2023 Subaru WRX GT (CVT) - POV Final Thoughts

Horsepower: 271 hp, Torque: 258 lb-ft
Engine: 2.4 L Turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder
Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
MSRP: $43,395
MPG: 19 city / 25 highway
Tire size: P245/40R18
Dimensions: 184″ L x 72″ W x 58″ H
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[@RatAvenue]

I thought I'd never see the day where Topher would review the CVT version of the WRX lol.

[@dwadd7528]

CVT is getting better and better every year.

[@Ainjuhl]

in Japan they make a STI CVT, and its apparently the preferred one, manual isn't that big over there anymore.

[@ikanberapi2189]

​@@Ainjuhl i mean, it gets harder to use when the older you get

[@AwkwardYet]

@@ikanberapi2189 or if you have bad joints

[@sergeantbigmac]

@@ikanberapi2189 Thats actually a very good point. Japan has a very old population per capita (oldest in the world) and theyre aging more by the year.

[@mxzjxd]

Gotta admit its always fun watching your car reviews

[@viper2131]

Got a GT after three manuals. It’s really good. Agree with the drone, it’s annoying and yes brembos should be included in this for the money. Definitely want to pair it up with a manual miata or brz down the road. EDIT: One year update, replaced it with a manual BRZ.

[@R1val909]

How do u like that cvt?

[@viper2131]

@@R1val909 the transmission is still pretty impressive for a CVT. That being said, I miss the manuals but it’s such a joy driving this car. Wish it was a DCT though.

[@Eric-rs1zu]

I'm trying to understand what exactly a dct is. I thought that any automatic trans whether cvt or regular as long as it has paddle shifters, makes it a dct. Am I overlooking something?

[@ChipsetS_main]

FYI The GT trim actually has a better AWD system which is VTD rather than the normal viscous coupling locker on manual, kinda closer to DCCD we met on STIs. VTD system uses a planetary gear center differential with an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch, comes with a <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2755">45:55</a> nominal torque split. Rather than WRX, all other CVT subies now get ACT-4 which is you mentioned in video tho. Due to the end of STI, you probably want to say this car now comes with the best awd system of subaru haha

[@fbomb3930]

except it decouples the driveline constantly

[@dominiclallande]

That exhaust drone is really something. The car idles at 1500 on cold starts and you can watch the rear window vibrate from your mirror Give it a touch of throttle to get going and it quiets down immediately

[@MrApplesaucestuff]

shows the quality of Trashboru

[@AlumarsX]

@@MrApplesaucestuff You mean consistency. Cause they've been consistently subpar for decades now

[@braveheart9658]

@@MrApplesaucestuff Still far more reliable than any german or american car lol

[@toddlehman1]

As a last gen owner my fix was trading it for a 6.2 v8 chevy whose 1k rpm cold idle is all rumble and no vibes 😎

[@tyhyhh]

You mean watch the mirror vibrate

[@robs7527]

I feel like this is great if you’re someone with a bad knee or older and you can’t deal with the shifting anymore. AWD sedan with good power. Can’t complain.

[@itachi2079]

I wish I was one of those. Unfortunately I can't concentrate to save my life and don't pay attention to anything. The revs shifting. My brain. Just struggles. So I went with the auto.

[@DistanTThunder2]

​@@itachi2079 it's not something that's going to come to you without practice. Man. You got to freaking practice.

[@alex86devapath]

Yep NJ/NYC traffic took a toll on my knee. It sucks since I am only 37 😭

[@sergeantbigmac]

@@itachi2079 I can drive a manual, my Grandafther made sure I knew how lol. But ive got too much shit going on, long workdays and/or tired and brainfried after a day of college classes. I just want to get to point A to point B sometimes without the extra work. I totally get you man.

[@zachhenson1536]

Just like everyone else here, some of us have our personal reasons for an auto. I love manuals and will buy one as a side car, but for daily and family safety, the auto takes care of you.

[@rwilson3896]

After waiting 4 months, I picked my 2023 WRX up last week. I was coming from a BMW F30.328i RWD. I never test drove the car before buying it because the dealers in Canada don’t have these cars sitting on their lots. KZbin reviewers were all I had to go by. They are all right, this car is great and dynamically it would put my BMW to shame. The WRX CVT AWD rotates the car on throttle like my BMW could Subaru’s website provides the following details on the WRX CVT AWD - VTD: Linked to the Subaru Performance Transmission® (SPT) and exclusive to the WRX, this AWD system delivers sportier performance and superior efficiency all at once. The centre differential adjusts front/rear torque split from 45/55 in normal conditions (for a sportier rear-biased feel) up to 50/50 when the weather worsens or the road conditions deteriorate (for maximum traction). The viscous self-locking rear differential maintains stability when more torque is sent to the rear wheels, ensuring the perfect balance of control and fun.

[@hhaste]

Congrats and enjoy! They're really fun to drive and incredible in the snow (with Winter tires). As an STi owner for the past 15 years I'll say this. Dyno tunes (especially with a downpipe) *really* wake these cars up, power wise. Sway bars and end links really help keep the car feeling flat on hard turns. Maybe consider an IAG Air Oil Separator, KillerB or IAG Oil Pickup Tube (IF they're sold for the FA, not sure. Those were an issue on the EJ's, they may not be a concern anymore, not sure.) and check the oil every gas fill up and do the scheduled maintenance every specific mileage interval, like 30k 70k etc ( I forget the actual mileage numbers, you'll have to look those up) and you'll be perfectly reliable for the long haul.

[@tee-bone2513]

Wow! I’m in the same boat as you. I also live in Canada and I am looking to buy my first WRX but there are none to test drive! I’m coming from an E90 328i XDrive. I’m also looking at the CVT as well. Glad to hear you are happy with the purchase and it has given me the confidence to move forward with the deposit. I still find it odd that we have to buy cars here without even test driving them first!

[@rwilson3896]

Good luck with the purchase. The buying process was pretty easy; its all the waiting you will have to do after you order the car that makes it an undesirable experience. The CVT is great in stop and go traffic, the motor can operate well barley above idle in stop and go traffic to save on gas. In sport sharp in manual mode the CVT really shines!

[@rwilson3896]

Awesome insights thanks for sharing, I can’t wait for it to snow!

[@vtxbox]

No Subaru puts any BMW to shame.... 🤦‍♂

[@josephpereira75]

Honestly I have a 2023 cvt. In sport + it kills the 6 speed. I’ve driven both and raced both. The cvt beats the 6 speed. Plus the gurgles from the exhaust. All standard no mods.

[@Antiorthodoxy]

Everyone hates on the new body style but it looks a lot better in person. I went to test drive at a dealership and the only one on the lot was in Ice Silver Metallic and automatic. Took it out for 10 minutes and came back and put in an order for a premium Crystal Black Silica in manual. I'm super excited as this will be an upgrade from my 2003 Lexus IS300, which I didn't want to get rid of.

[@Antiorthodoxy]

@@MrWhoopwhoop10 Humans hate change. Give it some time and people will get past the appearance. Just look at the G80, everyone was ripping it apart when it was revealed. It hasn't been long and opinions are starting to change.

[@worksmarter6418]

@@Antiorthodoxy i dont like g80

[@Antiorthodoxy]

@@worksmarter6418 Not everyone is going to like it. I was saying opinions can change over time.

[@ruskibruski]

@@Antiorthodoxy this wrx looks way worse than any previous generation Huge disgusting plastic pieces in the front sides and rear

[@Cynical496]

Mid design. 5/10.

[@rootsmanuva82]

The WRX CVT drives like a 271 hp car that’s in limp-home mode and has a blown transmission. The suspension and handling is still good but the drivetrain is shot.

[@brycebrunelli5214]

agreed. i tuned my 2022 cvt wrx and blew it up a few days ago and now the transmission wont stop slipping. its such utter garbage only added 50hp with the tune

[@vtxbox]

Say it louder for the people in the back. Subaru hasn't produced an even slightly interesting vehicle since the hatchback STI. And putting a CVT of all things in their "performance" model is the nail in the coffin for me and a lot of others. Now if they used a DCT or newer fast auto, and got rid of that awful interior, they'd have a decent car.

[@trapt29]

Wrong, I love mine

[@harrisong5498]

damn why didnt subaru check with you before releasing it

[@messmeister92]

Although down in power stock, the 2.4L is proving to be very tunable. With an intake, bigger intercooler, and downpipe, these are consistently making about 350 whp and 370 wtq.

[@davidking7750]

No internal mods

[@Gr1MM240]

​@@davidking7750nope but the trans won't stand for much more power than that

[@shad3128]

Yeah then they break, as always

[@19hundoc47]

Ya then it explodes

[@SixGap]

Had my phone sending audio to my soundbar and the drone was vibrating the whole room lol

[@user-eg7hg6cf3m]

Good to see the Recaro seats, and they definitely represent a sense of battle .And the 18’ inch alloy wheels made it run even more agile.The 492l capacity made your adventure even more possible and thrilling.There is no denying that sleeping in the 1430l trunk space would be so comfortable that you might never be doubtful with regard to this thing .❤

[@frusignu2011]

bought one and omg it is ridiculous. just joined the wrx community i guess because they love following me around in the wrx gt and even parking next to me in big ol parking lots lol. happy to be part of the fam. great video btw.

[@johnwilkes8847]

I used to hate the way the new WRX looks but the more times I see it in public the more it grows on me. As a previous WRX owner I would prob never buy another though.

[@IsaiahEBelk]

Explain why

[@AFJDM]

So you're telling me for the same price as a Golf R, dual clutch or manual, you can get this thing? I fail to understand what Subaru was thinking with the GT option...if it maxed out at $40K that would make sense but in no world would I buy this over a Golf R.

[@phwn]

yeah theres really been no need to buy the limited (or gt) wrx when be base/premium is better value. the limited/gt Is too close in price to better offerings.

[@Da__goat]

You make a really solid point. If you still want a sedan, the Jetta GLI has a 6 speed manual option and a a really solid interior that the new Golf should have gotten with physical controls and its even cheaper at $33k. And it uses the same ea888 engine of the new Golf GTI, which can take a tune really well. Even the 7 speed dual clutch automatic is a solid option as well if you are so inclined. And the GLI has heated and cooled seats. To your point, what was Subaru thinking?

[@janoskovacs11]

Good luck to find a Golf R for this money!

[@dipastick]

Good luck finding a golf r for under 50k

[@jbowgo9599]

Agree. @ 40,000 might consider it. Way too overpriced as is. Perhaps Subaru will consider steep discounts on the GT as time and demand (or lack of) develop. Prices are already starting to diminish.

[@HobbesWiilTakeGoodCareOfYou]

This is just a car for someone that really loves Subaru, and doesn't care what they're paying for it.

[@trapt29]

Wrong. Been through many cars in my 50 years and the WRX CVT is fantastic.

[@blueridge8992]

Good news! The most recent infotainment firmware update (version F21SMM132-080) has completely solved the phone connection drop outs and the interface lag. I have a ‘22 WRX Premium without HK audio package (with manual transmission 🎉) and I haven’t had a single CarPlay disconnection since installing the update a month ago. Prior to that, I had disconnections multiple times per day. As far as responsiveness, the UI is now functional 2 seconds after starting the car (I timed it) and CarPlay is ready in 4 seconds if you plug your phone in before starting the car. CarPlay is functional in less than 2 seconds if you plug your phone in after the car is running. Best of all, the display now ALWAYS responds to touch instantly. There’s zero lag when opening up menus, changing sources, etc. The responsiveness feels the same as a smart phone now. It’s quite impressive, and easily the most responsive infotainment I’ve ever used. Hope your BRZ gets the same firmware love soon!

[@TheTopher]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@zaker600]

Wow that snow driving looks so fun!

[@artemlobov4239]

Just got the manual 2023.. love it... it's upsetting they seem to be discontinuing them moving forward

[@ForOrAgainstUs]

I just bought the Motorola Android Auto wireless dongle and it's been flawless for me, as opposed to when I plugged into my Civic Si and now my WRX. I don't think it's an auto manufacturer thing per se; I think it's something to do with maintaining the electrical contacts through and through. The larger USB contacts on the car's USB port seem to be less of an issue than those on the phone itself, hence I recommend going wireless however you can. I ran the infotainment upgrade and still don't see the wireless button so hopefully they add that, so until then it's 3rd party for wireless communication and highly recommended. Plus, then you can use the 12v outlet with a USB C charging port adapter for rapid charging. Apologies if this doesn't fully apply to iPhone, but you all apparently get full screen Carplay which I am begging for with AA.

[@Enszourous]

Babies the car around a corner "....there's no handbrake in the CVT model..." haha

[@Thunderstryk]

I’m soooo glad I got a 2021

[@thecharleswong_]

Feels like if they make this the Legacy GT with SPT it would be more fitting

[@IllIIllllIlIlIll]

Unpopular opinion: This is a really good car for people who don't want to row gears. It has an actual clutch pack AWD system, adaptive dampers, recaro seats, etc. A WRX for grown-ups.

[@zm4242]

I am in love with this car especially GT Trim , it's worth every penny, and elegant in every color available

[@TheCldmstrsn]

I really wish you could get the heated steering wheel on any trim. It seems small but my Legacy XT Limited is just such a better value for the money. The seats are insanely comfortable, heated steering wheel, smooth ride and still get that turbo (which only requires 87 octane instead of premium gas) and I only paid 34 for it. The only thing I wish Subaru would do is offer the SPT on other models. This GT trim should not be 43K

[@Adnabman]

This is my first Subaru, and I love it a lot!

[@tonytouchz757]

I belive the “infotainment issue” is a user problem. Have had mine for months and love it and never ever experienced the CarPlay drop. It’s not that laggy at all except on start up for a few seconds. Most people I know including me loves it, but I work in tech industry so maybe I’m more used to techs and big screens too and can understand it’s harder for less techy people

[@yma10]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1093">18:13</a> sorry, the handbrake is missing on this one lol...

[@robertrouse25]

I’ve had two STI’s (2011 & 2017) i was excited for the new higher HP STI. I don’t know who were involved in the overall design of the current model. Fire them and hire some real car guys and have a complete redo. All the Subaru dealers have a lot in stock and I haven’t seen more than a couple on the road so my guess is they aren’t selling as expected. I wanted to purchase a new Subaru but nothing interests me so i bought a new Toyota 2 weeks ago. Good luck Subaru.

[@carguywyatt9456]

Should honestly have the 6-speed automatic from the brz

[@johnsimon8457]

I owned an earlier Limited WRX CVT, and I was wondering what was the difference mine and this new WRX GT. Looks like it comes down to adaptive suspension and trick drivetrain. Shame there's no STI grade engine option with an extra 50-75 HP, but eh. At $43k I'm itching for a golf R, though.

[@Catgat37]

Yeah. I just drove both cars today. Although the Golf I drove was used with 19k miles, it had stage 1 upgrades. Thing was much funner than the WRX. Although the guy at the Subaru dealership didn't let me open it up to see what it was capable of. The guys at the VW dealership didn't care what I did. I am surprised I didn't get pulled over. That Golf ripped.

[@ozarkaviation]

How all CVTs should be. Noticed it still has some transmission whine at higher RPMs like my Civic does. WRX is overpriced though :(

[@dave_riots]

This CVT would work for the WRX, but for a Hybrid or base economy car, it wouldn't make much sense.

[@zalcan3620]

A base WRX is a great deal I'm guessing you're going off of his test price here?

[@vtxbox]

There shouldn't even be a CVT in this car.

[@djnte8593]

Love the reviews man! Keep it up!

[@lb10445]

Love your reviews BTW. Your expertise in driving shows. Your reviews seem trustworthy and fair, and way more than just idly rattling off the print on the window sticker as it seems a great many other reviewers are doing. Thanks.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

I always enjoy your reviews. It really is a shame Subaru doesn't offer the adjustable dampers with the manual.

[@apoozeo1715]

Epic timing @TheTopher!!! I literally just came back home here in California after test driving this exact model! 😄 Drives amazing, seats are awesome, suade leather on parts of the dashboard. Drove a forester wilderness initially thinking I need an adventure vehicle. But even in S+ mode, I found it lacking. I am not a fan of the outback looks but it has turbo if people wanted that option. But this WRX surprised me, the only thing for me now is whether I should get a manual or automatic(GT). The price difference is quite a bit between premium and GT. I am not crazy on needing a manual transmission. So, need to decide😕! I was considering an RC 350 F sport but the pickup in this is soo much better compared to that. But then again looks of an RC 350, BRZ are soo much better.

[@NimaShariatzadeh]

I believe the Elantra N is a bit cheaper. Worth considering. That is if you're not living in a place that snows all the time, which is most places anyways. If you're not too crazy about the styling you can wait for the Elantra N 2024 update that changes it. Seems like a better product to me, compared to the WRX.

[@IamSooConstipated]

$44k is at least $5k too much for this car. If you want an AWD Turbo get a Mazda 3 and then install a sportier suspension. You’d save thousands

[@SacredCASHcow]

the limited (which I ordered) has better seats (ultrasuede) for 38K

[@Cerby1979]

A WRX with a CVT. Might as well call it a Legacy.

[@ciello___8307]

last gen had that option too

[@wranglerlife4ever42]

And the Legacy looks better

[@ddkl7780]

It’s a way better trans then the legacy

[@19deltascout43]

Corny bro

[@Zanderthelab]

It’s practically the same chassis.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

His camera underexposes the interior a little but actually the touchscreen is a little hard to see on a sunny day, especially with your sunglasses on.

[@keeleye7225]

I have a 2016 WRX, and I think I'll keep it instead of trading it in for this one. Effectively the same power, and I'd miss the physical seat heater and climate control dials. I'm tired of everything being hidden in screen menus. Bring back tactile controls; they're much more practical.

[@br8y693]

My buddy has a 2018 cvt and I have a 22 spt. They have similar power but I somehow significantly pull on him

[@username8644]

​@@br8y693Because he has a 2018 cvt😂

[@br8y693]

@@username8644 exactly. That's what I'm trying to tell the original comment bud. The cars have the same power but the 22 is way more effective. OP doesn't seem to think that

[@username8644]

@@br8y693 Yeah the old cvt is garbage and the 2022+ power curve is way better.

[@andresluengas4650]

😂 what a cope

[@jbowgo9599]

Dealer gave me the keys and test drove the GT for 20 plus mins. Very impressed and no issues with the tranny. Not noticeably different than a standard auto gear shifter. Fast, solid! Would consider at a significantly lower price. Mostly manuals in my history and presently a dct GTI. Seats are comfortable and very firm if you like that. Should come with all season performance tires dependent on where sold.

[@Da__goat]

Never thought Subaru would kill its own icon by giving it a CVT but here we are

[@curtfox91]

Still cant wait til my bday so i can get my VB WRX 6pd btw

[@alex86devapath]

Almost 9 months and 26k+ miles love the car but that infotainment system sucks so much! So bloody glitchy ugh!

[@dudefat1785]

im getting one next month OMG that sound system wow!!! so clean and clear and crisp

[@johnsimon8457]

Crawling through traffic on hills with a manual gets old, and passengers freak out when you stall, so the CVT makes sense there. Regarding responsiveness - say you need to merge quickly, you have to hit the button to go from gas saving - I-Mode to S-Mode so that when you stomp the throttle you're off in a hurry. Smode changes throttle mapping, increases the revs by 750 for a given speed. CVT is a completely different beast than a regular automatic. It's definitely a good compromise.

[@vtxbox]

Why are you stalling a manual in the first place?

[@johnsimon8457]

@@vtxbox because its hills. it happens over dozens of hill starts.

[@ScorpioMotivation]

Manual This is the way.

[@AdamJayTechnoElectro]

Surprised at the drone comments. I have the 22 Limited SPT, which came with the STI performance exhaust. Now that** was pure highway drone hell. I swapped to the OEM mufflers and the highway drone is none existent now.

[@TheGrayFox24]

I'm glad I bought the DCT Elantra N

[@ThunderGodMark]

Ahhhh the foot clap before getting in

[@wackit6756]

Looks like a fun car, but 21 mpg for a four cylinder? I know gas mileage isn’t its main mission, but there are other fun cars that get almost twice the mpg's with about the same power. Seems like the engine isn’t efficient.

[@hectortapia8413]

Which cars? I’d be interested

[@user-eg7hg6cf3m]

Great work by Subaru, and also you can still consider buying the wagon version, discovering even more space for usage notwithstanding the pricey tag.❤

[@scottanthony3426]

Interesting review. Seems like they kind of screwed the pooch a bit on the exhaust drone at cruising. How responsive was it from that RPM? I think peak torque starts at 2000 RPM? The Subaru web site I was looking at showed summer performance tires on all models, so interesting that you got the all-season PS4. Seems like a better option for where I live, where too often it is temperature driving the need to stay off the summer tires. Subaru has maddening bundling of features. Making you buy the GT to get the adaptive dampers for one. And I think this is the only trim that offers the adaptive headlights too. I'd kind of like to skip the sunroof, but if you want the nicer interior, you are kind of stuck. I'm over the industry's love affair with sun roofs. Subaru seems to have made some executive/marketing decisions re brakes. This is presently their top tier (no STi) but no brake upgrades, at 43K. The second gen BRZ is now running its second model year,, with no brake upgrade options. I have the '17 BRZ Limited with Performance Pack (which was a bargain), and it has the Brembo package. Feels like Subaru and Brembo got a divorce. Maddening that Subaru can't get their Apple system to stop dropping the connection. This should have cooled seats as well. Pricing on these is now overlapping with the BMW 230i (without much optioning!), which has a DCT. And I wish Subaru would have stayed with the 3 big knobs for the HVAC instead of this touch screen nonsense. They still use that in the BRZ and Forester. Lack of a manual parking brake in the WRX is interesting too. After all, this is supposed to be "rally car" oriented, which apparently justified their gaudy wheel well trim. Seems a little inconsistent in their "mission" for the car. Still an interesting car. I love rowing my 6-speed manual in the BRZ, but since my wife doesn't drive a MT, it sometimes gets left home while we take the SUV on longer trips. I keep hoping that MAYBE there is something that has more "engagement" in other areas (low end torque, flat out acceleration, muptiple settings for exhaust, suspension, etc) to make up for someday going to an automatic, but watching the reviews, everyone always says, "this is better with the MT". Perhaps the Elantra N with DCT can make up for enough of the lost engagement, but even with the new refresh for '24, I can't warm up to the looks. The Zorro guy in the body stamping factory needs to be given the pink slip.

[@DistanTThunder2]

If you're going to get a CVT, just get an outback wilderness edition. You'll smash this WRX.

[@StarlancerAstro]

The cvt 'shifts' super fast in this but I love my OBW, quite a sleeper!

[@goldenhawk2839]

i absolutely love my 23 wrx premium CVT, for someone who cant drive manual its been a blast!

[@eh6578]

Should’ve learned how to drive manual tbh

[@goldenhawk2839]

@@eh6578 I said can’t, not won’t.

[@user-oe7oe2fl8q]

same here I ended up getting the 2022 last year it’s badass it won’t disappoint don’t listen to the people in the comments 😂💯 just take care of it and keep up with oil changes

[@darknight160]

Color matched wide body fenders make this car look way better. I agree in my test drive this is the best tuned CVT on the market.

[@vinnpu]

Great video review. Loved it!

[@TheGrizNation]

I got the CVT in the 23 Limited WRX and it's awesome. Coming from a 2010 Outback to this really makes you appreciate the car even with whatever flaws it might have.

[@Th3M4larky]

I love the new design but the price point is kinda high IMHO

[@caglioso]

I test drove the cvt wrx and it’s not the cvt I actually disliked- it’s the infotainment! It felt like such a cheap eyesore and is so poorly integrated I couldn’t imagine living with it every day. Total miss by subaru.

[@TheGamingJuicy]

The biggest downside to this car is the S3 exists for only $2k more. You get a true DCT, far more power, more luxury, better gas milage, and better styling.

[@AlanAnt]

Guess I’m lucky. I have a 2022 WRX GT and it has never dropped Apple CarPlay. I used it almost continuously during a 9 hour trip. I wish it were wireless.

[@TheTopher]

What cable are you using?

[@AlanAnt]

@@TheTopher Some random off-brand cable someone left at my house. Funny you should ask. I was just explaining to my son that not all cables are equal. He wanted to buy a very long cable for his iPhone 13 and I told him it might mess up Apple's intelligent charging system. If the cable in the car starts dropping CarPlay, I will change it out for an OEM Apple cable.

[@DragonKnightX12]

@@AlanAnt Yea I read on the forums the radio only likes high speed cables. I bought the Carlin kit 4.0 that adds wireless carplay and android auto cars with it wired. So far in my 22 BRZ it's worked pretty good other then occasional screen lag. Carplay only dropped once so far.

[@alex86devapath]

Damn my drops connection pretty often! And randomly the all screen just crashes completely.

[@RyanLBC]

dam what a price hike. the original cvt wrx went for 28k on the premium trim. then again it didn't come with adaptive dampening, bigger engine, eyesight on the premium package. if they came out with the same trim with out the adaptive suspension and eyesight, this cvt model pricing would make a lot more sense and a lot cheaper.

[@noidex2936]

A sports car with a CVT, not a DCT or manual? Pretty weird

[@KL60486]

Subaru doesn't have dct

[@DENTSHAVEMENTALILLNES]

Manuals are dead, why can’t people get over this… even delivery trucks are automatics now. It’s 2023.

[@noidex2936]

@@DENTSHAVEMENTALILLNES For efficiency and ease of use, yes, you are completely right

[@fredyvaldez5492]

@@DENTSHAVEMENTALILLNESlmaoo, someone cant drive a manual😂

[@username8644]

​@@DENTSHAVEMENTALILLNESWhy can't people understand that fun cars are more fun with a manual. Slush matics are nasty to drive.

[@owenryan1865]

I had an issue with android auto constantly cutting out, and then I swapped out the cable I was using for one that had the highest possible data transfer rate I could find, hasn't cut out since. Not sure if the same applies to car play

[@cheesewheele1014]

Have had the same issues in my Outback. OEM Apple cable, almost no issues, some random cable from Walmart and it cuts out constantly.

[@booppert5897]

The MT is just so much more sporty and fun for it.

[@declankennedy3506]

We need a MK8 GTI review in the manual!

[@curtfox91]

CVT SUKS! for the WRX lol id never unless i was handicap

[@seabassislegal]

my next car has to be a wrx. its the only sporty offroad sedan that i know of. im conflicted between a newer one since it has the plastic cladding for extra protection. but i also like the looks of the '18 models more.

[@seabassislegal]

also the warranty would be a plus.

[@toobigtofit3584]

I wanted a 2014 hatch, but with the pricing of used cars at the time, and the fact that you have a decent chance of buying a modded and/or beat on used WRX, I went with a new one.

[@seabassislegal]

@@toobigtofit3584 you make a really good point i havent even thought of. subarus are probably one of the cars that get the most beat on.

[@phwn]

​@@KS_MSM true, "offroad" can mean simply gravel and dirt roads so this would suit that fine.

[@AFKMeister]

To me plastic means it’ll be cheaper to replace? I’m kinda on the same page as you. I think the only problem I have with this car is the slight lack of power? Maybe doing a stage 1 will fix it?

[@Aiken47]

Really Good video, thanks for actually running the car respectfully through some great corners that show off it’s strengths. So many “soft” drivers making videos.

[@mare5335]

$40K seems way too much for this.

[@mybadazzusername]

Willow run, thought that area was looking familiar with the brown dead sadness

[@MDZac2024]

For a sub-$40K sport sedan (not sports car as so many people keep calling it) it’s a great total package with or without the SPT. Everyone is crying for a DCT, yet no other brand offers 271HP AWD sedan for under $40K with a DCT. I’d rather have AWD than a DCT given the choice to choose one or the other for the money.

[@andrewSUN17]

Awesome car and review! I want one now!

[@DavidDLee]

Why is the CVT trims so inefficient on gas?

[@saucyp123]

I might be going nuts, but does it seem like the tach needle moves faster than the change in engine speed? I swear, when you go for a series of upshifts, particularly low-rev short shifts, the needle darts right to the target revs and it sounds like the engine is slightly trailing behind. It might be a trick to give the impression that it "shifts" faster than it really does. Could be wrong though

[@theconformist2399]

Nah, you’re not alone. I saw the same thing in the previous WRX CVT video. It’s definitely shifting the tach faster than the CVT actually is.

[@chrisbugay4017]

Love all of your reviews and specially this! Yes, I'm one of those people who wants to drive a CVT not by choice... I learned how to drive stick shift on a '92 Mitsubishi GTI Galant (AMG) some 25 years ago and enjoyed it - that is still one of the best cars I've driven in my opionion. Sadly, I have major issues on my left knee and my Gen Z son and non manual loving better half to consider... so I am closely looking at getting a CVT. I'm also looking at either a new Mustang or a top spec wrx (yes, I said mustang along the lines of wrx). This review/pov I think swayed me a bit more towards wrx, I am so conflicted !

[@noraonchair]

crab civic tail lights hahaa

[@AkinaCelica]

Where was this filmed? Looks beautiful

[@msmarshall854]

CVT version has a curb weight 3550 lbs. (even if it feels light...) It's bothersome that it weighs so much. So that's extra 150 lbs. in the front for the CVT version.

[@Mel007ize]

In 2011 I bought my STI 4 door not the hatch for $36,700 out the door. Just saying.

[@tdublove9558]

I have the 2012 2.0i impreza and like the 50/50 split awd and CVT gravel roads are awesome at 80mph ❤

[@chrisswildlife7166]

Are you the same person from Winding Road Magazine?

[@joakimberg692]

Looks awesome tbh. But...android auto/apple carplay DC issues, in 2023? :o I would never buy this one, just because of that. It would be too frustrating to live with it.

[@willstrasser7031]

Rather get the gold R

[@samael1981]

Looks like the premium, limited and GT are the same exact car on the outside. The base has smaller wheels, no moonroof option and no rear spoiler.

[@Yhappp]

As someone that loves tech i think subaru mightve made one of the worst infotainment UI's ive ever seen

[@AlanAnt]

My 2018 STI was actually worse. No CarPlay or Android Auto. Everything was buried deep. It was laggy. And, many features were blocked while the car was moving; including navigation functions and direct tuning to a radio station by number. Instead of typing 95.5 or whatever, you had to drill into list mode for the 300 plus channels. Infuriating. Every time the car was started it would auto play Pandora. I never had a Pandora account. I now have a 2022 WRX GT and the infotainment system is heaven in comparison. It doesn’t seem that laggy to me and hasn’t dropped CarPlay.

[@arlok789]

This car is dumb with a CVT. With a manual its fantastic. Subaru should offer the adaptive dampers with a stick. Shame they didn't make an STI with 400 HP. I would have probably bought one.

[@trapt29]

Its actually fantastic which is why I bought one.

[@msmarshall854]

Hmmmmmmmmmm... "ACTIVE" all wheel drive.. this is a surprise.....

[@Konformation07]

My final thoughts? Get the manual if you're gonna get it.

[@user-xn2xs1df4e]

The infotainment touchscreen is a dealbreaker for me. That's why I went with the much cheaper, maxed out Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5L turbo.

[@dylanmlh2536]

idc if the cvt is faster and not even cuz i like driving manual but just because cvts feel awful to drive

[@Catgat37]

I just drove one. It isn't horrible. But compared to the stage 1 vw golf R with the dct that I just drove....not nearly as fun.

[@dylanmlh2536]

@@Catgat37 That’s a no brainer right there haha, i mean just looks alone i’d take my 2019 gti over the new wrx any day

[@Catgat37]

@@dylanmlh2536 my wife will be buying me a car. She thinks the Golf looks stupid. I have to agree. I mean the new wrx does kinda look gross. But I personally hate the look of hatchbacks. But after driving a Hyundai veloster n yesterday and 2 golf R models and a golf gti today, I absolutely don't care about the looks. These things are fun.

[@CapFlipGaming]

$43k for a CVT. 😢

[@TyroJuggernaut]

I bought an 8 speed wrx after your review. I love driving it every time and it’s a fantastic daily. Great review as always man, keep ‘em coming

[@zalcan3620]

8 speed?

[@southpaw117]

@@zalcan3620 Yeah. It's the Fast and Furious edition that adds a couple more gears to the transmission. Nah. The CVT has eight "gears".

[@zalcan3620]

@@southpaw117 saying it has 8 gears is maximum cope lmao

[@southpaw117]

@@zalcan3620 It's definitely more off-putting than just saying CVT or auto.

[@zalcan3620]

@southpaw117 it's definitely just lazy imo a CVT can simulate far more gears but saying it has that to seem comparable or sporty like other cars is just sad

[@ayceman21]

I hope it has 8 speed auto w/ dual clutch transmission. :(

[@ThePatriots010304]

Damn, snow? Here in the northeast it's 45 while it was 85 just last week.

[@Fredsreviews58]

It's crazy how the Oyutback XT is about the same 0-60!

[@diydrivenGA]

Now that's a stock intake....even so, I expect some vendor to improve on it with a massive cone filter.

[@Shredder2898]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1090">18:10</a> haha the failed e-brake attempt. Demonstrating one of the biggest downsides of this trim.