2022 Subaru WRX 3-Lap Review: It's Good, but Outclassed on the Track - Matt Farah

Road & Track editor at large Matt Farah got behind the wheel of the 2022 Subaru WRX at our 2023 Performance Car of the Year test. It's a great car, but not an extreme track machine.
*Ed note: The 2022 Subaru WRX wears Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 A tires. Not Bridgestones, as mentioned.
Full story here: www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a...
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[@giftedcracker]

The new fa24dit engine is lowkey a beast. I comes alive with a couple boltons and ethanol, easily reaching around 400 hp without blowing ringlands like the old EJs or bending conrods like the fa20s

[@prixinc1]

Can it similar numbers be achieved using just 91-93 octane gasoline?

[@giftedcracker]

@prixinc1 without mixing some ethanol the most Ive seen is around 350 hp. The only VBs ive seen making over 400 on regular gas have upgraded turbos.

[@prixinc1]

Gotcha debating on whether to get a new VB wrx this year. Heavily leaning towards getting one. I'd be happy with 350whp on one.

[@giftedcracker]

I dont have one yet either. Been doing a bunch of research on them tho. Im moving this summer and plan to get one then. Yeah i hear 350 is the sweet spot. Once you get over 400 torque you're pushing your luck on the transmission.

[@ak2112]

A much kinder review/impression than his canyon driving review. I'm guessing that presser he had in the canyons was BEAT.

[@WillowDailyShorts]

Agreed. I respect Matt 100% but something was off on his ST review of this car. The wife tells me "that's a cool looking car!" all the time ;)

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Taking cars on a track is almost always fun and will result in a more positive review. E.g. the initial "on track" reviews of the TLX Type S were really pretty glowing, but now that journos have had a go at them in the real world...starting to hear things like, from Matt, for example, that the engine and transmission are not good.

[@jimmyglea]

I’ve had my WRX GT for 6 months now. It’s way more fun than my wife’s Impreza but nowhere near as radical as my ‘15 STi was. That being said, it’s a far superior car for a guy in his 50’s.

[@mikey_gc8]

Hats off for staying true to the brand 🍺

[@Holtenstein]

I would like to see a track test where the WRX is designed for... The Dirt!!! Then lets see what outclasses it in that situation.

[@Xale-yt]

No RTV issues after track use?

[@prixinc1]

This may be apples to oranges comparison but which would be better for twisty road, occasional track use, fun to drive, Subaru WRX VB or Mazda Miata Mx-5 ND2? Wrx is more practical and powerful for sure but which will give you more pure driving experience and enjoyment?

[@donjohnson2428]

If you're looking for pure driving experience and enjoyment, definitely the Miata

[@fougetube]

I'm surprised they had you run it with all seasons. Really enjoyed my track day with the stock summers. Agree the weight transfer dynamics are great. Probably helps that the boxer engine brings the center of gravity lower. Pads and fluid are a must! And a tune, because these have no low end torque from the factory tune. Engine comes alive only closer to 4500+ rpm but only goes to 6000.

[@johnrobinson1328]

He misspoke. "*Ed note: The 2022 Subaru WRX wears Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 600 A tires. Not Bridgestones, as mentioned."

[@jasonmoyer]

The engine makes more torque at 2500rpm than at 4500+ rpm.

[@fougetube]

@@jasonmoyer you're right, it's a flat torque curve. But it's not enough. To me it feels like it cut out the benefits of having a turbo car. If you can't give me a high RPM redline, at least give me a really peaky low end torque. Thankfully a tune solves that.

[@WillowDailyShorts]

Enjoying mine!

[@ssamcobalt4956]

Pristine Edge

[@RichardJoashTan]

And I will buy a fully loaded 2022 Subaru WRX CVT anyway.

[@AntilleanConfederation]

This review needs some serious weight reduction.

[@Jfromes1]

Matt Farah isn't a good enough driver to be a judge of a vehicle's dynamics.

[@johnrobinson1328]

How would you know?

[@Brobocop]

@@johnrobinson1328 That's his wife.