Subaru's WRX Is No Longer A Sports-Impreza | 2022 Subaru WRX First Drive

[@freezedried74]

The reason Subaru sells 85% of these in manual is because no one wants a performance engine married to a CVT.

[@raghav265]

Why don't they understand this? Why bother with a CVT again and again? Hell, a normal automatic with a torque converter would be far better. Seems stupid, but I guess they know what they're doing.

[@GROGU123]

@@raghav265 Because they don't sell enough WRX's to justify designed and building a dedicated transmission. The rest of their lineup uses the CVT, so they have to use what's already in the parts bin.

[@vroomgc]

@@GROGU123 Thats exactly why. They dont want to spend any more money so they reuse other parts :(

[@GROGU123]

@@vroomgc It's not that simple to make a relatively low volume production of a single transmission. You would not get the economies of scale and the transmission would be too cost prohibitive. That's why Honda doesn't offer an automatic in the Civic Si or Type R. At least subaru does for that 15% of buyers.

[@vroomgc]

@@GROGU123 Yes I know that , however if you want to grow you need to take steps to do that. Look at Hyundai and Kia's new lineup and N models. Subaru is just staying afloat and need some new designers too while their at it.

[@dhaug]

Having been a 2015 WRX Limited owner since 2014, I can assure you that the maintenance hasn't been any more expensive than my Outback(s). After some 100,800 km (~62k miles), it has been one of the most reliable and cheapest cars I've had the pleasure of owning. I have yet to change brake rotors on mine! I traded it in for a Solar Orange Pearl Limited, just like the one Alex presents in this video. Got almost $17k US as trade in value!

[@JJ-oc6rl]

Congrats bro, hope you enjoy

[@JJ-oc6rl]

Waiting for my WR blue in 2 weeks in premium with Harman kardon and moonroof.. 6 spd manny

[@Ianthecuckgary]

Traded in my 2019 wrx for a 2022 got 24k trade in

[@dhaug]

@@Ianthecuckgary Great time to buy... Enjoy!

[@EchoSigma6]

I think Subaru got a good deal from Honda after buying up all the leftover tail lights from the Civic two generations ago.

[@rogerthat117]

😂😂😂😂

[@dretech]

That's funny!🤣

[@TheKiing81]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dylanluhowy]

Those are familiar aren’t they

[@ejohnson3131]

It has the same taillights as the BRZ and its Toyota counterpart, whatever it’s called.

[@xavierp0nce]

As much as I want to like the new WRX, styling is also very important. You want to love looking at your car. But this is hideous. That cladding cheapens up the ENTIRE look for me.

[@steve8803]

Orange looks terrible on any car. In the grey colour, the car looks great imo!

[@frankfly1368]

It’s growing on me and I know when the enthusiast community gets ahold of it, some of them will look killer

[@paulv22]

Sorry Alex. I know you were flown out by Subaru and therefore have to temper your comments, but the cladding absolutely sucks. Truly awful.

[@67tomcat]

Couldn't agree more; the cladding is awful.

[@RLTtizME]

Aw come on...and you drive a Saturn. No cred sweetie.

[@paulv22]

@@RLTtizME Who are you replying to?

[@RLTtizME]

@@paulv22 Is this too complicated for you Paul Willie?

[@paulv22]

@@RLTtizME Subaru will be happy to know you actually like the body cladding and your personal identity is tied to the brand so closely. Merry Christmas

[@deedavey5373]

This is the first review of the car in which The differences in all trims were mentioned! Great job buddy!

[@brandoneickhoff542]

Yall can keep hating on the bottom cladding but I love it.. gives the car a more rugged look.

[@operationgetthugs232]

Where's cladding on the bottom?

[@nanocat4141]

No spare Save Money>Save Weight is probably more of what they're thinking. I would like one without the heavier sunroof, or some unnecessary electric nannies. Sadly, nearly every stealership is price gouging everything. They'll be an initial "markup" for "market demand" or whatever fluff stealerships decide to tack on. The car shopping experience is such a bad experience. Can't wait for the day dealerships no longer exist. I'm sure there are one of those one off nuances where you have a good experience, but they are few in between.

[@MIA_Mark_Lewis]

I feel you. I think Carvana is starting a trend for salesperson-less dealers. My first ever car was an E90 328 that I paid way more than it was worth. Live and learn

[@YawmSaub]

@@MIA_Mark_Lewis carvana is going out of business

[@MIA_Mark_Lewis]

@@YawmSaub You’re right! I just looked it up. Well I guess they got greedy too. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ricecakeboii94]

Pay a hefty markup at the dealership or pay a similar price for a 2014 WRX.. 😵 I wish there was an option but if you want a WRX; Subaru got your nuts in the blender.

[@elcheapo8212]

Just ordered a WRB premium with no markup but includes a $1500 “paint protection package”. It’s dealer fluff but almost all dealers add to their cars nowadays.

[@mart0225]

It’s very unfortunate that the over inflated tires didn’t allow an accurate review of the ride. 8 psi is a lot!

[@DavidDLee]

The reason a WRX is not something I consider: * CVT in a performance vehicle does not make sense. In an Impreza or Forester it's OK, not in a WRX. I heard the Ascent's CVT, with the same engine, is not reliable. I'd be very concerned with WRX with a CVT, wait at least 3 years to hear it's reliable. * Daily driving stop-and-go traffic with a manual is not fun. So, no option is acceptable.

[@traviscosby1016]

Why would you get a WRX with anything other than a manual?

[@midengineZ06]

Exactly!

[@infiniah]

My wife's WRX has CVT. Has done a few auto x days and it's been good. No failures at 100k

[@joebrito2066]

I understand that Subaru was to expand their customer base by offering an automatic transmission, but CVT doesn’t belong in a performance car

[@harvardford8752]

Clearly you haven't watched F1, CVT was way too good (when done properly) they had to ban it. Bt I do agree that on these "real world" cars, CVT has no right to replace an automatic, let alone a proper manual.

[@ciello___8307]

The CVT was an option last generation too. . . the manual is standard

[@2004cyrus]

You can Thank Obama and now Biden for increasing gas mileage requirements for car manufacturers- to either push their electric car agenda or make combustion engines more complicated to develop in hope that car makers will drop them soon again for electric.

[@growingup4487]

the wrx is a daily driver unlike the track focused STI that's why WRX's alaways had automatic trims and never the STI

[@jackleonard2088]

Love the content Alex. Have a great holiday and a happy 2022!

[@gns942]

This is the single worst color to show off the WRX, it makes it look like a Crosstrek. I will give the plastic cladding a half pass, I can see how they would help prevent damage to the body when you're driving down dirt / gravel roads. Also worth noting, the AWD system on the manual WRX is worse than the one on the CVT WRX - the one shown in this video has the viscous center diff, while the CVT WRX has a real planetary gear center diff, which is significantly better than the former. Subaru also reserved the GT trim for the automatic (with Recaros and adaptive dampers and customizable drive mode), which is also a huge let down.

[@mindspinn311]

Subaru wants to leave some things for the STI.

[@damilolaakanni]

If Subaru sold this with an optional 6/7/8 speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT, they'll probably sell more of those. The ZF 8 speed transmission might work here, since the engine is longitudinally mounted. The way it is now, Subaru is forcing you to get the CVT if you want all the goodies in the WRX. Either that or wait for the STi.

[@gns942]

@@damilolaakanni If people buy this and spec the CVT, I feel sorry for them. They're missing out on so much by not getting the manual version. Same thing for the GT86 / BRZ.

[@damilolaakanni]

@@gns942 those twins have a six speed auto though.

[@LankeyCanadian]

Us canadians will just take all the wrxs then gravel offroad winter driving is what subarus are made for. I for one am happy when i shoot rocks at my wheel arches and rocker panels all of it is plastic no paint chipping no rust. once every few years take the plastic off clean the metal behind and oil it. This is a car that will last forever in a salty winter climate if properly maintained.

[@danielmahoney5391]

Outstanding detailed information and commentary... Really the best than all the others i listen to.. appreciate this. Thank you. I like the cladding and all..uniquely Subaru...

[@Ratchetjames2]

We are trading 2019 Accent Touring with 74,000 miles for WRX Limited . Suppose to be here last week of December. It will be wife's car , I am 67 and she will be 66 in January.. She loves manual transmission and plenty of horsepower. She had a '03 VW Beatle Turbo S , 6 speed , 180 hp . Put 180,000 on it ....

[@ricecakeboii94]

I’m glad all these people don’t like the WRX; it’ll make getting one in the dealership a lot easier. Good work weeding out the people who don’t really need awd or worry about rust. The sapphire blue looks way better than school bus orange, glad they flagship their worst color.

[@jamesnicol3831]

agree so much about the failure of putting summer tires standard on a all weather vehicle

[@67tomcat]

Great review as always, but I cannot stand the cuv-like cladding. It is not necessary!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

That is really interesting - the only review I have seen that shows there is no spare tire, but space for one. Trust Alex to be thorough! I am not surprised by the summer tires. I live in New England, the area Alex talks about wanting All Season or All Weather tires. On the Subaru I own, I had to immediately replace the summer tires with all weather tires as my wife was complaining the AWD Subaru was worse in the snow than her old FWD Honda. Once I replaced the tires, it was better than that Honda and very manageable.

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

Good thing this review isn't biased at all. Insert sarcasm.

[@Snafu2346]

Glad manual is still here.

[@TactileCoder]

I picked up mine yesterday. Amazing car. I don't mind the plastic fenders at all. The torque is very balanced and the turbo just pulls you throughout the RPM.

[@illyack5593]

Just got mine a week ago. I had the 2020 sti, and 2021 wrx. This car is hands down 100% better. Its amazing.

[@djsone3499]

I really wanted to like the WRX because of its AWD system, but the interior layout of the Elantra N with its horizontal screen and physical controls is just so much more appealing. I don't think I could live with the vertical tablet style. It's unfortunate, because I've always been a fan of the AWD rally style cars and I always wanted one. I'll probably go with the Elantra and then see if the next generation of WRX (if there is one) goes back to a better interior layout.

[@Vision33r]

I'm a huge Subaru fans of past but Hyundai has been in rallying pretty long as well the past 2 decades. So going with Elantra N is perfectly fine it's a better car designed for the street than this WRX. Imo Subaru has't wowed anybody the last 2 decades. The power and performance has been marginal and we're only waiting for the Civic SI to match the WRX in power which is not a good thing. The Type R already beats the STI on every measurement.

[@v8_sami]

@@Vision33r yep Subaru went downhill once they stopped participating in wrc. I don’t blame anyone choosing a Elantra N. The information just killed it for me. Also the new sti is going to have most of the drivetrain option in that sluggish infotainment as well.

[@NickFindsNick]

I just bought a Kona N Line. It’s fantastic. Turbo, AWD, dual clutch.I love it

[@Vision33r]

@@NickFindsNick I think that's a great car, Subaru has had the turbo SUV back then with the forester but they keep make it too soft. A big miss, they can easily make an outdoor model and then a street tuned version but the Forester Sport is too soft.

[@laryking5171]

Is anyone concerned with the fact that subaru wouldn’t let anyone behind the wheel of the GT?

[@atweber]

Love it I think Subaru did a great job. Don’t understand the hate.

[@povertyspec9651]

Trash engines with non-linear powerband, ugly exterior, cheap interior....

[@shudigg]

Bunch of kids struggling with depression and anxiety during these times.

[@chadhuxington690]

Women like it as well

[@40nine99]

@@povertyspec9651 you just gave your opinion bout all manufacturers

[@vitaly6312]

Looks good overall but the rear looks awful and all that plastic is tacky.

[@paulhammersley539]

Why incandescent turn lamps, not LED? (when everything else is LED?)

[@FantomLightning]

Honestly I really love this especially in the orange. I wish we could get the S4 variant with the rear window wiper here in the US.

[@dhaug]

Same here. I have a pre-order in for an orange one.

[@v8_sami]

Lol you know the wrx is better than the s4 right? They don’t even get a manual trans for those model.

[@FantomLightning]

@@v8_sami I guess I should've worded that differently. I want the rear wiper off the S4. That's my only interest in it.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

@@dhaug sure you do 🤡

[@dhaug]

@@gustavopaulette3496 Awww, cute, You jealous?

[@GROGU123]

It's so dumb that Lane Centering and Adaptive Cruise control are only on the automatic. Honda offers these features on the Civic with a manual, as a standard feature. They could do ACC down to say 45mph so it doesn't stall in 6th gear.

[@Smaug1]

Yep, Honda makes better marketing decisions than Subaru does. I think I'm going to get a Civic Si, once they are properly available without having to grab my ankles.

[@GROGU123]

@@Smaug1 The new Civic Si is ugly though :-( The Acura Integra is probably a better choice.

[@Altezza447]

They work that extra tech in the price increase when you get an automatic

[@growingup4487]

@@GROGU123 price per HP it's not

[@stevethomas760]

Buying a new car next year and really wanted this car to be it. A 3 hp gain and over the top plastic, I’ll pass. Maybe Subaru will give customers a better STI. For the record there has been a WRX in my driveway since ‘02.

[@FXIIBeaver]

If 3HP is what kills it I feel bad for you.

[@stevethomas760]

@@FXIIBeaver You got to know your limitations. Just go into the throttle easy until you get used to the extra power

[@mindspinn311]

I’m actually not against that orange color or the idea of the CVT. I’d probably buy the base manual as the GT will likely be as expensive as a base STI, but I’d definitely like to test drive to compare. Will the Subaru “performance transmission” be available on base or Premium models, or only the GT?

[@AB-jk7tw]

Love your comprehensive reviews Alex.

[@winc06]

Has the rev hang problem been fixed?

[@johnnyr25]

I feel like the body cladding is a low key vibe check by Subaru to see if customers will tolerate this being turned into a kind of CUV like a Regal TourX or Honda CrossTour...😑

[@VitoC.]

the body cladding looks hideous...

[@anaesthetics]

Is it the 20th anniversary since first released in the US? The WRX has been around since the late 80s in Japan.

[@aireydc]

Fantastic review helping me make a purchase in 2024 (limited trim). Thanks!

[@matthewsimmons2008]

I lived with a 2018 WRX for two years a few things - - - Michigan car insurance on these is bonkers expensive every vehicle (new to 2 years old) I've had to insure was max $150 a month this was $240 a month (30 year old male, no accident or ticket history). I also never got better than 21-22mpg because of my driving style and she takes premium but the absolute worst thing of all was the rev hang between first and second gear. The rev hang really ruined the experience for me, eventually I bought a Cobb aftermarket tuner which everyone said would eliminate the rev hang. It helps but it doesn't completely eliminate it. If you're considering one of these test drive it and if you're having a hard time getting the shifts from 1st into 2nd smooth that's most likely because of the rev hang. After years of driving a manual I almost had to relearn how to shift..I would actually have to think ok WAIT WAIT then let the clutch out when shifting into 2nd.

[@antonsalmin8373]

The 1 to 2 shift was my biggest reason for selling the car. I did almost all bolt ons and was never truelly happy with the driveability. So sad that the shifting feel kills the car

[@extraordinarywolf320]

I think they got rid of the rev hang in this model now. I hate my 21 WRX because of it, Im going to get a 22 limited.

[@antonsalmin8373]

@@extraordinarywolf320 that is tempting. The exterior is growing on me. May have to give it a shot in the future after covid calms down and prices aren't marked up.

[@judgeadvocate9275]

I would consider buying one of these if it didn't have a CVT. I can't use a manual because driving 4 different jeeps has given me sore knees from the clutches. I'd take a 6-speed automatic, over an 8, 9, or 10-speed auto. I hope, Subaru fixed their head problems in their engines. When they have problems, there's no half-way. They go all out.

[@danielpostma8816]

Does it still need premium gasoline?

[@EUC-lid]

Yes. And loads of it.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

This level of fuel efficiency is not acceptable with gas prices approaching $7/gallon in parts of CA.

[@eternallogic6394]

Blame your so called president.

[@tonychau1983]

Don't think people buy wrx for the mpg

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review. Excited to hear you enjoyed the Manual WRX so much. About the pedal placement on the New Civic Si,. I personally find it a big improvement over the previous gen Si, especially for heal-and-toeing. I felt very uncomfortable doing it before. I had to blip the throttle bottom of my heal instead of the side of my foot which makes it far harder especially when I choke up on the wheel for “spirited” driving. Also, the clutch is slightly heavier than it was, to the extent that I can tell where it is when I depress it. It’s not at all heavy, but in the previous gen I could barely feel it, which made it hard for me to work with it. I hope the WRX placement is likewise easy to work with for my size 12 (U.S.A.) feet.

[@andoletube]

There's no real need for heel-toe shifting when the ECU is performing rev-matching. Unless it can be turned off, or something?

[@maximus9401]

I had to get the throttle peddle spacer from acuity for the 10th gen Si in order to heel toe. Glad to hear the 11th gen fixes that

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Please do a Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si video!

[@justinowens2465]

Will always love the WRX I had a 2012 limited hatchback. I wish Subaru would just modernize the car already and give it a DCT.

[@v8_sami]

Or a fast 8 speed auto transmission lol

[@914050]

The setting for this video is fantastic, with green grass and waves crashing in the background. I noticed some other reviewers had the same setting, so I guess Subaru invited them all to an event there. I guess that's kind of a clever way to make the car look nicer.

[@EUC-lid]

It's called a Press Junket. The manufacturers fly "journalists" out to desirable locales, feed them excellent food, put them in fancy lodging, feed them the corporate marketing, give them the press embargo date (the earliest date & time they can share their review) and heavily imply that if they don't give a positive review they won't be asked back to the next fancy holiday.. er, I mean, junket.

[@danielbliss8014]

Love everything about it except the MPG. When I was a kid my parents had a Citroen GS which was a sharp handling (if underpowered) car with an air-cooled longitudinal boxer engine, and so I have a soft spot for Subaru's layout. Citroen has long since gone "mainstream" so Subaru it probably is if I get another ICE car.

[@billgarci]

They could have improved the fuel milage in the highway by making 6th gear & overdrive gear.

[@stevenr1354]

Thanks for that review Alex. Great function. Form, not so much. Correction: I'm getting more used to the look, particularly in darker colors which tone down the cladding and rear bumper.

[@JosephDragunov]

I like the cladding. But I am a function person.

[@ankursharma8624]

Hi Alex. I'm so glad you finally got your hands on the new WRX. You are probably the only one that mentioned that the curb weight most likely is higher in this generation. Could you please describe if you actually felt this to be any less toss-able than the previous generation WRX?

[@Ficon]

When I heard the totally-not-Impreza WRX came with a CVT, I was so shocked I dropped my vape pen into the puddle of oil leaking out of the head gasket. Subaru is in a tight race with Acura for the title of the lamest and most disappointing Japanese “sports” car.

[@troll2637]

A cvt can be good too.

[@sturat18]

Previous gen did too. Nothing new.

[@andrewsantos8679]

Subaru is Australian….

[@wyw201]

@@andrewsantos8679 WRX is assembled in Australia? Thought the US ones are made in Indiana plant.

[@andrewsantos8679]

@@wyw201 not sure where that specific model is manufactured I was just pointing out that the brand is Australian, not Japanese.

[@avlearning8576]

Alex, you forgot to mention that from Premium to Limited you also get the upgraded suede seats

[@sergeihanush2262]

Where this was reviewed? Alex, could you share an geo-tag?

[@Ben-bs4od]

Would love to take this for a drive if I had one rental car. This is the best review I've seen on this car. This car is such a great value.

[@coreyyancey9272]

Great review. Best I've seen on this car.

[@c013s14w]

I went from a 20 impreza to this in a limited 6 speed. This guys review is spot on. The clutch and pedals. feel as close to perfect as any car ive ever driven. The gear ratios give you plenty of range but breaking it in you are CONSTATNLY shifting to avoid revving past 3k. Android auto is absolute trash Thats really my only gripe about this car. It seems intentionally buggy for apples benefit. If you have the push to start versions you also get the secret pin acess via the trunk button if you wanna get something out and left your keys somewhere or if your doing something like swimming and put your fob to sleep and intentionally lock your keys in the car.

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

What’s the break in period? And how bad is it if you go past 3k RPMs before that?

[@gregorylouiscoleman]

​​​@@Justforfun-ek7eta lot of manufacturers suggest 1k miles keeping it under 4,000 rpm and avoiding stagnant speed like excessive cruise control. Just what I've seen with past few cars.

[@guerro327]

Wait, you live in Northern California. How did they fly you there? lol

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

I also would prefer an all season tire as an option on this. And on things like the golf R model. Summer tires are just not a good option for me. I would have to buy a second set of wheels.

[@KimchiBreath]

Same. Here in Minnesota it’s a must. I’ll still shell out for winter tires, but it would have been nice to have the option of all season.

[@RichardsWorld]

They need a blue one with gold wheels and big spoiler 👍

[@johnnyk6906]

finally a WRX that looks distinctive. very nice and I will consider one if DCT is offer.

[@Tonga2]

I’ve owned 2 WRXs and now my new 2022 BRZ, so much more fun to drive and no cladding lol.

[@shiloh5199]

I think it's a nice car but kind of disappointed about no Sti version and STi going electric...were not ready for everyone to own an electric vehicle. I love the sound of a combustion engine and exhaust!!

[@defox_nz]

dont like the headlights, dont like the rear bumper... dont like the plastic wheel arches... just horrible all over..

[@ZibrayMusic]

Does the premium have the embroidery WRX on the headrests?

[@MrGravloc]

Over inflated tires to help meet expected MPGs?

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I’m sorry, but the only reason to have a talking point about a Subaru WRX, is that they have AWD for its price. And let’s be completely honest, the quality of the car your getting for the price these sell at, is complete junk. I’m not going to buy a WRX just because it has AWD and its similarly priced competitors don’t. AWD isn’t enough of a selling point to me, especially when it’s similarly priced competitors have better usage of interior materials, are more comfortable, and are much faster when modified (meaning you don’t have to rebuild its competitors engines after a simple tune like you have to do on the WRX lol).

[@justinowens2465]

Have you driven a WRX in real a snow fall? The Subaru AWD System is a night and day difference to all the competition’s. It’s exceptionally good.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@justinowens2465 yes actually. It is good in the snow, but I also don’t really care how good it is. I’d rather drive RWD in snow because with snow tires, I can still go wherever I need to, and have more fun, as the control is all on me and not on AWD systems. And then having to live with the WRX’s horrific interior and plastic pieces year round for what I paid for the car just doesn’t suit what I want. I’m also one who mods every car I own, and the thought of being scared when my engine will blow up just with a simple tune and downpipe on the WRX, is more than enough for me to go to a different platform.

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

@@JacesOwnWorld full-time AWD with winter tires gives you best of both worlds btw. AWD also helps applying power even in perfect weather; it's nice to punch the throttle without worrying about wheelspin. That's very easy to do in GTI's (which I've driven 2 of, and spun the fronts in both because they're FWD), but far more difficult to do in full-time AWD vehicles like Subarus and (A4+) Audi's.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@CrazyWeeMonkey I never said it wasn’t better guy. I said for me personally, I prefer RWD in the snow because I’m in control, not the car. As far as having AWD in the summer, it’s 100% unnecessary. Literally no point to having it in dry weather. As far as the GTI is concerned, yes, the fronts just spin. Only reason I have the GTI is because it’s a really good roll racer, but anything 40mph and below, it just spins, so I don’t even consider doing dig races with it. But speaking for me personally, I get way more giggles out of spinning my front tires and banging off the rev limiter than I ever did driving my buddies AWD STI, other buddies AWD EVO 8, other buddies Golf R, and other buddies Focus RS. To say the least, I’ve driven basically everything AWD sport car wise, even Audi RS and BMW X-drive vehicles. Yes, they grip. No, they aren’t as fun to me. Would I want a WRX/STI for winters? Sure. Who wouldn’t?? But I can’t come to agreement with Subarus grand plan with their entire lineup. Their cars are made so cheaply, but yet they sell for pretty expensive $$, only because they know their buyers like their AWD systems. Their AWD systems are the best in the business, I agree, but damn to hell would I ever want to live with one knowing it’s so cheap, and I won’t be able to kid it like I want unless I drop $15-20k into it just to make 450whp lol So to plain Jane Subaru fanboys, their AWD systems are worth the cost to them. But to me, not worth it because I look at the car as a whole, not just it having AWD.

[@luiselapostolfeliz2421]

Pricing isn't yet set in stone but it's a dandy.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

I always wanted a WRX but wow, 21 MPG. Hard to think about ICE now that I have full electric and spend $15 a month on "fuel".

[@Thirsty_Fox]

It's minivan/fullsize SUV fuel economy. Completely ruins the point of a sport-compact when it gets the fuel economy of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and is hardly any quicker.

[@wall7103]

It sounds like Subaru's about to axe the Impreza.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

It’s funny Subaru says this is not a performance Impreza anymore. The last generation was the first non- Impreza Wrx and solely a Wrx.

[@phillm156]

How does this compare to the 2007 STI? I was so disappointed by the driveline slop that I changed the whole shifter linkage, transmission, engine & diff mounts. Along with ECU tune with hi-flow downpipe and intake, was nearly ideal. Still quiet, supple but pulls harder than an M3.

[@yourmommashouse]

What engine/tranny swap did you go with ? Lol

[@phillm156]

😂 I know, once I started the mods….it just kinda …🤑

[@yourmommashouse]

@@phillm156 sorry I was referring to the sentence changed shifter linkage, engine, tranny, and diff mounts. I know you meant the mounts on the engine and tranny but the way it reads makes it appear as if you changed out the entire engine and tranny.

[@Dannyb201]

Ordered mine can't wait to get it

[@k1ng617]

CVT w/ less MPG than a manual? What the heck?!

[@ChadHargis]

The sweet spot for the WRX is the base model. At $30k it's a performance steal. If you are buying a car to enjoy driving, the fact that the base model has none of the nannies, old school key, old school "rip it" hand brake...it gives you a more analog experience. Fantastic car for the money. If you want all the tech trickery, the WRX begins to lose its value quickly versus the competition.

[@MisterMister5893]

This or stinger? Odd comparable.

[@juliuso1]

@Alex on Autos could you describe your driving experience between the WRX and the Mazda 3 turbo?

[@TD05SSLegacy]

What about rev hang?

[@060racing8]

The best thing about the early WRX is was there parts compatibility with a standard Impreza

[@FoYo1005]

I would happily take some shared component with the Impreza if I meant we got a hatchback. I think many other enthusiasts are with me in this. Also there is no excuse for Subaru not offering an adaptive cruise control with a manual transmission when Mazda, Honda, Toyota, and others do it.

[@ciello___8307]

usually adaptive cruiser control is not available with manuals no?

[@FoYo1005]

@@ciello___8307 it was available on a BMW 335i Manual (current generation is automatic only) and is currently available on the mustang gt, mazda 3, Honda civic, Toyota corolla hatchback golf gti, golf, and jetta GLI. It's definitely possible

[@FoYo1005]

@@ciello___8307 the cruise disengages a you shift but can re-engage once you are in gear. Plus in most freeway scenarios where traffic is going 50 to 76 mph, the top gear is fine without shifting.

[@swanblake]

Great insghts Alex. I always liked the WRX, but I really dislike this new one. Looks ugly and awkward. If I wanted a Crosstrek, I would buy a Crosstrek. A lot of cost cutting seen on this WRX. Hate that you can't get the adaptive suspension with the manual. Performance and CVT should never be in the same sentence together. I think the WRX marketing budget was much larger than the engineering department unfortunately

[@thrillhouse8787]

"Cost cutting" - but that's what makes this such a good performance bargain. Any of the cost cutting measures are aesthetic (eg: no digital display), and generally not performance related. No adaptive suspension on manual models is a miss, I agree. And agreed the styling isn't great (but that's never been the WRX's strong suit). But, in a big way, Subaru was stuck with what makes the WRX work - huge performance and driving dynamics for not much money.

[@Ljbuddy12]

Wow this thing is absolutely hideous! More plastic than sheet metal! Subaru should have named it the Titanic

[@hansolo6827]

I’m painting over all that black plastic

[@chadhuxington690]

Does it come in mens?

[@cdbig9er]

7 years later and all we get is 3 more horsepower? Hahaha, what a joke. I'm keeping my 2016.

[@SilverSerenity520]

Still didn't bring back the Wagon body. Who knows if there is an FXT coming in the future.

[@dgnwd]

That orange color is fantastic looking, i hope it is available on the sti!

[@kir8379]

killer exterior, literally, as it kills the vibe for most of us. this is not something you would expect from 2022 car. the amount of plastic for performance car makes no sense. one might think that this is because of off-road angle but then you see that there is no spare tire and it comes with summer tires… when it comes to the interior and the amount of modern features wrx is also miles away from rivals. i would rather buy a used golf r or stinger because they offer so much more. i waited and wanted this car so much and now i see that i won’t be able to enjoy it 😕.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I don’t know a single person who actually off-roads their WRX or STI. It’s all just a “selling point” for buyers, thinking they’re buying a rally car, when it’s far from being a rally car. I’d rather lift a Outback and put bigger tires on it, and off-road that, instead of a WRX/STI.

[@Balunliinfi]

I love it

[@johnhoo6707]

@@JacesOwnWorld visit your local SCCA Rallycross event if you want to see fleets of WRXs “off-road”.

[@anthonyhardison3398]

Hey Alex...is the sti get an automatic as well as a manual?

[@ahmedp8009]

Superb review! I can't wait for the STI!

[@chosenArchitec]

Where is this 18:36, the background is beautiful? 😍

[@falkin42]

Love the hips, hate the cladding. CVT is terrible, etc.

[@robertlee4172]

10:33.."Some folks prefer engine a little more peaky". My 2020 WRX takes off like a rocket at 5000 rpm. I get the sweats every time I drive it.

[@237311]

A lot of people have been talking about the WRX engine blown out problem ever since the first model.

[@gwot]

no longer? where have you been since 2015?

[@pulda015]

Why are we still calling a wrx a performance car when it's getting outrun by 5000lb pickups and Camrys despite it's AWD? It's getting heavier and more bloated and still doesn't get close to HP of the last gen lancer Evo, not to mention anywhere near the hp/L or efficiency of competitors in the market. 21MPG is f150 level mpg.... Wtf?

[@thedriver8174]

I don’t understand the complaining about fuel economy. Personally my 2015 gets an average 27mpg and highway driving at 70 mph I regularly get 35mpg.

[@thedriver8174]

@@Thirsty_Fox I don't dispute what you are saying but I want to be clear that the numbers I gave were US mpg which is different from Imperial mpg. My 27mpg (us) is 32mpg (imperial) or 8.7 L/100km. And 35mpg (us) is 42mpg (imperial) or 6.7 l/100km. And my good weather conditions get 6.2 l/100km or 45mpg(imperial) or 38mpg (us) in case that makes a difference in your calculations.

[@thedriver8174]

@@Thirsty_Fox I totally agree with you that it is dismal though I average between 11 and 12 L/100 km. in town. I suspect that it has more to do with my driving style than the car. Also the rated values from the manufacturer are based on the cvt transmission in the power mode. Most people with the manual transmission do better than advertised IF they don't have a lead foot!

[@RobbyCisneros]

no one seems to include the start up of the engine,, i want to hear how it sounds

[@housepianist]

I don't doubt the improvements in driveability and I'm ok with the styling. I just can't handle the wide cladding on it. And the rear looks like it's half sheet metal/half plastic! No thanks! This WRX probably has more cladding on it than the Outback. That's pretty bad. The Civic Si is starting to look better and better to me.

[@damilolaakanni]

It's weird that Subaru said this 2.4 turbo engine is tuned for more power than in the Ascent, but it only has 11 more HP than that crossover and 3 more than the last gen's 2.0 engine.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

gas mileage probably takes a big hit as they can only do official mpg figures on the actual market sale tunes.

[@michaelsmith9308]

While Toyota has purchased Subaru approximately 35% it has STRONG reliability and in some cases the same parts....Overall it looks great especially with the lowered front hood scoop and its widened length too:) MPG though would have thought 34 MPG!

[@sshhddoo9892]

When this is the result of subaru doing what they wanted in design, I think unfortunately it would have been a benefit that they were restrained to looking for like an Impreza

[@paleopundit]

Hoping the STI will have body color cladding.

[@legoguy5944]

They discontinued the wrx sti for now

[@paleopundit]

@@legoguy5944 I heard. Very sad.