2015 Subaru WRX - Review & Test Drive

Review of the 2015 Subaru WRX Premium. The WRX features a 2.0L DOHC twin-scroll turbocharged boxer four cylinder engine. It produces 268 HP and 258 ft-lbs of torque (from just 2000 RPM). It features a 6 speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, power moonroof, fog lights, rear spoiler, and 235/45 R17 summer performance tires.
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Features Include:
Symmetrical all-wheel drive
Vehicle dynamics control
Subaru advanced front air bag system
Driver's side knee airbag
4 wheel disc brakes with brake assist
Tire pressure monitoring system
Anti-theft immobilizer system
Daytime running lights
Comfort Features:
Automatic climate control with filtration
USB, bluetooth, and iPod connectivity
Multi-function display and rear camera
Cruise control
Remote keyless entry
60/40 split folding rear seats
MSRP as Tested: $29,639
This video will take a look at the exterior, engine and drivetrain, wheels, tires, suspension, interior, features, as well as a quick test drive and summary of the fuel economy.
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[@Knights2theEnd]

Dude that oil filter on the top is simply worth buying the car for.

[@sinceremilkoftheword9754]

I know right i don't have to get under the car and squeeze my hands to remove the filter.

[@Knights2theEnd]

***** My sister owns a 2000 civic lx. Its not bad at all for me.

[@MrStlover99]

Lol

[@fewcarsgarage]

Knights2theEnd my 07 accord is the biggest pain in the ass to replace the filter. It is hidden on a top of a weird metal bar, and when you try to take it off, your hands goes all around stuff till you loosen it up and oil goes everywhere because of its angel. Everytime, I cry everytime.

[@hakkujin]

Knights2theEnd Changing oil in it is very easy. My ex-wife has a Nissan Altima. Changing the oil in that was terrible. The oil drain plug is located directly above a bunch of brackets and crap. You have to put in a channeling system to direct the oil away from all of that. It's terrible.

[@jasmeetmatharoo]

your review's are really good because you cover technical aspects of car which other channel fail to do so.

[@mojo9594]

This is the best review for this car on KZbin.

[@SaucyGarage]

Nah

[@PakiiiBux]

I love how you use a gopro when reviewing the interior and backseat space it helps so much and is so professional!!! Why are you the only one on KZbin who does that?????????????????? Keep it up!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Happy to hear it! I like it because it looks exactly like how you'll see the interior.

[@TheSupergunman3000]

Your account name is the best GT-R EVER, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT

[@PakiiiBux]

TopGear is Best Thanks man!

[@Wolfdogelite]

Regular Car Reviews does this too, although his reviews are anything but conventional.

[@ez8308]

@@EngineeringExplained not exactly true, but it is a wider view so you can see more

[@dcrunicycles]

Cockpit 4:24. Steering wheel controls 4:51 , trunk release 5:22 ,upper display screen scroll below red buttom 5:30 , 12 vott outlet 6:37 , heated seats 6:42 , center console usb and 12v outlet 6:48 , test drive 7:44

[@ohplezz]

I bought a 2017 WRX base model last week and I could not be more pleased. It is a fantastic car to drive.

[@dvo23k]

Really bad

[@jrsoto414]

Uncle Iroh why

[@ariyankhan4337]

@@dvo23k why

[@terrabnadia1793]

The base model sucks ass lol

[@MrYomamaboy]

@@terrabnadia1793 Personal opinions obv

[@T_Fizzle]

As a mechanic I wish this was the only car I ever had to do an oil change on

[@AhmadEscobar]

At least you dont have to do one on a porsche

[@Sunde2000]

I play car mechanic Simulator, so I can relate.

[@SS8styles]

+Sunde2000 is that on steam?

[@Sunde2000]

SoSickWidit Yeah!

[@mikek2005]

You still have to get under the car to remove oil pan bolt. Anyway if you are a mechanic you use lift to lift the car as much as five feet or more, so why are you complaining?

[@driver3gt]

I own a 2015 WRX. After getting annoyed by the Rev Hang for more than 11 months now, I found out that you can remove rev hang by disabling the Hill Start Assist Control feature. I disabled it today and the car shifts like a normal manual vehicle now. I'm so glad I found it out today, not later. All 2015 owners should try that!!

[@subscriber6181]

There's an update the fixes the problem

[@benkline4896]

Subscriber what update?

[@razeilednavarro]

What update?

[@necromancer___3054]

Subscriber what update?

[@mcguitarmaster1]

Subscriber what update?

[@theflipp]

Don't forget about the hill assist when starting out from a dead stop on a hill. Instead of the car rolling backwards, it will engage some type of brake for 3 seconds allowing you to easily start out without the worry of rolling backwards and hitting someone or something.

[@AlM9SlDEWlNDER]

Wow, I didn't know people made such detailed videos like this. Being a mechanical engineer, I like this very much.

[@Merabbit]

Watched about 10 videos on the 2015 wrx and this is by far the best one, everything I needed to know in one place with (actually useful) great camera work. Wish I came here first, definitely itched the scratch. Very well done.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Adam West Thanks! Providing scratches to all the automotive itches folks have!

[@brandonterry4890]

This is the best review of the Subaru WRX by far. You touched on every question I had. I bought mine 2 months ago in Buffalo, NY. I was concerned that I was being a dummy with the shifting and it getting stuck when I did shift. Now I know, it's not operator error. Thanks for also showing us the 0-60 (58mph), it achieved about the same that I did. I went from a Tiburon ('08) to this. I couldn't be more happier.

[@yuwenrl]

Finally. Someone explained why I got the jerking motion when shifting to second!!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@thaik56]

You could have realized it yourself if you watched the RPM closely, or by feel. If the car still feels like it is accelerating or having power being put down to the wheels, that's when you know, the throttle doesn't total follow your inputs.

[@yuwenrl]

Thanks, man!!

[@thaik56]

Man but that must suck. Hope you can find a way to tune that. There are some aftermarket modules that you're supposed to plug into the OBDII port to reprogram the ECU or something.

[@jas218]

yea i just got my car a week ago the rev hang is really annoying

[@thaik56]

***** How would Subaru know? And what about buying another ECU and reflashing it and putting the stock one back when you need to claim the warranty for something else?

[@SS1LE_Urien]

I love how when he sits in the car he has the GO PRO camera on and it feels like I'm actually inside the car. And I think it's pretty cool how he knows exactly how everything works. Engineering Explained you should do a 2015 STi next and tell us how you like it compared to your 2014 STi

[@tacticooldork_]

Just bought mine, it's amazing. The handling is outstanding. Thanks for the review!

[@psithurism]

I bought a 2016 WRX, in the summer of 2015 heavily based on this review. In terms of specs, it's basically the same car with a nicer console. (So is the 2017, with a bit smoother shifter.) Having re-watched this review several times, I can scarcely believe how quickly and precisely Jason picked up on the quirks an benefits of the car. A year into owning the car, I couldnt agree more. Yes, if you love slamming through up shifts, you'll have to slow your roll, some. At the same time the car just pulls and pulls, it's absolutely slammed in corners, and I'm more than satisfied with the creature comforts. Four guys and gear fit comfortably! Roof rack doesn't hurt, if you have a mountain bike, or two, or a Canoe. I'm somewhat biased being a sedan guy, but I'm so happy for having seen this review and shelling out to get a super car. No pun intended! Out of appreciation, and awe, I've subscribed to Engineering Explained's KZbin, FB, twitter and anything else I can find... Website?. His 4wd and unequal/equal length header vids, we're also super enlightening. Listen guys, it's not the cheapest, or most luxurious car to drive, or maintain... The Subaru Starlink interface is miles behind Honda's whatever-they-call-it, but none of my friends, Beemer guys and all, would challenge the fact I'm top dog in terms of capability under 50k.Its mental! Thanks Jason and how the hell did you hook up that T.P. co-driver gig??? Keep up the good work!

[@PhreshNBeat]

love this review I like how you explain the whole engine dynamics and suspension setup more than simple numbers and specs that can be read off elsewhere.

[@DarkskullMedia]

owned my car for about 3 months now and purchased it based off your recommendation, simply love the car despite how much people like to rag on it. there are alot of things you can do to the car to alleviate the rev hang as well as make shifting smoother!

[@Humance]

I realy like the engine bay layout! one of the smartest i've seen so far.

[@sidgautam4658]

I really like the camera angle he's using while driving. Gives a good prospective of how it actually would be to be sitting in the driver seat.

[@EvilSl0th]

i gotta be honest. the scoop changed my opinions on the wrx. in my opinion, the old scoop looked really tacky. i didnt like it at all. but this new one is pretty and sleek

[@EvilSl0th]

i like sleek lines. i felt the old scoop looked like an after though just slapped on last minute. this new one looks to have the same airflow, but less intrusive to the eyes. the other lines of the car dont really look wrx'ish... strange. anyways, i was always an evo fan... till they mucked that one up. goofy looking now. again, these are all simply my opinions.

[@bryandoherty9399]

Same here I also think the new one looks better, but I also like the old one too, but it doesn't look as nice.

[@doncarleno2623]

I had a 2004 I love that scoop

[@brentthompson9597]

Bro, your review is one of a few videos that really sold me on purchasing the 2015 WRX Limited that I now drive and absolutely love. OMG... what a vehicle. Thanks for your very informative vlog, as well as the many other awesome ones you've posted!! I've got both my sons plugged in to you as well. Happy and safe motoring!

[@themomopan]

A recent firmware update reduced the rev hang by a ton. Also the 4k torque dip has disappeared as well. Seems like Subaru is addressing the complaints that a lot of us have been talking about.

[@EngineeringExplained]

themomopan Could you share a link referencing this update? Would love to read up on it.

[@BStudd1182]

themomopan How do you apply this firmware update to the car?

[@xomgitsjay]

Tim Davidson You have to take it to the dealership and have them flash the ECU

[@NeaceMode]

Jay Sanchez have you done this? if so - where and how? did you call them to explain?

[@JustAnotherPersonHere]

themomopan I have felt the 4k dip as well. Was this addressed with a dealer flash?

[@BigCatchGaming]

I own three Japanese cars. A 2000 Nissan Frontier King Cab. A 2002 Subaru Legacy GT Limited Wagon. And a 2013 Hybrid Toyota Camry... My Subie will always be my favorite...

[@ct0903]

Man u got some fugly cars

[@Marco-ce8kr]

First time watching your reviews, looking for different opinions on WRX. Good job, congrats

[@benjaminchara7300]

By far, the best review I have seen yet! Actually, there was a Canadian guy that did a review (in Canada) that did really good too, but! By far (in America), this is the BEST review yet!!! Shots, angles, information, audio quality... just, everything! Personality- not cocky, not like a 10 year old kid who looks like that car is getting him way more excited that it should [even awkwardly (some people know will know what reviewer I'm talking about)]... This was just awesome! Thank you.. for an awesome review!

[@cls63amgwagon34]

See if we want to save the manuals, they have to be appealing to EVERYONE, not just enthusiasts... Subaru did great with that transmission, lighter, less expensive and better on gas

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yep, lots of win with the manual transmission.

[@cls63amgwagon34]

Engineering Explained loving these reviews, I wish you could review the exact spec of my car but they're pretty hard to find

[@w.s.m9474]

I own a 2016 WRX and can't recommend it enough. The rev hang makes sense because it holds boost which is awesome when going from first to second gear. I leased mine and love it. I plan on buying it after the lease and driving it forever. Go out and buy one now!

[@Captain_Mienshao]

Manual for life bro

[@elmin2323]

Nice I like people who actually flick thru the trip computer and show all the settings

[@jbugz209]

I got 2 cousins with STI's another 2 with WRX's. I recently bought a base model 2015 WRX. Out the door not including the extended warranty and other plans I purchased with it. It came out to $25,500 out the door. Which isn't really too bad, I commute to work daily. Depending on how you use it, the wrx is perfect for commuting i drive about 60 miles a day to work and back. I wouldn't recommend the STI to commute with, but its all preference. For a daily driven car this one is great and its fast ;) goodluck on your choice. Either way you will be driving a SUBARU !!! Only subaru drivers will know what im talking about haha

[@elizabethanderson1531]

jbugz209 Lucky man, in Australia base model is $44000 (A$) drive away. Sob.

[@klavier285]

Elizabeth Anderson At least in Australia you can get skylines easy.

[@obeytheBUG]

25k?? Where do you live exactly? I live in Ontario California, currently looking for a 2015 or 16 wrx

[@rubberberner]

Great technical look into the WRX. As a mechanically inclined individual who's shopping for a new car, I appreciate the look at the engine sans cover, and the detailed driveability review. It's amazing how many auto review channels on KZbin leave you wondering what the suspension setup is and whether there's a VLSD (probably because they don't have the technical knowledge). Keep up the good work!

[@snowman2834]

This is a definitely different review. So much info packed in 10 minutes that now i have to go through all of it again lol

[@treadmillgamin]

I know I'm pretty late to this one, but I'm considering (basically planning on, at this point) buying a 2016 WRX. The only hesitation was the fuel economy, I've wanted 30MPG+ (my current vehicle gets 21 MPG if you are really, really careful), the fact that you were able to get 35 MPG is incredible to me. Most of my commute is highway (I drive less than 55 mph for all of 4 miles of the 30). I think I'm sold... and the fact that you couldn't stop yourself from smiling every time you hit the accelerator, or went into a turn.... that just sells the car even more for me. Great video!

[@jrzez]

This car is the best bang for the buck, point a to b, all season, practical car out there. Period. They really addressed the handling issues with both the WRX and STI this time around, the handle flat and firm, and you need to push hard to get the nose to push out. The WRX is the better buy though, especially since the FA20DIT has less odds of breaking your heart by breaking down than the EJ25. It gets absurd MPGs for an AWD Turbo car. It weighs what my Evo 8 did basically. It's safe. And with a good set of snow tires, it was the only bright part of this horrible winter we're having for me. Subaru killed it with the WRX, so much that I cancelled my STI order (in part due to the motor) and bought a WRX instead. Subaru needs to update the STI, as it's handling is fantastic, but it's motor is far too dated.

[@Sonic_1000]

I think that's the best 2015 WRX launch I've seen so far! Nice review!

[@Jimmythefish577]

Great review, I'm looking at buying a WRX, or a WRX STI. I prefer the manual box as I'm originally from Scotland and I hate automatics! Ideally I'd to find a hatchback version STI, just prefer the look. But again, great reviews, thanks for posting!

[@Int00blivion]

Own a 2003 G35 and a 1990 RHD Mazda Eunos Roadster, and just bought this car yesterday and don't yet regret it. great car for moving from coupe to sedan as we grow up.

[@ChubRok08]

Hey man, since you own a g35 I want to ask, what would you recommend? I'm looking to purchase my first car & I'm between a '05 G35 or '15 WRX (Base) since you own both what would you recommend and why?

[@Int00blivion]

For your first car, I would go used every time. I would say a 05 g35 with around 110,000 miles would be a great first car, especially if you don't have a far commute and want to spend about 12k less on the car. As for the why, I love coupes if you and another person need to get around, fast RWD is fun to the max. If you have a lot of friends that you need to get around go with a sedan, and the 4 wheel drive wrx is fun to drive as well, just not as fast feeling, and the G35 sounds amazing. Lots of mods available for both cars, so look, personal style, and sound (exhaust) can all be tweaked to your preference. I feel the the G35 will be cheaper and give you more room for mods if that's your thing.

[@ChubRok08]

+Chris Taylor Very good points, The wrx feeling with the manual transmission is a lot of fun, I've heard g35 MTransmissions are not good that's my only concern along with the fact that it looks a bit outdated. Hope I make a decision soon haha

[@johnnyk617]

Too bad I work in the middle of boston which is nothing but bumper to bumper traffic, I've done stick in the city never again lol

[@dnawrapsatl]

Cobb ap can help with that. Check out a cvt model. Nows the time to grab em. Never know what the next one will look like or run like.

[@GH_2022_NV]

I bought my wrx 4 months ago and I love it. I installed the Cobb Stage 1 map 93 a few weeks ago and now it's really worth the sticker price!

[@calimerc]

5:45 wtf his hand

[@yukihiro1412ver231]

Definitely one of the better 2015 WRX reviews I've watched. The only thing to disagree with having in the video is the fuel economy based on the car's reading. In my experience, they overstate the mpg but it varies from car to car.

[@EngineeringExplained]

yukihiro1412ver231 Could be off by 5-10%. Let's say worst case around 10% it's down to low 30s. Still very good for AWD.

[@x332433]

hey man, may u do a video on how to drive a manual?

[@llILoveAnimell]

I second that request

[@SchaferTheRicer]

For me, I watched tons of vids how to drive manual, but when I finally did it, It was still challenging. Thats something you have to learn by feel. I suggest learning to drive standard playing a racing game with realistic car controls

[@Youngsoldier93]

Brian Williams I bet you're lying about that.

[@Unb3arablePain]

SubaruWRXfan already made probably the best all around manual guide I've seen. When I first tried it I only stalled once. I didn't get more than an hour of practice though. Really, it's just practice. Driving a manual isn't really that complex (especially with a 5 speed), but driving it well takes a solid month of daily driving and using all the techniques like downshifting/heel and toe. My advice is to buy a Miata or a Civic (depending on your tastes) as your 1st/2nd car. Those cars have great gearboxes. Now, simply drive it for a year and you'll be able to drive any manual car on the planet as long as it doesn't have those ridiculous Stage III racing clutches or 7 speeds.

[@samc12345]

Or you could just learn to drive a manual in the first place. In the UK you have to take you're driving test in a manual transmission to get a full license. If you do your test in an auto it doesn't permit you to drive a manual car.

[@aaromon43]

there are a lot of reviews for this car already, and yours is one of the best i've seen yet. your video is pushing me closer to pulling the trigger on one for sure.

[@CCTV9]

I am still surprised that most cars these days don't come with keyless start as a standard.

[@pauzeygreaux1425]

CCTV9 Because it sucks, its not a mercedes

[@EmptyHeadHeavyFoot]

I dont like it tbh ... my main problem is sometimes I wanna be an asshole towards the car and turn on the radio without fully turning the car on, It is basically sort of impossible on a starter button car. But the keyless entry is awesome.

[@soumyadeepbhunia172]

Well keyless start is a high end feature.

[@nocomment5847]

keyless cars are easier to steal and to turn on the radio you press the button dont hold and dont press the brake

[@gagecoffelt3808]

i just got a used 2016 base wrx with 58k miles on it , ive had it for 3 days and i love it so far , its a hell of an upgrade from my 2000 ford ranger with 142k miles on it

[@prod.7HOUXAN]

How’s it going ??

[@lsingh1513]

i enjoy your reviews so u do recommend the wrx over the sti?

[@giantranga414]

yours is the only review i have seen that says the manual is better. everyone else says the manual is clunky, and you yourself pointed out the rev hang problem. By most reports the CVT is one of the best ever made, I just cant understand how you had such a different experience to everyone else.

[@EngineeringExplained]

+giantranga414 The rev hang sucks, and Subaru makes mostly great feeling CVTs. But less money, less weight, better gas mileage, and faster? Those are very difficult reasons to debate against; it's not even subjective (like the fun factor, which the manual also has).

[@steffanmattz1381]

There is a Simple answer to rev-hang, which I have encountered all the time in large diesel Class A type vehicles and what works there works here too. I tried it on a 2016. Start to Lift throttle a little just before pushing in the clutch. Or you could be nice to your synchro's and double clutch.

[@sphericalsphere]

Hey man, I really love your videos and what you're doing here. I've been subbed since almost day one. I actually go to university for engineering myself. So take this as criticism on a really high level ;). I think you might have to get some more experience with driving, working on cars and just a better "measuring stick" on what is out there in general. For example, when reviewing the ergonomics of the driver you always mention that your knees are hitting the center console/door. Let me tell you: this is absolutely unacceptable. Either you're not setting your seat up properly (race training will help), or, and I think this is the case, the cars you've reviewed have awful seats. I am 6'4" and neither I nor my family have ever owned a car in which my legs weren't supported almost up to my knee. But I have sat in cars in which I had the problems you described in the video. Another thing I find really big is that car manufacturers these days have significantly cut down on engineering quality. Top Gear, or any other car show isn't ever gonna talk about that because their audience, just like the general consumer doesn't give a shit. But your format would be absolutly perfect for that. Here are just a few examples: I got into working on cars when I was like 8 years old. Back then, my dad got his Porsche 964 Targa and I've been helping him out when he worked on it all the time. This Porsche has brake calipers with multiple pistons on each side so that it brakes good without ever rusting up or causing any issues whatsoever for almost 20 years now. The entire bottom is covered in aluminum panels for better aerodynamics, so working on the engine could be trouble. But it isn't, because they're held on by stainless steel machine screws. No rust, no gunk, no wearing out, even after 20 years of frequently undoing them and putting them back together. On the never models, all you'll find is plastic clips. And they break and are a huge pain in the ass in general. I could go on with the fuse box, but you get the idea. Even my 2001 A8, 101,000€ price tag when new, (bought it used, for a fraction of the price obviously) has those shitty one piston floating brake calipers in the back and in the front, its two pistons, but still floating. It took me days to overhaul the rear calipers because the damn rubber guard of the piston broke. Has yet to happen with the older Porsche. This is also unacceptable. Many people I know have no clue what they should buy anymore because it's the same with all the manufacturers. When I see people comment with "german engineering quality" comments on BMW videos I get embarrassed, knowing that all thats left of that is the myth that's slowly being sold out to people that know nothing about the technology and don't care because they'll only be driving them till the lease is up. And it's the same for all the manufactures, at least I haven't found the exception yet. It would really be nice, if your videos would kinda go into these things. You actually mention aluminum lower control arms, but go right past stuff that's way more important. So in my humble opinion, you probably could just go out and kinda look for these things and inform yourself. Maybe talk to people in repair shops. Maybe just put on nice clothes and go to the Porsche, BMW, Range Rover etc dealers. Or even better: Find someone who owns these cars. Not for reviewing, but to know what they're like. Maybe you should also take racing/drifting lessons so you'll become a more experienced driver. All those things would lead to your spectrum of what is out there being widened and you could give deeper, more educated reviews and explanations of the cars you're reviewing. My rant is over now, hope I didn't totally go TL;DR. Keep up the good work :), greetings from Germany.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Absolutely, I'm very new to this and don't have experience driving all that many cars - obviously this is a learning experience and I always aim to improve with time. What about modern cars do you not find the engineering acceptable? Aside from the trend of everything getting heavier or staying heavy, almost all cars are more powerful, more efficient, and more comfortable than predecessors. Reliability requires time to pass to understand, but we have the tools and knowledge available today to make things last a somewhat predictable duration. That's on the consumer, as marketing teams know how long people keep vehicles and want them to last. If people only buy the most reliable cars, all others will follow suit. If they don't, it tells marketing teams it isn't a priority, and it's an opportunity for a cost reduction in this incredibly competitive market.

[@sphericalsphere]

Engineering Explained I am sure you do, and wish you the best of luck to succeed in doing that. You're on the right path. Now, I believe that on the surface, you're right. Cars today are built to last reliably for 4 years or so, and generally, they will. Then, you can keep driving them till they're 7 to 10 years old, but they just fall apart in those years. I also get, that it is a logical decision to cut down on build quality the average consumer doesn't see. But I don't think its right, not in cars for car enthusiasts. When you look closely at cars, with your engineering eyes, and ask yourself "Why did they do it like that?" The answer will almost always, with the trend going up, be "Because it was the cheapest way to do it that enables it to just make it, not regarding anything else." Just look closely at the door hinges of modern cars. If you're interested, I can send you a picture of the either billet or forged aluminum hinges on my Audi, and I encourage you to take a look on the ones of newer models. Take a look at the leather quality and ask yourself "What will it look like after someone sat on it for 120,000 miles, and then again after 200,000." All those little things won't upset the average consumer, but it upsets me to a point where I can't name any modern car that really excites me. And the worst thing is, that the few examples I named are just small problems on the surface. If you've ever taken apart an old Porsche and compare it to newer ones you will find that all those little faults can be found in almost every single component. And all those things lead to the instances of things going wrong due to bad engineering I saw happening in the past: -water pumps with a plastic pump wheel. The temperature duty cycle tears them apart over the years. They used to be all metal till roughly the 2000s, they aren't anymore. -Injectors for direct injection. Used to be a Diesel problem, now they're in every car and they will break, which by itself is fine. turbos will too. But they need to be replaceable. Jeep/Mercedes has managed to build it in such a way in their Grand Cherokee, that you can't get the last 2 out (V6 Engine) without dropping the entire engine. You might argue weight distribution, but if the sheet metal of the body would give just one more centimeter of clearance it would be fine. That happened either on purpose or they just didn't think about it. -things like the glovebox lock/lever assembly. Just look at one, if you care about nice mechanics this thing will hurt you. And they do break and it's a huge pain in the ass to replace. -What I said about brake calipers earlier, especially the ones with the handbrake engaging the main brake piston. You need a tool to reset them, its still a pain in the ass though, and over time it draws in water and seizes, making a brake permanently engaged, causing it to overheat till the brake fluid boils. And then you notice. Ask me how I know. -A taxi driver told me about his brand new E-Class. The main wiring harness rubs on the despicable 2l diesel engines cover, causing the insulation to fail after just 23,000miles and 4months. In a taxi, not an abused vehicle. He was lucky, his cars dash just lit up like a christmas tree and nothing worked anymore. His colleague hat the same thing happen to him. It engaged the Presafe brake, causing the car to brake to a stop abruptly, with a customer in the back, on a freeway. It was repaired on warranty, but instead of replacing the whole harness, Mercedes just soldered it back together and insulated it with electrical tape. He said that the car already starts having issues all over the place and is seriously worried about his livelihood, because a car just becomes profitable after 125,000miles which he is sure it won't reach. They used to keep their W210s till way over 300,000miles, and then sold them to eastern Europe or Africa. -all the little plastic nobs instead of screws holding everything from panels to brake lines in place. You basically can't take stuff apart without breaking it, and even after you replaced the knobs its hard to put it back together without it looking worse than before. Mechanics however don't like to replace those things, so they often just don't put some of them back in when they're hard to see. Like the ones on the underbody cover of my Audi. Again, ask me how I know. (hint: I lost the cover at over 100mph. Hope it didn't hurt anybody.) I could go on and on here, but the real message is this: If you've become sensitive to those kinda things, you can feel them. You hear and feel every vibration of those diesel 4cyl.. The start stopp system doing its thing causes you to imagine a countdown of the duty cycles it's designed to survive before a component breaks. Every time you open the door, you check for the hinges and get disappointed. The paint is like an orange peel if you look closely. No matter how far you go upmarket, no matter how much you polish because it's just not possible to make the water based paint smooth. The base models of the premium makes aren't any better than the VWs and GMs and what not, in the way they drive and sit on the road. Sure, they kinda handle, but it just doesn't feel good. What I am saying is, that the myth the manufacturers build on, the premium feel they talk about, the quality slogans like "the best or nothing" Mercedes has just isn't reflected in their new models. They're building on people that have no clue about engineering or a general overview of the cars that are and used to be out there. "It's a BMW, of course its well made" is all that's left. And the worst thing is, that they're winning because especially people in my age group, even though I'm in an engineering-students social circle, know and care less and less about how a car drives and more about how you can hook up the latest smartphone. It would be really nice to see a youtube channel that at least in some way acknowledges that. I know I might be a little extreme here, but I am surely not the only person that feels like cars have become soulless appliances and that is struggling to find a car that isn't.

[@hughhumperdink4190]

This makes me think about sustainability and the massive economics of humanity. The shear number of things produced has increased exponentially with the population of the earth. Simple things we take for granted like beef or water are becoming a problem to produce on such a massive scale. Even if everyone wanted free range eggs, there literally isn't enough farmland to provide the billions of eggs that we demand as a population ergo we must cut corners. In a way, I think we have to "lie" to ourselves to keep our self esteem up hence the marketing departments for car and toy and whatever manufacturers. If engineers spent their time meticulously designing every bolt or joint or nut, then we would then be forced to sacrifice something else weather it is intentionally or unintentionally. Let's say the time it takes to design a car takes 100%. You spend 30% of the time designing the chassis, 20% of the time on the engine, 20% of the time on the interior and 30% of the time testing. In ordered to add in something you must either take away from one of the factors, like the interior or the engine, or you have to increase the commutative time it takes you to design a car past 100% which will result in you coming in late, over budget, or both which results in a more expensive product. My point is that older style quality products are becoming extinct because the supply can not realistically possible to keep up with demand if we keep doing things the old way. It is already impossible to produce cars to any feasible volume built the same way as we did in the 80s 90s or even the early 2000s. Anyway, I'm no internet hero or engineer. Just my two cents on my philosophy of humanity lol

[@Hazdazos]

Great no-nonsense review. Haven't seen any other reviewers actually take off the engine cover and wheels to show folks the mechanicals.

[@ricstars95]

its no brainer when you are car enthusiast and yearning for good handling and speed. my question is, will it work as family-sedan-too? will the ride be too tiring? how is ride comfort when only cruising?

[@scorp5526]

ricstars95 it's a fairly luxurious car but I wouldn't take it as a family sedan because it would be a bit uncomfortable

[@ariyankhan4337]

@@scorp5526 my friend uses it as a family car bc he wasnt allowed a charger srt hellcat

[@MillennialMidwest]

Almost bought a 2015 VW GTI until I watched this review. Bought the 2015 WRX and so happy I did. If you could do a "things you didn't know about your WRX" video that would be really cool. 👍

[@V10PDTDI]

That rev hang is probably fixable with a tune.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It is.

[@willduffek3993]

Either one of y'all wanna elaborate on this? I thought the same thing, but more from a standpoint of ignorance...I figured there has to be something that can be done to fix that, but I know neither what causes it or how it would be fixed.

[@lt4chris340]

Your reviews are excellent man. With all the reviewers and journalists that try to describe cars through emotional and/or abstract concepts, it's nice to just get the facts and details of the car. Nice work!

[@dylanamesur]

my dad just bought one :D

[@treaps]

i liked the driver cam angle. haven't seen a non-racing video of that angle before but it gives a good sense of the driving experience.

[@ZubinB]

If you came just for the test drive, skip to here: 7:43.

[@MrCee861]

Best car reviews in KZbin hands down, thank you for your time.

[@Guitarfollower22]

I don't know if I'm in a place to say this nor should he disclose this information but I'm wondering what he does for a living (obviously something related to automotive engineering or something). Oh and he owns and runs his own popular KZbin channel.

[@SuperKickAss145]

He has said in previous videos that he is an engineer, although I don't think has disclosed what company he works for, for obvious reasons. I don't want to sound too sure of my self here, but I /think/ he is a mechanical engineer.

[@esoteridactyl]

SuperKickAss145 Guitarfollower22 He no longer has a job besides KZbin.

[@EngineeringExplained]

KZbin full time these days. Sink or swim! Loving it for the time being. Used to be a test engineer for a forklift company.

[@Guitarfollower22]

Engineering Explained thanks man, didn't wanna intrude into your personal life but i appreciate the response! :)

[@forza388]

Engineering Explained can younpost a video on driving manual for beginners and stepping on the throttle for 0 to 60 without burning the clutch. thank you

[@AlfonsoCajiao]

I love your reviews. They are the most complete from youtube.

[@banddude121]

The shifting is like Porsche's old gearbox where in order to shift fast, you had to be slow.

[@thaik56]

That's kind of counter intuitive, isn't it supposed to be: "To be smooth you have to be slow"? That's basically how it is for this car.

[@banddude121]

thaik56 If you rush a shift, you end up going slower than if you had just shifted slowly. The longer you are out of gear= less time accelerating.

[@thaik56]

You just said it yourself, if you shift slowly, your car is longer out of a gear therefore less time accelerating. But if you rush it, although it may not be smooth, you're still in the next gear faster than if you were waiting for the RPM to drop down before engaging into the next gear. Not smooth shifting doesn't necessarily mean not accelerating properly.

[@banddude121]

thaik56 And you still fail to understand how it works. No point in explaining it again if you fail to understand it.

[@thaik56]

What you said doesnt make sense lol

[@projenitor2387]

Thank you for making this video, I have a customer coming in on this very vehicle it was nice to get familiar with it as it is not a factory vehicle we sell, but a trade in we got. Very helpful!

[@exitwound45]

When it's rainy, where does the water go that passes through the intercooler?

[@EngineeringExplained]

exitwound45 Out the other side, like the air does.

[@bryandoherty9399]

I'm going to get a WRX in a couple years. In Canada we have the base WRX, sport package and then sport-tech package. I'll be getting the WRX sport tech package. It has navigation, better stereo, sunroof, keyless entry, Bluetooth. And of course the 6 speed standard. And in WR Blue. I really can't wait to get it

[@lgliam]

Sorry, but the battery is on the left because this is a Japanese car, Where they drive on the correct side of the road so it makes perfect sense from a weight distribution point.

[@NickiLasse]

nice to see a straightforward car, (there is no over complicated systems, screens, etc.)

[@seod2005]

Been looking and comparing for awhile. I like the STi, and how it is unique, but....the WRX would just seem to fit me better. Thanks for the straight forward, NO BS video.

[@melmelcorvette]

This car reminds me of something that should of been in the really early 2000s or really late 90s. That pillars are really small like a lot of older cars in the era the interior is really basic and the car is very driver focus. It's like a high end version of what should of been in the early 2000s. I feel that's why a lot of people really enjoy these cars because in comparison a lot of other new cars lost that drivers feel and connection to the road. I've always wondered what the 0-60 is on these without revving dead stop and then being floored to 60.

[@TheSupergunman3000]

Definitely did not expect that ~0-60mph time, it's a LITTLE bit slower than a 2007 R8 V8 R-Tronic gearbox, for a 250~ hp car, it's pretty damn awesome, keep up the very good, decent length review, hope to see you reviewing a 458 Speciale someday, or even a Maserati GT S, Thank you for bringing us such amazing content, hopefully you'll get noticed by other high-end manufacturers as well, Thanks a lot

[@mattwilliams3104]

If you’re looking for a car that’s fast and corners well in good weather mixed with a car that can handle a good amount of snow, this is it

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

Needs be pads/rotors and it'll be perfect. 114.7 hubs stock, that means you have good strong wheel bearings, endless wheel choices... same hub assembly as wrx sti also the twin scroll, shorter gearing, new engine and equal length headers make the car respond better at low and rpm and give it good mid range

[@vmaund33]

that rev hang really irks me, until i heard about that i really liked everything about this car

[@zee9276]

cant we get an expert to look at this problem and set it?

[@dvo23k]

it's not really a problem if ur willing to go cobb stage 1 or even stage 0.

[@sfvirgo]

this guy really reviews the cars... subbed!

[@spoileralert3754]

This just confirms, smart people buy Subaru's.

[@MrChacha2011]

If the car jerks when shifting just engage your shifts at higher rpm. This is normal for high revving manual transmission. vehicles. I drive an Mazda rx8 and shifts are done at 5500 rpm with red line set at 9500. Over all I love your videos and keep up your quality work.

[@tylerdesiderio1764]

I appreciate that you take time look over the vehicle's 'serviceability'...that's an important factor for people like me who are broke and need to do that stuff themselves haha. thanks dude!

[@BigCatchGaming]

It is nice to know that the cupholder style hasnt changed since my Subaru came out in 2002...

[@dkinley334]

I saw one of these irl yesterday and my heart started pumping so hard because I love these so much. also I saw a 180sx which both of those are rare where I live.

[@sandrajohnson9926]

I'm looking here because I saw a Subaru WRX on the highway yesterday. I had never heard of it. We drive a Subaru Outback. It just turned over 200,000 miles. It needs new shocks, not much else wrong with it.

[@yakov456]

Wonderful review. It answered so many questions that others didn't address such as the engine bay breakdown. Thanks!

[@WReXckz1]

Excellent review. I've followed your stuff for a while now and am increasingly impressed with your progress. If I could suggest one thing, it would be to incorporate a cluster camera. Otherwise, great job and please, for our sake, keep putting out quality material.

[@bos6782]

Wow! Now that’s a thorough review. Great job

[@laz2858]

Thanks for making my decision easy, WRX here I come.

[@MrCasuallyAwesome]

If somebody launched my WRX like that I think I might cry. She's my baby and I shift her lightly.

[@thillyard1]

Great review I had the previous generation WRX and purchased a 2015 WRX last May. The new engine has much more available torque down low, but I agree the car (like many modern cars now) does have some rev hang that takes some getting used to. Handling vs previous gen WRX is vastly improved. The car feels much stiffer and the steering ratio is much tighter giving you better turn in. The car is less forgiving on bad roads than the previous generation but there are always trade-offs. My biggest complaint is the seating position (I feel like I am sitting too high). Especially for a car that has the same ground clearance as a BRZ....

[@powerfultoa7]

Wow, loving the detailed analysis of the car together with your review, very impressed

[@swanblake]

Honestly fantastic reviews! Wish i found this channel sooner. Love it

[@hankgs]

Congratulations... THAT WAS THE BEST VEHICLE REVIEW I HAVE SEEN ON KZbin...! Really, you were very through covering everything about the car and its features / performance... I have to take my wife's 2013 Crosstrek in for 22K servicing- I may leave with a WRX! Nice job.

[@EngineeringExplained]

hankgs Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@sealion16]

MY kind of review. Detailed geeky goodness. Great camera work also. Please do more.

[@xdodobrownx]

Love your car reviews. Keep them coming. Very enjoyable and informative videos.

[@sshah2545]

5 years later, driving an 18. It definitely does not achieve 35.1mpg. Multiple reviewers have clarified that the engine computer is a little “optimistic” - but yes on the highway can comfortably achieve far more than the 28 rated for. Probably 32-33

[@blainekelley816]

Very accurate and informative review. Well done. I just purchased the same year, model (and glacier blue) car and think it is a ton of fun. Super solid in every way. May not be the flashiest car on the road (although I really like how it looks), but one of the best driving sport sedans out there at any price.

[@Black-nf3tx]

How has it been in your opinion? I'm looking at getting one because I found a good deal on one with 95k miles and it happens to be in my price range.

[@truuly]

@@Black-nf3tx95k miles bro he also commented that 3 years before you 😹

[@ragemonikers]

You are the best car youtuber

[@jcadvanced]

Cool review. Very well spoken. I was hoping hear a bit more of your impressions of this car compared to your 2014 STi.

[@fightingfalconfan]

Shifting is done through a cable set, not rods anymore like the older models...They talked about this in their drive performance magazine.

[@mrck2005]

I can always count on you to deliver high quality and educational videos. Thank you Sir! :)

[@anidea5646]

Bro thanks a lot. This was really helpful. I wasn’t sure if I should make the purchase. But now I’m convinced!

[@SAWMILL1957]

Excellent review! Thorough coverage of the car's features, along with objective driving impressions. Thank you!

[@solidsnakec20]

you are getting good at these reviews.

[@zouzou1115]

i just bought my 16 wrx premium i live in melbourne Australia it comes with full sports leather seats and 8 inch screen but no heating seats