2022 Subaru WRX Review - Has The WRX Been Ruined?

[@Veyronp87]

im not a subaru fan at all - but i applaud them for making a 30k enthusiast car still

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

This I got my 22 base for $28k 2.9%. Is it the best car out? No but very affordable blank canvas everything else has become double the price. I'm full bolt ons making 400 whp for around $3k holding strong 38k miles

[@steve8803]

@@FATmenDRIVEtrucks I hope you have an sti transmission on standby if you want to continue to push that kind of power through it. The glass transmission is the reason why I won't modify mine.

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

@steve8803 yup I don't launch it or shift fast running motul fluid. My buddies have gotten lots of miles out of modded VA same transmission. I've always said keep Subarus stock but got bored lol. We'll see I drive a lot

[@steve8803]

@@FATmenDRIVEtrucks Exactly. It's kind of point to have that power when you have to baby it.

[@Konformation07]

​​@@steve8803I'm making more (417 whp and 421 wtq) and it's been fine on the stock transmission and I beat the shit out of mine. I intend on switching to an STI gearbox at some point but 400 whp and wtq has been done on many cars with the stock gearbox.

[@Ohmywrx]

I actually like the new styling the plastic cladding really grows on you over time it’s just one of those things that looks better in person. The wrx looked the same for 7 years nobody could tell the difference but this one you can instantly tell it’s a 22-23+ WRX and distinguish it from the rest. I do think it should’ve came with a STI wing as it makes this look so much better (after installing one).

[@jeff346]

Agree , as a VA owner, the Vb looks ugly at first but it keeps growing on me, the car looks wayyy better in person then looking at photos

[@chadbrown7648]

@@jeff346love my 22 great driving car and they can make power so easy

[@Vecc-tq3fb]

@@jeff346 hmm..... NAH!! I've seen some nice jobs guys have done with them. Get rid of that ugly cladding! That horrendous bumper. All those upgrades end up costing close to 4 grand! i guess why?? Wait till subaru fixes it and hopefully they get it right. Like you; I try to like it. I just can't justify spending 4 to 5 k to make a new car look good.

[@churchofbrap876]

I got the base model, did lowering springs, some 18's with sticky rubber, and an exhaust to get just a bit better sound. Makes a fun and inexpensive daily driver. In winter i put snows on the stock wheels and she rips when its slick out.

[@aaromon43]

in base form, it's still an incredible awd-turbo-manual value for $29k in today's market. i'd much prefer the GRC but not for $10-15k more!

[@Vision33r]

Nope, for $27k you can buy a 2019 STI.

[@MK3504]

​@@Vision33rgood luck with that also, the Sti is glass

[@KTH96]

​@@Vision33rUsed VA STIs are high 30s to low 40s now.

[@racsowang]

I still think WRX offers great value for the price. At 30k-35k it offers turbo flat-4, AWD, all the tech features, and warranty. It is a sporty car that you can use and enjoy all year round.

[@xtrekrex]

The VB doesn’t need BBKs to drastically improve brake feel. A pair of street/track pads like EBC Yellowstuff, SS brake lines, better rotors, and DOT4 will drastically improve brake feel and reduce brake fade. BBKs will only truly shine at the track if you’re gonna be doing a lot of laps.

[@naldovaz9157]

Been driving my 2023 WRX for a month, 2500 miles now. Happy to be driving a manual transmission again, so much control and so easy and smooth in this WRX. Power is just fine as a daily driver and of course a tune and exhaust coming, l had no problem with brakes and many compare to track use, mine is a daily so... l live in Montana so lots of mountains passes and dirt roads and plenty snow. l love the grip of the awd. Confidence. This car loves to be pushed and hustles no problem. So far l am happy with this car, having fun really. Gears are on the short side, perfect.. blasting thru the gears at legal speeds hahaha, needs more noise. And room for my mountain bike, What more can l ask for. as for the black plastic around the car, l like it because l drive on dirt roads and protects the car, getting mud flaps and steering wheel first up grades

[@Imprezalove]

The 2023 WRX is the best car I have ever owned. It is my 4th Subaru. Best car they have ever made imo. The limited trim doesn’t need anything. The car is so good stock that I’m really in zero hurry to do anything to it. Ride height is perfect for daily driving, springs and damper stiff enough, VDC and TCS work smoothly if you’re not just trying to floor it in the corners (system gets more involved), perfect seats, lumbar support, moon roof, BLACK. Perfection.

[@JacobMueller]

The comments are great: All I did was coilovers, wheels and tries, a tune, and a full exhaust and it makes the car pretty fun to drive.

[@elsicario7359]

you are right, i happy with my vb and have proof no need for fancy parts to win race. there is proof in intial D there is takumi Ae86 that has LSD like STI and there is itsuki Ae85 without LSD like WRX. but guess what! driver takumi drive ae85 without lsd and beat a silvia in a race. see you do not need fancy parts to win races, new wrx can beat any other car be it STI, type R, Gr corolla, GTR, as long as driver good, takumi prove that.

[@goldenboy8249]

This car really shines with coilovers and a simple tune. Ive driven both GR Corolla and the new wrx w/ coilovers and a tune, and i think the wrx is definitely underrated. I would have a hard time choosing between the two...plus Subaru just released the TR trim with brembos! I think a WRX TR with coils, wheels + tires, intake, and 93 accessport tune would put it right in line with a GR circuit in terms of price.

[@93455Driver]

Seems like there is a good inventory of regular WRXs, maybe a chance of deal leaving more money for some aftermarket parts and figment.

[@ciello___8307]

Also, brakes

[@elsicario7359]

you are spot on right! happy knowing my vb can beat any car out there and i have proof, there is proof in intial D there is takumi Ae86 that has LSD like Gr corolla or STI and there is itsuki Ae85 without LSD just like WRX. but guess what! driver takumi drive ae85 without lsd and beat a silvia in a race. see you do not need fancy parts to win races, new wrx can beat any car be it sti, evo, gr corolla, gtr, as long as driver good, takumi prove that.

[@Monkeydoge]

tuning is a great option on these, imo just go conservative with a lower amount of boost for some more reliable power. i’d get that, an exhaust, and some brakes and be happy

[@GmonTM]

I love my 2023 WRX. It’s so fun to drive and really does inspire confidence. I don’t mind the plastic fenders. It makes it hurt less taking the car off road into gravel, knowing that most of the body that will be hit by rocks is plastic

[@diallo1347]

I'm actually fine with the fender flares since I live in the mountains and like to take the car on gravel/dirt backroads like it was intented. The factory tune is the way better than the VA, and the tuning potential is greater with improved reliability.

[@ak2112]

I like it. Hated the design when it was announced but I keep seeing an orange one and a sapphire blue one locally and I really like how they look. If I needed 4 doors, I'd probably have one.

[@speeddemon311]

Great review, and once again getting an honest review about the cars actuall capabilites!👍

[@prestonwells9465]

This car does not personally appeal to me but love the reviews man. Been enjoying your channel. Never get tired of the S2K content though.

[@deving3370]

I love my 23'. It's fantastic as a fun as hell daily driver.

[@elsicario7359]

you not need LSD to win a race. there is proof in intial D there is takumi Ae86 that has LSD like STI and there is itsuki Ae85 without LSD like WRX. but guess what! driver takumi drive ae85 without lsd and beat a silvia in a race. see you do not need fancy parts to win races, new wrx can beat any other car as long as driver good, takumi prove that.

[@jonahchaney4691]

Not too sure why everyone hates the fender flares sooooo much. It's a barrier between the road/dirt/mud/snow, from your paint.

[@karmahunden]

I love the Elantra N because it has all the fun exhaust pops and power, plus some lovable stuff that makes it satnd out like the N logos. But at the end of the day, as a true family car, driving a manual w/ kids distracting you in the back, will make you hit a couple of curbs or potholes… going to parks or hiking trails will merit a bit of gravel… so the ground clearance and cladding are welcomed and the awd is cherry on top. The EN is a 9/10 and the WRX is a 8.1/10, but for a dad, it ends up being a 9.1/10

[@BambinoFilipino1]

Since brakes were the main issues, do you plan to test drive the TR version?

[@andye2687]

I just traded in my 2022 crosstrek base for a 22 wrx base. This time, i left my wife at home, lol. The crosstrek base had heated seats, the wrx doesn't. It's not a big deal. Definitely a fun car to drive, I love it.

[@doingmorewithless2401]

New wrx will shit on any previous ones.

[@lemontea576]

Didn't Savagegeese put this on a dyno and showed that it made peak torque almost immediately compared to the last WRX? Interesting that that wasn't your experience. Rev hang is also pretty much gone compared to the last gen

[@93455Driver]

Great value especially if you can haggle a little. WRX is way more practical than the GRC, but that 3 cylinder engine, trick AWD, and amazing brakes are awesome out the gate in the GRC. I am not a fan of the flat 4 engine noise :/

[@ivannachoo]

Hopefully, the new WRX TR remedies the brake feel.

[@samael1981]

The VB WRX is hands down the best WRX ever built.

[@chadbrown7648]

People don’t get it till they drive one test drove mine and bought it on the spot

[@MR_FACEFACE]

Bold statement - love it. I have one and don't think so - but it seems pretty great!

[@elsicario7359]

you are right! happy with my vb knowing i can beat any other car without fancy parts. i have proof, there is proof in intial D there is takumi Ae86 that has LSD like STI and there is itsuki Ae85 without LSD like WRX. but guess what! driver takumi drive ae85 without lsd and beat a silvia in a race. see you do not need fancy parts to win races, new wrx can beat any other car be it Sti, Evo, Gr corolla, GTR as long as driver good, takumi prove that already.

[@pascutia]

I think it’s an awesome deal for what it is nowadays. The newer engine may not make any more power than the last gen, but the engine is so much smoother and with way less rev-hang. And it’s available, unlike what I’ve been hearing about the Civic Si. I loved the MK7 GTI, but I can’t warm up to the interior in the new one. Plus, living in Michigan the proper Subaru AWD is awesome.

[@jmtcol5280]

I can throttle pretty easy from 1,500 rpm up in my VB at 5k altitude.? 22k miles in, such an awesome fun car.

[@dsubversion]

It's a simple daily that's fun to drive for it's price range, but not a performance weapon. It's decent choice if you can deal with quirky WRX model lines

[@OsightblinderO]

Stock block holds 650whp without internals.

[@dsubversion]

@@OsightblinderO will the stock transmission hold up past 70K miles?

[@freytheviking]

It's funny cause I got rid of mine because it was too unrefined haha.

[@OsightblinderO]

Twin scroll, electronic wastegate stock, thicker rods, biggest power gains of any car in its class, stock block that can sustain 650whp. Too unrefined. Spoken like someone who has no clue.

[@freytheviking]

Spoken like a person who is used to driving nicer cars. I owned a 2015 for 3 years and it had terrible road noise also the suspension is shit in Midwest pothole infested roads. It just wasn’t the right balance of fun and refinement for me personally.

[@richiesworld1]

What i wanna know is, why TF does the manual miss out on rear air vents? WTF man 😤

[@Pogona2011]

I did a quick test drive comparison on a familiar somewhat twisty road vs my 23 6MT integra. i was surprised to find my car more agile and quick to respond. the subaru felt less agile-and i suspect the no power under 3000 rpm is what i felt. might have to test the subaru again given that,

[@timothy-ha]

The recently announced TR has 6 piston front Brembos and stiffer springs... hopefully will be less than $43k or it'll start approaching type R pricing

[@ShaiyanHossain]

unless you needed the awd in the deepest of the snow belt, i don't see why you wouldn't get an elantra N over this

[@bruce_son]

Then it’ll rust like crazy in the snow like typical Subarus

[@shinn43]

but muh Subaru rally legacy /s

[@Veyronp87]

agree, E-N clears this by far.

[@KTH96]

Because Elantra Ns in my area were being marked up 5k and the Subaru dealer across the street had WRXs at MSRP and gave you 2k off if you asked pretty please. Even with markups out of the equation, AWD put the WRX in a class of its own. Rocketing out of corners in pouring rain without so much as a hiccup from the traction control never gets old.

[@MK3504]

I got my EN at MSRP. If you can get the WRX at 28K it's an awesome choice. If you're a 0-60 bro then it makes even more sense. The fA24 is a beast

[@macula_]

Compared to the new BRZ, would you say the ride is comfier on the WRX for daily driving?

[@Ar1zonaGreenTea]

Coming from someone that had the brz, yes!

[@BTDrgonzo]

Many reviews of the FA20 describe it as pulling timing and producing inconsistent levels of power. Did you notice those traits during your time behind the wheel of the FA 2.0WRX’s? And if so does the 2.4 at least fix those possible issues?

[@Vision33r]

Savagegeese says it correctly about the FA20. Subaru has been so bad at ECU tuning that it's requirement to buy AccessPort to have the a good tune to save the car. Subaru can't even properly tune the car for fuel savings or performance. The FA24 atleast has received much better marks for the ECU tuning produces much more linear power.

[@Zygrene]

I didn't notice any inconsistent power behavior during my short drives of the VA and VB generations.

[@ciello___8307]

No its much better with the fa24

[@ogpunkbuster]

As a previous owner of fa20 WRX modded to the moon, the fa24 is miles better...and it's not even close.

[@royaltyallen1162]

Whats the name of the road?

[@GT-RTData9]

Any plans to eventually review a 2.0 Supra?

[@Zygrene]

I would, but don't know a single person with a 2.0 Supra

[@Vision33r]

It's a let down because the WRX has been around for almost 2 decades and the improvements are so minor every 3-4 years you're getting barely much changes over the WRX 3-4 gen ago. If you bought a 2009 WRX Wagon that was probably the last major change having a wagon. But since the wagon was discontinued and the brought out the new FA motor. The power was bumped up but the car haven't had any major revisions. If you compare other cars like the Hyundai Elantra GT which has made leaps and bounds ever 2-3 years.

[@churchofbrap876]

I've owned every generation. To me, they've gotten better handling each generation, and also a little sportier feeling, but also uglier. My favorite looks-wise was my 2014 STI hatch. But performance wise I really like the newer ones.

[@speeddemon311]

Stink eye is peak imo! Definitely best looking in that generation, and it had the classic rumble we all love!

[@mengx94]

Noooo, its a way better car than the gr corollaaaa

[@Zygrene]

Hmm... probably a better daily but the GRC is more fun on a back road IMO

[@Konformation07]

​@@ZygreneIt is and it should be. The GRC is more like the STI.

[@jeffb1013]

Love this car, such a fun driving experience

[@greeenteeee]

You must be in SoCal off the 210

[@greeenteeee]

Yup confirmed. At 5 minute mark

[@ka124as]

Likely better than the wrx. But not the sti.

[@RichLion]

Great car for mum and dad. That is all.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

No doubt completely ruined

[@hongkong322]

I will never get over the dirty diaper diffuser

[@alane1000]

the design team at subaru arent car ppl

[@Jmab-rv7jc]

Just say it!😂. In stock form.. its really ugly 🤣

[@ClydeFog]

ruined!