5th WRX in my lifetime. Subaru made the VB a great daily driver that can handle children, pets, and be a great backroad bomber. No car is absolutely perfect, to expect to find nirvana in a sub 40k car is IMO unrealistic. The VB however feels like its aiming a the folks who have had these in the past who can appreciate its legacy and have more rounded DD. Anyone in the fence should just take one out for a test drive. I didnt think I would like it as much until I got behind the wheel. Its been my favorite WRX. Even more so than my STi.
Oh please... if Subaru had half a brain they would have sold your sub-$40k sedan with some life, AWD, for hauling pets and kids and such...and called it...wait for it...LEGACY. But Subaru mismanaged that vehicle the same way they are mismanaging the WRX. I owned a 22 WRX for 87 days. Hated it. Sluggish. Redline at 6k???? Terrible infotainment. Rattles. That FA moter may have some "potential" but the differentials on the VB limit you to staright-line. If I wanted that, I would have a Mustang. This car deserves all the criticism it receives and Subaru should just manufacture it in a junk yard, because that is where this plastic-cladded turd belongs
This was a very well thought out and honest review. It's a very practical point of view with real world daily usage. I was in the market for a manual 4+ seater 6 months ago to replace my ND2 Miata and narrowed it down to a handful of vehicles. GR Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Civic Si, Civic Sport, WRX VA/VB, Golf GTI, Mini Cooper S. I ended up with a 2022 Corolla Hatchback 6MT due to practical reasons, (MPG, reliability, and price). I don't track anymore, and I get too much anxiety going fast now in my older age. Thanks for sharing such an interesting perspective!
I also have a 2022 orange WRX, and absolutely love it. No shifter/trans problems at all. Infotainment set up is OK, but not great. Handles like it is glued to the road, yet also extremely comfortable.
I have a 23 that's pushing 16k miles and have had no problems with the shifter or anything at all. I would have bought a GR86 but New England winters can be brutal and I like playing in snow... so I need AWD and a little ground clearance. I had a 2002, 2014, 2015, and now the 23 WRX. It's the best one IMO. It's a bit less raw but in a good way. I think it's PLENTY fast for fun on a back road. If you need to prove yourself to every meat head at a stop light, you can probably turn this car into a monster with a tune and a few mods (then hope the transmission holds up 😂). I'm just driving it back and forth to work and having a little fun with it on weekends, intending the car to last a while.
You are grinding because you are getting comfortable with shifting the wrx and doing f a lazy shift sometimes, happens...you are not doing i t on the other manuals because you are being extra careful...this is basically the same transmission from tbe va, it's not that bad...manual driver for 20 years, just my 2 cents and I love my vb...
This is the correct answer. @mike_cerra You still have less than a year of manual driving under your belt. When I was new to manual, I also randomly grind gears on my GTI in the first year a couple times, even when I swear on my life it wasn’t my fault. Now almost a decade later and I haven’t “grinded gears” (or syncros) even once since then. And it’s not happening in other cars you drive simply because it’s less seat time and you’re being more careful, focusing on the drive. When that happens to you, just try to focus and be more intentional with your pedals and shifting, like you’re trying to learn again. The grinding will magically stop happening over time.
I adapt to how a vehicle is, which is the same as adapting to how specialized software works and not what you think it should do. Also, managing your expectations of something goes a long way. It's why I'm quite happy with my orange Rexxie.
I'm with you on your conclusions. I probably won't buy another WRX but I will very likely always have a Subaru in my driveway. Looking into 987s and 997s in the future.
Have owned my 23 premium spt since October. Currently at 8400 miles. Car has been completely bulletproof. No mechanical or electrical issues at all even though I have done some moderate modifications. I've also spent alot upgrading the interior to make it a little nicer since it is my daily driver. My main gripe is the fuel economy which is just something I just have to deal with but other than that I love the car!. Planning on doing the brakes soon as well.
I absolutely love this gen WRX, while it’s still extremely unfortunate there isn’t an STI offered. I have a 22 Limited. Wasn’t crazy about the styling in videos and pics but in person it just looks raw and rally vibes. Had to have it. Now I have a 24 BRZ tS next to it and it’s a great combo. Although I am tempted to trade the wrx for the WRX tS when it’s available I can’t see not having a VB. I almost traded it for a GR Corolla and thankfully backed out of the deal in time.
Great review! Your opinion and mine are about the same, great car out of the box, great car with a tune and light mods, things start adding up when you want to make over 400 whp, so I likely won't be taking this car too far down the mod rabbit hole but I do love it for what it is! My first Subaru and I can definitely see why people are die hard fans of the WRX/STi I have that 2nd gear grind too when giving it the beans. May be the car or may be a me problem, I try to shift early in first at around 5k-5500 which usually results in it not grinding, I know on the older civic SIs they delete the clutch delay valve and that usually takes care of the 1-2 grind. The reason why I think it may be me is that I could possibly be pulling it down and to the left a little when shifting, which could make it grind. Never had it grind in 4th though so far, owned for about a year 6800 miles
Definitely get an exhaust, most just do the axle backs for cost but the full catback sounds a lot better. Any oem piping replaced will be for the better it’s all very restricting and small
23 Limited 6MT with almost 2400 miles. Best MPG has been 27.6 with a mix of country roads and a little bit of city (speeds from 45-65 MPH usually). I think that's pretty decent for an AWD 271 HP car andi bet will get better with more miles. My wife's Outback usually gets around 26 MPG with just a little more city driving. Hers is a NA 2017 with about 100 HP less.
I have a fairly early built '22 Premium. No problems at all. I can't remember any gear clashing ever. I have the OE STI shifter. I put a shift stop on it. Ive made a bunch of other mods as well but not engine modded yet. Its a fun car for the money.
You don't have to go with the DCT with an Elantra N. The manual version is fine, whereas it's an afterthought with the GLI. Yes the DCT is faster, splitting hairs though.
Yeah I agree. I have a 23 and while I definitely like it, I don't think I will return to the WRX platform after I sell it in a few years. I think for my next car I'm going to go up market to like a used Porsche 718. But that won't be for a while. I do agree though that the VB is probably the best bang for the buck under 40k. But part of me kind of wishes that I would have spent the extra for the GR Corolla. Though at the time that I made my purchase the GRC had crazy markups, and I got my VB for under msrp with 2% APR. I just couldn't pass it up.
Own a 23 wrx cvt. It is a great daily driver. With all the eyesight stuff it's great in traffic and you can take it on the back road with the paddle shifters it is a blast to toss around.
I just got a 2024 WRX GT (great car) after having a 2019 WRX CVT. The new SPT transmission, as far as CVTs go, is super fast and a big improvement. The new SPTs come with transmission oil cooler too.
I've done lots of research before buying my 24 WRX premium (solar orange as well) My potential picks were: Civic SI, Elantra N, Mazda 3 hatch AWD Turbo, and the VW GLI. After joining multiple groups of each perspective vehicle, I widdled it down the Mazda and WRX. Mostly due to having AWD and reliability. The VW has had iffy longer term reliability from what I read. The SI was amazing in stock form, has Rev hang, but the stock clutch doesn't stand up to any modifications. The Elantra N was my choice really for a FWD platform. The Mazda had intermittent rear diff issues, otherwise bulletproof. (All based off of owners input) All the cars were a blast to drive. The Mazda was great, but was kind of small for what I wanted. The WRX had the worst MPG on paper (but I've averaged 31 mpg on long highway road trips for work.) It had true AWD and as long as you're not trying to make big power, the transmission and engine reliability is great with regular maintenance. From what I've read, the transmission starts losing 3rd gear after 400 whp. But if you keep it relatively stock and keep up on maintenance, the car is solid. Again, from owner feedback in forums and groups. Hopefully this helps
@sokratzmmf no problem! If I didn't need AWD for work occasional work trips (sometimes I work in northern states during winter) I probably would have gone Elantra N or Civic SI (if I could find one without mark ups). Mazda makes an awesome car. They're slept on for how good they are. I just wish they still made the 6. It would have been between the 6 and the WRX for me. I just didn't want an SUV. Still probably would have gone WRX at the end of the day. It's just too fun. You can fully disable traction control for fun, or to get out of a sticky situation. 6 speed manual. Plus, I was able to get a decent discount on it. Premium trim with moonroof and the sound system for slightly above the price of a base MSRP. Couldn't pass it up. Plus, Subaru offers free maintenance for the first 2 years on a new vehicle. Which is additional savings in the long run. Before this, Subaru wasn't even on my radar honestly. Take one for a spin!
I have the STI shifter and never have any problems. You either have syncro issues or a skill issue. I don't find it slow off the line either. That's definitely a skill issue of learning how to launch a manual transmission.
Also didn't expereince grinding in second or 4th. Felt the push back on the third to neutral a few times but I was told by my wife I wasn't doing it right and since then it hasn't happened again. Same boat as you first time driving manual my wife taught me how to drive it.
Kudos to your wife! I have a relaxed driving style, so my shifting is smooth, and I really like the clutch on the '23 vs. my '07 Outback. That was really a clunker.
My primary concerns (living in the desert southwest) are how will the black plastic cladding age? And second, the usual long-term side effects of direct injection turbo carbon deposits on the intake side.
replacements are available for the cladding. Should cost more that 15 dollars to make but they look more like 100. There are also other material options which are too expensive right now as well.
I moved from a GLI to a VB. The GLI rattles so bad over time (4 years of ownership). Had the Autobahn as well. Sunroof went out for no reason.. idk I feel the VB was an upgrade.
If Subaru could ever improve the fuel economy on this car, , it would dominate the market. I believe the need for more expensive fuel AND getting 19 MPG around town is what is hurting this car's sales.
I avg 27.5 never really driving on the freeway an if i put cruise on at 70 on freeway it got 31 before I pro tuned my car it actually get really good gas milage for being real awd an its hp range to get 19 your acting like your driving at a drag strip every stop light
You have a lead foot; that's not the car's fault. Like the others, I've averaged 23-25 MPG mixed driving, 29-32 MPG on road trips. That's better than my previous '07 MT Outback 2.5 NA, which was 26 MPG on hwy. driving. The Rexxie is only 36 lbs. lighter than the Outback.
@@mike_cerra well I know they are certainly bright and have like an LED appearance. I remember cause I saw someone backup in their VB before and I went “oh I didn’t know they looked like that…cool!” and was happy cause I found out what mine looked like haha curious to see what yours will look like then
Dealers marking up the GR to upwards of 10K over killed it for me, it's also too small as my wife and I are very tall people. I almost ordered an Acura TLX S Type when looking at the GR at marked up prices. 10K of mods and tuning, a few handling, reliability, and aesthetic/comfort mods makes for a very nice WRX.
You need MORE practice driving a manual, especially when driving a WRX. I have a 2022 Limited Stocked. 0 to 60 in 4.8 to 5.0 . And I don't burn through clutches.
Its been 2 years and its still the ugliest version of the wrx. The GR corolla, civic si and gti all look a hundred times better imo. I really wish they didnt ruin the styling this generation but hopefully the next gen will be better and for god sakes bring back the sti.
5th WRX in my lifetime. Subaru made the VB a great daily driver that can handle children, pets, and be a great backroad bomber. No car is absolutely perfect, to expect to find nirvana in a sub 40k car is IMO unrealistic. The VB however feels like its aiming a the folks who have had these in the past who can appreciate its legacy and have more rounded DD.
Anyone in the fence should just take one out for a test drive. I didnt think I would like it as much until I got behind the wheel. Its been my favorite WRX. Even more so than my STi.
I agree 👊🏽
Yup
Oh please... if Subaru had half a brain they would have sold your sub-$40k sedan with some life, AWD, for hauling pets and kids and such...and called it...wait for it...LEGACY.
But Subaru mismanaged that vehicle the same way they are mismanaging the WRX.
I owned a 22 WRX for 87 days. Hated it. Sluggish. Redline at 6k???? Terrible infotainment. Rattles. That FA moter may have some "potential" but the differentials on the VB limit you to staright-line. If I wanted that, I would have a Mustang.
This car deserves all the criticism it receives and Subaru should just manufacture it in a junk yard, because that is where this plastic-cladded turd belongs
@@ChippyT.what do you have now?
@@janoskovacs11 2022 CT4V Blackwing
This was a very well thought out and honest review. It's a very practical point of view with real world daily usage.
I was in the market for a manual 4+ seater 6 months ago to replace my ND2 Miata and narrowed it down to a handful of vehicles. GR Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Civic Si, Civic Sport, WRX VA/VB, Golf GTI, Mini Cooper S.
I ended up with a 2022 Corolla Hatchback 6MT due to practical reasons, (MPG, reliability, and price). I don't track anymore, and I get too much anxiety going fast now in my older age.
Thanks for sharing such an interesting perspective!
I also have a 2022 orange WRX, and absolutely love it. No shifter/trans problems at all. Infotainment set up is OK, but not great. Handles like it is glued to the road, yet also extremely comfortable.
I have a 23 that's pushing 16k miles and have had no problems with the shifter or anything at all. I would have bought a GR86 but New England winters can be brutal and I like playing in snow... so I need AWD and a little ground clearance. I had a 2002, 2014, 2015, and now the 23 WRX. It's the best one IMO. It's a bit less raw but in a good way. I think it's PLENTY fast for fun on a back road. If you need to prove yourself to every meat head at a stop light, you can probably turn this car into a monster with a tune and a few mods (then hope the transmission holds up 😂). I'm just driving it back and forth to work and having a little fun with it on weekends, intending the car to last a while.
You are grinding because you are getting comfortable with shifting the wrx and doing f a lazy shift sometimes, happens...you are not doing i t on the other manuals because you are being extra careful...this is basically the same transmission from tbe va, it's not that bad...manual driver for 20 years, just my 2 cents and I love my vb...
This is the correct answer.
@mike_cerra You still have less than a year of manual driving under your belt. When I was new to manual, I also randomly grind gears on my GTI in the first year a couple times, even when I swear on my life it wasn’t my fault.
Now almost a decade later and I haven’t “grinded gears” (or syncros) even once since then.
And it’s not happening in other cars you drive simply because it’s less seat time and you’re being more careful, focusing on the drive.
When that happens to you, just try to focus and be more intentional with your pedals and shifting, like you’re trying to learn again. The grinding will magically stop happening over time.
I adapt to how a vehicle is, which is the same as adapting to how specialized software works and not what you think it should do. Also, managing your expectations of something goes a long way. It's why I'm quite happy with my orange Rexxie.
I'm with you on your conclusions. I probably won't buy another WRX but I will very likely always have a Subaru in my driveway. Looking into 987s and 997s in the future.
Have owned my 23 premium spt since October. Currently at 8400 miles. Car has been completely bulletproof. No mechanical or electrical issues at all even though I have done some moderate modifications.
I've also spent alot upgrading the interior to make it a little nicer since it is my daily driver.
My main gripe is the fuel economy which is just something I just have to deal with but other than that I love the car!.
Planning on doing the brakes soon as well.
What can you do to improve the brakes?
@HadEnough745 upgrade pads and rotors. Eventually I plan on getting a whole new set with calipers and everything.
The turbo's efficiency depends on your driving style. Doing interstate in mine, I've gotten 29 to 32 MPG. Comfy on 8-hour drives, too, and I'm 50 y.o.
I absolutely love this gen WRX, while it’s still extremely unfortunate there isn’t an STI offered. I have a 22 Limited. Wasn’t crazy about the styling in videos and pics but in person it just looks raw and rally vibes. Had to have it. Now I have a 24 BRZ tS next to it and it’s a great combo. Although I am tempted to trade the wrx for the WRX tS when it’s available I can’t see not having a VB. I almost traded it for a GR Corolla and thankfully backed out of the deal in time.
Love my 22 limited. I also would love to have a BRZ next to it.
who buys a car only to get rid of it after 8 months?! Take a chill pill lol
Facts 😂😂😂
People who create content, if you think about it. It's their money, though it's a foolish use of it.
Great review! Your opinion and mine are about the same, great car out of the box, great car with a tune and light mods, things start adding up when you want to make over 400 whp, so I likely won't be taking this car too far down the mod rabbit hole but I do love it for what it is! My first Subaru and I can definitely see why people are die hard fans of the WRX/STi
I have that 2nd gear grind too when giving it the beans. May be the car or may be a me problem, I try to shift early in first at around 5k-5500 which usually results in it not grinding, I know on the older civic SIs they delete the clutch delay valve and that usually takes care of the 1-2 grind. The reason why I think it may be me is that I could possibly be pulling it down and to the left a little when shifting, which could make it grind. Never had it grind in 4th though so far, owned for about a year 6800 miles
Definitely get an exhaust, most just do the axle backs for cost but the full catback sounds a lot better. Any oem piping replaced will be for the better it’s all very restricting and small
23 Limited 6MT with almost 2400 miles. Best MPG has been 27.6 with a mix of country roads and a little bit of city (speeds from 45-65 MPH usually). I think that's pretty decent for an AWD 271 HP car andi bet will get better with more miles. My wife's Outback usually gets around 26 MPG with just a little more city driving. Hers is a NA 2017 with about 100 HP less.
I have a fairly early built '22 Premium. No problems at all. I can't remember any gear clashing ever. I have the OE STI shifter. I put a shift stop on it. Ive made a bunch of other mods as well but not engine modded yet. Its a fun car for the money.
Appreciate your insight and honesty Mike!
You don't have to go with the DCT with an Elantra N. The manual version is fine, whereas it's an afterthought with the GLI.
Yes the DCT is faster, splitting hairs though.
Yeah I agree. I have a 23 and while I definitely like it, I don't think I will return to the WRX platform after I sell it in a few years. I think for my next car I'm going to go up market to like a used Porsche 718. But that won't be for a while. I do agree though that the VB is probably the best bang for the buck under 40k. But part of me kind of wishes that I would have spent the extra for the GR Corolla. Though at the time that I made my purchase the GRC had crazy markups, and I got my VB for under msrp with 2% APR. I just couldn't pass it up.
Great review! I’m really debating between getting a WRX with CVT or GTI with DSG for a fun daily commuter. Nervous about VW reliability…
Own a 23 wrx cvt. It is a great daily driver. With all the eyesight stuff it's great in traffic and you can take it on the back road with the paddle shifters it is a blast to toss around.
I just got a 2024 WRX GT (great car) after having a 2019 WRX CVT. The new SPT transmission, as far as CVTs go, is super fast and a big improvement. The new SPTs come with transmission oil cooler too.
I've done lots of research before buying my 24 WRX premium (solar orange as well)
My potential picks were: Civic SI, Elantra N, Mazda 3 hatch AWD Turbo, and the VW GLI.
After joining multiple groups of each perspective vehicle, I widdled it down the Mazda and WRX. Mostly due to having AWD and reliability.
The VW has had iffy longer term reliability from what I read. The SI was amazing in stock form, has Rev hang, but the stock clutch doesn't stand up to any modifications. The Elantra N was my choice really for a FWD platform. The Mazda had intermittent rear diff issues, otherwise bulletproof. (All based off of owners input)
All the cars were a blast to drive. The Mazda was great, but was kind of small for what I wanted. The WRX had the worst MPG on paper (but I've averaged 31 mpg on long highway road trips for work.) It had true AWD and as long as you're not trying to make big power, the transmission and engine reliability is great with regular maintenance. From what I've read, the transmission starts losing 3rd gear after 400 whp. But if you keep it relatively stock and keep up on maintenance, the car is solid. Again, from owner feedback in forums and groups.
Hopefully this helps
@@Silverbulletzx3 thank you for sharing such a thorough post! I had a mazda3 in the past, great car but it felt small to me. Definitely leaning WRX.
@sokratzmmf no problem! If I didn't need AWD for work occasional work trips (sometimes I work in northern states during winter) I probably would have gone Elantra N or Civic SI (if I could find one without mark ups).
Mazda makes an awesome car. They're slept on for how good they are. I just wish they still made the 6. It would have been between the 6 and the WRX for me. I just didn't want an SUV.
Still probably would have gone WRX at the end of the day. It's just too fun. You can fully disable traction control for fun, or to get out of a sticky situation. 6 speed manual. Plus, I was able to get a decent discount on it. Premium trim with moonroof and the sound system for slightly above the price of a base MSRP. Couldn't pass it up. Plus, Subaru offers free maintenance for the first 2 years on a new vehicle. Which is additional savings in the long run.
Before this, Subaru wasn't even on my radar honestly. Take one for a spin!
Test drove a new z grind on 2 a lot too even 3 but I was power shifting
I have the STI shifter and never have any problems. You either have syncro issues or a skill issue. I don't find it slow off the line either. That's definitely a skill issue of learning how to launch a manual transmission.
Have you considered the Elantra N MT?
Also didn't expereince grinding in second or 4th. Felt the push back on the third to neutral a few times but I was told by my wife I wasn't doing it right and since then it hasn't happened again. Same boat as you first time driving manual my wife taught me how to drive it.
Kudos to your wife! I have a relaxed driving style, so my shifting is smooth, and I really like the clutch on the '23 vs. my '07 Outback. That was really a clunker.
Dos you drive the type a integra they say the shifts are good
well its mistake buying a car with intention of keeping it one or two years.
‘23 Premium - 3500 miles - no issues whatsoever. No grinding……
I had no shifter issues at all in my 22
I’m beginning to lean towards user error. Ever since posting this vid, it’s maybe happened 3 times.
My primary concerns (living in the desert southwest) are how will the black plastic cladding age? And second, the usual long-term side effects of direct injection turbo carbon deposits on the intake side.
replacements are available for the cladding. Should cost more that 15 dollars to make but they look more like 100. There are also other material options which are too expensive right now as well.
Walnut blasting at 50K miles I think. You could also get an air oil separator, which will help a lot.
No boost until 3rd gear?
I moved from a GLI to a VB. The GLI rattles so bad over time (4 years of ownership). Had the Autobahn as well. Sunroof went out for no reason.. idk I feel the VB was an upgrade.
What miles are you on ? I noticed mine grinding for a while on and off and after I hit about 4500 to 5500 miles it went away entirely !
If Subaru could ever improve the fuel economy on this car, , it would dominate the market. I believe the need for more expensive fuel AND getting 19 MPG around town is what is hurting this car's sales.
I drive spiritedly daily 5500 miles in almost 3 months and I get 23.9 miles
I get 23...road trips 28-30, ...weekends, probably around 17 lol
I avg 27.5 never really driving on the freeway an if i put cruise on at 70 on freeway it got 31 before I pro tuned my car it actually get really good gas milage for being real awd an its hp range to get 19 your acting like your driving at a drag strip every stop light
You have a lead foot; that's not the car's fault. Like the others, I've averaged 23-25 MPG mixed driving, 29-32 MPG on road trips. That's better than my previous '07 MT Outback 2.5 NA, which was 26 MPG on hwy. driving. The Rexxie is only 36 lbs. lighter than the Outback.
The backup lights are LED stock aren’t they not?
@@xXpapercutsXx nope. The backup lights and turn signals are incandescent
@@mike_cerra well I know they are certainly bright and have like an LED appearance. I remember cause I saw someone backup in their VB before and I went “oh I didn’t know they looked like that…cool!” and was happy cause I found out what mine looked like haha curious to see what yours will look like then
@@xXpapercutsXx yeah the conversion kit makes them far better. Got a video coming soon just got to edit it lol
it's in the base GR Corolla range, to me that's the main competitor
Dealers marking up the GR to upwards of 10K over killed it for me, it's also too small as my wife and I are very tall people. I almost ordered an Acura TLX S Type when looking at the GR at marked up prices. 10K of mods and tuning, a few handling, reliability, and aesthetic/comfort mods makes for a very nice WRX.
@@murmsuniversalrobotics3938extremely easy to find MSRP or even lower for GRC's the past 6 months at least. Shop around and you'll find them easily.
you've obviously never driven the Type R or a Type S?
You need MORE practice driving a manual, especially when driving a WRX. I have a 2022 Limited Stocked. 0 to 60 in 4.8 to 5.0 . And I don't burn through clutches.
try the civic si more refined better handling machine
DOUBLE-YOU-RX
It's you lol
the auto is faster
Oh you don’t want one of those lol
You are way too inexperienced as a driver to be handing out advice about sports cars.
😂true
Its been 2 years and its still the ugliest version of the wrx. The GR corolla, civic si and gti all look a hundred times better imo. I really wish they didnt ruin the styling this generation but hopefully the next gen will be better and for god sakes bring back the sti.
Don't hold your breath there. Subaru is becoming Mitsubishi. Soon it will just be Outbacks and Crosstreks
It is ugly, I'm the owner of a VB and it's ugly and slow, handles really well and is quick as hell off the line.