The only high-production automotive journalist team brave enough to audio-graph, weigh, and now *_dyno_* every car they get A+ content upgraded to A+++
I don't agree with a fair portion of Mark and Jacks' opinions, but damn do I love their integrity and attention to detail. It's what makes me click on their videos every time they pop up on my feed.
@@TheLocalsOnlyPodcast it may describe the car and it’s performance, but for cars like this it can’t really describe the *driving experience and engagement*, something that’s far more important than just raw numbers for a car like this imo
@@TheLocalsOnlyPodcast you have to compare the Accord 2.0T sport with manual and not 10 speed to make this claim, then based on the specs the Accord will probably beat the WRX on a straight. However most people who choose the WRX "don't drive a spec sheet."
As always your attention and to and explanation of the technical details of the changes Subaru made in this version of the car are unparalleled with regard to other UA-camrs. That's the main reason I continue to follow this channel, besides the excellent audio video editing quality. Simply stated, nobody does it better. I'd like to remind all the readers / viewers though that it is impossible for a YT reviewing channel to address issues of long-term reliability. And that is something you really should take into consideration when considering this car or comparing it to other possible buying choices.
All I can say, is what are the oldest Subarus (or brand that you are considering) you see on the road. If you see 80s, 90s, gap, 2015, It's probably conventionally not a good long term car
Long term reliability? With Subaru it all depends on how handy you are with a wrench. If you have to pay someone else to do your wrenching, totally not worth it.
@@Dia1Up What are you trying to say? My family daily drives multiple 90s Subarus, I see everything from 95 to 2021 on the road regularly. Head gaskets killed a lot of NA EJ25 cars, but most had them replaced once and then kept going. Rust is what takes them off the road, just like every brand.
@@zedhead2864 Which is funny since they're one of the easiest brands to work on. The internet has just convinced everyone through memes that there is something mystical about them.
The plastic on the wheel wells are honestly an INCREDIBLE for someone like me. I live up north, a lot of salt during winter, and almost exclusively dirt roads during the summer. This means the wheel wells get absolutely torn up by rust
Drove a 2018 wrx for just over 5 years in Pennsylvania where it snows 4 months out of the year; never had a single issue with wheel well rust. Not on the wrx, not on any car I've owned. Nice that you like the garbage plastic Subaru is feeding it's customers though
@@alexhalbleib2398 idk what point your trying to prove😂 rust is a huge issue in the northeast and it does kill cars. NY alone isn’t even a comparison to Pennsylvania especially upstate. We get much more snow and a bit longer winters. And it’s all hills.
Test drove one today. I thought it was immeasurably better than the previous generation in every way lol. I could not believe how much better the shifter and clutch were, unbelievable difference. It looks way way better in person.
yeah, but i was also thinking, that the arm rest is really low, until i drove a bmw e90(alpina) and an opel astra with a good arm rest, well, with a manual, it's really uncomfortable to have a comfortable armrest, because it gets in a way, so I was always lifting the armrest on those cars. On my bmw e46 with automatic, it's a blast, since you rest your hand and you do not need to change gears
Former wrx owner, and your point on the “peakyness” of the torque curve is spot on and the main issue that people were trying to correct with after market tunes. (Yet another) Great review!
That being said as a 17 owner they will make more torque once tuned on e60 with a downpipe than the stock rods would be able to handle when the turbo spools up. I feel like aftermarket rods would significantly help. With my 2.0 had a little more off boost torque 1500-2500. Maybe that’s just because it’s real loud in boost.
@@reaperskeeper8259 a bit of controversy for sure. But the fact subaru took the #1 spot for reliability on consumer reports means there are some changes incoming.
This is the first review of this car that I've seen that attempts objectivity. So many people are hung up on the lack of massive improvement in horsepower and torque numbers. What I've taken from Subaru's statements about the car is that it's a "sum of its parts" car, and I feel like y'all have really taken that into account with this much more delayed review compared to other channels. Great work and looking forward to the eventual STi review!
Subaru has almost always taken a sum of parts approach IMO, but the public loves headlines and big numbers. I think they persist because their consistent growth for decades now demonstrates they have done something right. I do miss the old quirkier cars though. I mean, I still drive them, but I miss the idea.
They really could've given us some more beans from the factory, if this engine is so mature now. I shouldn't have to go drop a bunch of money in a brand new generation/platform just to improve on the previous gen that I'm currently driving. It should have come with a little extra on tap, allowed me to get used to and bored of the modest power bump, then I can dump money in to squeezing every last drop out of it. Fwiw, I don't mind the looks and I think people are complaining about looks too much, vinyl wrap is cheaper than car parts. Or, they could just tell us, in real tech terms, WHY their new engine is the bees knees, and that would suffice.
@@GA-wq8xq I 100% agree. I hate the side profile & interior as well. I wouldn't buy it and would rather buy a Z or BMW 2 series. If I had to buy a 4-door, I would take a 3 series or MK7 Golf
Yep. But I saw a new one in red with a different custom exhaust but still dual tips out the back but larger and not rolled. It looked really nice in person and it was almost the same height as my old accord so it may have been lowered a touch. I'll have to see a stock one but that specific one was very nice and I can easily glance over the rear plastic stuff. Maybe just wrap the car and do the rear bumper the same color or do inserts
@@qx4n9e1xp you're right, most WRX shapes I hated, then a few years later I come to like them. I completely hated the new one. But now, I can kind of see the appeal also. They tried to make it be a rugged car. A car that isn't going to be babied like a show car, but instead is going to be used in harsh north american climates (snow, desert etc), and that should be reliable (lower PSI than old WRX). I still completely hate the design, but I'm starting to see the appeal too (or what Subaru were trying to do with it). A hardy car, that honestly should be real fun to mod also. When you think about it, that's kind of what the old WRX's were suppose to be. Not all gens or variants, like once Subaru left the WRC they ditched any attempt at having that rugged image and almost tried to turn the WRX into more off a track car. The progression of the S20x series Japan was making and releasing in Japan prove that point. And also how they started doing lots of nurburgring attempts and isle of man attempts etc during that era (the hatch was their last WRC built model). It makes sense, post hatch (especially during the VA era), it was only Subaru in USA that was still doing rallying (all those rally VA's are built by vermont motor sport), not to mention all the USA hoonigan stuff (making the WRX go up jumps etc). All during this time Japan (with help of prodrive etc) was off trying to make it a track car while releasing 'nur spec' STIs for Japanese market. I think the new WRX (the VB) is Japan basically just saying the hell with it (and conceding) and building the new WRX heavily (almost entirely) for the North America market. North America is their biggest market after-all, so it makes logical sense, and it was basically the only market that was still keeping the WRX = rally / offroad type car image still alive, plus it is a market that has the harsh environment to have demand for a car like that. Japan has finally conceded that the WRX is not a track car, the BRZ now fills that niche (budget track car) and the WRX is the rugged sport car, while they can now focus on EV and future builds (including future STI models) (like that crazy EV hypercar they built to try beat records at nurburgring with in 2023). If you look at the older WRX, and the Spec C's, they were always meant to be rugged cars that have utility and potential for modding etc. If anything this new model is like a modern throwback to what the WRX was always suppose to be about. So from that point of view I kind of like it. I also think this new FA24 will be real fun to mod / build.
Enthusiasts: “turbo the Crosstrek, I’ll buy that in a heartbeat! And bring back the WRX in a hatch!” Subaru: “the enthusiasts want a sedan that looks like a Crosstrek but has none of the utility” Also Subaru: “they think our cars are ugly but we have no competition, tell them to get over it.”
Here's my outlook. If you crave performance, but you're on a bit of a budget. If you can only afford one car. If you need practicality, and prefer the security of a lockable trunk. If you live in a part of the country that gets brutal weather, sometimes. If you need reliability. Be realistic. You're not going to ever drive a full-on, full-blown, pedigree, street-legal sports car. (Unless you rent an exotic, for the night; from one of those high-end, specialty rental car shops.) However, if you're not completely dead inside. This new WRX is your compromise vehicle, with ironically few compromises. Okay, it takes Premium fuel. And, the fuel economy is likely the worst out of all of its competitors. And, unless you're my age; Insurance companies are going to violate your wallet. Those negatives are the price you pay for not being dead inside and owning a legit performance car on a budget. And before anyone says VW GTI, let's be completely honest. Yes, very good fuel economy. Yes, it takes Regular. Yes, the front end is better looking. But when you need reliability, literally no one thinks VW. Do you really want a new car that'll leave you stranded by the side of the road within literally the first couple of years of ownership? Do you really want an interior on your new car that's going to develop annoying squeaks and rattles within months of ownership? Be honest.
There's no questioning that when it comes to car reviews, Savageese is on a league of their own. Very technically thorough and detailed reviews and they say it just how it is. Mark and Jack are highly competitive professionals and not UA-camr car salespersons. Great job 👍
“Everyone is going to put a stage 10 on this car” 😂🤣😂🤣 It is not the most attractive or ugliest Subaru out there for sure. Thank you guys for a thorough and comprehensive review, as always!
Queue the "The trouble of being faster than light is that you can only live in the darkness". If Subaru owners didn't tune their cars to be that fast, they would have to look at them them. The horror! ps: Curent gen BMW owners looking at them from a distance :)
@@TTercel Not all agree with you. I'd say this is the best WRX in a long time. I'll be test driving one when they land. I think Subaru will bring in some different people with this WRX and repulse some of the fans of the previous car.
Thank goodness you guys reviewed this car. This is the level-headed, reasonable review that washes out all of the internet's fanboy shrieking and gives us what we need to know as potential buyers. Kudos to you for an excellent video and review once again!
i'm expecting the same for the integra; the noise on the internet is deafening and there are only a handful of legit reviewers, like SG, who can provide a logical, reasonable take.
*They are the best car reviewing channel when it comes down to getting the facts. They may not be the most entertaining, but they never sound like they've been sponsored by the car company or just saying positive things to keep people happy. They call it as it is.*
I've watched dozens of reviews on this car and this is BY FAR the best. This video is the first one I've seen with all the diagrams and drawings (hexagonal pattern is functional? Who knew?). Well done. I bought a 2024 WRX Sport Tech 6MT last month and there are a few differences over the 2022. The driver's seat does have lumbar adjustment, the stereo speakers are really good, and the adaptive cruise control (which allows you to shift) is great. It allows you to shift while in cruise mode - crazy. I find the ride a little hard on the highway and the steering a bit light on the highway. I know the top trim level allows you to adjust the suspension but even allowing us to adjust the steering feel would be nice. After a couple thousand km, I'm averaging 8L/100km (about 30mpg), which is quite respectable for this car (and similar to our 2024 Crosstrek).
Still loving my 2014 WRX hatchback, 2.5L Turbo, 5spd...Its fabulous. Subaru really dropped the ball dropping the hatchback...I have nowhere to go from here with Subaru. Nice video !!
@@DragonKnightX12 Sedan WRX/STi is awesome however it lacks the utility I want....For example, yesterday I swapped to my summer wheels , just open the hatch and chuck them in. Loads of space with the seat down. Or 2 road bikes on top of eachother out of the rain ...etc..etc. I really hope they bring it back however my 2014 hasn't had 1 issue other than a dash rattle that I fixed with silicone spray so I'm good for a few years easy.
I know folks complain about power, and I get it. They're seeing EV's (including pickup trucks) produce insane horsepower and torque figures and push the boundaries of physics regarding acceleration. They're seeing muscle cars continually pump out new trim levels, each bolstering 100+ horsepower gains over previous trims and generations. They're seeing small 3cyl motors have made leaps and bounds putting out incredible HP and torque figures well over 200hp and even over 500hp in some rare (and expensive) instances. But here we are, in 2022 at 271hp, with micro improvements in power over the span of this automobile renaissance. But keep in mind, 271hp is still probably the highest output in its class. If you want to be more race-oriented, then scrape $25 more a month and get the STi, or build something better for half the price. If 275 hp isn't enough for your needs on the road, then you're probably drag racing Mustangs. If you're doing that, then you're missing the point, but I get it. My unmodified 1995 Honda Civic Si, with 128hp is still plenty for me on backroads. It begs me to modify it, but it's not like there's no room to improve my skills either. In conclusion, there's nearly endless room to improve yourself. 271 horsepower is more than enough for its class. Horsepower doesn't equal fun or skill.
271hp is not best in class... So what is the point here? It has zero rally credentials, lacks power, has a Subaru interior and isn't even fun to drive... There is a reason why people talk about tuning them after they drive them home...
@@Jaredscott89 it’s a good all around car. I have an ‘11, for $20k and low mileage, it was a steal has had 0 issues. Nice interior like an Audi is going to cost $$$$. Big power like a mustang is going to cost $$$ in gas. Stick shift on it is plenty fun compared to say Honda Accord. I’ve ripped mine on every rural road imaginable in the mountains and terrible weather, no issues and no repair sitting at 90k miles. You get what you pay for. The ‘22 is ugly af though I wouldn’t get the new ones
@@omichaelnato5388 Mazda seem to be able to design a interior that doesn't look shit for normal money... Other competing manufacturers make more power from less fuel too... Why would I be comparing something that doesn't compete with an Accord to an Accord? Any reason you are avoiding the obvious?
@@Jaredscott89 lol I love my wrx it’s just an opinion. I’m just saying for the money it’s cool to have 270hp, stick, and good sound (the old ‘11 has a good rumble). I’m just thinking of all my coworkers who spent around $20k but got Honda accords that’s all lol. Mazda’s seem to be really good too with reliability. Style usually comes at a cost in general, not always but usually
@@jacobs1047 That's why you let professional installers do it. Remember the part where I mentioned the HUGE AFTERMARKET? But I'd rather you enjoy your stock shit stereo. It's what you deserve.
I bought one and I love it, I got it in black and it looks great even with the grey trim. My old man got in it and said he likened the torque curve to small capacity V8's. I love the car and I didn't like the old generation much. You're spot on about the lack of feel, but the front end grip and the way I can storm down those B-roads with confidence, I loved it the moment i drove it. Cheers
You guys make a car review detailed but enjoyable enough so that the not-as knowledgeable like myself can still admire/understand all the work that went into these cars. Great work!
Being in New England, if they made a 5-door of this, I'd buy one. As it is, I use the utility of the hatch more often than need the AWD. That's going to put me in a GTI or the upcoming Acura Integra. Unless the Corolla GR can save me
@@wigletron2846 I had an '05. Almost bought a '14 but the wife at the time had a long commute and the gas was atrocious. Ended up with a focus SE 5 speed because nothing else made any sense (the GTI was between model years and used ones were going for over new MSRP)
@@fortheloveofnoise fortunately, I'm in no rush. The current family car runs fine and likely could for a number of years. I just want to buy it's replacement while there is still something I want to buy that isn't a crossover
2.0l is far from undersized for a 3200lbs sedan. It's not producing that much power per liter either, it's biggest let down is the top mounted intercooler. Subaru needs to ditch this design for a front mounter design. This 2.4l will suffer same heat soaking issues as the rest of their turbo line up.
Thanks guys, great video! I drove a modified 2010 WRX for over 10 years and 172,000 miles. A turbo-back exhaust, a stage 2 Perrin 93 oct tune, cheap Whiteline swaybars, and RPF-1 wheels really made the car fun. I always enjoyed the drastic acceleration once you hit 2750 rpm at WOT. They are great cars, and they grip like hell. Sometimes they'll grip too much, and they'll want to understeer. Other than a leaky steering rack, valve cover gaskets, a wheel bearing, a thermostat, a vacuum line twice, a crank position sensor, and a mandatory timing belt change at 100k, plus all the maintenance, it was a great car. In the end, I ended up selling it to pay for my NC MX-5. Yep, I gave in.
This review of the new wrx is pretty amazing. While people are hung up on the looks and 0-60 specs, this review shows how much R&D was put into this new wrx model. I like how this review shows a lot of new subaru engineering. The peak torque on the new wrx plus the smooth tune eliminates the rev hang from previous models. While I'll keep my LTD stink eye, I really like this new wrx. Mark my words, people will be ordering these cars even if a lot of people are focused on HP and looks. This new engine is pretty cool too.
And the problem now is the dealers like to charge their own “Dealer MSRP” instead of the manufacturer MSRP. Gouging is alive and well and will be remembered by me.
I think they said it best where there are pros and cons to this segment. Depending on what you're looking for in a car will decide whether you buy this, a Si, GTI or Elantra N Line/Forte GT. I'm just happy there's several options in the rapidly shrinking small car with a manual market.
@@Gandalf721 I'm just disputing that they are rapidly disappearing now. The bulk of the manuals disappeared in the late 90s and 2000s, since then, there has been a reasonable supply of enthusiast manual models on the market, and only a modest decline.
I’m not a Subaru person by any means, but I really appreciate this review. It doesn’t jump on the low hanging fruit to get extra views. I’m sick of all the stupid meme’s with cars that many reviewers regurgitate to confirm what the popular sentiment is now. I don’t care only about 0-60 or HP numbers, as that is just the stuff the potato down your pants numbers that are one of the MANY details of what its like to drive a car. People need to realize that you need more information from people you respect and most importantly, DRIVE THE ACTUAL CAR YOURSELF to see how it feels to you. The final thoughts were an extremely fair assessment of a solid car! The Final Thoughts from Jack in this are A+. /rant off
why am i one of the few people that love the new styling? I love it, its sleek and elegant in such a Japanese muscle way. I love the look of the exterior.
Super objective, factual and unbiased review. Love it. Definitely going to test drive this, Elantra N and the GTI. This definitely sounds like an improvement from my 2011 WRX.
Sounds like it's slightly uglier and worse fuel economy vs the last one, otherwise better in all other aspects. And compared to the 11 I hope it does better on fuel as that thing was essentially a truck with 4wd stuck on permanently
@@omichaelnato5388 yeah it was nearly impossible to hit 25 in my 11wrx. Meanwhile the brz could do mid 30's and so could the 15wrx ( fuel saving prius driving style) It also sounds like the new brz is also a bit worse although it needed a power bump so it's a good trade
At 20:30 you guys basically described the Mazda3 turbo. You want the best interior, more power than the civic, and AWD in one package… that’s your answer if you don’t need a big back seat.
Definitely one thing I'm envious of not getting (yet, or ever) in Aus. Disappointing that the Mazda doesn't offer a manual with the AWD, but would be a great daily with more kick than the NA motor.
@@ftovr2957 The paddle shifters are pretty close to manual IMO - It's not quite the same but it's a great compromise for a DD especially if you have to do traffic
Great in depth review. It seems that Subaru made a great baseline model for tuners again. I'm looking forward to seeing all the aftermarket parts and the builds people do on this new platform.
@@dancarlos1216 Beat me to it. The most popular item on this car is going to be body kits (for good reason), and we might see a change where the major selling point of a ECU tune is for better fuel economy for the same power.
@@ricecakeboii94 Did not know that, but I bet it won't stop them though. They'd just list it as "off-road use only" like they have before and hand off any liability on to the end purchaser. I'm sure there's some equally dumb rule coming out for the body kits too knowing that state.
Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. People complain about everything and most things. Never happy, always nit picking. Got so sick of everyone jumping on the band wagon using the term plastic “CLADDING” and hating on it. The interior is to this and not enough of that. Blah blah blah. Must be miserable being you people. This car is amazing and I love the exterior plastics. Look’s menacing looking
I wont rip it more than I have already, but your review, dyno, and technical info sharing made this the best review Ive seen on this goblin…3 time owner. Subscribed!
@@kevincrockett5155 Ive been calling it “my little goblin” for a long time now lol. IF, I get it…I will find a tasteful car tat and put it on her lol…but thats a big IF at the moment
Love how detailed you guys are. An audio roundup for the industry would be excellent. Kind of a top 10 for audio packages, which automakers provide good audio. Also, the bottom dwellers regarding audio. Great work men
Love the review. This is one of the few car channels that I've found that provides a realistic overview of each car you review. Too many channels gloss over important issues (like fuel economy or insurance premiums). I've gone from wanting to go out and buy this car right away to rethinking my options a bit!
"In the real world, you don't drive a spec sheet." Best quote. Also love hearing it doesn't feel like it was tuned by the interns anymore. I'm very glad they didn't make the car heavier, despite making it larger. I actually like how it looks more than the outgoing car, though I know I'm in the minority. Really curious about the tuning overhead on this engine. I bet with a slightly larger turbo revving to 7K would be no issue. I didn't hear any complaints about the manual transmission, so it must at least be good. Great review, as always!
@L W They said it has upgraded valve springs from the Ascent and 7K has never really been pushing it that hard for any modern Subaru engine. Main reason they shut it down early is torque drops off around 5.5K so I'm just thinking slightly larger turbo and you can probably carry the power out. Will be fun to see people try! 😁 I agree though of course it would be risky to just send it.
@L W The original EJ20G in the base GC8 Impreza WRX was 7000rpm redline in Australia (and 8000rpm in Japan!). That wasn't even an STi either. IIRC the FB24 and FA24 have the same stroke as the FA20 and the FA24 in the 2022 Subaru BRZ revs to 7500rpm. So it seems the valvetrain is strong enough, it's just a matter of tuning and turbo sizing for it.
@@TassieLorenzo Yeah the highest revving versions of the EJ207 went to 8,250 I believe. That said, the EJ and the FA are completely unrelated. I'll comment a bit more in response to the other guy though.
@L W Yeah I hear you in general. Although almost all factory engines can stretch a bit more than 200 or even 500 past redline. They build in a safety factor. They just don't make any power past a certain point. I find it very likely that since the valve train in the FA24F and FA20F are very similar, and both are likely similar to the FA24D and FA20D which can rev mich higher, they would likely be able to tolerate quite a bit more spinning. There is just no point with the factory turbo and cams because they stop making power. Why would Subaru make power from 4K to 8K for example instead of 2K to 6K and just leave it at that? It's less "fun" but more reliable and works better for everyday driving. Get what I mean? Likely some overhead before upgrades are 100% necessary, but obviously you start sacrificing long term reliability.
Good to see the engine tuning has improved from the factory. In the past, everyone knew the first thing you did to any WRX or STi was to throw a tune on it. You really needed to budget that in when you were looking at buying one new. Had a 2011 STi back in the day. Immediately did intake, DP, and tune after the initial break in period. The difference in power, power consistency, and drivability was so pronounced that the car literally felt broken when I returned it to stock to sell.
Ever since they announced this car I’ve been on the lookout for reviews that go beyond “this looks terrible” or “it’s not like last gen.” Your video-among other reviews from Road & Track and the like-are excellent news for this car. If it is in fact more robust a vehicle than its predecessor, then that’s a win for everyone. The looks are something that everyone’s just going to get used to.
looks like garbage. Just wait 2 years for refresh. Otherwise you'll look at it in 5 yrs time and say 'why did I spend so much for this, looks like literal garbage lids stuck on it' while you admire the new model and wish you waited for that.
I test drove a previous gen WRX and the ergonomics of the cabin were a deal breaker. The arm rest being so far down and way back made it impossible to get comfortable. It's disappointing to see this (along the many other issues) haven't been fixed in the new model.
The Civic is my current favourite for cargo space and fuel economy, but if Subaru brings us the Levorg body (wagon Impreza/WRX) it would really fill the Golf Sportwagen sized hole in the market. Edited for spelling
Having owned one for a day now, I have to say this is a great review of the car. It feels super quick at low revs, has traction for days (the stock summer Dunlops are garbage until they heat up though), bounces around like an economy car at low speeds because of how stiff it is, is super smooth at high speed, and eats gas. To be fair the MPG is essentially the same as my 08 Suzuki SX-4, probably for the same reasons (always on AWD). I disagree about the aesthetics, but I haven't seen an orange one yet. The WR Blue is a head turner, and the photos/videos I've seen of the white/red/silver look sharp. It looks weird from road level where most reviews seem to take their shots from, but standing next to the car the lines of the body and plastic work for me. The steering feels like an old PC force feedback wheel (I haven't driven an electric rack before, but it's a little offputting - really quick around center though), and the brakes seem inadequate for a car that can accelerate this quickly. They're fine in traffic, but when I have open backroad and gun it things get a little scary even before I'm really hitting felony territory. Anyway, I love it so far. Everything I expected after watching this. I think the other cars in this segment are also great other than the new GTI (for interface reasons), but living in the mountains in PA this is basically the perfect car, unobtainable GR Corolla not withstanding.
How is it after a few months now? I'm debating ordering one the mid-range trim (without the adaptive suspension). Would be coming from an RSX, which also has a pretty rough and noisy ride.
@@AviationStation85 It's awesome. No regrets, and in retrospect while I kind of backed into getting one due to other cars I had been waiting for being unavailable for nearly a year (GR86), if I had sat down and made a checklist of what I want in a daily driver it should have been my first choice. It's AWD, manual, practical (I don't really care about having passenger space, but it's large enough for everything I need to go on vacation), a bit more refined than I'd like but still more of an "experience" car than a VW or Audi, and really capable on a shitty PA backroad which is where 99% of my driving happens. SG's review is pretty spot on for me, after living with the car for 4 months or so. Having said that all that, I think a GR Corolla would also tick all of those boxes. But that puts the WRX and GRC in what is currently a class of 2 cars. IMO, the WRX's availability and bang-for-the-buck makes it more desirable right now but I don't think you could go wrong with either car if you're looking for a raw AWD performance car.
Great assessment. I just got one last week; also in PA - suburbs & country roads. Was a lot more engaging to drive than Jetta GLI & Integra I also tested, but yes rather stiff around poorly patched roads in town; definitely need to select my lines better. Good option at the price point, at minimum worth a test drive.
If I were ranking enthusiast sports cars (as opposed to supercars, so no C8, 911/Cayman, etc) I'd probably have the Miata at 1, BRZ at 2, GR Corolla at 3, and WRX at 4, with everything else a bit flawed in one area or another that makes it uninteresting to me personally. I don't really care for any of the FWD options available in the US, and wish the Fiesta ST and i20N were sold here - the other options are fine but if I'm getting a car as big and practical as an Elantra or the current Civics I'd like it to have AWD. Audi doesn't sell manuals anymore, and both they and VW are basically making insulated luxury cars like BMW and Mercedes. I would have gotten the GRC if it weren't for availability and the price, even at MSRP, seeming somewhat excessive to me. I suspect the same thing will happen with the ND Miata, as much as I want one, as I don't know that the difference in experience will be worth $10k to me over the newest BRZ. The Z is interesting but if I were spending $50k I'd take a Supra 6MT all day, and then we're back to the BRZ or Miata being cheaper and even more engaging than either. My ideal 3 car garage would have a Miata/BRZ, GRC/WRX, and Mustang GT/Camaro SS in it probably, and an i20N if you could buy it here. And the new PHEV Prius for daily work commute duty.
YOU GUYS JUST ROCK IN ANY ASPECT AND FROM ANY AUTOMOTIVE KNOWLEDGE PERSPECTIVE! INFORMATIVE, LAID BACK, NO NONSENSE AND BRILLIANT HOW TO DO LADS. ONE OF MY TOP 5 UA-cam AUTOMOTIVE CHANNELS SO FAR!
Really enjoyed this review. Like probably every Subaru enthusiast I am dumbfounded they didn’t produce an STI variant. And even if there was a decent reason not too with the booming SUV market then they still missed an insane opportunity to expand their STI heritage and performance into their SUV offerings like the crosstrek or forester, similar to the way dodge/jeep have been doing with the 392 and hellcat powerplants. Subaru takes such baby steps toward improvement each year that it’s hard to draw in any new customers or fan base cause there is so little to get excited or enthusiastic about and it’s a shame to be honest.
It’s the first time I’ve said this about a car, but I genuinely can’t see what’s bad looking about it. I can’t see what people are complaining about. I think it looks awesome, and the plastic wheel arch things look tough.
Glad to see the factory tune is finally something agreeable. I bought my 2020 WRX with a "no mods allowed" mindset, but found myself wanting an Accessport within months -- not for power nor mod support, but to iron the damn tune out.
Yuppp. I went into my 2017 WRX purchase hearing about how bad the OEM tune was and thinking "How bad can it actually be? It'll probably just take a little bit longer than usual to get used to then it'll be fine". Jesus. Christ. After 6 months on the stock tune I couldn't take it anymore. An absolute nightmare. I got an accessport just for a stage 1 tune and its absolute night and day from the stock tune. The car actually drives like a car now and I love it more than ever.
I also worked under the same mindset this time; with the goal of not blowing a motor this time. My solution for OEM 2019 was proper fueling; much smoother, accept for tha rev hang thing.
bought a 22 premium in January, It was my first wrx but I fell in love with it while test driving.. the review was exceptional and accurate to what I've noticed while owning it.. my only rebuttal is I have had no issues with gas mileage, I drive rather "spirited" but cruising on the NJ parkway 75-80mph I'm still getting 28-29mpg with an ETS catback exhaust.. either way, love the car its definitely worth a test drive if you're interested the cladding looks way better in person and black / gray you hardly notice
Great Vid. Still love my 04 WRX wagon at stage 2 with 150k and 18 years going strong. It does everything the new one does and more because the wagon. I love Subaru but paid off for 14 years vs new with 5 years of payments, it’s tough to convince. Plus my blob eye is less ugly I think.
They actually look pretty good in person, especially in a darker paint color. It’s good to know the interior is larger. When I test drove the 2020 wrx, it was such a cramped driving position, and way less comfortable than my 2005 GLI.
I bought the 2023 wrx premium, and I love it, especially once I got paint matching fender flares and a new exhaust! The car feels far better than the previous years
I appreciate the small details in these reviews 100%. From the Audio measurements, to the thing about the arm-rests, these are details that no one else talks about, and when you buy the car, they are the first annoyances! Bravo Zulu for the awesome reviews guys!
Yea, the arm rest comment had me concerned as I’m a short person but luckily I was able to sit in the prototype at a car show this weekend and it wasn’t an issue for me. I actually have a world rally blue in order. I didn’t like the design at first but have gotten used to it and as someone coming from a GTI, I wanted AWD without having to spend for a golf R.
In regards to the power complaint, and I can't remember where I heard it, but there's just no competition in this category to make the car faster. GTI and Civic SI are just 200ish HP so really the question was why make it faster if there's no reason to (other than they should have). I am hoping the design grows on me, I loved my 2019!
Modern Gti’s are all around quicker than modern wrx’s besides from a dig. But your point still stands because a lot of buyers just look at horsepower numbers and don’t take into account AWD power loss and weight. They really do need a power bump when comparing it to Volkswagen though
@@Fabs821 yep, the Mk8’s are making about 240whp and factor in less weight and less drivetrain loss, they’re going to be quicker especially once rolling. From a dig, as mentioned above, they won’t be.
That will be the conclusion you get when you're looking at nothing but numbers, but as Jack said, "you can't drive a spec sheet". There is so much more to all three of the cars in question here than silly little numbers could ever tell you. Go drive all three, then let's talk.
This would be a lot better looking as a hatchback or just give me the damn Levorg. The Levorg has great styling, just a little long in the rear because it's a wagon.
I have a 2015 WRX with some MAP bolt ons and stage 2 . With a custom dyno tune. I am getting 305 HP and 350 lbs of torque. I understand that the boost is very different between the new Subaru vs mine.I've heard that the boost only goes up to 14 lbs on the new one. I put a boost controller on mine because it would go up to 24 lbs and I worried about it when I got over 20 lbs.. I have it set so I won't go over 19 lbs. I don't have any turbo lag. The power curve is smooth and it really pulls. I think the new one is less attractive than the old one. I love mine and I am not ready to make the move to upgrade yet. I also get 27 miles per gallon. It now has 155,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only thing I've replaced are brakes. Thanks for the review you guys do a great job.
The boost is lower because the motor itself makes more of the power now due to the higher displacement. That reduces turbo lag, and lets the power come on earlier. It also means that future mods for the new 2.4L will be much quicker than the last generation car. My suggestion would be to wait though, as Subaru may up the power by like 10% and remove the plastic next year due to all the complaining.
As an owner of the 22 wrx and a 92 svx i have gotten far too familiar with people hating the car at first and then coming around to it in time. Just wait for this newest generation. Its truly great in my opinion.
21:44. 10 to 15 years ago, people who bought and tuned their WRX or STi got horrible mpg when enjoying their performance, and then added an 8th Gen Civic Si as a daily driver.
Nice and fair review. Thanks, guys! I think the similarity to the changes in the Civic Si are notable. While both are similar to the last generation in hp, both have better torque curves, allowing for more power at lower revs, which is beneficial on the street, which is where these cars will be driven most of the time. Even without more power, to me this is a win.
No one reviews like you guys do! Forget the Chris Harris drifts, you guys fill in the info everyone else leaves out. You guys fill a whole different set of needs! You complete me.
this car checks so all the boxes for me. Why isn't it offered in germany? I like the looks, the interior concept, the engine and the whole idea of it: an honest, quick and quirky AWD-Enthusiast-car
Awesome video. Great content ( as usual). My dream car, hope I can get it next year. Tick all the boxes ( at leat for me): 1 Turbo 2 AWD 3 Manual gearbox ( thank you Subaru) 4. No digital dash...an hybrid analogue. 5. it does not look like most of the cars this days 6 Call me crazy, but I really like the design 7 Its a Subaru, a well made reliable car.
Ripped this bad boy down Lake Tahoe, Virginia City and Big Sur. I am not disappointed by the handling, at all. Two years ago, I despised the new look, but since I’ve owned one, the design has grown on me.
@@goldenhawk2839 yes I enjoy my 22. It’s been a great car! While it’s not the fastest or best looking car in similar categories it definitely hits all the points that I desire. It’s sporty, practical, comfortable and has decent tech. Also, it’s a fairly rare car to see on the road. For the price point as new you can’t beat it. I don’t regret my decision purchasing it one bit.
@@goldenhawk2839 I got the premium model that has a manual. The CVT is only available in the GT trim which is the nicest and albeit most expensive. I’m a manual lover and in the 22 the clutch is easy to engage and the shifter is smooth. If you go the GT trim with the automatic I’m sure you’d love it the same if not more as it has so many features and comforts not available in the lower trim levels.
What I love about this channel in particular, is how in depth you go with the technical specs and suspension set-up. Of all the auto channels you compete against on UA-cam, you guys do the best at this. Keep it up! 👍👍👍
Agreed! Everybody else just pokes buttons and says things that are plainly obvious. Not to mention, the driving impressions they do tend to be very noncommittal and lack any perspective on feel and tuning.
I think the dampers inside rebound spring is to prevent excessive extension of the damper on the 'inner' wheels when cornering and thus maximize the mechanical advantage of the sway bar to do its job of minimizing body roll .....
I've been looking forward to your review of the new WRX! Seems to me that the ultimate takeaway is "how easily will this platform respond to mods and tuning" because the improvements over the previous gen are pretty minor (you could tune the rev hang and power cutting issues out of the previous gen). Also, you can get into a base WRX for under 30k. Compared to the FWD competition like the GTI or Civic Si having AWD and better driving dynamics/no torque steer is a pretty big advantage. Too bad they've ditched the hatchback so usability has suffered...
@@Black-Villain Oh, sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I meant go to your local dealship with a printed Levorge from Japan and say that you want it. The dealership has an important voice on their offer on local markets. This is how Mazda Australia "convinced" Mazda Japan to have CX8 on their market. Obviously sending an email is cheaper. :) Anyways, if enough people ask for it, the dealership will eventually offer it. No R&D is required so it's relatively straightforward task for them to do.
This was a rather informative and indepth review, much appreciated. I would love for you guys to get your hands on the cvt model and really put it through its paces for us to see that it doesn't ruin the car or the experience 😉
I still think it’s probably meh, but doubt it’s a choice any serious performance drivers should consider. I just worry about reliability since CVTs historically do not take abuse well. Just to emphasize the point there are 0 other performance cars that use any type of CVT which kinda speaks volumes.
@@joshlum1807 Japanese CVTs tend to old up pretty well. True, but since 90% of WRX buyers go for manual, they probably didn’t see a reason to borrow someone else’s tranny. That still bring us to the question of why the top trim is locked to the CVT.
I think the old engine was pushing 20 psi to make the same power as this does on only 12 psi boost. That leaves a lot more on the table for flashing and easy horsepower gains Ridiculous that they haven't figured out a decent armrest or stereo system yet. WRX owners like to be LOUD
@@angelgjr1999 no shit that's because you have almost twice the displacement 🤡 should they be even more ashamed by the last WRX pushing 20 then? A small turbo at 12 psi is also completely different than large at 12 psi
@@angelgjr1999 it'd be fun but also defeats the point of why cars are different and why people buy Subies in the first place. Turbo flat 4. No one wants to ls swap a brand new car with warranty 😂
I own a 2022 WRX, only mod is charcoal filter removal from air box with a drop in AEM high flow filter. I owned a 2017 WRX that I really liked, but honestly, I like this one much better. I enjoy how the ride is now way less rigid, but now the car feels way more sure footed. It's WAY more quiet where road noise is concerned as well. The power delivery is amazing in how the torque comes on almost immediately and stays strong through redline. My color matched fender flares will be installed soon, I can't get used to that look...
Bought one end of June this year. Originally wanted one in grey to mask the plastic but when I saw the WR blue in person, I actually liked it more than the other colors. Pictures online do this car NO justice. Plus, after test driving a white one, I didn't even consider how it looked when I decided to buy one because I wasn't going to be looking at it while driving. Coming from a 2017 civic si, the ability to actually put all the power down when having to get going quickly from turning out from a side street is amazing, where the civic would just spin the front wheels and understeer. Plan on getting a set of snows for it for the winter, and undercoating it as I live in New England. If you are even remotely interested in this car, but the styling is turning you off to it, go see one in person, but more importantly DRIVS ONE. You will be shocked at how good it is. And seeing this video is what made me go on that original test drive.
Honestly, this thing could probably look like a Pontiac Aztek and still sell. It's a pretty unique car and the Golf R is its only real competition in the US. The AWD Mazda 3 Turbo has no manual option and the engine doesn't rev past 5500RPM anyway. I don't mind the lack of a peak power bump as I think moving to a larger engine with less boost is the right move, especially when it comes to longevity. I drove the last generation and it was plenty quick but the rev hang and tuning strangeness made it frustrating to drive. This clearly is a significant improvement in drivability, which is what the WRX has always been about.
I have a 21 WRX and I hate it, the eng is peaky and weird to live with. I'm getting a 22 in limited trim. I don't mod my cars anyway so it works for me.
Excellent review, actually swayed my opinion after only seeing negative takes on it. You guys have heard the car out, as it were. And that side profile is really damn good ngl
I really like the look of the new WRX. The plastic around the wheel wells is a good idea for those living in snow/salt areas. I've been cross shopping for a new SUV and have already driven a Forester; I'm going back to the Subaru to talk about a WRX, I don't think they have a new/used one on the lot for a drive. Might be too small for my needs but damn it really speaks to me.....
I'm feeling pretty good about my 2022 Civic Si purchase, and I don't even think the WRX looks bad, except for the rear bumper. The fuel economy is a deal breaker. 20mpg real-world is just not acceptable for a car with this level of performance. I averaged around 27 mpg in my Focus ST which had comparable power figures to this, and had much better stock engine tuning than the previous WRX. I really hoped the new engine would address the fuel economy issue, but I'm thinking it's the AWD system that's killing the numbers. If I loved the looks I could justify it, but like most it seems, I don't.
It's not just the AWD system (and the extra weight of all those components) but the much larger engine displacement: 2.4L vs 1.5L in the Civic. While the fuel economy is worse in the WRX, the AWD is better in the snow and the 2.4L has much more potential if you want to get a tune or do other mods. There are still valid reasons why someone would choose this over the Si.
@@1S1KC0DM4N How about no. The Mustang GT gets 15 city and the Camaro 16. Even the Ecoboost Mustang which is only RWD is only rated at 21. So 20 for the WRX when it's AWD is decent. Not great, but decent.
nothing screams at me to spend my money on ANY new car in this day n age....everything and i mean EVERYTHING is overpriced and not worth anywhere near the price companies want for there vehicles.
The only high-production automotive journalist team brave enough to audio-graph, weigh, and now *_dyno_* every car they get
A+ content upgraded to A+++
Nah, clearly SG is beyond A+ class- they're S tier. Each review is on par to what I'd expect Gran Turismo to produce (if they did video reviews).
@@imnotsqiddy lol “S-tier”
Nah THEY’RE GOAT TIER
In-depth technical analysis is rare for reviews.. oddly. These guys are amazing for this
“In the real world, you don’t drive a spec sheet.” Thank you Jack for one of the best things I have ever heard said in a car review
Too bad the spec sheet describes the car. I like how the WRX feels better but are you gonna get smoked by a Honda Accord 10 speed? Probably.
I don't agree with a fair portion of Mark and Jacks' opinions, but damn do I love their integrity and attention to detail. It's what makes me click on their videos every time they pop up on my feed.
@@TheLocalsOnlyPodcast it may describe the car and it’s performance, but for cars like this it can’t really describe the *driving experience and engagement*, something that’s far more important than just raw numbers for a car like this imo
@@TheLocalsOnlyPodcast you have to compare the Accord 2.0T sport with manual and not 10 speed to make this claim, then based on the specs the Accord will probably beat the WRX on a straight. However most people who choose the WRX "don't drive a spec sheet."
@@TheLocalsOnlyPodcast shits ugly
As always your attention and to and explanation of the technical details of the changes Subaru made in this version of the car are unparalleled with regard to other UA-camrs. That's the main reason I continue to follow this channel, besides the excellent audio video editing quality. Simply stated, nobody does it better. I'd like to remind all the readers / viewers though that it is impossible for a YT reviewing channel to address issues of long-term reliability. And that is something you really should take into consideration when considering this car or comparing it to other possible buying choices.
technical
All I can say, is what are the oldest Subarus (or brand that you are considering) you see on the road. If you see 80s, 90s, gap, 2015, It's probably conventionally not a good long term car
Long term reliability? With Subaru it all depends on how handy you are with a wrench. If you have to pay someone else to do your wrenching, totally not worth it.
@@Dia1Up What are you trying to say? My family daily drives multiple 90s Subarus, I see everything from 95 to 2021 on the road regularly. Head gaskets killed a lot of NA EJ25 cars, but most had them replaced once and then kept going. Rust is what takes them off the road, just like every brand.
@@zedhead2864 Which is funny since they're one of the easiest brands to work on. The internet has just convinced everyone through memes that there is something mystical about them.
The plastic on the wheel wells are honestly an INCREDIBLE for someone like me. I live up north, a lot of salt during winter, and almost exclusively dirt roads during the summer. This means the wheel wells get absolutely torn up by rust
You should try paying for roads, instead of a new car.
Drove a 2018 wrx for just over 5 years in Pennsylvania where it snows 4 months out of the year; never had a single issue with wheel well rust. Not on the wrx, not on any car I've owned. Nice that you like the garbage plastic Subaru is feeding it's customers though
@@CortMarshal We all pay taxes right? I don't understand your comment lol
@@alexhalbleib2398 idk what point your trying to prove😂 rust is a huge issue in the northeast and it does kill cars. NY alone isn’t even a comparison to Pennsylvania especially upstate. We get much more snow and a bit longer winters. And it’s all hills.
@@CortMarshalridiculous comment
Test drove one today. I thought it was immeasurably better than the previous generation in every way lol. I could not believe how much better the shifter and clutch were, unbelievable difference. It looks way way better in person.
In person I somehow dont mind the black body panel parts, in pictures and videos im like its disgusting
@@shaun44smith I wish there was one around here for me to see in person because the black panels really kill it for me
@@itsNep_ i was car shopping for my brother over 3 weeks i would pass by see one and its gone in a day
It's wild how many people think the car is ugly, it looks good in person, although the blue is definitely better than orange.
If you match the plastic to the color it looks even better
1:50 Having a really bad center console is arguably the most WRX authentic thing about this car
yeah, but i was also thinking, that the arm rest is really low, until i drove a bmw e90(alpina) and an opel astra with a good arm rest, well, with a manual, it's really uncomfortable to have a comfortable armrest, because it gets in a way, so I was always lifting the armrest on those cars. On my bmw e46 with automatic, it's a blast, since you rest your hand and you do not need to change gears
I figured out how to position my arm to use the seat holster as an arm rest since my GR hatch’s center console was so shitty.
That and the terrible radio lol I will always change my Subaru head unit
hahahah my center console is the only thing that's broken on my 2013 STi
ROFLMFAO!!!!
Always a breath of fresh air, guys. Thank you for giving this little Subie the same attention to detail you'd give something that costs 10x as much.
Former wrx owner, and your point on the “peakyness” of the torque curve is spot on and the main issue that people were trying to correct with after market tunes. (Yet another) Great review!
Turbo Lag 🤩🤩🤩 Flat Curve🤩🤩
100% agreed. Used to drive a 2013 wrx
That being said as a 17 owner they will make more torque once tuned on e60 with a downpipe than the stock rods would be able to handle when the turbo spools up. I feel like aftermarket rods would significantly help. With my 2.0 had a little more off boost torque 1500-2500. Maybe that’s just because it’s real loud in boost.
The older I get, the more car vids I see, the more I appreciate the work and expertise presented here.
Just purchased a 23 Wrx Base in ice metallic. The shifter and clutch are awesome. And it looks way better in person
Does the base 23 still has the dual screen or it has the big ass iPad screen instead ? I heard the dual one is a little more responsive
@@MrSanz As far as I know all the bases for the 23’-25’ model years have the dual screen setup
@@reaperskeeper8259 the 25 will no longer have a base model at all, and will start with premium(including a price hike) and have the large screen
@@Togairu that sucks
@@reaperskeeper8259 a bit of controversy for sure. But the fact subaru took the #1 spot for reliability on consumer reports means there are some changes incoming.
This is the first review of this car that I've seen that attempts objectivity. So many people are hung up on the lack of massive improvement in horsepower and torque numbers. What I've taken from Subaru's statements about the car is that it's a "sum of its parts" car, and I feel like y'all have really taken that into account with this much more delayed review compared to other channels. Great work and looking forward to the eventual STi review!
Subaru has almost always taken a sum of parts approach IMO, but the public loves headlines and big numbers. I think they persist because their consistent growth for decades now demonstrates they have done something right. I do miss the old quirkier cars though. I mean, I still drive them, but I miss the idea.
I agree, reviews like this would make me test drive it
For me, cars like the wrx relies more on driving experience and engagement, something that numbers and looks can’t really describe.
They really could've given us some more beans from the factory, if this engine is so mature now. I shouldn't have to go drop a bunch of money in a brand new generation/platform just to improve on the previous gen that I'm currently driving. It should have come with a little extra on tap, allowed me to get used to and bored of the modest power bump, then I can dump money in to squeezing every last drop out of it. Fwiw, I don't mind the looks and I think people are complaining about looks too much, vinyl wrap is cheaper than car parts. Or, they could just tell us, in real tech terms, WHY their new engine is the bees knees, and that would suffice.
@@beatsandmel0dy quick tune will do a lot on these…
I just love how you guys deliver that dose of reality how every new WRX had its design hate initially. It's very very true.
This is going to need a lot of aftermarket work to make it shine. The concept 2022 WRX looked awesome. This looks much blander.
The back end is horrendous though
@@GA-wq8xq I 100% agree. I hate the side profile & interior as well. I wouldn't buy it and would rather buy a Z or BMW 2 series.
If I had to buy a 4-door, I would take a 3 series or MK7 Golf
Yep. But I saw a new one in red with a different custom exhaust but still dual tips out the back but larger and not rolled. It looked really nice in person and it was almost the same height as my old accord so it may have been lowered a touch. I'll have to see a stock one but that specific one was very nice and I can easily glance over the rear plastic stuff. Maybe just wrap the car and do the rear bumper the same color or do inserts
@@qx4n9e1xp you're right, most WRX shapes I hated, then a few years later I come to like them. I completely hated the new one. But now, I can kind of see the appeal also. They tried to make it be a rugged car. A car that isn't going to be babied like a show car, but instead is going to be used in harsh north american climates (snow, desert etc), and that should be reliable (lower PSI than old WRX).
I still completely hate the design, but I'm starting to see the appeal too (or what Subaru were trying to do with it). A hardy car, that honestly should be real fun to mod also. When you think about it, that's kind of what the old WRX's were suppose to be. Not all gens or variants, like once Subaru left the WRC they ditched any attempt at having that rugged image and almost tried to turn the WRX into more off a track car. The progression of the S20x series Japan was making and releasing in Japan prove that point. And also how they started doing lots of nurburgring attempts and isle of man attempts etc during that era (the hatch was their last WRC built model). It makes sense, post hatch (especially during the VA era), it was only Subaru in USA that was still doing rallying (all those rally VA's are built by vermont motor sport), not to mention all the USA hoonigan stuff (making the WRX go up jumps etc). All during this time Japan (with help of prodrive etc) was off trying to make it a track car while releasing 'nur spec' STIs for Japanese market. I think the new WRX (the VB) is Japan basically just saying the hell with it (and conceding) and building the new WRX heavily (almost entirely) for the North America market. North America is their biggest market after-all, so it makes logical sense, and it was basically the only market that was still keeping the WRX = rally / offroad type car image still alive, plus it is a market that has the harsh environment to have demand for a car like that. Japan has finally conceded that the WRX is not a track car, the BRZ now fills that niche (budget track car) and the WRX is the rugged sport car, while they can now focus on EV and future builds (including future STI models) (like that crazy EV hypercar they built to try beat records at nurburgring with in 2023).
If you look at the older WRX, and the Spec C's, they were always meant to be rugged cars that have utility and potential for modding etc. If anything this new model is like a modern throwback to what the WRX was always suppose to be about. So from that point of view I kind of like it. I also think this new FA24 will be real fun to mod / build.
Enthusiasts: “turbo the Crosstrek, I’ll buy that in a heartbeat! And bring back the WRX in a hatch!”
Subaru: “the enthusiasts want a sedan that looks like a Crosstrek but has none of the utility”
Also Subaru: “they think our cars are ugly but we have no competition, tell them to get over it.”
This is so accurate that it's painful.
World: There is a Global chip shortage!
Subaru: Lets make the infotainment system more complicated and use more chips.
@@ivansolares2448 To be fair this was designed before the chip shortage. I would have been more costly to redesign the dash layout.
Exactly
I believe a turbo Crosstrek outsells the wrx and sti combined! It’s market would be 25-55…it would branch out beyond just “enthusiast”
Here's my outlook. If you crave performance, but you're on a bit of a budget. If you can only afford one car. If you need practicality, and prefer the security of a lockable trunk. If you live in a part of the country that gets brutal weather, sometimes. If you need reliability. Be realistic. You're not going to ever drive a full-on, full-blown, pedigree, street-legal sports car. (Unless you rent an exotic, for the night; from one of those high-end, specialty rental car shops.)
However, if you're not completely dead inside. This new WRX is your compromise vehicle, with ironically few compromises. Okay, it takes Premium fuel. And, the fuel economy is likely the worst out of all of its competitors. And, unless you're my age; Insurance companies are going to violate your wallet. Those negatives are the price you pay for not being dead inside and owning a legit performance car on a budget.
And before anyone says VW GTI, let's be completely honest. Yes, very good fuel economy. Yes, it takes Regular. Yes, the front end is better looking. But when you need reliability, literally no one thinks VW. Do you really want a new car that'll leave you stranded by the side of the road within literally the first couple of years of ownership? Do you really want an interior on your new car that's going to develop annoying squeaks and rattles within months of ownership? Be honest.
There's no questioning that when it comes to car reviews, Savageese is on a league of their own. Very technically thorough and detailed reviews and they say it just how it is. Mark and Jack are highly competitive professionals and not UA-camr car salespersons. Great job 👍
I'd put Throttle House, Straight Pipes, and Sarah 'N Tuned in that league also (well, almost).
Been waiting for this
Interested to see how significant the changes to the STi will be. Either way, glad SG gave us such a solid review of the base model!
“Everyone is going to put a stage 10 on this car” 😂🤣😂🤣
It is not the most attractive or ugliest Subaru out there for sure. Thank you guys for a thorough and comprehensive review, as always!
Queue the "The trouble of being faster than light is that you can only live in the darkness". If Subaru owners didn't tune their cars to be that fast, they would have to look at them them. The horror!
ps: Curent gen BMW owners looking at them from a distance :)
It is definitely the most ugliest
@@nabatron21 agreed. No other gen comes close to this in regards to ugly styling.
@@TTercel Not all agree with you. I'd say this is the best WRX in a long time. I'll be test driving one when they land. I think Subaru will bring in some different people with this WRX and repulse some of the fans of the previous car.
nah, stage 10 probably means stickers, wheels, rallyarmour mudguard and spoiler stablizers :P
Thank goodness you guys reviewed this car. This is the level-headed, reasonable review that washes out all of the internet's fanboy shrieking and gives us what we need to know as potential buyers. Kudos to you for an excellent video and review once again!
Mark and Jack can always be counted on for this. I hope that continues well into the future.
i'm expecting the same for the integra; the noise on the internet is deafening and there are only a handful of legit reviewers, like SG, who can provide a logical, reasonable take.
*They are the best car reviewing channel when it comes down to getting the facts. They may not be the most entertaining, but they never sound like they've been sponsored by the car company or just saying positive things to keep people happy. They call it as it is.*
I've watched dozens of reviews on this car and this is BY FAR the best. This video is the first one I've seen with all the diagrams and drawings (hexagonal pattern is functional? Who knew?). Well done.
I bought a 2024 WRX Sport Tech 6MT last month and there are a few differences over the 2022. The driver's seat does have lumbar adjustment, the stereo speakers are really good, and the adaptive cruise control (which allows you to shift) is great. It allows you to shift while in cruise mode - crazy.
I find the ride a little hard on the highway and the steering a bit light on the highway. I know the top trim level allows you to adjust the suspension but even allowing us to adjust the steering feel would be nice.
After a couple thousand km, I'm averaging 8L/100km (about 30mpg), which is quite respectable for this car (and similar to our 2024 Crosstrek).
Still loving my 2014 WRX hatchback, 2.5L Turbo, 5spd...Its fabulous. Subaru really dropped the ball dropping the hatchback...I have nowhere to go from here with Subaru. Nice video !!
I must be the only one that always wanted (and now have) a WRX but NEVER wanted a hatch.
Why not just get the Sedan?
@@DragonKnightX12 Sedan WRX/STi is awesome however it lacks the utility I want....For example, yesterday I swapped to my summer wheels , just open the hatch and chuck them in. Loads of space with the seat down. Or 2 road bikes on top of eachother out of the rain ...etc..etc. I really hope they bring it back however my 2014 hasn't had 1 issue other than a dash rattle that I fixed with silicone spray so I'm good for a few years easy.
Those summer wheels work better if you mount them to the car instead of throwing them in the back.
The video is not about you and your 10 year old WRX.
Try to keep up.
Another opportunity to thank you guys for the honest and even handed approach and for the consistently high quality of content here.
I know folks complain about power, and I get it. They're seeing EV's (including pickup trucks) produce insane horsepower and torque figures and push the boundaries of physics regarding acceleration. They're seeing muscle cars continually pump out new trim levels, each bolstering 100+ horsepower gains over previous trims and generations. They're seeing small 3cyl motors have made leaps and bounds putting out incredible HP and torque figures well over 200hp and even over 500hp in some rare (and expensive) instances. But here we are, in 2022 at 271hp, with micro improvements in power over the span of this automobile renaissance.
But keep in mind, 271hp is still probably the highest output in its class. If you want to be more race-oriented, then scrape $25 more a month and get the STi, or build something better for half the price. If 275 hp isn't enough for your needs on the road, then you're probably drag racing Mustangs. If you're doing that, then you're missing the point, but I get it. My unmodified 1995 Honda Civic Si, with 128hp is still plenty for me on backroads. It begs me to modify it, but it's not like there's no room to improve my skills either. In conclusion, there's nearly endless room to improve yourself. 271 horsepower is more than enough for its class. Horsepower doesn't equal fun or skill.
You nailed it.
271hp is not best in class...
So what is the point here? It has zero rally credentials, lacks power, has a Subaru interior and isn't even fun to drive...
There is a reason why people talk about tuning them after they drive them home...
@@Jaredscott89 it’s a good all around car. I have an ‘11, for $20k and low mileage, it was a steal has had 0 issues. Nice interior like an Audi is going to cost $$$$. Big power like a mustang is going to cost $$$ in gas. Stick shift on it is plenty fun compared to say Honda Accord. I’ve ripped mine on every rural road imaginable in the mountains and terrible weather, no issues and no repair sitting at 90k miles. You get what you pay for. The ‘22 is ugly af though I wouldn’t get the new ones
@@omichaelnato5388 Mazda seem to be able to design a interior that doesn't look shit for normal money...
Other competing manufacturers make more power from less fuel too...
Why would I be comparing something that doesn't compete with an Accord to an Accord? Any reason you are avoiding the obvious?
@@Jaredscott89 lol I love my wrx it’s just an opinion. I’m just saying for the money it’s cool to have 270hp, stick, and good sound (the old ‘11 has a good rumble). I’m just thinking of all my coworkers who spent around $20k but got Honda accords that’s all lol.
Mazda’s seem to be really good too with reliability. Style usually comes at a cost in general, not always but usually
I'm not sure why they assume no one's cares about the audio quality. Who doesn't like to drive and listen to music from a good system??
Because they know serious audiophiles will upgrade a stock stereo anyway.
There's a huge aftermarket.
Bass doesn't matter when you are listening to a podcast or audiobook.
@@thisismagacountry1318 when you're buying a new car u don't wanna tear the fuckin door cards open
@@jacobs1047 That's why you let professional installers do it.
Remember the part where I mentioned the HUGE AFTERMARKET?
But I'd rather you enjoy your stock shit stereo.
It's what you deserve.
Can't hear anything in mine over the road noise and a persistent rattling from the rear parcel shelf...
I bought one and I love it, I got it in black and it looks great even with the grey trim. My old man got in it and said he likened the torque curve to small capacity V8's. I love the car and I didn't like the old generation much. You're spot on about the lack of feel, but the front end grip and the way I can storm down those B-roads with confidence, I loved it the moment i drove it. Cheers
You guys make a car review detailed but enjoyable enough so that the not-as knowledgeable like myself can still admire/understand all the work that went into these cars. Great work!
Being in New England, if they made a 5-door of this, I'd buy one. As it is, I use the utility of the hatch more often than need the AWD. That's going to put me in a GTI or the upcoming Acura Integra. Unless the Corolla GR can save me
Sane here. I had to pass on the wrx when they got rid of the 5 door
Trust me when I say, wait for the GR Corolla.
@@wigletron2846 I had an '05. Almost bought a '14 but the wife at the time had a long commute and the gas was atrocious. Ended up with a focus SE 5 speed because nothing else made any sense (the GTI was between model years and used ones were going for over new MSRP)
It's called the Levorg... :p
@@fortheloveofnoise fortunately, I'm in no rush. The current family car runs fine and likely could for a number of years. I just want to buy it's replacement while there is still something I want to buy that isn't a crossover
Really liking the move away from undersized high boost motors. Likely greater engine longevity with less stressed components.
isn't that what this is though? I mean .4l extra displacement with 6000rpm powerband still isn't a whole lot
2.0l is far from undersized for a 3200lbs sedan. It's not producing that much power per liter either, it's biggest let down is the top mounted intercooler. Subaru needs to ditch this design for a front mounter design. This 2.4l will suffer same heat soaking issues as the rest of their turbo line up.
Laughing in GLA 45 AMG
And it’s ugly AF
@@gaivoron not to mention Everytime I want to do anything other than an oil change removing the topmount IC is a bitch. They need to go front mount
15:50 this is an iconic moment. Probably the most iconic moment ever on this channel
That was good.
i dunno, i still remember when mark threw deli meat into door panels and condom boxes in trunks...
Thanks guys, great video!
I drove a modified 2010 WRX for over 10 years and 172,000 miles. A turbo-back exhaust, a stage 2 Perrin 93 oct tune, cheap Whiteline swaybars, and RPF-1 wheels really made the car fun. I always enjoyed the drastic acceleration once you hit 2750 rpm at WOT. They are great cars, and they grip like hell. Sometimes they'll grip too much, and they'll want to understeer. Other than a leaky steering rack, valve cover gaskets, a wheel bearing, a thermostat, a vacuum line twice, a crank position sensor, and a mandatory timing belt change at 100k, plus all the maintenance, it was a great car. In the end, I ended up selling it to pay for my NC MX-5. Yep, I gave in.
Haha I’ve looked at the mx5 too as unusually a HP guy. It actually looks nice which in todays world is apparently hard to do
You will be back down the road
This review of the new wrx is pretty amazing. While people are hung up on the looks and 0-60 specs, this review shows how much R&D was put into this new wrx model. I like how this review shows a lot of new subaru engineering. The peak torque on the new wrx plus the smooth tune eliminates the rev hang from previous models. While I'll keep my LTD stink eye, I really like this new wrx. Mark my words, people will be ordering these cars even if a lot of people are focused on HP and looks. This new engine is pretty cool too.
And the problem now is the dealers like to charge their own “Dealer MSRP” instead of the manufacturer MSRP. Gouging is alive and well and will be remembered by me.
Typical WRX forum member:
What kind of mods can I do to increase horsepower?
Month later:
Help, my engine blew!
😂😂😂
Under-rated comment
Lmao 😂
Yup I keep my stock
I think they said it best where there are pros and cons to this segment. Depending on what you're looking for in a car will decide whether you buy this, a Si, GTI or Elantra N Line/Forte GT. I'm just happy there's several options in the rapidly shrinking small car with a manual market.
It's not" rapidly shrinking". It's been fairly stable in terms of options for a while.
@@Gandalf721 I'm just disputing that they are rapidly disappearing now. The bulk of the manuals disappeared in the late 90s and 2000s, since then, there has been a reasonable supply of enthusiast manual models on the market, and only a modest decline.
See depending on what the starting price is and what trim you are shopping, the Elantra N (and Kona N) easily come into play.
This has been the best review of the new WRX. Sending love from Rockford, IL.
I’m not a Subaru person by any means, but I really appreciate this review. It doesn’t jump on the low hanging fruit to get extra views. I’m sick of all the stupid meme’s with cars that many reviewers regurgitate to confirm what the popular sentiment is now. I don’t care only about 0-60 or HP numbers, as that is just the stuff the potato down your pants numbers that are one of the MANY details of what its like to drive a car. People need to realize that you need more information from people you respect and most importantly, DRIVE THE ACTUAL CAR YOURSELF to see how it feels to you.
The final thoughts were an extremely fair assessment of a solid car! The Final Thoughts from Jack in this are A+.
/rant off
We had this exact discussion. We know what gets the views and it would have been way easier to just play that game.
why am i one of the few people that love the new styling? I love it, its sleek and elegant in such a Japanese muscle way. I love the look of the exterior.
Super objective, factual and unbiased review. Love it. Definitely going to test drive this, Elantra N and the GTI. This definitely sounds like an improvement from my 2011 WRX.
Wait for GR Corolla
Sounds like it's slightly uglier and worse fuel economy vs the last one, otherwise better in all other aspects.
And compared to the 11 I hope it does better on fuel as that thing was essentially a truck with 4wd stuck on permanently
This might be the upgrade from my 2014 hatch. Good car overall.
@@wayward03 lol I average 20 in my ‘11 this car doesn’t look much better
@@omichaelnato5388 yeah it was nearly impossible to hit 25 in my 11wrx.
Meanwhile the brz could do mid 30's and so could the 15wrx ( fuel saving prius driving style)
It also sounds like the new brz is also a bit worse although it needed a power bump so it's a good trade
At 20:30 you guys basically described the Mazda3 turbo. You want the best interior, more power than the civic, and AWD in one package… that’s your answer if you don’t need a big back seat.
Definitely one thing I'm envious of not getting (yet, or ever) in Aus. Disappointing that the Mazda doesn't offer a manual with the AWD, but would be a great daily with more kick than the NA motor.
@@ftovr2957 The paddle shifters are pretty close to manual IMO - It's not quite the same but it's a great compromise for a DD especially if you have to do traffic
@@nathanmcgeachy6391 Yeah, my parents have a couple 3rd gen Mazda6, and the shifts aren't too bad for a car really designed for comfort/economy.
Great in depth review. It seems that Subaru made a great baseline model for tuners again. I'm looking forward to seeing all the aftermarket parts and the builds people do on this new platform.
I was about to comment this, really wrx fans should rejoice the plastic fenders, it means they will get more bolt on fender options from tuners.
I didn't think of that. I don't really modify cars much so I doubt I would have the time or money to change the looks.
@@dancarlos1216 Beat me to it. The most popular item on this car is going to be body kits (for good reason), and we might see a change where the major selling point of a ECU tune is for better fuel economy for the same power.
WIth California banning ECU tunes (ECU tuned cars no longer pass yearly smog tests); I don’t believe that’s a viable option for 45 million people.
@@ricecakeboii94 Did not know that, but I bet it won't stop them though. They'd just list it as "off-road use only" like they have before and hand off any liability on to the end purchaser. I'm sure there's some equally dumb rule coming out for the body kits too knowing that state.
I know I’m in the minority but I like the looks of this new model. The body lines look great and the plastic bits add to the rally styling.
I could never imagine modern wrx's in a rally event
Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. People complain about everything and most things. Never happy, always nit picking. Got so sick of everyone jumping on the band wagon using the term plastic “CLADDING” and hating on it. The interior is to this and not enough of that. Blah blah blah. Must be miserable being you people. This car is amazing and I love the exterior plastics. Look’s menacing looking
I wont rip it more than I have already, but your review, dyno, and technical info sharing made this the best review Ive seen on this goblin…3 time owner. Subscribed!
Goblin Is a great nick name for this car.
@@kevincrockett5155 Ive been calling it “my little goblin” for a long time now lol. IF, I get it…I will find a tasteful car tat and put it on her lol…but thats a big IF at the moment
Love how detailed you guys are. An audio roundup for the industry would be excellent. Kind of a top 10 for audio packages, which automakers provide good audio. Also, the bottom dwellers regarding audio. Great work men
Check out daily motor
Why have they not figured out to just make the entire car out of black plastic cladding? Clearly it's what the people want!
Also this should be a CUV.
And not called the WRX then
Maybe in the sti that plastic is a big diffuser. Toned down the wrx lol
Yeah to me it's a Crosstrex sport iyt really does not look like a WRX too be.
I agree all those painted metal surfaces are 🤮🤮
It'll be the most aerodynamic car on the road!!
One of the best reviews of WRX on the internet..
Love the review. This is one of the few car channels that I've found that provides a realistic overview of each car you review. Too many channels gloss over important issues (like fuel economy or insurance premiums). I've gone from wanting to go out and buy this car right away to rethinking my options a bit!
"In the real world, you don't drive a spec sheet." Best quote. Also love hearing it doesn't feel like it was tuned by the interns anymore. I'm very glad they didn't make the car heavier, despite making it larger. I actually like how it looks more than the outgoing car, though I know I'm in the minority. Really curious about the tuning overhead on this engine. I bet with a slightly larger turbo revving to 7K would be no issue. I didn't hear any complaints about the manual transmission, so it must at least be good. Great review, as always!
@L W They said it has upgraded valve springs from the Ascent and 7K has never really been pushing it that hard for any modern Subaru engine. Main reason they shut it down early is torque drops off around 5.5K so I'm just thinking slightly larger turbo and you can probably carry the power out. Will be fun to see people try! 😁 I agree though of course it would be risky to just send it.
@L W The original EJ20G in the base GC8 Impreza WRX was 7000rpm redline in Australia (and 8000rpm in Japan!). That wasn't even an STi either. IIRC the FB24 and FA24 have the same stroke as the FA20 and the FA24 in the 2022 Subaru BRZ revs to 7500rpm. So it seems the valvetrain is strong enough, it's just a matter of tuning and turbo sizing for it.
@@TassieLorenzo Yeah the highest revving versions of the EJ207 went to 8,250 I believe. That said, the EJ and the FA are completely unrelated. I'll comment a bit more in response to the other guy though.
@L W Yeah I hear you in general. Although almost all factory engines can stretch a bit more than 200 or even 500 past redline. They build in a safety factor. They just don't make any power past a certain point.
I find it very likely that since the valve train in the FA24F and FA20F are very similar, and both are likely similar to the FA24D and FA20D which can rev mich higher, they would likely be able to tolerate quite a bit more spinning. There is just no point with the factory turbo and cams because they stop making power. Why would Subaru make power from 4K to 8K for example instead of 2K to 6K and just leave it at that? It's less "fun" but more reliable and works better for everyday driving. Get what I mean? Likely some overhead before upgrades are 100% necessary, but obviously you start sacrificing long term reliability.
If it can rev higher, why cut it off lower?
Good to see the engine tuning has improved from the factory. In the past, everyone knew the first thing you did to any WRX or STi was to throw a tune on it. You really needed to budget that in when you were looking at buying one new.
Had a 2011 STi back in the day. Immediately did intake, DP, and tune after the initial break in period. The difference in power, power consistency, and drivability was so pronounced that the car literally felt broken when I returned it to stock to sell.
Did you put the stock tune back in before you sold it?
@@pfunkle Of course lol.
Ever since they announced this car I’ve been on the lookout for reviews that go beyond “this looks terrible” or “it’s not like last gen.” Your video-among other reviews from Road & Track and the like-are excellent news for this car. If it is in fact more robust a vehicle than its predecessor, then that’s a win for everyone. The looks are something that everyone’s just going to get used to.
looks like garbage. Just wait 2 years for refresh. Otherwise you'll look at it in 5 yrs time and say 'why did I spend so much for this, looks like literal garbage lids stuck on it' while you admire the new model and wish you waited for that.
The only channel I would legit buy a car based off of their review of it. I love how thorough you guys are.
In my mind, this is without doubt, the best review on a current model WRX. Thank you.
I test drove a previous gen WRX and the ergonomics of the cabin were a deal breaker. The arm rest being so far down and way back made it impossible to get comfortable. It's disappointing to see this (along the many other issues) haven't been fixed in the new model.
ive got a jdm armrest in my 21, feels amazing. they will probably offer a similar extension for this model.
I personally can’t stand the design of that car. It looks like 15 years old corolla sport 🤦🏼♂️
It blows my mind that they still can't design an armrest that doesn't require a factory accessory or imported part to be comfortable.
@@im_an_alvani I think they do it on purpose. Not enough customer pushback to not change it.
@@kevincrockett5155 lol they do it on purpose so you can buy the accessory that raises it. Cash crab smh
The Civic is my current favourite for cargo space and fuel economy, but if Subaru brings us the Levorg body (wagon Impreza/WRX) it would really fill the Golf Sportwagen sized hole in the market.
Edited for spelling
Having owned one for a day now, I have to say this is a great review of the car. It feels super quick at low revs, has traction for days (the stock summer Dunlops are garbage until they heat up though), bounces around like an economy car at low speeds because of how stiff it is, is super smooth at high speed, and eats gas. To be fair the MPG is essentially the same as my 08 Suzuki SX-4, probably for the same reasons (always on AWD). I disagree about the aesthetics, but I haven't seen an orange one yet. The WR Blue is a head turner, and the photos/videos I've seen of the white/red/silver look sharp. It looks weird from road level where most reviews seem to take their shots from, but standing next to the car the lines of the body and plastic work for me. The steering feels like an old PC force feedback wheel (I haven't driven an electric rack before, but it's a little offputting - really quick around center though), and the brakes seem inadequate for a car that can accelerate this quickly. They're fine in traffic, but when I have open backroad and gun it things get a little scary even before I'm really hitting felony territory.
Anyway, I love it so far. Everything I expected after watching this. I think the other cars in this segment are also great other than the new GTI (for interface reasons), but living in the mountains in PA this is basically the perfect car, unobtainable GR Corolla not withstanding.
How is it after a few months now? I'm debating ordering one the mid-range trim (without the adaptive suspension). Would be coming from an RSX, which also has a pretty rough and noisy ride.
@@AviationStation85 It's awesome. No regrets, and in retrospect while I kind of backed into getting one due to other cars I had been waiting for being unavailable for nearly a year (GR86), if I had sat down and made a checklist of what I want in a daily driver it should have been my first choice. It's AWD, manual, practical (I don't really care about having passenger space, but it's large enough for everything I need to go on vacation), a bit more refined than I'd like but still more of an "experience" car than a VW or Audi, and really capable on a shitty PA backroad which is where 99% of my driving happens. SG's review is pretty spot on for me, after living with the car for 4 months or so.
Having said that all that, I think a GR Corolla would also tick all of those boxes. But that puts the WRX and GRC in what is currently a class of 2 cars. IMO, the WRX's availability and bang-for-the-buck makes it more desirable right now but I don't think you could go wrong with either car if you're looking for a raw AWD performance car.
@@jasonmoyer Glad to hear you're happy with it! Thank you!
Great assessment. I just got one last week; also in PA - suburbs & country roads.
Was a lot more engaging to drive than Jetta GLI & Integra I also tested, but yes rather stiff around poorly patched roads in town; definitely need to select my lines better.
Good option at the price point, at minimum worth a test drive.
If I were ranking enthusiast sports cars (as opposed to supercars, so no C8, 911/Cayman, etc) I'd probably have the Miata at 1, BRZ at 2, GR Corolla at 3, and WRX at 4, with everything else a bit flawed in one area or another that makes it uninteresting to me personally. I don't really care for any of the FWD options available in the US, and wish the Fiesta ST and i20N were sold here - the other options are fine but if I'm getting a car as big and practical as an Elantra or the current Civics I'd like it to have AWD. Audi doesn't sell manuals anymore, and both they and VW are basically making insulated luxury cars like BMW and Mercedes. I would have gotten the GRC if it weren't for availability and the price, even at MSRP, seeming somewhat excessive to me. I suspect the same thing will happen with the ND Miata, as much as I want one, as I don't know that the difference in experience will be worth $10k to me over the newest BRZ. The Z is interesting but if I were spending $50k I'd take a Supra 6MT all day, and then we're back to the BRZ or Miata being cheaper and even more engaging than either. My ideal 3 car garage would have a Miata/BRZ, GRC/WRX, and Mustang GT/Camaro SS in it probably, and an i20N if you could buy it here. And the new PHEV Prius for daily work commute duty.
This Patagonia commercial is excellent! Lol. In all seriousness, you guys are the best. Never quit.
YOU GUYS JUST ROCK IN ANY ASPECT AND FROM ANY AUTOMOTIVE KNOWLEDGE PERSPECTIVE!
INFORMATIVE, LAID BACK, NO NONSENSE AND BRILLIANT HOW TO DO LADS. ONE OF MY TOP 5 UA-cam AUTOMOTIVE CHANNELS SO FAR!
Really enjoyed this review. Like probably every Subaru enthusiast I am dumbfounded they didn’t produce an STI variant. And even if there was a decent reason not too with the booming SUV market then they still missed an insane opportunity to expand their STI heritage and performance into their SUV offerings like the crosstrek or forester, similar to the way dodge/jeep have been doing with the 392 and hellcat powerplants. Subaru takes such baby steps toward improvement each year that it’s hard to draw in any new customers or fan base cause there is so little to get excited or enthusiastic about and it’s a shame to be honest.
I share your sentiment but it would be a poor business decision.
It’s the first time I’ve said this about a car, but I genuinely can’t see what’s bad looking about it. I can’t see what people are complaining about. I think it looks awesome, and the plastic wheel arch things look tough.
Glad to see the factory tune is finally something agreeable. I bought my 2020 WRX with a "no mods allowed" mindset, but found myself wanting an Accessport within months -- not for power nor mod support, but to iron the damn tune out.
Yuppp. I went into my 2017 WRX purchase hearing about how bad the OEM tune was and thinking "How bad can it actually be? It'll probably just take a little bit longer than usual to get used to then it'll be fine".
Jesus. Christ.
After 6 months on the stock tune I couldn't take it anymore. An absolute nightmare. I got an accessport just for a stage 1 tune and its absolute night and day from the stock tune. The car actually drives like a car now and I love it more than ever.
I also worked under the same mindset this time; with the goal of not blowing a motor this time. My solution for OEM 2019 was proper fueling; much smoother, accept for tha rev hang thing.
Got a 2020 performance pack and I bought an ap and intake a week after I got the car. Stock tune and the rev hang was garbage
I had a 2017 and the accessport was great to have
I bought an AP after having my 2017 for about 6 months. I couldn't stand the Rev hang when shifting and the crap power band.
bought a 22 premium in January, It was my first wrx but I fell in love with it while test driving.. the review was exceptional and accurate to what I've noticed while owning it.. my only rebuttal is I have had no issues with gas mileage, I drive rather "spirited" but cruising on the NJ parkway 75-80mph I'm still getting 28-29mpg with an ETS catback exhaust.. either way, love the car its definitely worth a test drive if you're interested the cladding looks way better in person and black / gray you hardly notice
I bought a 22 WRX 6 speed today :)
Great Vid. Still love my 04 WRX wagon at stage 2 with 150k and 18 years going strong. It does everything the new one does and more because the wagon. I love Subaru but paid off for 14 years vs new with 5 years of payments, it’s tough to convince. Plus my blob eye is less ugly I think.
I initially ignored this new model... now I'm looking at it like it's the ultimate 6spd daily driver.
They actually look pretty good in person, especially in a darker paint color. It’s good to know the interior is larger. When I test drove the 2020 wrx, it was such a cramped driving position, and way less comfortable than my 2005 GLI.
You're correct, it definitely looks better in person in a black or gray where it totally hides the hideous plastics and jutting out diaper butt.
I bought the 2023 wrx premium, and I love it, especially once I got paint matching fender flares and a new exhaust! The car feels far better than the previous years
I appreciate the small details in these reviews 100%. From the Audio measurements, to the thing about the arm-rests, these are details that no one else talks about, and when you buy the car, they are the first annoyances! Bravo Zulu for the awesome reviews guys!
Yea, the arm rest comment had me concerned as I’m a short person but luckily I was able to sit in the prototype at a car show this weekend and it wasn’t an issue for me. I actually have a world rally blue in order. I didn’t like the design at first but have gotten used to it and as someone coming from a GTI, I wanted AWD without having to spend for a golf R.
I feel like the both of you were genuinely surprised by this car! Awesome review as always.
In regards to the power complaint, and I can't remember where I heard it, but there's just no competition in this category to make the car faster. GTI and Civic SI are just 200ish HP so really the question was why make it faster if there's no reason to (other than they should have). I am hoping the design grows on me, I loved my 2019!
Engineering Explained made the point.
Modern Gti’s are all around quicker than modern wrx’s besides from a dig. But your point still stands because a lot of buyers just look at horsepower numbers and don’t take into account AWD power loss and weight. They really do need a power bump when comparing it to Volkswagen though
You need to check the GTI mk8 on dynojet for power at the wheel. They show similar power. German notoriously underrate their powertrain.
@@Fabs821 yep, the Mk8’s are making about 240whp and factor in less weight and less drivetrain loss, they’re going to be quicker especially once rolling. From a dig, as mentioned above, they won’t be.
That will be the conclusion you get when you're looking at nothing but numbers, but as Jack said, "you can't drive a spec sheet". There is so much more to all three of the cars in question here than silly little numbers could ever tell you. Go drive all three, then let's talk.
This would be a lot better looking as a hatchback or just give me the damn Levorg. The Levorg has great styling, just a little long in the rear because it's a wagon.
Just change the name
@@elisorrells5314 Agreed. Levorg is such an unappealing name.
Yeah! The Levorg should be in every market!
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I think it's one of the better looking WRX designs ever.
I have a 2015 WRX with some MAP bolt ons and stage 2 . With a custom dyno tune. I am getting 305 HP and 350 lbs of torque. I understand that the boost is very different between the new Subaru vs mine.I've heard that the boost only goes up to 14 lbs on the new one. I put a boost controller on mine because it would go up to 24 lbs and I worried about it when I got over 20 lbs.. I have it set so I won't go over 19 lbs. I don't have any turbo lag. The power curve is smooth and it really pulls. I think the new one is less attractive than the old one. I love mine and I am not ready to make the move to upgrade yet. I also get 27 miles per gallon. It now has 155,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only thing I've replaced are brakes. Thanks for the review you guys do a great job.
The boost is lower because the motor itself makes more of the power now due to the higher displacement. That reduces turbo lag, and lets the power come on earlier. It also means that future mods for the new 2.4L will be much quicker than the last generation car. My suggestion would be to wait though, as Subaru may up the power by like 10% and remove the plastic next year due to all the complaining.
As an owner of the 22 wrx and a 92 svx i have gotten far too familiar with people hating the car at first and then coming around to it in time. Just wait for this newest generation. Its truly great in my opinion.
Quality content once again guys
21:44. 10 to 15 years ago, people who bought and tuned their WRX or STi got horrible mpg when enjoying their performance, and then added an 8th Gen Civic Si as a daily driver.
Lmao my first Wrx was an 08 stage 2 and it got worse mpg than my 21 Sti. I was getting like 150-175 per tank.
Nice and fair review. Thanks, guys!
I think the similarity to the changes in the Civic Si are notable. While both are similar to the last generation in hp, both have better torque curves, allowing for more power at lower revs, which is beneficial on the street, which is where these cars will be driven most of the time. Even without more power, to me this is a win.
As a Mechanical engineering student I love all the technical details you add in your reviews
No one reviews like you guys do! Forget the Chris Harris drifts, you guys fill in the info everyone else leaves out. You guys fill a whole different set of needs! You complete me.
this car checks so all the boxes for me. Why isn't it offered in germany? I like the looks, the interior concept, the engine and the whole idea of it: an honest, quick and quirky AWD-Enthusiast-car
The engineering segments and objectivity are really what makes this channel unique on youtube. Amazing video as always!
its suddenly not ugly to me as when i first saw it. that mysterious design growing on you phenomenon
That's what the blue pill does to you
Awesome video. Great content ( as usual).
My dream car, hope I can get it next year.
Tick all the boxes ( at leat for me):
1 Turbo
2 AWD
3 Manual gearbox ( thank you Subaru)
4. No digital dash...an hybrid analogue.
5. it does not look like most of the cars this days
6 Call me crazy, but I really like the design
7 Its a Subaru, a well made reliable car.
Ripped this bad boy down Lake Tahoe, Virginia City and Big Sur. I am not disappointed by the handling, at all. Two years ago, I despised the new look, but since I’ve owned one, the design has grown on me.
I have a 2018 WRX - my biggest complaint is the tuning and power curve of the engine. Looks like this car solved that. Great video, thanks guys.
I had a 15 WRX. Just traded it for the 22 yesterday. Not regretting my decision at all! It’s a much better car overall.
@@Blue_Ghost-X are you still liking the 22?
@@goldenhawk2839 yes I enjoy my 22. It’s been a great car! While it’s not the fastest or best looking car in similar categories it definitely hits all the points that I desire. It’s sporty, practical, comfortable and has decent tech. Also, it’s a fairly rare car to see on the road. For the price point as new you can’t beat it. I don’t regret my decision purchasing it one bit.
@@Blue_Ghost-X nice! did you get the manual or automatic? ive never driven a manual and would hate to buy a manual car and hate it haha.
@@goldenhawk2839 I got the premium model that has a manual. The CVT is only available in the GT trim which is the nicest and albeit most expensive. I’m a manual lover and in the 22 the clutch is easy to engage and the shifter is smooth. If you go the GT trim with the automatic I’m sure you’d love it the same if not more as it has so many features and comforts not available in the lower trim levels.
I'm warming up to this car. The engine tuning is a big pro, the previous gen was peaky, inconsistent, and dead below 2500 RPM.
So just buy a 21 model and tune it 😂 and have better looks
@@drunkpolack7612 that's not how that works bro. There's a reason why you always compare stock to stock.
If you are complaining about no power underneath 2500 rpm thrn you are in the wrong gear lmfao
What I love about this channel in particular, is how in depth you go with the technical specs and suspension set-up.
Of all the auto channels you compete against on UA-cam, you guys do the best at this. Keep it up! 👍👍👍
Agreed! Everybody else just pokes buttons and says things that are plainly obvious. Not to mention, the driving impressions they do tend to be very noncommittal and lack any perspective on feel and tuning.
I think the dampers inside rebound spring is to prevent excessive extension of the damper on the 'inner' wheels when cornering and thus maximize the mechanical advantage of the sway bar to do its job of minimizing body roll .....
You are by far the best car review channel without a doubt, I learn exponentially more here than anywhere else.
I've been looking forward to your review of the new WRX! Seems to me that the ultimate takeaway is "how easily will this platform respond to mods and tuning" because the improvements over the previous gen are pretty minor (you could tune the rev hang and power cutting issues out of the previous gen).
Also, you can get into a base WRX for under 30k. Compared to the FWD competition like the GTI or Civic Si having AWD and better driving dynamics/no torque steer is a pretty big advantage. Too bad they've ditched the hatchback so usability has suffered...
There is a wagon version in Japan - a Levorge.
Convince your local dealship to import one :)
@@valdius85 Sadly it's illegal to import a car until it reaches 25 years of age in the US
@@Black-Villain
Oh, sorry, I didn't mean it like that.
I meant go to your local dealship with a printed Levorge from Japan and say that you want it.
The dealership has an important voice on their offer on local markets.
This is how Mazda Australia "convinced" Mazda Japan to have CX8 on their market.
Obviously sending an email is cheaper. :)
Anyways, if enough people ask for it, the dealership will eventually offer it. No R&D is required so it's relatively straightforward task for them to do.
This was a rather informative and indepth review, much appreciated. I would love for you guys to get your hands on the cvt model and really put it through its paces for us to see that it doesn't ruin the car or the experience 😉
I still think it’s probably meh, but doubt it’s a choice any serious performance drivers should consider. I just worry about reliability since CVTs historically do not take abuse well. Just to emphasize the point there are 0 other performance cars that use any type of CVT which kinda speaks volumes.
But it does.
@@joshlum1807 Japanese CVTs tend to old up pretty well. True, but since 90% of WRX buyers go for manual, they probably didn’t see a reason to borrow someone else’s tranny.
That still bring us to the question of why the top trim is locked to the CVT.
just learn to shift a manual
@@veryrare7647 Ha ha, so clever.. why didn't I think of that. Oh it's because I'm a paraplegic, my legs cannot operate a clutch.
I think the old engine was pushing 20 psi to make the same power as this does on only 12 psi boost. That leaves a lot more on the table for flashing and easy horsepower gains
Ridiculous that they haven't figured out a decent armrest or stereo system yet. WRX owners like to be LOUD
“Only 12 psi” lol if my car had even just 7 psi boost, I would make over 400 hp easily in my 03 Mustang GT. Subaru should be ashamed.
@@angelgjr1999 no shit that's because you have almost twice the displacement 🤡 should they be even more ashamed by the last WRX pushing 20 then?
A small turbo at 12 psi is also completely different than large at 12 psi
@@papa_pt LS swap it bro. Imagine how cool it would be.
@@angelgjr1999 it'd be fun but also defeats the point of why cars are different and why people buy Subies in the first place. Turbo flat 4. No one wants to ls swap a brand new car with warranty 😂
@@angelgjr1999only a 2003? Are you poor?
I own a 2022 WRX, only mod is charcoal filter removal from air box with a drop in AEM high flow filter. I owned a 2017 WRX that I really liked, but honestly, I like this one much better. I enjoy how the ride is now way less rigid, but now the car feels way more sure footed. It's WAY more quiet where road noise is concerned as well. The power delivery is amazing in how the torque comes on almost immediately and stays strong through redline. My color matched fender flares will be installed soon, I can't get used to that look...
Bought one end of June this year. Originally wanted one in grey to mask the plastic but when I saw the WR blue in person, I actually liked it more than the other colors. Pictures online do this car NO justice. Plus, after test driving a white one, I didn't even consider how it looked when I decided to buy one because I wasn't going to be looking at it while driving.
Coming from a 2017 civic si, the ability to actually put all the power down when having to get going quickly from turning out from a side street is amazing, where the civic would just spin the front wheels and understeer. Plan on getting a set of snows for it for the winter, and undercoating it as I live in New England. If you are even remotely interested in this car, but the styling is turning you off to it, go see one in person, but more importantly DRIVS ONE. You will be shocked at how good it is. And seeing this video is what made me go on that original test drive.
The engine does sound so much better tuned, and like you’re getting consistent power rather than the almost unreliable power the 2.0 gets.
I just got my 2023 and I love it so much!! And quite honestly, I look back at it every single time I park it. 🧡
I'm stuck in the breaking period!
Honestly, this thing could probably look like a Pontiac Aztek and still sell. It's a pretty unique car and the Golf R is its only real competition in the US. The AWD Mazda 3 Turbo has no manual option and the engine doesn't rev past 5500RPM anyway. I don't mind the lack of a peak power bump as I think moving to a larger engine with less boost is the right move, especially when it comes to longevity. I drove the last generation and it was plenty quick but the rev hang and tuning strangeness made it frustrating to drive. This clearly is a significant improvement in drivability, which is what the WRX has always been about.
I have a 21 WRX and I hate it, the eng is peaky and weird to live with. I'm getting a 22 in limited trim.
I don't mod my cars anyway so it works for me.
Excellent review, actually swayed my opinion after only seeing negative takes on it. You guys have heard the car out, as it were.
And that side profile is really damn good ngl
I really like the look of the new WRX. The plastic around the wheel wells is a good idea for those living in snow/salt areas. I've been cross shopping for a new SUV and have already driven a Forester; I'm going back to the Subaru to talk about a WRX, I don't think they have a new/used one on the lot for a drive. Might be too small for my needs but damn it really speaks to me.....
I'm feeling pretty good about my 2022 Civic Si purchase, and I don't even think the WRX looks bad, except for the rear bumper. The fuel economy is a deal breaker. 20mpg real-world is just not acceptable for a car with this level of performance. I averaged around 27 mpg in my Focus ST which had comparable power figures to this, and had much better stock engine tuning than the previous WRX. I really hoped the new engine would address the fuel economy issue, but I'm thinking it's the AWD system that's killing the numbers. If I loved the looks I could justify it, but like most it seems, I don't.
It's not just the AWD system (and the extra weight of all those components) but the much larger engine displacement: 2.4L vs 1.5L in the Civic. While the fuel economy is worse in the WRX, the AWD is better in the snow and the 2.4L has much more potential if you want to get a tune or do other mods. There are still valid reasons why someone would choose this over the Si.
@@ethinos2719, brand new turbo 2.4 liter getting only 20mpg is still ass lmao even mustangs and Camaros with motors twice as large get better mpgs.
@@1S1KC0DM4N How about no. The Mustang GT gets 15 city and the Camaro 16. Even the Ecoboost Mustang which is only RWD is only rated at 21. So 20 for the WRX when it's AWD is decent. Not great, but decent.
@@ethinos2719, quick fix, don’t buy a performance vehicle if you care about fuel economy. Stop compromising and you’ll be happier lmao
@@1S1KC0DM4N Who says I care about fuel economy? I own a V6 twin turbo not a hybrid.
Nothing screams at me that I want to spend my hard earned dollars on this car.
Watch the Kona N or Elantra N reviews.
That may pique your interest.
nothing screams at me to spend my money on ANY new car in this day n age....everything and i mean EVERYTHING is overpriced and not worth anywhere near the price companies want for there vehicles.
Maintenance is easier. The engine bay isn't as cramped, and all the bits and pieces are easily accessed.
Not really, it's cheapened down in terms of quality and performance for yet a higher price. You are essentially getting less for more money.
@@Anonymous______________ Did you even watch the review?
I bet this would look good lifted with some beefy wheels and a skid plate
r/battlecars
Or just buy the Kona N which is almost what you just described.
@@thisismagacountry1318 Kona n doesn’t have awd
They call that a crosstrek
@@chonk1071 Maybe not this generation, but how many times do the majority of drivers go offroad?
BEST REVIEW I HAVE SEEN. JUST EARNED A SUBSCRIBER.
Appreciate all the technical explanations. I always like to learn new things from people who are more knowledgeable than me. Thanks.