2022 VB Subaru WRX vs 2015-2021 VA Subaru WRX | Driving Comparison

[@xtrekrex]

The best type of reviews for this car are the ones who have ACTUALLY DRIVEN AND OWNED A VA WRX.

[@reyfuentes4572]

Yesssssir and not thr ones where they drive it for 3 miles and say "so overall, the vehicle drives and feel..."🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I can't tell if this is satire or not.... if not, watch the channel?

[@xtrekrex]

@@AutoEnthusiast my comment was aimed towards general car review journalists who drive the car for a few miles and do not give a fair review. They don’t mention anything about how much more improved the newer model actually is. So your review carries much more weight than these car journalist.

[@californinja1714]

Yes this comparison video is better than other comparison videos if that's what you meant.

[@JCizzleSoCal]

This guy has driven in more road and weather conditions than 95% of so called “owners” of the cars! Hahaha

[@zacharydellamano7199]

I've had two STI's since 2015. I have driven two VB's, and I even have one on order. The STI driving experience is different than the VB WRX. It's more of a hardcore race car, and you feel it when putting it through its paces. The VB feels more refined and easier to drive than the STI, which is why I'm getting one.

[@noneofmybusiness9895]

So I just drove a 21 STI and a 23 wrx and I couldnt agree more. Starting the VA up, it rumbled. It's loud and raw. The interior is ultitarian. It's a louder ride and stiffer too. The accelerator is wildly sensitive. It revs like a monster. Nothing about it is tame. It demands your attention when driving, even when driving along nicely. The VB is more refined, tame, and quiet. Easier to drive, controls are more intuitive. I could see it waking up with a set of unequal headers, but out of the box - VA is a wild animal, VB is a well behaved pet.

[@tommieboi707]

Just bought a vb. Ive owned a va before also. Vb is definitely a big improvement over the last gen. Love it. Power delivery is more consistent.

[@DaHiddenGemz]

This is the best review video I've seen about the new VB hands down! I really appreciate your opinion about the steering on this car too. I come from a stiff S14 (still have) and the VB (my first Subaru) steering isn't as bad as everyone else constantly tries to make it out to be. It does what it should for what kind of car the VB is.

[@chrisprzybyla7866]

Thank you for this video! I currently have a 2020 WRX and I'm not a fan. I had to buy it because I hit a deer with my tuned Legacy GT. My plan was to wait to get a VB STI which never came. The main thing preventing me from getting a new VB WRX is I want physical dial for heat/AC. I don't want a giant tablet for center display it's a huge deal breaker for me on a new car. It's a safety hazard and a distraction. I also don't want to pay for any extra "safety BS" they need to offer a basic model without that crap, no real drivers wants it. Good air bags are all I want. The rest is extra weight that would be disabled. If someone wants to pay extra for the sensors and eye sight stuff they can but it should never be included in all models. I know a few people who got rid of their recent Subaru because they hated the center console. I'm still hoping for a VB STI however unlikely.

[@brianchudzik7829]

I am literally going this a.m. to order my 23 limited. WRC blue, better shifter, skid plate and a few other add on's. They tell me April build. If you do not know about it Subaru VIP program is the only way to buy a Subaru. Seriously, it makes it so easy and you save big $$$$.

[@CancelledMcCree]

Tell me more about the VIP! My wife just bought a Crosstrek & I’m looking into either a used VA STi or a new VB! Thanks!

[@brianchudzik7829]

@@CancelledMcCree Google it, the gist is that you donate $500 to a charity and they give you inventory pricing. You get to do good, and they treat you well. Win, win!

[@kirkwagner461]

Stuck all the way through. VA owner here. Mines pure stock, not even a Cobb tune. I came to it from a Miata, which is a car that benefits from keeping revs high. And I think that's much of the problem people had with the VA shifting. While I found it took a while to be able to shift it smoothly, I never felt anything like the rev hang others complain about. Long Trips: I like it. I know people who want a cushier ride, but I like the firmness. Great outward visibility. My only real complaint comes along with some back problems I have. I wish its seats had better lumbar support. That said, I find that's a problem with most cars today. What's wrong with car manufacturers that their seats have no lumbar support? Cars used to have adjustments there, but no more. Ah well. Mileage: I find the VAs systems overestimate fuel mileage by about 2 mpg. So the car says I'm getting better than EPA estimates, when I'm really about spot on. That said, now that its engine is well worn in (not worn out) I find I can get VERY good highway mileage on a long cruise. Like low 30's (measured by math, not the cars system.) However, around town driving drops that quickly, and any spirited driving drops it still further. VB: As much as I like my VA, all I hear about the VB, from this and other sources, indicates that its better than the VA in nearly every way except mileage. Also, while I'm not a modder, I suspect the VB has a lot more room for aftermarket performance upgrades. So, if that's what you're into, the VB is better suited to your interests.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

If you are not a modder, the VB is quite the treat! I also agree with the mileage findings, I think my spreadsheet had a 1.65mpg difference

[@pithpress]

Watched the whole video. I agree. The gas mileage is not what Subaru claims (but I didn't buy it for good gas mileage). Thank you.

[@Chokiyumi]

I just hit 10k on my VB and finally ordered the new Perrin air intake and the Cobb AP 😎 The car really is amazing! I come from two VAs so the difference is real.

[@34magnitude]

How did this install go. Did you get a pro tune with this?

[@rayswiney7398]

Very thorough and articulate review. I owned a 2015 STI that I wish I never sold, and currently own a 07 STI Limited with the suspension upgraded on a stage 1 tune. Also a GR Corolla. Out of the three I have to say the 07 is probably the most fun. A more rugged , analog experience to drive. The GR is probably the closest to the 15 STI than the 07 is. I bought a Outback Wilderness for the GF recently. Needless to say, we're definitely Subbie fans.

[@terrycathie115]

Great video. Yes I stuck through to the end. I have a VB that’s done 1100 kilometres. I love my car and I tell my wife almost every night that I love driving it. To me it means that I didn’t make a mistake in the car that I purchased. 👍😃

[@noneofmybusiness9895]

Thats odd about the gas mileage. I test drove a VB today, went over 30 km and was getting 7L/100km doing 105 kmh (65mph), and regular city driving about 10-11 L/100km. So, much better than advertised. The VA STI was getting 10L/100km highway and 15L/100km city

[@Ian22VB]

Another great video! Stayed for the whole thing and couldn’t agree more, I’m at 61 miles right now and coming off the VA you said it perfect “it’s a better car” 🎉

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Thanks for watching through!!

[@chompeez123]

Your mileage is bad because you are spoiling the turbo by shifting late/high in rpm’s. Shift right before turbo spool and keep rpm’s down.

[@hal0mann]

I enjoyed the review. My VA Sti got lower fuel mileage for a LONG time when I bought it new. After no many thousands of break in miles it got better!

[@NeverlandRancher]

I’m getting 24 on mixed (mostly back highway roads). I loved my Elantra N more. It was way more fun. But I’m starting to finally understand it. The WRX is definitely more visceral. A more analog feel. My big complaint-the damn blinker. It annoys the piss out of me.

[@danwarrjack]

Since July, still haven’t fully gotten used to it 😂🙃

[@ChrisLaneification]

Now. Tune the WRX and you’ll forget about the N haha.

[@A.kk.o]

So I was Leaning more into the EN cause of the price but I really love the reviews on the driving experience as a daily the 2022 wrx has. Was the EN a good daily and what made you switch ?

[@Shortay1325]

I'm a VB WRX owner and I have loved it so far. I was in between the EN and the WRX but I chose the WRX. What was your reason for leaving the EN for a WRX? Really curious as to why.

[@steve8803]

@@Shortay1325 wrx is more comfortable and awd is vastly superior. The EN is a better track car, the wrx is a better street car. And if you have a lot of rain and snow in your area, wrx is much more fun in those conditions.

[@Young_Bourdain]

Here's my issue: I would only want either a Limited or maybe a Premium with audio + moonroof. At that price, I'm not too far off from a used 2019 STI.

[@Mav646]

Amen. I don’t know why anyone would pay that much money for a wrx. It’s looks like a cross trek sedan. You would have to lower it out some nicer wheel to even make it look decent. Put those mods on top of the price and it’s un fathomable imo.

[@ReinierAlansalon]

@@Mav646At the time I got my VB in July 2022 there was only one VA used 2021 WRX with 20K miles going for $42K at the dealership. Could I have looked elsewhere? Yeah probably. Plus you also run into the whole "buying a used WRX/STI is always a gamble".

[@Mav646]

@@ReinierAlansalon I totally agree with all that. No doubt I would never buy a used wrx or Sti. I still couldn’t imagine buying any wrx for the prices they are asking, maybe a base model but to get a premium or limited just sounds crazy to me for that car. Just an opinion though. I’m a Subaru guy I’ve had 1 wrx and 3 Sti’s and I’m just so happy I bought a brand new 21 Sti when that came out.

[@arealglitterb0y]

Don’t get someone else’s seconds just get a new car even if it’s not this platform. I got the exact spec you describe + the STI short throw

[@xtrekrex]

@@arealglitterb0y everyone told me not to get this new platform because it’s so ugly yadda yadda. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to anyone and just followed my gut. I advise the exact same advice lol.

[@jordantroccia84]

Owning my stock tune va, i can agree with the 1 and 2nx vear statements abou the rev drop wait time and the rocking

[@messi3666]

If Subaru had given us the sti drivetrain on the new wrx, it would have been like the cherry on the top. strong competitor for GRC with little tune up

[@steve8803]

@Guru Sevilla just the sti transmission and brakes. Everything else is superior on the vb.

[@danwarrjack]

I wanted to get into a Subaru years ago, but life, financial mistakes. Finally got into one with a VB, and by golly what a machine! The next closest car I’ve owned to this would be a 09 Cobalt SS 2.0L sedan. That was fun, this is astronomically so far ahead of that car. The no lift shift was fun though

[@inlinetoice]

Great video, watched till the end. I’m at 9k on mine and getting around 25-26 average. I’ve driven mine through ice, snow and rain with the stock tires on the limited and never lost traction. It’s a great car, shifts smooth with the STi short shifter.

[@linkincr17]

Have you tried both shifter? I'm debating if the STI short shifter is worth the money.

[@inlinetoice]

@@linkincr17 try the Perrin short shifter first to save $. I haven’t tried both shifters because I ordered my WRX with the STi short shifter

[@linkincr17]

@@inlinetoice Won't they try to deny a potential warranty claim because of that? I plan to modify or tune the car when the warranty expire.

[@inlinetoice]

@@linkincr17 it shouldn’t, it has nothing to do with the ecu

[@linkincr17]

@@inlinetoice Alright, thank you.

[@ken-il2tk]

Great comparison review. Really appreciate you talking talking about how the tires worked on snow. Keep it up. I was on the fence between a very low mileage '21 VA and a VB. Very happy the I went with the vb. a little over 3000 miles on it now, mainly driving in the Sierras foot hills. Getting an average of just over 26mpg now. 1st 200 miles saw around 20mpg; it does improve as the car breaks in.

[@zacharydellamano7199]

Skip to THREE MINUTES... if you want to start hearing the review. When are youtubers going to stop repeating the same things over and over again for several minutes in their intros?

[@RobHTech]

I noticed mine and traction control doing some weird stuff and i could feel it most around bends or taking off hard in a bend. I noticed then that if i out it in track mode, then it doesnt do it. I also figured out that the ECU cuts power when shifting.. for like 0.5 seconds. In track mode it doesnt do it

[@anthonyhoang203]

I still love the VA WRX more than the VB. I rather buy a corvette zo6. Because it is a lot faster without turbo. Grand sport cars have better throttle power plus it light weight too

[@steve8803]

@Anthony Hoang a z06 makes for a good weekend warrior. But it's useless as an all season daily driver for a family.

[@jonathanmuller1741]

Its a better car.. is that what the avg WRX buyer want’s? If we wanted a «better car » we would go for a BMW or a Supra. A Honda Accord Coupe V6 manual is a better car. What we like from the WRX; analogue, visceral, boxy, dirty, raw (STI). A Mustang is not better because it has cruise control. Maybe i just need to go and test drive one.

[@jaidedeye]

Late reply but I’m getting 27-29mpg mixed in my 2023 WRX premium manual. I only have 950 miles on it.

[@marleneduke6390]

Get those wheel arches painted gloss red color match and she will look sick

[@grimreaper99513]

I kinda was turned off that fugly rear aesthetics on the VB the high plastic diaper and C shaped lights but other than that it drives so good, launches faster and better handling than the VA

[@itskells7557]

Also just finished watching great video i worked at a subaru dealer while the 22’s came out just so you know we at least always did premium gas on the WRX so maybe its all good!

[@jeffreyphelps2719]

Great video I appreciate all the homework you've done a little disappointing to hear about the fuel consumption however.

[@liltorbs]

The MPG on a new car are always wayyy lower til like 1000-2000 miles are put in it, give the computerized half of it some time itll catch up. My 22 VB is doing the same thing, im at like 14MPG so far in New hampshire weather but im low miles, my 22 legacy was at like 18 til 1000ish, 25mpg didnt catch up til 2000ish miles then it maintained around 26-28 all through out afterwards til the 7k ish when i traded it in

[@88yeldarb]

1600 miles in my VB. So far it's amazing. Still miss my VA but not that much anymore.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

yeah kind of where I am landing, I will need a few mods here before it truly hits home

[@joel52972]

How's the cabin noise of the VB vs VA? Better noise insulation?

[@AutoEnthusiast]

ehhh VB is slightly better than the VA, but just fix that if that's something you care about!

[@blackedout5.0fan39]

Hello! If it is also alright to ask, may I please ask if you could do a video on the interior functions on the base model please (specifically the air conditioning function and reliability of touch screen hvac controls please)? Thank you! :)

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Happy to add that to the list!

[@brandonpetrilla1731]

The Transmissions are literally the same part number from Subaru from the 21-22 WRX, Same TY75 6 Speed Gear Box, the 22 FA24 is SEVERLY De-tuned from the factory to meet EPA regulations which is why the engine is 4 tenths of a liter bigger and only 3HP more than the outgoing model.

[@BelowAverageGaming707]

I dont think it has anything to do with the EPA and everything to do with the CVT not being able to hold much more power. Cobb 'Green Speed' 2022 wrx's are making over 400TQ. Subaru isn't going to offer a manual wrx with 325hp and the auto is stuck with 271. We know the engine is capable of much more power because until it got canceled, the STi was going to use the same motor and alot of rumors were floating around of 350hp at least.

[@yannmarkovich7399]

It's better car, but is it as fun as VA? Btw I think this wrx is even faster than stock VA STI. Stock STI wasn't engine-happy, you press a pedal to the metal it starts to accelerate and then kinda - "no, man, not today, maybe another time" - bogging, hesitations, stumbling. Basically if you test drive used STI and it goes well, highly likely it's modified, easy way to detect aftermarket tune. Transmission should be exactly the same as in VA WRX, at least I haven't heard any news that subaru changed something. Your transmission is shining new now, it may start feel a little different after breaking-in (5000 miles or so).

[@mattm2339]

Not sure what you're talking about, i.e. getting "10mpg less" than advertised. They say 19 city, 25 highway. Your live reading was 18.9 mpg. Where is the 10mpg less than they advertised?

[@edixeric7842]

VA looks much better than VB.

[@roddydykes7053]

That’s my biggest complaint too

[@dre32pitt]

Crosstrek + VA + Intercourse = VB

[@nikkoteen1314]

I initially thought so too, though I find it depends on the colour. The black VB imo is a much nicer looking car, the wide body is awesome and black blends all the trim pieces in. I owned both. Loved the VA though in blue.

[@johnny.3693]

Lol. After watching the video carefully, I noticed you bounce like I dO in my VB.

[@kevink.8048]

Dam, they cleaned up 1st and 2nd gear in VB!?!. I’ve owned the 2022 wrx sport tech (limited for US) sense October. 1st Manuel car. 1st and 2nd gear were super jerky to learn. And dam, 5 months in on daily driving it. I’m still struggling with 1st and second jerky ness. Even 2nd to 3rd gear is jerky. If you say they’ve cleaned those gears up from the VA, (I wouldn’t know, first wrx I’ve owned) Clearly it’s me :(….

[@mitchindronevideos]

What tune do you recommend in a 2021 WRX just to get rid of the rev hang? I'm happy with the stock performance otherwise.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I would just go for a pro-tune or e-tune! But if you need to save a few dollars, a OTS Cobb tune will do the trick!

[@jlucas9342]

What's the clutch like in the new ones, is it stale and soft like the VA. Can you feel the clutch grab or is it still numb?? I hate the VA clutch even with an act clutch and the pedal assist spring removed you get no feed back. The hydraulic clutch in my 04 Saturn ion redline was mint so was the Trans for that matter, butter smooth.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I'd say better but a very different catch point

[@BelowAverageGaming707]

Clutch pedal felt like a Civic SI- No resistance (hated it), straight to the floor. I have a 2015 wrx but i dont remember what the stock clutch was like since i put in a stage 2 ACT. Had the car 9 years now so been too long LOL

[@CammyDizzle]

Thanks for the extensive review! When you mentioned the performance side of the vb does the car fall flat past 4k rpm like a stock VA did? Atleast thats what i noticed when i initially wanted a VA and test drove a few. I drive an frs and the linear NA powerband kind of spoiled me to enjoy power all the way to redline.

[@tristansalazar2667]

Is this VB a base model?

[@dski6855]

Been watching your videos off and on for like a year now and just recently recognized you live like 30 minutes from me😂 I take those roads to Boston comin from RI. If I see you ill give you the ✌️ 2018 WRX premium in CBS

[@johnny.3693]

I love the red. Looks good with the black. I like it better than my sapphire blue VB

[@jayczyzyk7607]

I like the new wrx but rtsv prevents me from getting one

[@doa1124]

You ever check for RTV problem?

[@bobschleicher]

The 2023 doesn’t have a spare tire while my 15 does. Can’t live without a spare.

[@jralphroman]

Just buy one

[@jasonvern9514]

Literally, my tire shredded up the other day, would've been a like 3 hour mishap instead of the 30min it took to fix it and get home

[@WRX22]

I have one in mine, all trim in Canada comes with spare tire

[@kevink.8048]

@@WRX22 I have one mine too. 2022 wrx sport tech. Canadian.

[@cmdub420]

When do you plan to go stage 1 or etune? I read on Cobb's website that its possible to uninstall/unmarry the v3 accessport from a VA WRX, they could do a firmware update for $150 and it works on the new VB?!

[@mandyduvall2828]

I have had this car for about a month now. I love it. I got the premium sport trim, which included the sunroof, harmen karden system and the short throw shifter , along with some other accessories. I have not changed out the shifter yet so i cant comment on how that will change the driving experience. This is my daily driver and it is very comfortable for that. I have so much fun driving this car. There is no hesitation and i feel that it handels very well. No regrets buying this car.

[@SubaStar24]

whasts va and vb? is there a vc?

[@SubaStar24]

cuz im a little confused with this vdo

[@delberttalks4616]

10 LESS MPG THAN ADVERTISED!? You're saying this is getting less than a 6.2 liter V8 Camaro SS with 450 HP? Dude, IDC if nobody buys this car for that reason, that is absolutely unacceptable subaru

[@PsychoCPU]

So what difference does the transmission have that is making it so much better? According to Subaru they are the same as the 18-21 WRX, part number TY751V6BCA. If they carry the same part number from Subaru themselves, then the internals and housing must be the same, so how can it hold more power?

[@christpower5402]

Song?

[@mabolzichjjl]

To your point about fuel economy - everything in your drive line is still wearing in. Bearings, CV joints, trans and diff gears, piston rings, are all trying to break in at one time. Couple that with inherently lower quality fuel in winter time and the potential for a tank full of 87 and you have the perfect storm of bad economy. I got through the whole video - listening on my ride home from work

[@AutoEnthusiast]

love that you made it through! I am honestly thinking about starting a car related podcast lol. But yeah couldn't agree more, everything is braking in. We shall see how it corrects over time!

[@marleneduke6390]

VA all day

[@steve8803]

@Marlene Duke VA is too slow and bland looking.

[@marleneduke6390]

@@steve8803 I agree a stock base model yes a stock VB is no bueno Chico

[@operationgetthugs232]

Elephant in the room: Elantra N.

[@BelowAverageGaming707]

Once you drop a tune on this car the WRX becomes the elephant, as it is the only awd car in its price class. Check drunkmann Tuning or Snail Performance to see the 2022+ put down over 400tq with very little mods.

[@gaivoron]

18.5mpg? Woahh that's STI bad.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Yeah it's a little unusual

[@chrischarles9218]

Im getting 24.

[@wranglerlife4ever42]

I really wanted a 2022 WRX, but Subaru just made the exterior look so awful with all that plastic cladding. I just cant get over how ugly it is. 2nd, why did Subaru make the top of the line WRX GT not available with a manual trans? I mean come on Subaru! No STi for 2022 and now the top version is CVT only? 3rd, why is the fuel economy so terrible? Since 2002 Subaru cant figure out how to make the WRX powerful and fuel efficient?

[@itskells7557]

All facts bro you felt every shift in the last wrx. Lol what it feels like to chew 5 gum stimulate your senses 😂 congrats on the whip shes beautiful

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I appreciate it!

[@AutoEnthusiast]

and lmaoooo

[@alexanderh.999]

Subaru messed up the VB. It's ugly and the power output is an embarrassment. Plus the price went way too high. At this point it doesn't have the value it used to have compare to the VA

[@stevenlamontagne526]

I made it

[@iAmFAUST]

Get a VA STI if you are hetero, and VB if you are 🏳️‍🌈

[@hededcdn]

New one just doesn't look very good.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Honestly it's growing on me!

[@hededcdn]

@@AutoEnthusiast it's the damn plastic wheel arches...

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I have to say, I am not that bothered in person, they are growing on me

[@bryanallendorf7064]

Apples to oranges. I've owned a VA WRX and STI. There's really no comparison. Also, just my opinion ,but ... You're about 6 months or more behind in content ,mods, tuning, etc. 🥱