line at least. We are up to 32k with mods and I have more power which is IMO more fun on the street than suspension and breaks etc. But even if you wanted to mod those parts and throw another 6k at it youre still significantly under the corolla, with more power. I'm not really sure what the used GR market looks like but I'm guessing they are holding value better due to hype.
@@Togairu They don’t their value like evos yet (unfortunately, as I own one…), but I do agree, if straightline speed is your biggest concern, a used WRX is the way to go. No warranty to really fret with bolt-ons and the hit in resale is already taken. I’d still recommend the GRC if you want a more fun car that handles better with some ps4s tires! I really want to make a video comparing a modified WRX to a GR Corolla someday.
No pining for the past. I've driven since new a 2020 WRX base. Bought it for $28k. Overall, great car with flaws- crap brakes, stock tires and interior with a broke seat height adjustment, center consile
If its any consolation to you guys, in my country they are offered at USD 44k for manual and 49k cvt. And I bought mine for even higher, cause of the exchange rate. I know I overpayed massively 😅 but the car is so much fun. It made me enjoy the bad weather, haha
Awesome video I totally agree the colliding on the car looks absolutely horrible!!! I find the older WRX is that don't have it look a lot better that plastic just make the vehicle look cheap after time it will fade and turn into a gray color and it looks absolutely terrible!!! And all the Front plastic is all black the I find it much better when they paint the front and back bumpers to match the car, then at least you don't have to worry about the fading!! All that black plastic is a deal breaker for me!!
I think I read in the manual for the wrx that it can actually take regular gas at the cost of performance, even some forums online have a lot of people that say you can run regular and the engine (the 2022 version and up anyway) would trot along just fine for miles on end
The WRX is fine, I was considering one back in 2021 when I bought my Kia Stinger GT. The problem with the WRX is how slow they are. They haven't gotten any extra power since 2001. The WRX should have 350 horsepower to offset the extra weight it has gotten.
@@BicBappy-u9o I've had an 09, 15 and now a 22, all have been tuned by Clark Turner and I've never had any engine trouble. What I don't do is drive them like a moron with launching and slam shifting, if thats what you want to do you bought the wrong car. Ford will gladly sell you a Mustang so you can launch and rip shift your nuts off. You can use it without abusing it and it will live a long and happy life with 100 more hp and torque. I've done it 3 times...
@@janoycresnova9156 Nope. Still no STI awd, no STI bulletproof short geared trans, no hydraulic steeering, no STI brakes (although I think TS has brembos). Have nothing against a tune, but engine is only part of the problem.
I am against them raising the price, but I also don't understand how people continue to compare the highest trim of the wrx being *close* to the lowest trim of more expensive cars. Majority of people are getting a limited or premium. Show me any manual and AWD sport car under 40k that fits those options.
They start at $36000 USD in my country, but with the new hybrids and increased performance levels in new cars, similar abilities can be had for up to half the price in other vehicles. Also the WRX sales have been low in my country and 1yo cars having depreciation of up to $14000 with 2yo cars up to $20000 off the new car price. Older STI cars are valued higher.
Im enjoying not loving my '24 base WRX. First & probably last slowbaru I own. Got mine for 33k for base with sti short throw package. 2.9% & 513/month. Ive been able to top it out @ 144 MPH. Im sitting at ALMOST 1,700 miles. We'll see how this works out.
too epensive and no STI. FAIL FAIL. a used 2022 base with about 30k miles on it is 25k. and this year the limited is the lowest trim level. FAIL. The GT and TR TS should all be 30k and if they had STI 39k they would sell way more at this price point especially with an added STI trim level. Subaru is missing the mark
I owned thia car for two years. It was a bargain at the time (38k CAD for the top Sport Tech trim) and was a very comfotable, practical and solid (albeit pretty inefficient) daily. I never felt it was wanting for power (it felt much faster than my 2020 WRX), but did consider the tune. But yeah value was a key differentiator for this car, and a GTI can now be purchased for slightly less here in Canada. That's a problem! Subaru is generous with discounts though, so 🤞
I drove a 2023 and was shocked at how slow it was compared to the GR Corolla and especially the Golf R. It feels like it hasn't improved since 2002. The steering is much worse than the previous generation. With the new pricing, it isn't at all the bargain that it should be. Almost $50K for a TS borders on insanity.
You buy the premium trim for 30k then a tune to reach 300hp. There. Already gr corolla level in terms of speed since that's what you compare even tho they have different AWD systems
@nicksim9154 except that G16E GTS motor in the GR has proven its self in the Yaris overseas. A stock block hit 798whp without breaking. That boxer is throwing rods to the moon way sooner than that.
@@thehitman8663 Agreed. I'm saying the GR is on a different level than the WRX. The new boxer can make gains as shown in project midnight. I just don't thinks it's accurate to compare the two even most people do
I cross shopped this with the 2025 civic si. I chose the Honda for a few reasons. Better fuel economy, more reliable engine, but not perfect, better looks lol, and seems to have better interior quality. Just my opinion.
I owned a 2018 Si and had great fun with it. It is very tunable and pretty good stock. That 1.5L engine is fine but will still suffer from oil dilution. Change your oil every 2500 to 3000 miles and you will be ok. DO NOT go longer. for my daily commute, before serious mods, I got around 40mpg. And it was fun.
Shame how bloated the rex has gotten over the years. I’m fully convinced they’ll axe it at the end of this generation due to a “consumer shift towards SUVs”
honeslty lack of Rev-match is why im not looking at a WRX> I love manual but i also spend a LOT Of time in traffic going 1-2-3, back to 2, then maybe 1 to creep along, and its just a PAIN anymore after doing it for 30+ years.
Appreciate the detailed breakdown! Could you help me with something unrelated: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
Subaru has built a great daily all weather driver w a sporty feel. It does seem to me they are dumbing down the enthusiast market and feeding the average Joe a bit too much now and rising the prices, which many manufacturers are doing, especially since covid. At this point it is a bit of an excuse to gouge, sadly. I had the OG '02 WRX and modified it all over. It was a true hotrod! I am disappointed w this new push towards generic and also electric vehicles....and then a hefty price tag. YOU are going to lose many die hard customers Subaru. As far as Hondas and Toyatas go, they are also car cults of personality and I don't find them attractive. I am still more inspired be well developed older designs, like a Nissan GTR or an Infiniti Q50 RedSport for instance. My 2017 Infiniti QX50, with the 3.7L and custom exhaust, wheels, intake, is fast and very useful in all weather. Car companies are really shooting themselves in the foot all too often these days and they truly need to step back and take a better look outside of their own design studio heads!
I owned both a VA WRX limited and a VB 2022 WRX limited. Loved the VA. So much character and fun yet simple. Tuned it and modified it and everything but still loved it in stock form from day one. Then I heard so much positive feedback about the VB so I got a 2022 limited. I wanted to keep some of the nicer materials and features of the limited trims. I paid $32k and some change for the VA and $38k for the VB. Wow, what a jump. And boy was I disappointed. Yes it has a more robust engine and better damping on rough roads and faster steering. But everything else was a letdown. Numb steering, shitty slow laggy screen, polarizing looks inside and out. I kept trying to tell myself to adjust and acclimate but I couldn't. It was not worth the price then and is not worth the price now. Traded it for an Elantra N which was a better car in every way. If you need AWD and a manual, then sure there's very little competition. But I would gladly trade it all for superior driving dynamics from the factory. Or hop back into my old VA.
I would choose the Honda SI. Seems like a much better car to live with day-to-day with a little extra. I might even choose the new Civic hybrid over this.
The WRX should've been a hatchback, that black cladding diaper is hideous. Or we should at least get a Crosstrek WRX but a Subaru is completely out of consideration until they give us back physical climate controls and make the touchscreen much more responsive. But when has Subaru ever actually listened to what we wanted.
Buying a new wrx doesn’t seem like a good idea considering its competition is better like the Elantra N or GR Corolla. Very happy I purchased a used VA wrx because in my use case it has everything I need say for the ability to make 500hp.
The WRX tS is going to be DEAD ON ARRIVAL (DOA) once it hits showroom floors and dealership lots. No one is paying that kind of money for a WRX that isn't worthy of being bought at a price the old VA gen 2021 WRX STI Limited and 2020 WRX STI Series White have cost 3-4 years ago. Until/Unless Subaru of Japan and Subaru of America gets their heads out of their asses and make a last-minute ditch effort calling an audible and bring back the STI on the VB gen WRX platform and willing to take a risk and go to an automaker like Porsche who has a 2.5T Flat Four Boxer engine that makes 350hp and 309lb-ft that would be a worthy usage for a VB gen WRX STI, even if they can bring the STI Division team back just for 3 model years from 2026-2028, there is no reason to bring a next gen WRX after this WRX's current generation because no WRX and WRX STI fan and owner is asking for a hybrid CVT-only WRX, nor a remote control transmissionless WRX STe EV because that is not what those cars are all and it is not where their roots lie with this car. The mid-cycle refresh WRX will be coming up for the 2026 and 2027 model years. If there is no return of the STI (and it CAN NOT be a car that says it's an STI from the other side of the world without STI's actual hands being involved in the work making it a REAL STI), then kiss the WRX goodbye altogether after this generation because this will no longer be Subaru's bread and butter vehicle.
When a WRX costs $46,875 in the tS trim, it loses any credibility of being considered an option unless you're a diehard Subaru fan who wants all the bells and whistles. $47,000 can get you an an Elantra N for $34,000 with a manual and you save about just under $12,000 and the Elantra N has far better performance than the WRX at 276hp-289lb-ft. The GR Corolla is $39,000 for the Core trim and has 29 more horsepower and +15-38lb-ft of tq more than the WRX and if you want the Premium or Premium Plus trims, you can get those between $42,000 or $46,000 respectively and save $205-2,685 respectively. The MK8.5 Golf R with no manual transmission any longer for the 2025-2026 model years has inched the same price point as the WRX tS, but has more horsepower and torque making 315hp and 288lb-ft more justifiable over 271hp and 258lb-ft. The FL5 Civic Type R has 44hp more and 52lb-ft more over the WRX tS and if you can find one at MSRP, why would you want the WRX over the CTR outside of crying for AWD? As a curveball, the DE5 Integra Type S is $6,000-$7,000 more expensive than the WRX tS at $52,000-$53,000. However, I'd argue that if you can look past the Integra Type S for not having memory seats, the ITS way more car for the money and the most powerful amongst the competition at 320hp and 310lb-ft. Based on the everything Subaru is doing with the WRX as a whole, if you don't need AWD and if you don't live in cold climate states and Canadian provinces, who is Subaru targeting at this point other than people saying that the brand's stigma is for Lesbians and vape apes?
Then you should buy a GR or an Elantra but instead you hang around here wishing for stuff you can't have. The powers that be at Subaru read all these boards but only when they need a good laugh....
@@curtvesely5886 Who says I can't have it? I can have this if I want to. I just choose not to want this because this isn't for me. Whoever is interested in it, this is for them.
For anyone considering the CVT WRX do yourself a favor and go buy a CPO 2021-2022 BMW 330i XDrive. The B48 is more reliable, it’s faster and you can get a fully loaded one for ~$30K. Bonus points for the M-Sport Package. You’ll get the balance of the 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and then 1 year of extended CPO warranty too.
No lol, never buy a used BMW or any German car for that matter. Reliable engine or not, it has no dipstick. Also, the problem with BMWs is usually not the Engine, it's the electrics.
There's no reason why a car with 4 doors at that price point doesnot have ac vents for rear seat occupants. Also, subaru does not give remote starters.
I had the tS a few weeks ago on loan. With no power added, I don't see a point in the price increase. Brembos and Recaro's are cool but I could do without them.
You have time to shoot all your cars and watch other UA-camr's videos. When do you sleep?
He doesn't. What's in the big fricken cup? Red 🐂 .
Ah, I was hoping there'd be SOMETHING more to it for the cash. It feels like the tS engineers really wanted to build an STI but Subaru wouldn't approve of the cost to have another (presumably inefficient) sport sedan rated by the EPA and whatnot.
Americans are being taken for a ride. The WRX RS/TR in Canada is $48kCAD after taxes+fees, or $34kUSD.
That’s why I bought a base with the manual. Wasn’t even close to that number out the door
The GR Corolla core in Canada is also $48k cad and comes with front and rear LSDs and no touchscreen HVAC crap
pocket sand - HA! (runs away covering ears)
There is a lot of that happening. It's because prices were set before the Canadian Dollar collapsed.
@@MikejohnsonsonWay too small inside. Would be hard to daily.
I've got a 22 wrx limited (bought in in the first year of vb, no issues thusfar) and i just adore it. It's a confident, frugal little car that's incredibly versatile and unstoppable in inclement weather. However, while the increase in price is unfortunate, i think it may have something to do with the addition of eyesight technology (radar cruise, lane centering, collision avoidance etc) which werent available on mt cars in the first few years. We do use those features on my fiancees forester wilderness and they work wonderfully.
no they put that tech in all their cars.
I love my 23 Limited too. Super easy to drive, and drive smoothly. Lovely back to basics gearbox and motor. Unstoppable in the snow. Responds amazingly well to a light tune. Good sound system, roomy, sounds good (apart from the cold start, grr). Don't think i'd describe it as frugal though!
@joby602 Fair, ive always had giant gas guzzlers and my perception is a little skewed, so averaging 23-25 mpg seems astonishing to me. Stings paying for premium at the pump but oh well.
I had a 22 limited in south CA where it saw almost every desert and unpaved road around. It was a great and fun car to start performance journey, WRX was easy to work on and get into modding as well. But after time comes.. you just realize that it's not fun enough. Sure, I'll buy it again with no regrets especially if I'm planning any more rally driving where it felt the best. But for the paved roads I rather have something smaller and more fun like my current Miata. And would buy a second car for the family things.
Same here.. i love my 2022 WRX Premium. Handles the best in snow. Fun to drive and reliable.❤
I traded my heavily modded FBO 17 STI for a 22 WRX because I was almost at 100k, the head gasket was leaking, and I wanted a warranty again. I really like it. Definitely not as cool of a car, but I'd argue it's a better daily for sure. Especially considering I had a leg day stage 1 HD exedy clutch and super light flywheel in the STI...so it was NOT an easy car to drive if you aren't used to it. Tire shops were pure comedy. Eventually they just let me pull it in and out of the garage because the old guys that worked there just couldn't drive my car without stalling it lol.
😂😂 pocket sand had me cracking and forgot about the price for a sec. Great video 🫡
Excellent video, Tyler. Informative and entertaining.
Thank you!
I had a 22 WRX till I got into a car crash with it and it had gotten totaled, then I got an Elantra n and it drives so much better and rides so much smoother than the WRX at least to me
Do you miss the awd?
I agree. The front end on the Elantra N (i30 sedan N in Australia 🇦🇺) is amazing. I also think the interior is better.
The Canadian base has went up about 20% since the VB release in 2022 for the same car which is insane.
They started counting all the pdi and fees in MSRP. It went up but not by that much.
Fact: You shouldnt have to Modify a Single Thing to be Competitive. At 45,000 You get more Warrantied Power going with a GR Corolla. Especially being able to change the Torque Split.
The Outback XT has a 0-60 of 6-6.3 Seconds. So Subaru's WRX only offers Half a Second Quicker.. than a Lifted Wagon. Which Means a Cobb Accessport in a Outback XT makes you just as "Quick" as a Stock WRX with Little to No Effort. I mean.. It IS the same 2.4liter Engine.
If Subaru didnt spend money doing extra Stamping of the Fender/Qtr Panels, Whilst Designing "Flares" for the car.. While also doing "Extra Laser/Water" Etching to give the exposed plastic "Golfball Texture," That would have Left enough Money on the table to Finish Painting the Bumpers and Side Rocker Panels. I would know, I Run a Auto Body Collision Repair Shop.
Many of us, (Yes I own a 2022), would have liked Subaru to FINISH PAINTING THE EXTERIOR. Why? Because Sun Damage on exposed plastic, Because Shoe Scuff Marks on the Rocker Panels that Can't be Fixed Unless you Buy a whole new piece, when one could have just "Buffed" the Scuff off.
Problem with pricing forgot to mention on this video.
WRX: 5000 off MSRP
GRCorolla/Type R: 5000 on Top of MSRP
I addressed that twice. Subaru dealers rarely discount below invoice unless they are absolutely desperate so I would not anticipate 5k below. Also, coming from someone who owns a GR Corolla and contemplated buying another, MSRP is the norm now in a lot of regions. Civic Type R is still a shit show but not impossible to get at msrp in some regions😅
@bmanboogie got my 2025 GR corolla for 39k 800 under msrp. The markups are over. That's coming from a regional toyota rep friend. They are forcing dealerships to sell it at MSRP unless if they don't want any allocations for it anymore.
@@thehitman8663 That is good to hear that rediculous mark-ups is over. I got my 2023 WRX Premium for $33K OTD (CA tax) about $5200 off MSRP.
@@Realisticksorry, missed that part of the video ✌️. I was trying to figure out the dude that came out of the trunk lol. Great review.
The new WRX is probably one of the last affordable awd sports sedans. I simply can't get past the unpainted exaggerated plastic trim. It's like the designers forgot they were no longer working on the Crosstrek 😂
I’d agree but the new car is really making me question what affordable means🙃 Maybe they’ll listen and fix that with a mid-cycle refresh!
@@Realisticklet's hope so, it would make the price increase feel justified
Liking the introduction of the pocket sand throwing “dude double”…
Great video. Really enjoying your reviews!
This car is awesome. I bought a 24 Limited in October for $39k OTD. First Subaru. Pocket sand stays undefeated. 🤘
That’s an amazing deal, congrats!
We bought a new 23 WRX for 29k and I frankly think it's a shame to drop the base model. The TR and tS are way too expensive, especially when you get no hp or tq gains.
Still take the WRX over the GR .. just a Cobb flash will put down 300+whp.. that’s around 360 crank hp, I really like how the new WRX drives and handles!! The GR engine takes alot of work to get there!! So I wonder what the 2025 GR will cost next year?
GR has more tuning overhead than you’d think, especially if you do the valve springs. Still $40k with front/rear LSDs and big brakes after the refresh so I don’t see it going up much the next year unless tariffs actually tear up the market.
@@Realistick True, but you don't have to do the valve springs with the WRX. Just an intake and a tune can get a WRX to like 380HP safely. GR corolla takes way more work to get there.
@@djsir901 I think that 360 number was more accurate but that is true, it's definitely easier if power is the big concern! It's remarkably good for tuning.
YES!, I want a WRX!
But I would prefer it as the hatchback.
No, I don't want a car that needs premium fuel!
No, I don't want to get in/out of a car that low.
....
I guess I don't really want a WRX after all!
The WRX doesn't just equal its competition after tuning it slaughters them. And it doesn't have any of the cooling issues of the GR Corolla.
I’m all for modding cars to fit your preference, but that should be more out of passion or practical usage (track build) than to make up the difference with a similarly priced car. The GR Corolla only has awd cooling problems at the end of a 15 minute session for me (it’s fixed with a transfer case cooler and programming tool for about $3k). You’d overheat the stock brakes on a non tS WRX well before the awd system cooks on a GR Corolla.
@@Realistick The thing is it's not similarly priced if you do it correctly. I mean I know we are talking new cars, but I bought my 22 limited with 14k miles for 29k. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than a GR corolla, and now I can throw 3k into the engine and smash it on a straight line at least. We are up to 32k with mods and I have more power which is IMO more fun on the street than suspension and breaks etc. But even if you wanted to mod those parts and throw another 6k at it youre still significantly under the corolla, with more power. I'm not really sure what the used GR market looks like but I'm guessing they are holding value better due to hype.
The problem is, WRX way back used to scare Porsche etc on back roads, now they’re just not quite up to par with the competition.
@@Togairu They don’t their value like evos yet (unfortunately, as I own one…), but I do agree, if straightline speed is your biggest concern, a used WRX is the way to go. No warranty to really fret with bolt-ons and the hit in resale is already taken. I’d still recommend the GRC if you want a more fun car that handles better with some ps4s tires! I really want to make a video comparing a modified WRX to a GR Corolla someday.
No pining for the past. I've driven since new a 2020 WRX base. Bought it for $28k. Overall, great car with flaws- crap brakes, stock tires and interior with a broke seat height adjustment, center consile
300 HP, a full digital gauge cluster, and a adjustable suspension with comfort, normal and sport would be nice for 2025.
If its any consolation to you guys, in my country they are offered at USD 44k for manual and 49k cvt. And I bought mine for even higher, cause of the exchange rate. I know I overpayed massively 😅 but the car is so much fun. It made me enjoy the bad weather, haha
Awesome video I totally agree the colliding on the car looks absolutely horrible!!! I find the older WRX is that don't have it look a lot better that plastic just make the vehicle look cheap after time it will fade and turn into a gray color and it looks absolutely terrible!!! And all the Front plastic is all black the I find it much better when they paint the front and back bumpers to match the car, then at least you don't have to worry about the fading!! All that black plastic is a deal breaker for me!!
I think I read in the manual for the wrx that it can actually take regular gas at the cost of performance, even some forums online have a lot of people that say you can run regular and the engine (the 2022 version and up anyway) would trot along just fine for miles on end
Glad I got my 24 base in September for 30k
Nice. That seemed like the best value. My area had plenty available
Same
Mexico gets the WRX wagon and that's what I want.
I had one for years and it was great!
Just sneak over the border, two wrongs make a right, right
The WRX is fine, I was considering one back in 2021 when I bought my Kia Stinger GT.
The problem with the WRX is how slow they are. They haven't gotten any extra power since 2001. The WRX should have 350 horsepower to offset the extra weight it has gotten.
my WRX has 350 hp and yours can too , that is if your not a warranty wimp...
@curtvesely5886 The WRX warranty barely exists as it is. But those Boxer engines need some money invested into them to make sure they don't blow
@@BicBappy-u9o I've had an 09, 15 and now a 22, all have been tuned by Clark Turner and I've never had any engine trouble. What I don't do is drive them like a moron with launching and slam shifting, if thats what you want to do you bought the wrong car. Ford will gladly sell you a Mustang so you can launch and rip shift your nuts off. You can use it without abusing it and it will live a long and happy life with 100 more hp and torque. I've done it 3 times...
In 2001 they made 227hp.
Present car actually makes around 280-285hp at the crank.
Still, I agree they should boost it up a bit.
The biggest problem with the car is that it doesn't have an STI version.
Biggest problem is no hatch. No STI can easily be fixed with a tune.
@@janoycresnova9156 Nope. Still no STI awd, no STI bulletproof short geared trans, no hydraulic steeering, no STI brakes (although I think TS has brembos). Have nothing against a tune, but engine is only part of the problem.
We need a collab between you and Savagegeese 😊
I am against them raising the price, but I also don't understand how people continue to compare the highest trim of the wrx being *close* to the lowest trim of more expensive cars. Majority of people are getting a limited or premium. Show me any manual and AWD sport car under 40k that fits those options.
They start at $36000 USD in my country, but with the new hybrids and increased performance levels in new cars, similar abilities can be had for up to half the price in other vehicles.
Also the WRX sales have been low in my country and 1yo cars having depreciation of up to $14000 with 2yo cars up to $20000 off the new car price. Older STI cars are valued higher.
In my country there's a problem...
Im enjoying not loving my '24 base WRX. First & probably last slowbaru I own. Got mine for 33k for base with sti short throw package. 2.9% & 513/month. Ive been able to top it out @ 144 MPH. Im sitting at ALMOST 1,700 miles. We'll see how this works out.
too epensive and no STI. FAIL FAIL. a used 2022 base with about 30k miles on it is 25k. and this year the limited is the lowest trim level. FAIL. The GT and TR TS should all be 30k and if they had STI 39k they would sell way more at this price point especially with an added STI trim level. Subaru is missing the mark
I owned thia car for two years. It was a bargain at the time (38k CAD for the top Sport Tech trim) and was a very comfotable, practical and solid (albeit pretty inefficient) daily. I never felt it was wanting for power (it felt much faster than my 2020 WRX), but did consider the tune.
But yeah value was a key differentiator for this car, and a GTI can now be purchased for slightly less here in Canada. That's a problem!
Subaru is generous with discounts though, so 🤞
I drove a 2023 and was shocked at how slow it was compared to the GR Corolla and especially the Golf R. It feels like it hasn't improved since 2002. The steering is much worse than the previous generation. With the new pricing, it isn't at all the bargain that it should be. Almost $50K for a TS borders on insanity.
"Borders on insanity" you just described Subaru lol
You buy the premium trim for 30k then a tune to reach 300hp. There. Already gr corolla level in terms of speed since that's what you compare even tho they have different AWD systems
@nicksim9154 except that G16E GTS motor in the GR has proven its self in the Yaris overseas. A stock block hit 798whp without breaking. That boxer is throwing rods to the moon way sooner than that.
And yeah the AWD system in the GR blows the torsen Wrx out of water. GR is on par with Evo 8/ 06 STi handling
@@thehitman8663 Agreed. I'm saying the GR is on a different level than the WRX. The new boxer can make gains as shown in project midnight. I just don't thinks it's accurate to compare the two even most people do
I cross shopped this with the 2025 civic si. I chose the Honda for a few reasons. Better fuel economy, more reliable engine, but not perfect, better looks lol, and seems to have better interior quality. Just my opinion.
I owned a 2018 Si and had great fun with it. It is very tunable and pretty good stock. That 1.5L engine is fine but will still suffer from oil dilution. Change your oil every 2500 to 3000 miles and you will be ok. DO NOT go longer. for my daily commute, before serious mods, I got around 40mpg. And it was fun.
If they can go as cheap as possible under 30k i think it'll be a hit.
😂 I Love watching your videos....Good Job on this one too🙏😊
🤟
Shame how bloated the rex has gotten over the years. I’m fully convinced they’ll axe it at the end of this generation due to a “consumer shift towards SUVs”
honeslty lack of Rev-match is why im not looking at a WRX> I love manual but i also spend a LOT Of time in traffic going 1-2-3, back to 2, then maybe 1 to creep along, and its just a PAIN anymore after doing it for 30+ years.
Rev match isn't gonna help you creep, a torquey 6 or 8 cylinder that's happy to putter around in 3rd is the cure.
2:27 destroyed all the subie bros 🤣
Appreciate the detailed breakdown! Could you help me with something unrelated: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
Subaru has built a great daily all weather driver w a sporty feel. It does seem to me they are dumbing down the enthusiast market and feeding the average Joe a bit too much now and rising the prices, which many manufacturers are doing, especially since covid. At this point it is a bit of an excuse to gouge, sadly. I had the OG '02 WRX and modified it all over. It was a true hotrod! I am disappointed w this new push towards generic and also electric vehicles....and then a hefty price tag. YOU are going to lose many die hard customers Subaru. As far as Hondas and Toyatas go, they are also car cults of personality and I don't find them attractive. I am still more inspired be well developed older designs, like a Nissan GTR or an Infiniti Q50 RedSport for instance. My 2017 Infiniti QX50, with the 3.7L and custom exhaust, wheels, intake, is fast and very useful in all weather. Car companies are really shooting themselves in the foot all too often these days and they truly need to step back and take a better look outside of their own design studio heads!
This car is so ugly that it knocked itself out of contention for my dollars on looks alone.
I owned both a VA WRX limited and a VB 2022 WRX limited. Loved the VA. So much character and fun yet simple. Tuned it and modified it and everything but still loved it in stock form from day one. Then I heard so much positive feedback about the VB so I got a 2022 limited. I wanted to keep some of the nicer materials and features of the limited trims. I paid $32k and some change for the VA and $38k for the VB. Wow, what a jump. And boy was I disappointed. Yes it has a more robust engine and better damping on rough roads and faster steering. But everything else was a letdown. Numb steering, shitty slow laggy screen, polarizing looks inside and out. I kept trying to tell myself to adjust and acclimate but I couldn't. It was not worth the price then and is not worth the price now. Traded it for an Elantra N which was a better car in every way. If you need AWD and a manual, then sure there's very little competition. But I would gladly trade it all for superior driving dynamics from the factory. Or hop back into my old VA.
Oh that's dumb.
Getting rid of the base model is just mean and kind of dumb they will probably lose market share because of that.
But I like my new wrx😳
Huh? It would be more weird if you didn’t like your new car😂
I would choose the Honda SI. Seems like a much better car to live with day-to-day with a little extra. I might even choose the new Civic hybrid over this.
bruh 2 years ago the base was 29k
2024 and 2025 got WILD (though i think it was only 29k before destination)
The WRX should've been a hatchback, that black cladding diaper is hideous. Or we should at least get a Crosstrek WRX but a Subaru is completely out of consideration until they give us back physical climate controls and make the touchscreen much more responsive. But when has Subaru ever actually listened to what we wanted.
prefer the si better shifter and build quality subaru maintance very expensive nice reveiw
Answer the GTI.
Buying a new wrx doesn’t seem like a good idea considering its competition is better like the Elantra N or GR Corolla. Very happy I purchased a used VA wrx because in my use case it has everything I need say for the ability to make 500hp.
Just buy a GR86 or a BRZ
Way more fun for less as long as you don't need the backseat!
The WRX tS is going to be DEAD ON ARRIVAL (DOA) once it hits showroom floors and dealership lots. No one is paying that kind of money for a WRX that isn't worthy of being bought at a price the old VA gen 2021 WRX STI Limited and 2020 WRX STI Series White have cost 3-4 years ago.
Until/Unless Subaru of Japan and Subaru of America gets their heads out of their asses and make a last-minute ditch effort calling an audible and bring back the STI on the VB gen WRX platform and willing to take a risk and go to an automaker like Porsche who has a 2.5T Flat Four Boxer engine that makes 350hp and 309lb-ft that would be a worthy usage for a VB gen WRX STI, even if they can bring the STI Division team back just for 3 model years from 2026-2028, there is no reason to bring a next gen WRX after this WRX's current generation because no WRX and WRX STI fan and owner is asking for a hybrid CVT-only WRX, nor a remote control transmissionless WRX STe EV because that is not what those cars are all and it is not where their roots lie with this car.
The mid-cycle refresh WRX will be coming up for the 2026 and 2027 model years. If there is no return of the STI (and it CAN NOT be a car that says it's an STI from the other side of the world without STI's actual hands being involved in the work making it a REAL STI), then kiss the WRX goodbye altogether after this generation because this will no longer be Subaru's bread and butter vehicle.
When a WRX costs $46,875 in the tS trim, it loses any credibility of being considered an option unless you're a diehard Subaru fan who wants all the bells and whistles.
$47,000 can get you an an Elantra N for $34,000 with a manual and you save about just under $12,000 and the Elantra N has far better performance than the WRX at 276hp-289lb-ft. The GR Corolla is $39,000 for the Core trim and has 29 more horsepower and +15-38lb-ft of tq more than the WRX and if you want the Premium or Premium Plus trims, you can get those between $42,000 or $46,000 respectively and save $205-2,685 respectively.
The MK8.5 Golf R with no manual transmission any longer for the 2025-2026 model years has inched the same price point as the WRX tS, but has more horsepower and torque making 315hp and 288lb-ft more justifiable over 271hp and 258lb-ft. The FL5 Civic Type R has 44hp more and 52lb-ft more over the WRX tS and if you can find one at MSRP, why would you want the WRX over the CTR outside of crying for AWD?
As a curveball, the DE5 Integra Type S is $6,000-$7,000 more expensive than the WRX tS at $52,000-$53,000. However, I'd argue that if you can look past the Integra Type S for not having memory seats, the ITS way more car for the money and the most powerful amongst the competition at 320hp and 310lb-ft. Based on the everything Subaru is doing with the WRX as a whole, if you don't need AWD and if you don't live in cold climate states and Canadian provinces, who is Subaru targeting at this point other than people saying that the brand's stigma is for Lesbians and vape apes?
Then you should buy a GR or an Elantra but instead you hang around here wishing for stuff you can't have. The powers that be at Subaru read all these boards but only when they need a good laugh....
@@curtvesely5886 Who says I can't have it? I can have this if I want to. I just choose not to want this because this isn't for me.
Whoever is interested in it, this is for them.
that touchscreen is such a deal breaker. it looks so bad and performs bad apparently.
Yap, love LOVE the exterior but my BRZ interior is the very best ever. 👌 VA facelift interior was also nice
Looks 10-15 years outdated to be honest. Horrible for 2025.
For anyone considering the CVT WRX do yourself a favor and go buy a CPO 2021-2022 BMW 330i XDrive. The B48 is more reliable, it’s faster and you can get a fully loaded one for ~$30K. Bonus points for the M-Sport Package. You’ll get the balance of the 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and then 1 year of extended CPO warranty too.
No lol, never buy a used BMW or any German car for that matter.
Reliable engine or not, it has no dipstick. Also, the problem with BMWs is usually not the Engine, it's the electrics.
Might pay off if you remember to sell it before the warranty expires. Otherwise, way too risky.
@@BicBappy-u9o Exactly this.
Just plain ugly 🙈
There's no reason why a car with 4 doors at that price point doesnot have ac vents for rear seat occupants. Also, subaru does not give remote starters.
Yeah, most compacts don’t have rear console vents though remote start should come in a subscription app (AT only).