2022 Subaru WRX Turbo AWD Sport Sedan Review

[@jimmyglea]

I ordered a WRX GT yesterday. (Shout-out to Grand Junction Subaru, one of the only dealers for 100’s of miles NOT charging over MSRP!!!) I get it, the manuals are more fun, the horsepower hasn’t changed much, and the interior is very Subaru. However, that’s exactly what I want out of this car. I’m almost 50 with a bad left leg and my wife can’t drive a stick, so the CVT is the only option for us. We’re both lifelong Subaru fans and a “sporty” car with features close enough to my wife’s Impreza to minimize the learning curve for her is incredibly important. That being said, a “sporty” car that has more punch than her Impreza is important to me. I went with the GT because of the ride dampers, a feature I wish Subaru offered on all the trim levels, because a stiff ride is painful after a few miles. My old STi was an amazing rocket ship I used to carve the canyons and mountain passes with, and I’ll forever remember and love that car. So, I get it my young, fellow “hooners”, I used to be you…the new WRX is “boring”, soft, and not quite what we’d all like to see…but to Subarus credit, they keep producing reliable vehicles that are accessible to ALL their fan base, even the older disabled ones. Thank you, Subaru!

[@ShadowBend]

Locking the dampers and Recaro seats to the CVT only model is such a shame. Really short sighted there. Great review as always!

[@calebjared75]

They did a “oops revision” to the 2012 WRX, let’s make enough noise to make Subaru bring manual transmission to the top trim in 2023

[@mikeoxlong3676]

Yeah I don't understand why they keep stiffing manual drivers. This car is THE manual vehicle. Why the hell would anyone want this with the cvt?

[@ShadowBend]

@@calebjared75 You're right, and I really hope so. I would consider a more base WRX with the Recaro seats and better dampers. I wouldn't consider a CVT in any vehicle, certainly not an AWD performance sedan.

[@JDMEXforme]

Now youll see soccer moms drivint this because its automatic. Smfh.

[@JosephDragunov]

I MEAAAN why not put in your own seats if you're ba manual enjoyer who has special taste.

[@TheCldmstrsn]

"Will there be an STI... of course there will be!" Subaru would like a word with you sir.

[@mallninja12]

This comment didn't age well

[@howardkahn4330]

no STI pay attention!

[@ericadams4101]

@@mallninja12 maybe he was talking about syphilis

[@rs3tuber425]

I just want to let you know that you have one of the best channels on KZbin. Your presentations are very concise and clear, the angles, the narrative and the variety of test that you do. When you speak you are not annoying to listen to but instead very informative. keep up the good work.

[@tahsin28]

The GT trim can go and flark itself

[@edwardgrant69]

Guardians of the galaxy huh?

[@hermatred572]

Or you can grow up and accept the recaros

[@andyzedd3236]

@@hermatred572 I accept the Recaros how do I reject the CVT?

[@lucian7182]

That’s funny I recommended the gt trim to my grandmother .

[@squidproquo2241]

"The GT trim can go and flark itself" And, so yourself.

[@patonbike]

There are so many 2022 WRX haters but how many 6 speed manual turbo AWD cars you can buy for way under 30k (base model)? Not to mention symmetrical AWD.... I am pretty sure Subaru is THE ONLY option, even ignoring the engine orientation. A great, fun car at an excellent value.

[@ogpunkbuster]

Thats what im saying haha people hating like they can get MT awd for cheaper than a subbie. If the fa24 is like the fa20 from previous wrx then its gonna be awsome!!! Fa20 360whp all day no problem.

[@ianholmquist8492]

They weren't way under 30k before, maybe barely under for a base model. And the new ones will definitely be over 30k

[@akidim13]

There’s no denying the mechanical aspect, but thing looks like a civic/Corolla

[@Clodrock]

“Imagine Dragons…We can’t have that.” LOL.

[@PNWDOM]

Picked my '22 WRX up yesterday. Only dislike so far are the USB-A ports. Everything else has ben great. Definitely turned a few heads.

[@andreyv1]

USB-A in 2022 is just wrong.

[@bikesbeardsbeers94]

I always look forward to your new car reviews! Thanks for bringing us such great content as always! I think it’s a pretty sharp looking sedan, especially in that classic WR Blue.

[@jaybou007]

"Unfortunately, it's playing Imagine Dragons. Can't have that!" I laughed. :)

[@kenhoward3512]

As for being so proud of their new CVT "Performance Transmission," Subaru seems to be keeping it out of the hands of reviewers, so far.

[@tommyboydmd9941]

I couldn't agree more that this was likely Subaru's last chance to really show what was possible with the WRX/STi before all goes electric. However, given what the disappointing horsepower/torque numbers on the '22 WRX look like with the bigger engine and a scaled back turbo, I don't see the new STi emerging with anything close to the 400hp everyone keeps wishing for. I think Subaru's number one priority here is keeping costs down

[@RandyAugustus]

I disagree. The 'rexs have always been about tuning. The outgoing EJ is old as dirt, and the previous models' FA20 was like a hamster on ecstasy. By throwing a larger motor w/ the same turbo (presumably) tuners have more headroom to play w/. As for the STi. I'm pretty sure those are loss leaders for them. About the only thing they do well is get you around in bad weather. Thay said, I'm pulling the trigger on a '21 Sti. As the sti always looks like it's slower brother, and they are fugly this go around.

[@davelospinoso9022]

@@RandyAugustus agreed. The torque curve on the 22 vs 21 is amazingly improved

[@charlesknight5140]

Showing LOVE for the channel thank you for another great video once again. Have a Blessed day everyone

[@mikeoxlong3676]

I'd love one of these with 8.7" of ground clearance like my Crosstrek.... Or a crosstrek with some horsepower. Sucks that Subaru is going away from manuals in the crosstrek.

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

Yes, Crosstrek with a turbo would be ideal.

[@michaelxcx]

@@TheTamrielDrunkard actually , the 2.5 that comes in the crosstrek now is near perfect, real TQ down low. shame its only offered with CVT

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

@@michaelxcx yeah I've test driven it and it was an absolutely needed improvement.. but I would love a crosstrek that does 0-60 in 5-6 seconds haha

[@pruett89]

And this comment is why they designed it how they did! People want the off-roading look with the power! I don’t like it that much but it’s clear the market for this car exists with in the Subaru following and probably from other segments too

[@kenhoward3512]

@@pruett89 It's not just about "the off-roading look" with the Crosstrek, but the fact that it's a hatchback, with more utility. That is what most people want, these days, rather than a sedan with fender cladding.

[@extraordinarywolf320]

I own a 21 WRX base in blk and I will get the 22 WRX limited, I'm not concern if it is ugly on the rear end, That motor has potential...Possible last gen before they go hybrid.

[@pruett89]

The front end looks really good! I love it from the front, especially in blue

[@tomrakusan1179]

😊

[@davidpalmer9407]

The Giant Ipad stuck in the middle just completely ruins the car before you even get to the crosstrek exterior

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, I noticed you fit in the back seat which is odd because shorter reviewers than you were rubbing the top of their head. I guess having Legs and Torso Proportionate™ is a gift that keeps on giving! It seems odd that the one company that can still sell hatches and wagons in abundance does not make a WRX hatch anymore.

[@802Garage]

A lot of reviewers like to malign rear seating room as if it's a badge of honor. I've had people over 6 feet in the back seat of my first gen Imprezas and they fit fine. These cars are significantly larger.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@802Garage Please watch the 6 foot tall host of Alex on Autos to SEE the problem.

[@802Garage]

@@rightlanehog3151 I just watched. Looks like he fits fine. Not sure what the big deal is? It's a small sedan. How often will you have 5 people over 6 feet in it? Again, I've fit 5 fully grown men in my first gen Impreza for 2+ hour trips. This really isn't a big deal. If that's your primary duty for the car, I recommend something bigger.

[@SolamenteVees]

To be fair, the Limited trim (for 2021) was available in two different sub-trims; the Pkg 21 and the upgraded Pkg 22, which adds the HK audio, Navigation and BSD/RCTA. This added ~ $2,000 to the base MSRP. No details as of 12-20-21 about pricing or packages on the 2022 WRX.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Thanks for the first drive, Ryan. Looking forward to your own drive in your own hometown. As well as the first look and first drive of the new and improved STI(Which is what we're all waiting for). As it may replace our '17 at some point.

[@SenorGato237]

Yes, but how does it look with a giant vape cloud coming out when you open the doors?

[@rexfloyd2109]

It’s growing on me, last gen def looked better imo

[@zachv8286]

Great review. It looks much better in this review than it initially did upon unveil. I'm not pleased with the power output, though -- it may be sufficient for what it is, but we all want to see the WRX put pressure on the performance sedan class like it once did long, long ago. Nonetheless, I believe the WRX will continue to sell well.

[@steve8803]

It does put pressure on its class competitors, considering they are mainly the civic si and vw gti/gli.

[@ciello___8307]

for the price point? its fine. The STI which is more expensive, should be the one that pushes that horsepower number

[@ZibrayMusic]

I agree with the power output statement but the fact that it's running 4psi less boost then the previous gen makes it much more tunable. The whole engine has been improved with better parts so the potential in this is kuch higher than before.

[@basslover352]

​@@steve8803 GTi is actually just as fast in a straight line as the WRX. Not with a good launch from the WRX of course but roll race is neck and neck. This is also shows in trap speeds of 1/4 mile. Both are 101mph according to car and driver. Both dyno at the 240's at the wheels.

[@steve8803]

@@basslover352 the new VB WRX with the 2.4t is a monster! Stock baselines are dynoing at 270. People are getting 400hp out of a couple of bolt ons and pro tune. Obviously the biggest advantage the WRX has over the gti once you add all that power is traction.

[@premalone8267]

Aftermarket about to make a fortune in aesthetics mods lol

[@officialyasir]

I really hate Subaru for ruining the wrx over the years!!

[@smithboat]

Makes me love my 2020 WRB STI so much more.

[@ianholmquist8492]

Same here, glad I bought one before they ruined them

[@jaymyke88]

Man, I was super excited to buy my first brand new Off White WRX, I just saw what the 2022's look like... Now I'm trying to find the 2020/21 bodystyle with next to 0 miles...

[@deviouslaw]

These type comments are every single generation and so predictable

[@sirkus34]

I picked up a 2022 Limited today. I remember seeing this review when it first aired and loved the look of the car. It took almost 6 months to find one. I'm excited to see you test it on the off-road track. :D

[@TheBabadush]

I've been a WRX fan all of my life. Between the new styling and the "performance cvt", sadly I can't say I'm real into them anymore. I'm not sure what's going on with Subaru but they need to get their sh*t together.

[@K03sport]

...your can still get a manual, in the base, but you also give up niceties, like those seats...

[@user-vh9fn2qg6v]

Amen brother

[@4doors671]

Trying to appeal to the masses. The Car is larger, less nimble, smaller hoodscoop, ugly infotainment.

[@bajarekn]

You looking so surprised that the shifting is pretty good but "a little cabley, which is a typical Subaru trait" makes me think that they could have put more effort into it. With the majority of WRX buyers choosing manual, they should focus on making it amazing. A return to shift rods seems welcome.

[@IronmanV5]

They need to put that drivetrain, with the stick, in the Crosstrek

[@edsmith9855]

I would consider the CX-30 and Mazda 3 turbo competitors. They have nearly as much horsepower and AWD, while being probably more oriented to normal driving. I think the appeal will come down to pricing. if they can get the manual premium in low 30 and the GT mid 30s, it should sell. Anything more expensive becomes problematic. There are also FWD only competitors coming online like the Hyundai Kona, Elantra, and Veloster turbo models.

[@patonbike]

No manual transmission in AWD models for Mazda though. Look at existing pricing you can get a premium for under $30k if you are patient, I am sure you can do it even under $29k.

[@pogtuber5146]

"AWD" isn't a catch-all term for driving experience, though. Subaru's AWD system is perfectly symmetrical and the manual models are physically controlled.

[@samleary2733]

Love you reviews. Very good review, also very entertaining

[@Oats57]

I like the new WRX with the exception of the center stack. There’s no reason to have a screen that big. To me, the Crosstrek has the best center stack of all Subarus. Nice and simple with manual controls for heat/ac.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Agree 100% that screen looks grossly out of proportion in the WRX. I'm hoping by the time car supply/demand/prices settle down, the next gen of vehicles will have a swing back to more buttons and less screen-based controls.

[@802Garage]

The BRZ and many other older Subaru models as well. 3 knobs for climate control is THE way to do climate control.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

@@802Garage Agree 100% I also think the BRZ HVAC/dash layout looks good/better than just a big screen. I think there's a sweetspot for dashboard design that I hope will become the trend, where we have fully digital speedo/instrument displays, knobs and buttons for radio and HVAC, hard buttons for drive/shift modes, and a nice big, but not all encompassing, integrated screen for phone interface/back up cameras/mapping and duplicate radio controls.

[@802Garage]

@@ragweedmakesmesneeze I'm getting old school I guess, but I still prefer an analog speedo and tach. I don't mind a digital speed readout as well, a la the BRZ. Also fine with a digital center gauge display, as long as it's not overly bright. One issue I have with digital displays is the eye strain at night. Hard to nail that as well as good visibility. That said, I don't have tons of experience with them. Overall definitely agree with you though. HVAC and most common radio functions should have physical controls. Only "smart" features, video feeds, and extra performance or monitoring stats should be exclusively touch screen. Also, any car with a touch screen that has bad Android/iPhone integration is a huge no. Dead tech in the future.

[@Eric10301]

Woof at that base model screen briefly shown. It looks like 2 kindle screens from about 10 years ago

[@janoskovacs11]

Thank you for the video! It’s a nice Christmas present!

[@chrislangstaff]

Good review as always Ryan. I'll be 'that guy' and complain that this car looks like ass lol Its like they tried to make it look as boring as possible. Not exactly the WRC wannabe car of yesteryear.

[@limpunsing224]

The WRX wagon I saw in New Zealand is shicker & more practical than a sedan Hopefully, they bring back the wagon stateside

[@Wynorrific]

Sadly the STi will not be coming for another 2 or 3 years. Subaru is really testing the waters with the WRX and the STi is going to refine on its issues. Both mechanically and design wise

[@mattheviewer]

A good, thorough and helpul review! Nice that the new WRX drives well! A pity Subaru infotainment remains sluggish and verbose.

[@NotCleverlyNamed]

“I don’t want to have a conversation with my car about it.” 😂 This is so relatable, in so many ways.

[@michaelcariaso6080]

What a great review. I loved this video.

[@Natedoc808]

I love the manual transmission doesn’t have all the soccer mom crap. Just give me a fast, good handling car, with a good sound system and comfortable seats so we can hit the freaking gas while pumping some AC/DC

[@anmcclo9731]

nice front grill and i always, like the hood air intake system

[@max63986]

I don't understand why manufacturers insist on having the whole nav package and whatnot. Just give me good Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration since that's what 95% of everyone is going to be using anyways.

[@robschilke]

Fascinating they used the 2008-2014 WRX logo on the headrest and not the lettering from the 2015+ badge .

[@sssnake2332]

Scoffs at Imagine Dragons and Grateful Dead.... Haha you just alienated half the audience! Also used "good" when he should have said "well", but says "well" correctly a minute later. I've noticed this in previous videos, where his assistant did the same thing in the same video. :)

[@drivingsports]

Have you not heard "Touch of Grey" enough yet? Lol.

[@jonm.678]

It should have more power. Base WRX should be 300 hp and STI should be 400hp. If you want a commuter turbo- get a Legacy XT. Edit: they should have brought back the hatchback. Crossovers and SUVs are crazy- and the hatchback WRX would destroy the competition- no one would buy a GTI/Veloster etc over a WRX hatch. But once again Subaru fails to read what the fans really want

[@K03sport]

...what is the compression ratio of this FA24 in the WRX? Does it use 87 or 93 octane? Did they make the numbers "low" to give more headroom to the upcoming STi?

[@jonm.678]

@@K03sport we have no idea- but yes 93 octane is what it takes

[@RPotter95]

@@K03sport My understanding is that the HP is low because their CVT can't handle any more.

[@SolamenteVees]

@@jonm.678 The WRX (2015-2021) recommended 91 octane. The last-gen STI did want 93 octane though... I'd be shocked if the 2022 WRX required 93 octane.

[@drivingsports]

It requires 91.

[@logicturtle9838]

will probably be able to eliminate that understeer with a $200 rear stabilizer bar.

[@chadhuxington690]

Does it come in mens?

[@wrzl1675]

Good ole Subaru Tom Tom nav, avg at best. SUV cladding on a sport sedan! What were they thinking

[@apocalypse487]

It's technically off road like cladding which would be useful if anyone were to rally. Which most people won't.

[@K03sport]

...it matches the rest of the showroom, except the Legacy. The Legacy will probably get the cladding soon...

[@esemteckreal4873]

Bought mine last Friday. It’s just so nice to drive. The only thing I don’t like is the clunky shifter

[@KingCobra_45]

Great review . the plastic on the fenders will fade quickly and i bet there wont be a bose woofer option either .im in the market to up grade to a WRX from my 2018 legacy with 36k miles. so far i think ill keep it

[@alexanderh.999]

As a 2018 wrx owner I find that backend is hideous

[@Natedoc808]

Who cares about the lack of “entertainment” in base models? The thing was built for driving, as it should be.

[@radzer0966]

Are those 2.1a usb actually 2.1a now? My 2020 ascent was 0.5a slow charging when plugged in for CarPlay.

[@ebf1003]

@Driving Sports TV Do you think they neutered output to keep the CVT viable? They're pushing it hard in every other area of the car, I know the CVT doesn't have the headroom for additional torque that the 6 speed does. I'll be very surprised if the STI has a CVT option.

[@icemantuck2638]

They're def sandbagging this engine. For whatever reason...

[@ianholmquist8492]

The sti better not get a cvt or I will never buy another subaru.

[@yurkshirelad]

I quite like this, but my days of buying "expensive" cars are gone.

[@MukiMuki688]

While Subaru's choice to keep the black plastic cladding unpainted is debatable, it's unlikely they chose to do so to save money. More likely it's an intentional styling decision to break up the visual bulk from the profile. It would have been less costly just to engineer the body and fender stampings all the way to the wheel well edge and use basic inner well lining. Then they wouldn't have to bother engineering 3D plastic cladding, working out the logistics of said cladding with a supplier, and bear the associated costs. The VW ID4 does the same. Cowboy Bebop Ending Theme guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGewXqKNqLd4b7M Gundam RE0096 guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYbIqZtuiM-Ng7s King of Fighters XV Krizalid's boss stage theme kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGahXujfracjs0

[@housepianist]

The cladding is controversial, not because it's there but because it's excessive. So many other vehicles do this too but it's more of a slight enhancement than an all-out slabfest, especially at the rear. There's more cladding on this WRX than on the Crosstrek - maybe even the Outback. And there's more of it on the WRX, in proportion to its size, than on many "off-road" SUVs. I find it abysmal tbh. It's unfortunate that this takes away from the overall appealing of the car for many, myself included. Maybe I'm being superficial but I don't want to drive a performance sedan that reminds me of a Pontiac Aztek.

[@growingup4487]

@@housepianist make sense why it is a rally car

[@zcmdzpp127]

Sweet just missing the boxer rumble..and a hatchback

[@kleberkshima]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@greybush919]

if I start to hear ppl getting larger gains from bolt-ons than the previous gen I might pick one up in 2023 but only because I wrap vehicles for a living & I can wrap all that ugly cladding. still leaning toward a BRZ tho.

[@ls813]

What’s the point of doing a 0-60 test in wet conditions, going uphill….

[@JSchaefer93]

I think its funny that subaru wants the cvt to be referred to as their “Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT)”, they understand it isn't liked but they wanna push it anyway.

If this WRX would be the LAST one with the manual shifter, it also should be the one with physical buttons instead of that tablet of screen slapped in the middle. Otherwise nice car.

[@MotoMat04]

Performance and CVT...two words I never thought that would go together

[@HipsterTactical]

Apparently $30k is the new $25k when it comes to "affordable" performance cars. I guess we shouldn't surprised things are getting more expensive... it just seems to be happening... fast.

[@patonbike]

These cars are not $30k in base trim though. Way under $30k.

[@andyzedd3236]

@@patonbike The base trim is starting at $28,920. You're not finding one at the dealer for less than 30K.

[@441meatloaf]

@@andyzedd3236 covid and supply chain is a real problem these days

[@bcuzican_gaming]

Keeping my 2021 STI, there won't ever be another one on this platform again and that literally sucks!

[@Muggsy1776]

Dealerships are only allowed 2 orders a month so be prepared for a wait. I imagine the aftermarket will do wonders for the car. Sad there won’t be an STI.

[@raymondhachmishvili4806]

Honestly car looks great except that rear bumper....I dont mind the cladding as much as the rear bumper

[@HI-pi1er]

Looks awesome !

[@Andy-Andeee]

The Base trim cars are selling like hot cakes

[@DonaldHeim]

Car looks great. The Big Touchscreen is growing on me and I like the cladding... It's a rally car, not a pavement princess. Love it

[@tonychau1983]

🤣🤣

[@DonaldHeim]

@@PatrickHRoss Ok. Great.

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

I have to admit, it looks much better in WR Blue and the Dark Grey colors. The orange just looks horrible.

[@haze1123]

Yeah, because everyone rallies their WRX.

[@DonaldHeim]

@@haze1123 Heaven forbid the World Rally eXperimental (WRX) should look like a Rally Car... Go put a stance on a 350z...

[@Trademark5454]

How is CVT on this car? I know CVT suck in general

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Here's what I want to know about all that black plastic cladding? REAL QUESTIONS! Is it any easier/cheaper to fix than painted fenders? Like, if I can order up some new fender flairs and pop them on myself when they get nasty looking, then I'm all for the trend. But if I still have to take them to a body shop for a professional repair/reconditioning, how is that any better for me or the car than if they were metal pieces painted with the body? At least with fine scratches in a clear coat, I can do a paint correction at home. Scratches in unpainted plastic cladding? Not so much.

[@RobHTech]

Does the FA24 have any ring land or spun bearing problems that we know of? It's stupid that all the best features are only available on the GT CVT.

[@Bebopin-69]

2019 Golf R or this wrx?

[@jameskocks4734]

the power is limited due to the limitations of cvt.

[@tantosendjaja8438]

Sporty safety smart sophisticated

[@ATVHOBO]

redline was able to get 5.69 sec 0-60 but they did a 5000 rpm clutch dump sounded like the front end was gonna come out of it.

[@drivingsports]

Did they specify what they had set for roll-out in their test?

[@ATVHOBO]

@@drivingsports no they didn’t just revved it to 5000 and launched it. First run was a 5.9 lower rpm launch and then 5.69 with a 5000 rpm clutch dump

[@drivingsports]

@@ATVHOBO brutal!

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

@@drivingsports Similar 0-60 in the BRZ (with a lot less HP), no?

[@ryanjonathanmartin3933]

@@ragweedmakesmesneeze BRZ does about 6.2 to 6.3 0-60

[@jparker1823]

How much more cabin noise is one of these compared to a 6MT Crosstrek?

[@CarGuy11]

No heated steering wheel available?

[@daniellanzotti2391]

How can Subaru put a infotainment center in that is already outdated for a whole brand new generation. Super lazy here. I drive the outback all the time and it's slow, very poor resolution, and even the icons look old and outdated. Honda does performance and tech great, subie is lacking and this is coming from a current 2020 wrx owner.

[@kingfu987]

what's wrong with Imagine Dragons? They're a great band!! Great review by the way :)

[@mxpx148]

Has the road noise been damped down more than the 2015-21?

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

I figured out what it looks like, it's been bugging me for weeks now. It looks like a small sedan version of the Lambo Urus. Find a picture of an Urus with the blacked out fender flares. There is just too much similarity to be coincidence.

[@sm753]

Not quite correct there - Android Auto does support portrait mode. This is 100% a Subaru problem. For example if you've seen some of the media coverage of the 2023 Outback - Android Auto does take up the full screen.

[@es0terra]

Love your professional videography!!! Do you think Subaru would ever put a manual transmission in the Outback again?

[@drivingsports]

Thanks! And no, that ship has sailed.

[@es0terra]

@@drivingsports that’s too bad. I can’t help think that a manual Transmission would make the Outback a much more capable off-roader.

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

@@es0terra off-roading is way easier with an automatic. The new wilderness outback is very capable.

[@es0terra]

@@TheTamrielDrunkard the previous outback’s were notorious for the CVT throttling power when trying to climb up steep inclines, or power through rough obstacles. My 2019 Outback was capable, but the CVT left me hanging on more than one occasion. Also, TFL has shown a marginal improvement with the latest wilderness trim. But it sounds like your experience may have been different?

[@BlueRonsonol]

@@drivingsports It was a sad, but necessary change. I do enjoy a lot of aspects of the CVT. Do you know if the WRX has an additional CVT cooler built in to the design, or is that something that will be aftermarket?

[@ralphez]

Did they get rid of the rev hang? how's 1-2 shift?

[@GIGABACHI]

Never, it's an emissions related "feature" so not a chance.

[@tonycoz2309]

Looking forward to the Sti

[@andrewwalker1134]

Subaru just said last week that there won't be a WRX STi with a high performance motor, on this platform in Australia. There will likely be a new EV one, in coming years.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Thinking about this vehicle in comparison to the BRZ. Despite the BRZ having significantly less HP, it has similar zero to 60 times. Must be a power to weight ratio thing. Also, I think it would have been better if the base WRX infotainment/HVAC set-up was more like the BRZ, with buttons and dials for HVAC control. Instead that dual screen set-up looks sooooooo cheap. Plus the upgraded screen just looks out of proportion/too large for the WRX dash, whereas it looks "just right" in the Outbacks. Exterior styling is growing on me (#EverySubaruEver) fwiw.

[@802Garage]

It looks better in person too. It is strange how Subaru styling is always maligned when first launched and grows on people over time.

[@mayhanamin3538]

Im wondering how the newer sti would look and do

[@sumoneskid]

Great review! Does she run on 87 octane like the other FA24's, or on 91 like the outgoing WRX?

[@drivingsports]

91 only

[@sumoneskid]

@@drivingsports Thank you sir

[@BitcoinTo100K]

@@sumoneskid you can run 87 only 12 lbs of boost compared to prior 23 lbs

[@ianholmquist8492]

@@BitcoinTo100K the manufacturer says 91. I gauarntee it will pull timing and/or knock if you run 87. But you should always buy the best gas possible for turbocharged vehicles

[@ianholmquist8492]

@@BitcoinTo100K the manufacturer says 91. I gauarntee it will pull timing and/or knock if you run 87. But you should always buy the best gas possible for turbocharged vehicles

[@theDayOfAccount]

Is the torque dip gone?

[@rosieod0nald432]

That moment when he says that there definitely will be an STI version...

[@drivingsports]

Well.. that's what we were explicitly told at the time.

[@ShawDAMAN]

Ha I missed the announcement ... So if there is one it'll be electric

[@rosieod0nald432]

I'm just busting balls lol great video though! The STI news took us all by surprise man.

[@pauljohnson4078]

12:47 made me cry.

[@BikingwithJP]

Can you test screens with gloves on? eg: Turn on the heated seats without removing your gloves. Used to more physical buttons in my 2016 Outback and not having to take my eyes off the road. It appears this WRX has a physical button for clearing the windshield at least :)

[@machina_spirit]

Good info, i watched another ‘review’ of the new WRX on another more popular channel and they didnt mention at all anything about the different awd systems between the CVT and 6MT so that was really interesting. But also seems to be following the trend of Subaru’s braindead decision to put all the better sportier things locked to the CVT… (adjustable dampers, recaros, more dynamic awd system) like why? Are they trolling or really dont know their demographics? They really decided to put R&D into the 15% take rate option…

[@swanblake]

I don't understand Subaru nowadays. Making you get an awful CVT unordered to get the sport Recaro seats and adjustable dampeners is why I left the brand years ago.

[@efaroh]

The WRX has to look underwhelming to set up the STI to meet what everyone was expecting