2018 Subaru WRX: Review

[@tr1ckster726]

I owned a 16’ Premium WRX for a little over two years. Yesterday, I test drove the 18’, literally no comparison. The 18’ was better in every way. Softer, easier, more responsive and engaging clutch. Shorter throw in the gearbox with much better precision. Tighter steering and the leather wrapping the steering wheel is REAL leather now. The gauges are brighter and sharper with better defined text. The road noise was pretty much cut in half, even with the same Dunlop Sport Maxx summer tires. The BIGGEST DIFFERENCE though was the ride quality. Oh, my God - night and day, like you are in a totally different car. Huge huge upgrade!!!

[@DoomPatrolTV]

If you get 27 mpg on the highway you're driving it wrong.

[@emiliovazquez664]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TomasUjhelyi]

The new generations WRX keep growing on me the more I see them. My step-dad's '04 WRX was my fav looking Rex but the 2018 just looks absolutely amazing

[@29erfreak42]

I just got a 2018 WRX Limited CVT with Eyesight. I got in in white and it looks amazing, especially the front end and the wheels. The car is fantastic. I drive 35 miles, each way, to work over a mountain. The road is a 2-lane twisty road. It's a blast driving the WRX on that road. With my prior car, I constantly had people trying to pass me, wanting me to move over (into turn-outs), which I did, but it was annoying to move over so often. Now, people rarely come up from behind. When they do, I can easily put distance between us, especially on the curves. I grin the entire way to and back from work.

[@TomasUjhelyi]

29erFreak Nice one, man. I've taken the old man's WRX out and going from a motorbike and my car which has FWD, that Subaru, although not as quick to accelerate as the bike, just keeps holding on in the corners. Feels impossible to lose it. Enjoy the car, brother, and try and see if u can keep your license at the same time ;)

[@aaronkim3856]

29erFreak ewwww cvt?? jk, i prefer manual over cvt but it's your preference!

[@dannyjr2804]

These are underrated in my opinion but they are beautiful pieces of machine 😈🙌🏻

[@mikefields2243]

I had a WRX in the mid 2000’s...great car. Just got a new 2020 and love it. Gear 1-2 can be a little tricky but this car forces you to drive the car. It’s not an Accord. This is for people that enjoy driving. I leased it so I can get the next version in 2023.

[@FullyAdamatic]

I have a 2016 model year Premium WRX, very much enjoying it almost 2 years later.

[@PeaceBuddha13]

Buying mine later today (8/26/2017) I'm stoked. Thanks for the review, it really put my mind at ease about spending this much money.

[@duongduong7724]

PeaceBuddha How muc did you paid for it ?

[@29erfreak42]

I got mine last week. I like the car more with every drive. The navigation sucks, but I had to get it to get the Eyesight package. It has great safety features.

[@LILBOICURRY]

I’m 18 and this is my dream car I’ve always wanted a subi I can’t stop watching these types of videos love the review on wrx is amazing it lokey makes me jealous ur in one hopefully one day I get my hands on her❤️❤️🥺

[@bryanmchugh1307]

I managed to keep my elderly mother from buying a 2017 1st Gen Crosstrek. Thank GOD! Ma hooked it up with a brand new charcoal dark metallic/light grey leather/orange stitching interior 2018 Limited Crosstrek. The difference between this new Subaru global platform plus the total redesign of the 2.0L engine. I still cannot believe how NICE of a car the 2018 Crosstrek is. This new Crosstrek has basically the new Impreza platform yes? Who keeps complaining about power? This redesigned 2.0L boxer 4 is lively and revs easily. I will finally admit that the CVT in the 2018 Crosstrek Limited is far FAR better than the CVT in my month old Honda CR-V EX-L.

[@DanNguyenMusic]

I always wondered how they dealt with shifting into reverse. Thanks for showing that!

[@peterraps9659]

Just bought one.... amazing car!

[@duongduong7724]

Peter Raps How much is it bro ? i mean the OTD and Document Fee total price ?

[@Ruskinek]

Am I the only one who thinks these cars are extremely cheap for what they offer?

[@neilbyrnes4807]

the wrx is an incredible value for the money.

[@_baller]

Ruskinek not cheap... great value buy.. thing is most cars today are too expensive which makes this look cheap...

[@benjamincox692]

I agree, I'm a WRX fan. HOwever everything is so freaking outdated. Basically the the thing this offers that not many others do at this price point is that much power with AWD.

[@505enthusiast4]

You pay for the performance lol not the shit radio. Definetly worth the price

[@benjamincox692]

Gabriel Fuoco yea but the problem with that is there are much better value for the performance.

[@JakeTheBear1]

WRXs are always my fave! Specially the iconic blue one.

[@idontknowagoodnameidontkno8377]

there my fave to there so cool looking

[@richardnixon4345]

I don't get hill roll back in my 1960's vehicles...... because I was taught to drive properly and do hill starts properly.

[@skaterzrule4]

Richard Nixon congrats man!!

[@TerminatorTX3]

Usually, manual transmissions require an added movement to put in reverse so the driver never puts it in reverse by mistake.

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

As always, neat review, Drew! The WRX seems like a fun to drive automobile. I always loved the boxy design of this generation WRX. It makes it look very mature, while still having that youthful sporty factor that everyone has come to love about this vehicle. Furthermore, it is well rounded. Offering decent practicality, great visibility, and a pretty surprisingly spacious cabin. While, still offering great performance and styling. I cannot wait until I can get my hands on one of these. From one car reviewer to another, keep it up! 👍🏽

[@goldpony]

+DriveAndBeDriven Thanks Marcus!

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Gold Pony, No problem! Keep it up, Drew. I'll be staying gold! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@DeliciaTrini]

I totally agree! I so love having the option of the WRX or STI. I'm 41 year old woman who loves the look of a sports car, but I feel a weird about driving to my job with an STI that has a wing on the back of the car. No disrespect to anyone in my age group driving an STI. I would definitely rock an STI if I had the money to have it for weekend enjoyment. However, the WRX will definitely suit me best. Sporty, yet a mature and versatile look.

[@505enthusiast4]

DeliciaTrini you can get the sti without the wing, no coat option

[@DeliciaTrini]

True, I hear you, but I've just learned how to drive manual. I don't think I can deal with all the hp and torque in an STI. I'll stick with the WRX for now and keep a few extra $$$ in my pocket. I also heard the those who own an STI have a higher insurance to pay, so WRX all the way for me...for now.

[@sydneyfishing7787]

Really well put together video! Was alot of help as I'm shopping for 1 atm, thankyou

[@MrPlaidFace]

Heads up, there is a recall on 2018 wrx for front exhaust leak. If you have 2018 wrx, check with your dealership. Subaru sent me a letter in the mail alerting me. They said the recall parts should be in soon.

[@theghost75]

Shopping for one right now; you did an AMAZING job describing the differences in trim levels! Thank you, sir, VERY helpful

[@justindtackett]

Subi's have great visibility!

[@shunsato6621]

What up Drew it seems definitely better than '17 model my friend has but he has titanium exhaust tips on it which you can hear sweet whistle!! Thanks dude!! Stay gold!!

[@JosePerez...]

Drew... that's one sweet WRX ! The 6 speed is the best, that's one fast car, great review !!!! Your Rock Out is always on point : ) .. Jose P +++++"Staying Gold ++++

[@goldpony]

+Jose P. Haha thanks Jose!

[@SillyDillysTunes]

The 2017 is better looking in my opinion on the exterior. I do like the gauges in this one more though.

[@thomasbrueske5016]

Very helpful detailed review, thanks

[@goldpony]

Thanks for watching!

[@DeliciaTrini]

Excellent review! Best review yet! Very detailed. Thank you!

[@goldpony]

+DeliciaTrini Thanks, appreciate it!

[@505enthusiast4]

I have to wait 2 years to get this car...work h the wait. I'm going for red premium with performance pack

[@drepop803]

505 enthusiast nice man. Hope you get it. Just got a red base last Sept. I'm trying to put myself in a position to trade it for an sti by Oct 2018. Only problem is insurance is so high in my state(nj) for sti's

[@michaelduenas1364]

Get the sti man it’s worth the extra few thousand. The sti performance pack is a rip off. It’s basically the sti seats with a recaro badge and better brake pads

[@drepop803]

Michael Duenas thanks for letting me know. All i want is sti exhaust and maybe short shifter. Any other options will be aftermarket

[@505enthusiast4]

@@drepop803 I've always been a fan of the rex/STI. What i ended up with is a 2017 mustang premium ecoboost. Got a few videos of it on my channel if you want to check it out

[@NerlenPoi]

I wish the limited also got the option to add the performance package rather than only the premium.

[@JeffyNguyen]

Nice review! I'm from Lancaster, PA lol

[@joshuac2391]

lots of amish people around you?

[@JeffyNguyen]

@@joshuac2391 A lot! Lol

[@joshuac2391]

@@JeffyNguyen hahahha their whoopie pies are amazing

[@coleschwalm2163]

Ayee I’m from Schuylkill county

[@bigdarshan]

love you reviews and how enthusiastic you are

[@goldpony]

+bigdarshan Thanks!

[@Vision33r]

While the WRX is a good value overall for enthusiasts not everyone cares about the package. For $25k after incentives you can get a 280HP Camry or V6 Accord. They are fast on the highway, no joke but they don't handle or have AWD. 90% of people out there prefer having HP over AWD or better handling.

[@BiologistRyan]

solid video, great delivery, good editing +1

[@goldpony]

+skraelingshortbus Thanks!

[@dkkila2809]

Not sure why I haven't noticed this until now but the placement of the side view mirrors compared to the previous generations seems odd in comparison cause it's just sitting on the door kinda awkward... but it is pretty slick seeing as in I just noticed this lol

[@escoofimpakt]

does all 2018 models of the wrx have hill start assist?

[@skaterskye]

Should I go for one of these? Or wait till 2020. I figure most theses parts will be pretty cheap for any mods. That's one thing I'm thinking off. But the concept of the new WRX looks great and if they get some of the features these new Imprezas have it will be awesome! Just looking for some others opinions. Thanks

[@ernestalexander3396]

Skye Villanueva do the engine can withstand their 260+ hp? Some people saying that they are not that good

[@skaterskye]

@@ernestalexander3396 you can easily get 310/320 who with a couple mods and whatnot. If you got e85 probably even more. After that if say probably go built block. But I'm not 💯 on that. Head over to smeedia for more subie info.

[@ernestalexander3396]

Skye Villanueva appreciate it a lot

[@noahvaricalli637]

Looking to make this wrx my second vehicle

[@hangyin4068]

have subaru updated the terrible stock tune for the new wrx? one almost has to buy a cobb accessport and flash the computer to make the car drivable

[@wolfgangnester1867]

I want one and I'm looking at buying one

[@dynasty3174]

I really like this car but more the ones with the sunroof 😛😍👌🏻

[@IWalklikeapenguin]

Good review but saying it makes peak torque at a low 2,000 rpm is a straight up lie.. It's really around 3,500 rpm

[@markmassaro007]

Great video! Liked and subscribed. :)

[@goldpony]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@shamwaymoonyos9578]

2015 Premium WRX here. I disabled the hill assist early on in owning the car since I hated how it held the car. Felt not natural. Hopefully they still allow us to disable the hill assist in all future WRXes. Does the hill assist feel like it gets in the way when you test drove it?

[@osvaldoelmilitar]

Great review! 👍🏻

[@goldpony]

+Osvaldo Lopez Thanks!

[@JoeAurelio]

ride quality? interior noise? these are two other areas besides shifter and clutch that were claimed to be improved?

[@jtd3d351]

I have a 2018 WRX and fuckin love it but of course the EJ rumble of the STI always slithers in the back of mind. But that FA motor should be promising in the years to come.

[@tcv.12]

This car is identical to my dads car

[@coltengebo4135]

I am buying a 2017 today!

[@shuk3073]

how much did you pay

[@abdulla4830]

Thanks for the review. What was that song at ~7:55.. Thanks

[@martin1226]

Huhh, they have 4-door bump-stop/trim-molding this year? I have a `15 and love the clean lines but am waiting for the day some savage dings my door in the parking lot.

[@kamberbulica4727]

Few questions if you don't mind as I'll be picking up a 2018 soon but haven't seen one yet. 1) Does the trunk actually have a button on it to open the trunk or are do you have to use the key fob? 2) For 10 way driver seat adjustability does that include lumbar support? Thank you; awesome video!

[@GTRGTR32]

Kamber Bulica there is a button inside on the left of the wheel to open the trunk. You can also raise the seat up and down. I own a 2017 and I'm skinny and the seats still hold you in really good around a corner.

[@kamberbulica4727]

Oh yeah I know that the interior panel has the trunk release. I was just wondering if the trunk itself had the release on the exterior other than the key fob.

[@kylehunt7264]

It does indeed have lumbar support for the limited. Which is why I'm getting that trim level.

[@BiologistRyan]

there is no exterior button from what i know.

[@kamberbulica4727]

Found out the answer. At least for the Limited model it does as mine has it. Thank you.

[@Lifeispeachyatt]

How do you get the dealer to let you test drive all these cars? I have a 15 WRX STI and they didn't let me test drive it before I bought it. Great review!

[@LostNbound]

Why the hell does this thing still not have a spoiler? It just makes the car pop so much, and doesn't make me think family sedan when I look at it. The older bodies had one, and they looked so good. Just a simple trunk spoiler like the have on the Sport trim. That's a trunk lip, not a spoiler that's already on it.

[@29erfreak42]

People have different opinions about that huge rear spoiler on the STI. Some people, typically younger, think that it makes the car look hot. Some people think that the drivers of those cars are compensating for some "short coming", and the spoilers are dorky looking.. I prefer the understated looks of the small spoiler.

[@notoriousmsb]

I prefer it without the spoiler since it brings less attention to the car and not a huge upgrade regarding the performance of the car.. i like to drive fast and not get caught, so anything that makes the car louder or more flashy without bringing a performance boost is a bad idea IMO. Lay low and drive fast.. and safe.

[@jeffreymeeks8647]

I hope they sell those rims also i want a 16 or 17 wrx but i want those subaru rims but all it needs is a nameless muffler delete exhaust

[@xil3ntkha0s]

I wonder if that new 2018 shifter trim fits in a 2017 model since I'm trying to chrome delete my car. I also notice that the bottom center of the steering wheel is now black as well.

[@aaromon43]

ridiculous that you can't get the LED headlights on the premium model with the performance package. conversely, you can opt for the limited and get the better headlights but you're stuck with leather seats & a moonroof. get your shit together subaru.

[@robertb.4202]

Jonathan Lindhome what’s also retarded is that navigation and premium sound is no longer available on the Premium trim. Lame.

[@Tundra0128]

Right? I wanted a limited but it was too spendy so i dropped to premium only to find out you don’t even get push button start. Like what?

[@29erfreak42]

Robert B - I got the 2018 WRX Limited CVT with everything, including Eyesight, navigation and premium sound. While the Eyesight is a great feature, the navigation is pretty bad and the premium sound system would barely pass as a base sound system in many cars. You're not missing anything. Get a new head unit with a Pioneer or similar sound system and you will be light years ahead.

[@Tundra0128]

29erFreak how bad is the stock sound system?

[@29erfreak42]

Jonathan Lindhome Most of the car manufacturers do that, or something similar. If they gave you everything you wanted in the Premium, why would anyone buy the more expensive Limited? I know that it sucks, but it is what it is. I get your point about only offering leather seats in the Limited, but you have to remember that Subaru is a relatively small company compared to the big guys. Too many options on too many cars is not possible, especially with the relatively low sales volume of the WRX.

[@ernestalexander3396]

Is it true that the engine can’t survive with all that power? I’m asking cause I’m really interested in the automatic one ☝🏾 really looking forward to a Su in the future

[@mattdeslauriersnc]

Hill start assist is called an e brake

[@stevemt3422]

You didn't include the destination charge $870

[@zlothra]

If Subaru states on their site that the CVT lowers fuel consumption, why does the Manual get better mileage?

[@29erfreak42]

Federal regulations require that all automatic driving modes be averaged in fuel economy tests. So, while the car gets very good mileage in Intelligent mode, that is not reflected in the numbers. I have a CVT and get close to 30 mpg on the highway, and about 21-24 MPG in the city.

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

i bet that stereo would sound good to some better music lol

[@goldpony]

+EveryThingAutomotive ETA haha very true!

[@GucciManecubus]

Hey guys I recently got in my friends '18 wrx to run through the gears. That shifter felt like absolute butter. I have a 2011 wrx with a cobb short throw shifter with front and rear bushings in it and it's not even close to being as smooth and crisp as the 2018. I was wondering if I'd be able to take 2018 shifter and put in my 2011 or if anyone can suggest a smoother shifter than the Cobb short throw.

[@cvnnxr]

would this be a good first car?

[@jtd3d351]

Is the hill start specifically for the limited or is it for the whole wrx family?

[@drewgunner14]

You love britt nicole? High five ✋!

[@damianf1974]

Can you comment on highway road noise vs a 2015? 2018 is suppose to have thicker glass/better insulation. I'm wondering if a big difference or any difference at all for that matter.

[@goldpony]

+Damian F no difference that I noticed.

[@ReDz083]

my 99 model wrx shifts just fine... maybe you don't have "the touch"

[@jeanpaulmaraat6347]

How about its fuel efficiency?

[@janekpax5471]

My Subaru white perl from Poland. ✌️

[@sahilsvision]

Is there no Carplay / Android Auto included? I thought it was included for this year.

[@dg7438]

nope

[@illDiology]

Anyone know how easy it would be to get a mountain bike into and out of one of these?

[@luigavino631]

Dude the Hill Assist feature is already present since 2015 i believe. My 2017 has but I turned it off as that feature sucks IMO

[@kevinnorris6558]

No

[@notoriousmsb]

I live in SF.. hill assist helps out a lot.

[@TinoMiller]

Review the Cadillac CT6

[@risen22d69]

I want automatic one

[@mmorales508]

CVT on a WRX is just disrespectful

[@MrThatguy122]

how? it opens a completely new market to other people.. its about the money dude

[@glockon9456]

Who cares! Shifting can be a pain sometimes. Purist wants everyone to drive a stick because it's a Rex but I am glad that they offer an automatic. No rev hang, smoother shifting and faster gear changes. Plus 3 different drive modes. I have a 18 Rex and would have liked to have tried an automatic. It is more moola however.

[@29erfreak42]

I got a 2018 Rex CVT and the transmission is great. The 4 modes (Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp, and Manual) give you the ride that you prefer. The 3 auto modes even have their own sub modes. In the I mode, the transmission acts like a regular CVT, with no apparent shifts. But, if you press the accelerator past 40%, it will shift like a regular auto tranny. Sport mode works similarly, with the switch to standard shifting ( six speeds) at 30% throttle. Sports Sharp mode acts like an 8-speed auto regardless of throttle position. If you have the car in I mode, then put the selector into manual mode, it will be a 6-speed manual (no clutch, obviously), with widely spaced gears. If you go to manual from Sport mode, it will act like a 6-speed manual with tightly spaced gears. IN sports sharp mode, the manual position give s you 8 very thinly spaced gears. The shifting in manual mode is instantaneous. I'm happy that I bought the car with the CVT. I hope the reliability is good.

[@glockon9456]

29erFreak I am jealous 29erFreak! Have fun and carry on!

[@corning1]

Dude have you watched a video of the cvt? Shudders, it is the most hideous thing I have ever seen. The CVT transmission is a truly horrifying part of human engineering, nearly to the point of the atom bomb. It is just awful. Picking up my red 2018 wrx this weekend. I will never drive a fucking cvt for as long as I live, I really mean that. Not having shift points is wrong, at all levels. It just sits at redline and the mph goes up, just terrible.

[@andrewr2854]

Hi golf pony cool video again

[@goldpony]

+ThatsEpic-KZbin Thanks! 😁

[@Tundra0128]

Picked up a 2018 wrx premium for 29k. Got 15K for my trade so i owe 15Kish on it

[@truckable8595]

drew are the day time running lights still the high beams or the c light ?

[@timgreen3697]

Why there is still no Eyesight safety system? Even not on limited? Even Impreza has it now!

[@prismdreams15]

I had a 2017 WRX and now have the 2018 WRX, they can’t have eyesight with the manual only automatics come with it.

[@williamburbank281]

If you need Eyesight on a car, you're either over 70 or texting while driving. Pay attention to the road!

[@LSFAZ]

Which one has the sun roof?

[@dt7353]

good video

[@goldpony]

+Doug T Thanks!

[@jonholmberg9676]

Will 2 rear facing car seats fit the back?

[@ricardopr54]

No more rumble sound from that new engine🤔 Naaah, I prefer the STI over that one...

[@terrancemoore496]

You was talking really fast! I had to keep rewinding. lol. I have a question with the Performance Package is it included with the limited or with the premium level?

[@jimbobborg22]

Premium. I picked mine up last night :D I prefer the Recaro leather seats in the Performance Package to the regular leather seats in the Limited.

[@questionmark6204]

wait...how does the manual get a better MPG rating on the highway?

[@davidowen4154]

Because manuals get better gas mileage

[@amdreym]

Will be nice to see Accord 2.0 T vs WRX.

[@29erfreak42]

They're about as quick as each other, but the WRX handles MUCH better and has all-wheel drive. I hate fwd cars. Rear-wheel or all wheel is the only way to go on sports cars.

[@ryanmathews8648]

Accord 0-60 in 5.7 range, WRX low 5s and all wheel drive. Accord not going to compare.

[@stephane7484]

i just test the 2018.... OMG

[@dg7438]

They are getting pricey.Making u pay out the nose to get HID's and other things past 30 grand. A gti sport is a great deal w/ updated turbo down the road and it's a hatch

[@monkeypolicd]

wanna trade my gti for this car but i aint so sure since the gti such a fun car.

[@The_michael_xavier]

Traded my 14 GTI for a 2017 Wrx. Haven't looked back since.

[@Malik-jt8hi]

It’s a great car with a damn fine history but that interior is worse than the Impreza that costs $9,000 less

[@MrPlaidFace]

Anyone else here hate the stereo in this car?

[@29erfreak42]

The stock stereo sucks. The upgraded HK system is OK, but is still not as good as the aftermarket sound systems. I only got the HK so that I could get Eyesight. I'll replace the head unit soon. OH....and the navigation isn't so great, either.

[@theodorecooley]

can you get the recaro seats on the limited?

[@dakotaboone2038]

No

[@SomeAznGuy9]

Does the Limited come standard with push to start and keyless entry?

[@SomeAznGuy9]

Just found out they do :)

[@Tundra0128]

Yes. But they $30,000 premium does not. Its a rip off.

[@mzuzs6861]

Is the automatic transmission cvt ?

[@j.a.g.8689]

mohamd Luc yes but it's trash

[@magooch5]

I have the CVT and it works great.

[@SI0AX]

The CVT is better than the auto, the only thing is that people aren't going to like the sound because it stays at the same RPM so it technically doesn't "rev" and obviously doesn't ever shift. Edit: In other words, it sounds like high RPM cruising (maybe even drone) when under hard acceleration.

[@j.a.g.8689]

the CVT is the auto.......

[@magooch5]

The only time it doesn't "shift" is when you use launch control. If you put it in sport sharp it acts and sounds like a manual kind of. Its neat. But personally I would it rather not fake shift and just always be smooth and stay at the optimum torque range. But of course people complained so they added the fake shifts.

[@CrimsonSlayer7]

So do all trims come with hill start?

[@goldpony]

+CrimsonSlayer7 yup yup!

[@_baller]

are they hid headlights?

[@goldpony]

Limited trim get's LED's and base & Premium get's Halogens

[@kazkumail]

Does anyone know what this color of the car is called?

[@DeliciaTrini]

That doesn't look black. It looks like dark grey metallic. I asked the dealer, and at this point, they said that there are only 15 dark grey metallic limited editions 2018 WRX's in the US. More are on the way from Japan.

[@kazkumail]

DeliciaTrini Thank you, thats the answer i was looking for, not just black lol smh

[@marvinambeaujr2692]

Gain out of 3rd.

[@DeliciaTrini]

Is the color of the ca you're driving crystal black or dark grey metallic?

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Its too bad about the carbon build up on these econoboxes

[@Nonx47]

mikepartyboy look up egr delete for wrx

[@dontbeaculpus]

damn bro.. why are you so shaky?

[@goldpony]

+dontbeaculpus lots of Monster before reviews! 😁

[@dontbeaculpus]

lol.. good review dude.

[@zelix5]

*ultrasuede inserts