2022 Subaru WRX - DM Review

Chris is happy he drove the 6-speed manual WRX a week prior to filming this CVT car, because it laid the foundation for an "okay" verdict. The WRX is a good car, and we like it, but Subaru: MAKE THE CHIME QUIETER.
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Music and graphics by Skyler Benn.
This video was filmed with in-ear, binaural microphones, so if you listen with headphones, it will sound like you're sitting in the driver's seat!
#subaru #wrx #gt

[@mart0225]

Hating on the CVT comes off as arrogant. A manual doesn’t suit everyone - even all WRX drivers. Subaru has great CVTs. They are extremely smooth. The cost to develop and test an automatic for just the WRX die-hard fanboys would be way too expensive for a vehicle in this price class. At that cost you might as well buy a class up. And even those vehicles are victims of price point compromises. Charlie is the voice of reason here.

[@superjimnz]

The CVT is also faster, unless you thrash the clutch... sure you might get a better 0-60, but only a few times before you need a new clutch.

[@07BSPtC]

The cvt is the one turn off for me. My wife doesn’t drive stick and I hate manual in ca traffic so if I go manual I’ll be driving everywhere if we take my car. Wish they had a dual clutch.

[@SnakeDr.]

🗑

[@halfaron]

I feel like you (and most reviewers) are ignoring the fact that Subaru puts a CVT in all of their vehicles. If they developed a different type of automatic just for this car, it would raise prices. Using a CVT here means they car reuse CVT technology they've used elsewhere and focus their efforts on a single type of automatic transmission. They chose to go the CVT route in all their cars. I wish they hadn't, but those are the facts.

[@challenger516]

You just set a bunch of words with no meaning. It just mean Subaru is cheap and saving money for using CVT.

[@azca.]

You just proved yourself wrong lmao.@@challenger516

[@jimmyglea]

What the hell is an “enthusiast”? If I’m to understand the logic, when I pulled into the dealership lot with my 6 speed ‘15 STi I was one. After I traded it for a ‘22 WRX GT, I’m no longer a Subaru enthusiast. The logic is stupid.

[@kirkwagner461]

CVT shift points: These exist because people nowadays equate strong pulls between shift points as "fast." Early CVTs did not have shift points and early test users "felt" that they were slow, even when all measurements proved that CVTs were faster (and more efficient) without shift points. And this still happens today. This WRX's "SPT" CVT often stops using shift points when going for high performance, and reviewers ALWAYS think something is wrong and think the car is going slower because of it. It will take a while for our mental wiring to get straightened out about this.

[@richardmahoney9415]

I never thought of it that way but this explanation makes sense alot of sense actually

[@superjimnz]

It's a car designed for Japan, where they don't even sell the manual.

[@braveheart9658]

People hate on the CVT which is understandable but they have a manual so quit complaining. Would rather much have this than an Elantra N or GTI in the winter.

[@BenTroxell]

Yeah except this is Golf R money lol

[@braveheart9658]

@@BenTroxell True, but I can't even find a golf r with msrp :(... Literally 15-20k mark ups and even the gti has 10k mark ups

[@BenTroxell]

@@braveheart9658 Nah man not every dealer is the same. I got my MK8 for $1200 under MSRP

[@andrewjohnson2553]

@@BenTroxell the VW by me has a Golf R listed for $67,000.

[@midwintertv5416]

Dude's just hating just to say something. Hot take: I know TONS of CVT owners and they love their cars. Who cares about what transmission you have? Everyone has their reasons for buying whatever they own.

[@azca.]

You're the only sane one. They came into the review already so negative. These guys are awful

[@murmsuniversalrobotics3938]

​@@azca.These guys are some of the most annoying 'reviewers' I've watched researching WRX VBs. Bitchy...that's how I'd describe them. It's funny how ignorant the bitchier guy was getting into the car.

[@StarlancerAstro]

It’s by far the fastest shifting cvt I’ve seen, that said it’s still a cvt. I own a 24 Outback wilderness and of course it’s a cvt but it’s more expected there. Cvts need to launch better, it’s really the worst feature.

[@cjhiggi6018]

Great car I just bought one, silver premium with sunroof and Harmon kardon and Sti exhaust. Blows rest of the generations away

[@sundude1232]

Same I have a white one it’s amazing to me 😂

[@MkArms1997]

I bought a silver one to , i fucking love it

[@tkto13]

But does it have a CVT 😮

[@andrewandrewandrew290]

I have the gt. I love it.

[@bcatchris]

I own this in a Premium Ignition Red SPT. It's really fun. All the different drive modes are great even in the non GT trim! Sport Sharp in Manual mode is really quick. It brakes different in sport sharp than in sport. This is my daily as I live in Ohio & remote start is great now that its 26 out. I put Michelin A/S 4's on it. Driving a 6MT in heavy stop/go traffic takes the enjoyment out of it ; this is the best of both worlds for me. You can hit red line in Manual mode anytime you want, then put it back in auto. I think its a great car & not enough people have driven it; especially not the new CVT. It's absolutely fine in the real world.

[@alex86devapath]

Same here for someone that drives in the NJ/NY area the heave traffic killed the fun of driving manual for me especially now that I am in my 30s and as patients as much as I was in my 20s.

[@kingcooleyiv]

I live in LA and I drive a 2018 STI. I am perfectly fine driving a manual in traffic and no one's traffic is worse then mine lol

[@loki_wolff]

I was thinking about getting one of these in red too. Looks good in that color! (Black probably my second choice) From the videos, the auto in this seems way snappier than the 7at in my 370z.

[@IsaiahEBelk]

Wait the premium ‘22 WRX’s come with remote starts?! That’s sweet if that’s the case

[@frankgentile5108]

I have this in wrb. I would not have bought a wrx if it was not an auto or cvt. I don't like manual cars. It's interesting how arrogant you guys seem to be reviewing this. The reason it's 44k or so is because there really is no competition for what this is. Golf r will not do well in the northeast or any pothole filled regions, s3 is the same as the golf r and both of these are 6 to 12k more if you can find them. The mini cooper all4 cooperworks is hard to find, cramped inside, and 7 or 8 k more. Oh and the challenger GT is harder to drive and park.. and harder to find. So keep trashing it.. it's the best option if you don't like ev and don't like manual trans

[@ValFinale]

Wut lmaooo. I had a gti in nyc lowered and did completely fine. Maybe learn to drive

[@Veyronp87]

I try to think who this car is for (CVT with all the luxury). You’re getting very close to A4/330i or same money as a TLX which I think are better all around. Think you’re better off with the cheaper manual WRX

[@andrewandrewandrew290]

Never tried the paddle shifters

[@deving3370]

Probably not many WRX owners cross shopping German sedans.

[@kennylam7618]

It does feel like a conventional automatic except for "comfort" setting for the transmission.

[@boxer4engine]

Great convos regarding the SPT transmission. I would love to test drive one and see how it drives

[@kushing8]

Good review guys. Head cameras don’t make good videos(makes a lot of us dizzy)get a proper set up and you’ll have more viewers

[@asdpoi121]

Like you guys but "enthusiast" is used a bit too much . People get it.

[@jonathanbishop6461]

You two are hilarious 😂. Love the review!

[@RollTide1111]

Which car should I get a 2023 MX5 or 2023 Prius? I know it’s weird to cross shop them but I can appreciate both for excelling at their intended goal. The MX5 is purely about fun while the Prius is focused on fuel efficiency and practicality. I’m leaning towards the MX5 because small lightweight manual cars won’t be around much longer.

[@officialyasir]

If you can make the Miata work for you then go for it! Personally, I just can't have a Miata as my only car, perfect 2nd car though.

[@MukisaSS]

I say get the mx5 while it’s still there.

[@BudderChicken101]

I’d say get the Prius so you can afford to get an older mx5 as a project car!

[@DailyMotor]

Get the MX5 right now for a steal going into winter. 2023 Prius will be overpriced and hard to find for another 12 months. In that time you'll find out if you can live with the Miata full time or you can sell it for not much more than you paid in the nice summer months. Unless you like in a warm climate, in which case, Miata is clear winner.

[@mynamejef7963]

@@DailyMotor nd1 vs nd2? It’s like a 5k difference

[@441meatloaf]

I think the car is grossly overpriced for a CVT model...even 2021 top trim CVT isn't this expensive. At this price, you could probably also afford a Lexus IS, Acura TLX, or even the basic Audi A4 model.....I don't think the pricing of this CVT justifies the market, considering elantra N is much cheaper. Also the new infotainment in all the new subaru is the worst offender. 90% of the bottom screen is useless, backup camera doesn't use it and i've seen the new backup camera resolutions. Its horrendous compared to the previous 6/8 inch infotainment system. It was crisper and easier to navigate. This is getting into too many menu and settings which is a hassle and doubt most people will touch it that often. As for the loud noise, yes below 2000 rpm on idle in cold start it makes that rumble. My 2021 does the same thing.

[@jralphroman]

The IS and TLX sells for way more money than the GT the A4 as slow if not slower then a Civic SI

[@441meatloaf]

@@jralphroman a4 o to 60 is about 6 secs the wrx is 5.7 secs or so. A4 ain't any slower plus with the price A4 is a much better upscaled luxury sedan Wrx gt usd is 42K. Base A4 is 39K and top line A4 is 50k. Base TLX 38K..Aspec is 47K and top TLX Is 53k Base IS is 43K with top trim edging around 48K So please tell me how are any of those other vehicles any more expensive than wrx other than TLX....for that price I rather pick the audi a4 at least it's a much refined vehicle and beats the wrx in fuel efficiency by miles with a better transmission and engine. A3 is also a consideration since top trim A3 KS cheaper than the wrx....

[@ValFinale]

@@441meatloafplaij jane a4 is boring as fuckkkk

[@justinopatz2334]

Very good honest review. While the manual is better, from a day to day livability aspect though, the cvt just works without much thought. The chime and default into sport mode is a mistake. The car should just start in the previously selected mode.

[@markovwms]

Y’all have some $exua! Tension. Handle that LOL

[@awdtrailbossgt]

😂🎯

[@pamd8811]

Good vid Charlie! Dad D and I enjoyed your review 😊

[@Kevin-jh2mr]

How is the real world mpg for the CVT version?

[@mistamaog]

They just did a video testing it, at least on the highway and managed to get 29mpg.

[@Kevin-jh2mr]

@@mistamaog Just saw that, it was impressive. Way better than the EPA ratings lol

[@Tretzye]

Can some one with experience please answer this question for me. Let’s say I go to a Subaru dealership right and I want to order my own custom wrx right keep in mind I have more then what the cars actually worth but I have ZERO credit score would they even bother trying to help me out or would they more then likely turn me away? But I have the money to pay it off that exact same day

[@Tretzye]

Basically would they order my wrx or would they just simply turn me away do to fact of having zero credit? Is it a 50 50 or a 0% shot?

[@DailyMotor]

You have the option to pay cash, you don't need to worry about financing at all.

[@seb5945]

Subaru's so ashamed of the CVT that they called it Subaru Performance Transmission. 🙄

[@Khaled-eo9mr]

Well they actually tuned and developed the CVT for the car

[@sneakhyperion9297]

Hoping they do a refresh on the exterior soon and add driving modes to the manual

[@user-sn1lu5yi6r]

FYI ....The take rate on manual WRX's, the new 2022-2024 WRX is over 80%.

[@BlackOps2Gamer123]

Does the eyesight block your vision of the windshield while driving?

[@meatpopsicle6244]

$43k RIP ☠️

[@jessejonathan47]

7:58 Central Transport. 😂 If you know, you know. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rightlanehog3151]

DM, It is bad enough that the WRX hot hatch is now SEDAN only but a Continuously Vexatious Transmission is beyond the pale. 🤨

[@mauriciogarcia4190]

It’s been sedan only since 2015

[@trapt29]

Wrong, the CVT pairs perfectly with this motor. Love mine

[@514aam]

The CVT is great, it has been great since the 2015 WRX, now it's even better. Love my CVT on the forester XT.

[@plightn]

I want it in hatch form :D guess that's the new Impreza RS. Their commitment to the CVT is really costing them sales. Also this Tesla sized screen is not going to age well, unlike the Mazda and circa 2015 BMW's.

[@mistamaog]

I wish we got the Levorg that other countries get, basically a WRX wagon. If we got that with the manual, it would be a must buy. Also their commitment to CVTs are really only hurting them with enthusiasts, not with normal buyers. They don't really know or care what type of auto they have.

[@plightn]

@@mistamaog You’re right on both counts.

[@mistamaog]

@@plightn Thanks! Having that wagon would be amazing 😭

[@tpolerex7282]

Also a big fan of sport wagons and the Levorg - I’ve owned a Bugeyes WRX wagon for 21 years. Interesting that I compared the specs of the Levorg and the Impreza RS and the latter actually has a tad more luggage capacity. I am looking forward to the driving reviews of it and it seems like it will be a competent, great handling hatch - kind of a 8/10s WRX. We just got out of a week in a brand new Forester Wilderness and was totally impressed with the drivetrain, including the CVT. Having the same/updated in the 500lb less and lower Impreza leaves me to believe it will more than suffice.

[@evoemperor3776]

Crosstrek looks good in red

[@dann1483]

I had your mom in mine yesterday. Not bad

[@markovwms]

43k I’d rather just get the Turbo Legacy and save thousands

[@pabloromo3921]

Yeah if you’re getting a car for straight like speed you’re already getting the wrong car if you get a Subaru lmao. The WRX has a drastically different suspension and driving feel.

[@loki_wolff]

I think the wrx will have a lot more driver focused handling versus the softer legacy. Also got the sport wheel and seats.

[@dann1483]

You sir are delusional and probrably can’t even afford a base civic

[@ydmf2]

Tail lights look like a second gen Chevy Volt if you squint. 😁

[@Trance88]

I think its a great looking car. The performance seems amazing. What's not amazing is the fuel economy and the PRICE. At this point, I would only buy an EV or something that gets more than 35mpg highway.

[@mistamaog]

I've heard some people with the manual have been able to get 30+mpg on the highway cruising

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, In the future, you might want to "set aside your prejudices" before you call the owners knobs. 😁

[@DailyMotor]

Can I set aside my prejudices and then call them knobs?

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DailyMotor Be my guest.

[@williamlong2682]

Wow I think this is the most disagreement I’ve seen from you guys in this new review format. I can understand wanting to offer AN automatic of SOME sort, but what still rubs me the wrong way is Subaru locking out features like the Recaros and adaptive dampers to the auto-only GT trim. Enthusiasts aren’t gonna buy that, literally and figuratively.

[@Eric_Bassett]

LOVE the car, but ive got to say this... The rear end reminds me of like the 2014 era honda civics LOL.

[@revefamilyvideos3018]

These GTs I feel like they will depreciate quickly

[@jombeemeanstroke6426]

lulz, "what's your inseam?"

[@Kevin83184]

Why a cvt???? Nooooooo

[@johneldridge1345]

Some constructive criticism here guys. You really need to have an organised script etc like the big channels. There's a lot of fluff and filler with too much unwanted, and to be honest, bad humour. And a very disjointed view... hence the poor views you have received.

[@DailyMotor]

We appreciate the feedback! We'd rather get fewer views and make content we enjoy.

[@geraldboylan5635]

So u not a fan of the CVT in the wrx , I can guarantee 100% is better then the CVT in my 2013 Legacy Premium. ( it’s jus my old daily , but it’s does a lot of crazy stuff ) lol . I can’t dis it cause it’s 10 years old with 260,000 and owes me nothing . But … I just ordered a 2023 Wrx limited #loyalsubaruowner20years!

[@so5532]

Spot on!!

[@officialyasir]

I'm only watching this review for the laughs. I truly hate Subaru for ruining this car in so many different ways.

[@mistamaog]

Weird reason to watch a video

[@officialyasir]

@@mistamaog guess you never watched a comedy show before..

[@mistamaog]

@@officialyasir You said you "truly hate Subaru for ruining the car" so how would it be funny to watch a review of someone that made you so mad?

[@officialyasir]

@@mistamaog I’m long past the mad part, it’s funny to see this clown car exists. The top ‘performance’ model is the GT trim which only comes with ‘Subaru performance transmission with paddle shifters’ which is a CVT transmission 😅😂….and this is the only you trim can get adjustable dampers 🤣….for $44k 😂😂😂😂

[@dann1483]

You’re trashing a car you probrably can’t even afford. Ha!

[@kerry_runs]

Why not manual? Why bother getting this car in a cvt? It’s akin to marrying your cousin, technically you can but should you? No.

[@azca.]

Awful review. You already came into the video so negative. I would prefer a more unbiased and objective take. I will be disliking this. Thank you.

[@mythowrose2742]

The Mazda 3 turbo does everything better for cheaper. It’s faster and more efficient. + awd

[@tee-bone2513]

It is indeed not faster. Have you even looked at the Mazda 3 specs?

[@Martyvison]

What’s up chuckle

[@SnakeDr.]

CvT seems 🥱