Everything I Hate About The 2022 WRX

[@John-vh1fk]

The rattling is my biggest gripe. Mine was at the dealer for 30 days while they took the whole dash apart because in cold weather the entire dash sounded like it was going to crack in half. The tech said it was where the AC ducts go around. He said Subaru does a terrible job at padding them. Got it back and so far so good. Coming from a GTI, I miss the interior quality of the GTI but definitely like the more engaging feel of the WRX.

[@romariosmith422]

More engaging... wow. My last gti was a mk6 and that car was like thee sports car. Steering and handling were just amazing. Only thing it needed was the e888 engine.

[@stinkothestooleater4490]

@@romariosmith422people like different things, roads requirements are different in different places. Where one place the wrx shines, the gti may not as much and vice versa

[@timothybaker3303]

​@@romariosmith422 LOL bro drive a a gen 1 base boxster, your gti isn't a sports car

[@jordancollins2553]

You should use the full auto feature for the climate control. It will change how you feel about the climate controls because you can use the buttons for temp to adjust climate and it will fully automate what needs to be done to make you comfortable

[@SuzukiKid400]

I don’t understand why people don’t use auto climate control. Do they also manually turn the fan up and down in their house too?? Weird.

[@xtrekrex]

This is exactly what I do.

[@steve8803]

​@@SuzukiKid400 what fan in your house?

[@Sherwood.Photography]

I never use auto climate control unless I’m using max heat to defrost and initially warm the car. I don’t like the fact that all the sudden it might go full fan and dry my eyeballs out.

[@jordancollins2553]

@@Sherwood.Photography I’ve not once in 3 thousand miles had it go full blast unless I turned to full low or full high and it hasn’t ever taken full low or full high on any other setting but floor vents

[@Eric-hn6xp]

Tip for anyone who owns one of these... You can hold down the Source button to pause your music

[@drunkpolack7612]

I just installed an sti shifter in my dads 22 wrx and it made a huge difference and relatively easy to install

[@aptkeyboard3173]

I have a 2022 WRX in silver with the same trim and options and I haven’t had any rattles at all and my auto hi-beams have worked flawlessly. Just hit 9k miles yesterday. I noticed you had the heat set to over 80 so I’m guessing you are somewhere cold… The suspension is not as stiff when it is warm outside. I totally agree about the screen and shifter feel though

[@gotrice5]

I have a slight creak in the steering wheel inside the cabin, but nothing feels too stiff or too loose but the car drives great. I have the premium SPT and thoroughly enjoy this car as it's the first subie and car I've officially purchased myself.

[@Buxtonphil]

same here my first one and i got it myself. i am counting the breakin miles for some real fun!

[@mattdouglass6809]

I’ve had my 22 since May of 2022 and I’m at 26k miles. Zero rattles. No vibrating parts. Only thing I would change is the brakes. The brakes are so bad that I think that they deserve a recall.

[@chrischarles9218]

After hitting 3k miles I am very used to the shifter. Everyone that gets the shifter mods say it's a world of difference so Ill probably get some upgrades on it. I have a package 11 premium and I think that is one step up from the base model and my car has zero rattles. I guess I just got lucky with assembly because I hear many complain about it but I have none. ETA - I was a Lowes this week and two military guys pulled up and ask "is that the new WRX?" They like many claimed the car looks way better in person than the pictures they saw online. I had just buffed it so that probably helped some.

[@sdasda4654]

Shifter mods are always a world of difference. Had I know this I would have gotten my kart boy before I bought wheels! Changed my love for my car.

[@mirandasanchez5852]

Nice mods. That's super weird. I have a WRX 2022 too, and AppleCarPlay is on the whole screen. So maybe, it's just an Android thing? There are some things hard to get used to, such as the turn signals and the climate controls. My biggest complain with the 2022 WRX is that the manual does not come with lane keeping and smart cruise control. You'd have to get the automatic (SPT). Also, in Canada we didn't get the RECARO seats, which totally blows. The WRX top trim seats are very comfy though. Overall, it's a great daily driver, specially if you live where you get a lot of snow. There's just not another car that's AWD, and makes that much HP in the market, at that price point. (Corolla GR is ~$10K more) You can go anywhere and do whatever with this car, from taking it to the track to going off-road. It's very reliable. It has one of the best resale values. And it's again, very functional it has a huge trunk and a lot of space in the back seats. Lots of people compare this car to the civic si, elantra n, and golf r. But to be honest, none of them are as functional as this one if you live up North and this is your only car. Besides both of them wouldn't get past the driveway after a snowstorm. My two cents.

[@redpillpusher]

touch screen interfaces in vehicles are monumentally stupid and unsafe. real switches/buttons allow to manipulate features without having to divert eyes from the road.

[@pharmztko]

Everything I hate about my 2022 WRX - NOTHING 💙💛

[@billisdewillis5]

Have 7000kms on my poverty spec WRX and the only gripes: -screen buttons for hvac -dropped connections with phone -shitty gas mileage Otherwise this car is so playful and fun to drive!

[@drueger]

​@@billisdewillis5 ong i dont think anyone has bought a subaru for the gas mileage

[@billisdewillis5]

I know…but when 5.0L Mustangs can average better…it’s just odd. It is a fun car though, in the snow, I have never had a more playful car…

[@truckinguy92]

@@billisdewillis5 the 5.0 wouldn’t pull that off with AWD. You’re kinda comparing 🍎 to 🍊. I’m thinking about going to this from a 5.0 Mustang. Life’s changed and the payments are killing me at this point.

[@jamesreckling6697]

This is a whine a thon. This is a great car!🎉

[@bobhebblewhite1685]

the things i love about my 22 wrx manual is, no electric seats, no sun/ moon/ rain roof, no satnav, no stop/start, and what i really love is it is just a really, really good car with a bloody good engine.

[@dontewarren1047]

To my knowledge….That light sensitivity menu is for adjusting when your low beams will turn on in the “Auto” setting on the stalk. The higher the setting, the earlier in the day the low beams will activate based on outdoor lighting. That setting does nothing to control the high beam assist feature. In order for the HBA to work your headlights need to be in the “Auto” setting on the stalk and then push the stalk back to activate the high beams…a little green high beam assist logo should appear in the instrument cluster to indicate the HBA system is functioning.

[@StreetInspired1]

I just checked the manual and you are 100% correct! I just assumed without looking into it. So the auto hi beams are just bad nomatter what lol

[@dontewarren1047]

@@StreetInspired1 I have a 22 WRX Limited and mine have always worked perfectly. Wonder if it’s a bad sensor or something?

[@SuzukiKid400]

@@dontewarren1047 my ‘22 lights work perfectly too

[@AlanAnt]

I’m wondering if you tinted your windshield. That would make the camera think it’s darker and prevent it from properly dimming.

[@tsoioleg]

I have GT in same color and I have no issues like you do. No rattle so far, I am okay with Infotainment, no problems with elbows. I love the changeable suspension and all goodies that come with SPT. I only wish it was a bit lower so the wheel gap is not as wide as it is and collision beeps in traffic.

[@sexynerd34]

The wheel gap is pretty common with cars from factory. Probably what killed the 4g eclipse. I think the WRX fenders are supposed to help the car stand out more as a rally car, since they already sell a street car.

[@jimmyglea]

Same. My GT has about 6,000 on it. It doesn’t rattle on the inside and the CVT is excellent if you settle down and learn how to drive it. I’m almost 50 and this is the best all around car I’ve ever had.

[@gustavogo2915]

You have a huge problem. The problem is you got a crappy cvt 🚮

[@jimmyglea]

@@gustavogo2915 I’ll be sure to take that into account when I climb into my paid for car that’s barely 7 months old.

[@gustavogo2915]

@@jimmyglea took you that long to pay it off? I didn’t even need to finance. Mines is paid off and barely one month old. Haven’t even hit 1k miles and every day the six speed makes the drive that much more engaging. Cvt is boring

[@keithsada1380]

I've driven plenty of sticks and I don't see where this one feels bad at all. I have a new 2023 and I really like it.

[@samagon00]

I had a 2015 WRX, the shifter feel is a big part of why I chose to upgrade to a slower BRZ, the shifter in that was simply sublime. when I saw the 2022 had no change in the shifter department, well, I knew I wouldn't be getting one.

[@StreetInspired1]

100% the brz shifter is excellent!!

[@dearcoffee85]

I heard 22 was better than VA shifter. Not true?

[@samagon00]

@@dearcoffee85 I have no idea, go out and test drive it. I have no desire to even try.

[@dyliver]

@@dearcoffee85 they’re the exact same thing. I own one and I owed 2016 Wrx. The best way I can describe it is that it’s clunky. But it feel better when it’s clunky to bang gears. But when driving normal it’s kinda bad…

[@dearcoffee85]

@@dyliver Wonder if the sti short throw shifter makes it any better?

[@BahhJustaLamb]

I agree with a lot of what you've said. On a small note, overall I still prefer the new volume buttons compared to the last gen. The VA had this directional arrow setup where I would constantly accidentally go to the next song or start the current song over while trying to change the volume. Also, in all fairness to Subaru... The half-screen Android Auto thing isn't really their fault. Apple Carplay displays nearly a full screen on the new Subaru infotainment system. I believe Android Auto does not yet support the aspect ratio of the large tablet-screens some of these newer cars have. The new shifter is indeed just as bad as the last one XD. However, I'd say that opting for the STI short-shifter, and then buying a shift stop and a brass bearing completely fixed it for me; now I very much enjoy rowing the gears. Overall, I'd say that the new WRX is set up better than the previous car. The last WRX felt very heavy, hesitant, and cumbersome to drive when stock. The new one is light on its feet and SATISFYING in a similar way that the Focus ST felt, only with AWD this time around.

[@Enrgz115]

This car has so much tuning potential! I just got the OTS flash and go tune from Boosted Performance and it really opened the car up! I would recommend it

[@Br0dacious]

@Bin Godii You’re clearly wrong dude they have an AP out for the 2022 😂 I literally have one

[@Br0dacious]

@Bin Godii dude that is literally impossible 😭 I can send you a video of the firmware saying 2022+ WRX

[@juelz4516]

@@Br0dacious that dudes an idiot i just watched a video of the new model with 2.4 and a Cobb tune 🤦‍♂️

[@xman27721]

Not a pause button but a mute button…definitely an underrated feature!

[@jedwin4816]

I share several gripes with you about the '22 WRX. In particular the "tablet" is annoying. I would really rather have good 'ol fashioned knobs, buttons and switches. Damn you Tesla- everybody thinks they have to copy you guys now. The suspension is a bit bouncy in regular driving around but as you've noticed- it's like the car gets down to business when you drive fast on a twisty road and it seems very well tuned for that kind of driving. Two things I'll add: the oil temp gauge is nice but how about an oil psi gauge as well like every other sporty car in the world. Also- why not mount the battery in the trunk like many other sports/performance cars? Rear passenger side trunk (low and over axle line is best) is so much better than high up under the hood on the drivers side. Overall- the car is just what I wanted: bare bones performance (by today's standards) at an affordable price with room to improve the car over time myself.

[@BrookeJones-tt1ou]

I agree. I hate how it takes forever to access stuff in the screen, especially the A/C, heated seats and heater

[@WRXMAN-ms2mm]

1. A car with a MANUAL transmission should have climate control with ROTARY KNOBS and TOGGLE SWITCHES for the heated seats. 2. A modern touch screen that has a rotary knob for volume is just odd. 3. Yes the VA and now VB WRX shifter is inadequate. The Dark Matter V2 although pricey looks like the best one stop solution. Plus it ditches all the “plastic”. 4. As for the engine the plastic yes plastic oil pick up just feels wrong to me. No brazed connection to fail but plastic for an internal engine component just strikes me as unwise material choice.

[@TDT0188]

The infotainment is enough to keep me from buying a new car. Hot garbage. If that thing fails, so does every system controlled by it. The STI trans should have gone in this car no question.

[@tomrakusan1179]

1. You’re whining about the screen - whatever little issues you had, the ‘23 fixed it. - invalid comments in my book 2. They fixed the android auto screen display. How about an update video? Apple car play is fine. 3. You hate the shifter? Likely the only one - it never feels like I’m breaking it. More whining. 4. Removed the pause play button? Really?!?!?! Did you buy a sports car or an iPod? 5. My doors don’t rattle - or anything else for that matter. I’m sorry but I get no rattles. Whining. 6. The fake carbon fiber on the door - did you buy a sports car of a lounger? 7. Auto dimming high beams work perfectly. More whining. It’s not what you say it is. 8. Tired left arms? There is an arm rest not eh door. You might want to look for it. Besides - having your hands at 9 and 3 on the wheel is the proper way to drive - again - did you buy a car or a lounger? 9. You can hear the strut? Really??? It is stiff as a sports car should be. I do not hear any struts. Buy a Buick - they had a nice LeSabre n 1975. 10. A dent in the parking lot? They’re flared fenders. Is this a real complaint or are you just looking to whine? 11. Wavy bumper? Sorry, again, mine is fine. I guess distorted cloud reflections are a big problem. 12. One thing you’re right about is the handling - it is MUCH better than the VA in terms of handling. 13. Also right about the power unit……much better than the FA20. Overall, your video criticizes stuff that either done at exist of doesn’t matter. The real value of this is car is its drive ability. And it does that really well. What you should have done is highlight the most important aspect of this car - the driving, and then mention the whining, if you really have to. This video is biased and is not very useful to anyone considering buying one. Think about how you self-direct and self-produce your videos. This ain’t it.

[@StreetInspired1]

Wow. I've never seen anyone take so much offense to someone's opinion over a car. 1.) This video cameout before the 23 was released so at the time there was no fix. And I made a video on "everything I hate about my *22* wrx"... Not 23 2.) It only took them over a year. I'm sorry but when car reviews come out people typically talk about the car in its current state, not what may or may not be fixed a year later. 3.) A lot of people don't like the Shifter. I would say nearly half of the people who buy these cars upgrade the shifter. Maybe go test drive the new BRZ or an older STI and then feel your shifter again and tell me how good it is. 4.) Invalid argument. It's a simple creature comfort that is in almost every single new car. 5.) Glad your doors don't rattle but I made a video fixing my door rattle and had tons of comments and messages from people who had the same rattle and were happy I showed them how to remedy it. 6.) Real Carbon is found in higher end vehicles. I don't expect Subaru to put real carbon on the car. But most car enthusiasts agree that fake carbon looks tacky and they could've skipped it for literally plain plastic and it would've looked better. 7.) Glad you think I'm whining, but I personally accidentally hi beamed more people than I could count because my hi beams didn't turn off in time. It's cool when they work properly but they don't always work properly and if yours do well im happy for you. 8.) Not specifically complaining that there isn't an armrest, only that there isn't a place to rest your arm that isn't akward for someone of my size. Again... this is preference and matter of opinion. And I've never met a person that holds the wheel at 9 and 3 during stop and go traffic and on a long highway road trip. 9.) I'm glad your car is perfect or your hearing is broken. 10.) It's not a dent. It's the shape of the factory body. I didn't say anything about the flares. I said the body line on the fender looks like a dent. And people have agreed with me on that. 11.) Again, I'm glad your car is perfect. No a distorted reflection isn't a big deal. But it's something people might be interested in seeing on a brand new car. 12.) The wrx has always handled amazing and I'm glad subaru keeps improving it. I'm glad we agree. 13.) And yes the FA24 is a great upgrade over the FA20. I'm glad we agree. Overall, my video encapsulates my opinion of the 2022 WRX. It criticized stuff that does exist (on my 22 wrx) or does matter (to some people) I wouldn't call this video Biased when I made the video called "Everything I Hate About The 22 WRX" With a title clearly stating what the video is about, it makes no sense to spend the video highlighting the good things about the car. This is just one video of the many videos I made with my 2022 wrx. And it's the only one where I'm complaining because that was the point and title of the video. I do think about how I self-direct and self-produce my videos. I do just that. I don't have someone telling me what to do or how to film my opinion. So I'm filming MY opinion, and MY experience, on MY video. In conclusion, I never take this much time to reply but because you felt the need to come at me and defend every single complaint I had about the car I figured I would reply and remind you that this video was titled "Everything ***I*** Hate" not "Everything Everyone Hates" Because this video was a matter of MY opinion, even if some people thing I'm "whining" about "non existent" things.

[@andrewbaxter4749]

I have the same issue with the high beams. One rattle in the passenger door. Had to have the Infotainment system updated because it kept freezing and the screen would shut off. The ride is a bit stiff over potholes etc but not really bad otherwise. It would be nice to have another 500 rpm, 6k seems low to me for a redline. Love the car in spite of these small complaints and would recommend to anyone.

[@StreetInspired1]

I actually had a pretty bad rattle on my passenger door and made a video fixing it if it's of any value to you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF7YaIqlf8yGmrM

[@OsightblinderO]

100% agree about the factory shifter. I actually JUST called my dealership to talk to them about it, I asked if maybe there was a lack of grease or something and they chuckled. Guess Im risking the warranty on a short shifter/plates. Can NOT stand this shifter, my 04 anniversary GLI's stock shifter was better than this one haha. Pro tip about resting your arm, for anyone wondering, I do that awkward elbow up thing on the door sill mentioned and it gave me serious shoulder pain after a few days. Dont do it! lol PS How about that hood when it's open? MAN THAT THING STANDS UP its SOOOO nice

[@treywaye6917]

I’m pretty sure you can order a short shifter through subaru, and i doubt it voids the warranty

[@brap_stu_tu_tu]

Short shifter, or even a shift stop is night and day difference. 👌🏼👌🏼

[@mandyduvall2828]

I got the premium package that came with a short throw shifter right from subaru. It was in the trunk with the accessories package. Your dealership should be able to get this shifter for you. To my knowledge from the dealership , this shifter will not void any warranty.

[@snoopyalien24]

I've driven the VB with the short shifter and WOW it was great! Like very very good. Hate the VA WRX shifter and this was a huge difference. Not as good as Honda's but close.

[@draethx]

looks so good with the new grille, OEM makes it feel like a forester or outback

[@StreetInspired1]

Im still getting used to it. I think the grille looks more aggressive, but it looks out of place. I think with more exterior mods to tie it together, it will look great!

[@AustinSamuelF]

@@StreetInspired1 try throwing a WRX grille emblem in one of the bottom corners maybe?

[@shawnmartin9198]

Everything I’ve complained about are in this video. Considering trading this thing in because of the lack of interior quality and comfort

[@BrookeJones-tt1ou]

Me too. I hate that dumb screen!!

[@JDMVB]

The STI short shifter is a must, couldn't imagine how it feels without lol

[@paulj784]

Agree.. i drove a base and premium back to back (the premium with short shifter) and it's a world of difference, IMO.

[@AlanAnt]

I’ve had 5 of these 3 WRX and two STI. Put a short throw in all but the most recent-which has the SPT.

[@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree]

I’m a tall dude with long arms and big hands and the stock shifter has given me no problems honestly. Neither does the lowe arm rest people have complained about too, but to really each their own

[@gustavogo2915]

@@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTreesame

[@mrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrk]

I have about 1,200 miles on mine so far. The transmission is my biggest complaint. 3rd-6th and reverse are all very smooth, but sometimes it doesn’t wanna go into 1st, and going to 2nd feels super crunchy. As far at the suspension, I’ve run over small twigs at low speed and it feels like I snapped a suspension component.

[@forrestrussellvisual]

Have you installed a shifter stop?

[@gaivoron]

It's the same as VA. So no surprise here since it's the same gearbox.

[@gaivoron]

​@@forrestrussellvisual shifter stop help, but it doesn't solve the shifter not wanting to go into the first gear. I had that happen to me like a handful of times when the car was under 10k miles.

[@suicicada]

Yea and it’s also a big deal for me because I’m a new manual driver so I’ve stalled mine a couple times thinking I put it in first when I didn’t

[@chrischarles9218]

I changed my gear oil to Valvoline 75w90 full synthetic and it helped.

[@toyosup88]

You can pause music by holding the source button

[@brainformuscle]

You can pause music by holding down source button. Press it again to resume.

[@johnny.3693]

I have 2022 premium sapphire blue VB. No rattles at all. The shifter is tight and smooth. The biggest complaint I have is it rides like a buckboard on bumpy roads. I sold my Coyote Gt and decided to keep this.

[@SuzukiKid400]

No issues with my ‘22 shifter either. Goes smoothly into all 6 gears after 8000 miles.

[@drueger]

The only time the suspension feels truly awful and not justs tiff is if youre on a wavey concrete road. Getting bucked back and forth is not fun

[@chones_]

great video. love when reviewers understand it's ok to be critical of your beloved car.

[@mandyduvall2828]

I have had this cat for 3 weeks now. Watched so many reviews here. You are one of the first to complain about the shifting. My shifter feels fine and tight not clunky. I did purchase the short throw shifter also and you could add that if it is such a problem. I have not noticed any rattling from doors or mirror and wonder if you have something loose in yours. The summer performance tires create noise but different tires will change that. So far i have only noticed that all power train work well together in this car. I wonder if subaru designers would considered everything flawed.

[@willywinket]

Yeah I really like my VB’s shifter too.

[@craigmason2884]

Upgrade to an iPhone and you won’t have those issues

[@victorherrero4790]

I have a 23 Base trim Wrx. My take: Pros: Awesome Handling and Traction Great punchy engine Manual transmission Safety Solid built Cons: No driving modes no DRL No Fog Lights Mediocre fuel consumption

[@mattsiegel1446]

Good video thanks, considering this for my new daily driver. Owned 4 wrx myself but felt cramped in my 2015 after 40k and sold for something roomy. Missing that feeling of looking forward to a drive without a wrx or sports car that is also somewhat economical.

[@PainDive1]

Be careful with right-hand cornering. If you take them hard enough you may blow your engine. There's an oil starvation issue with these FA24 engines during right-hand turning, also check for RTV clogging up your oil pick-up tube, and no cleaning the RTV does not fix oil pressure drops during clockwise turning.

[@jm4life85]

Apple car play uses more of the screen. It’s something to do with the way android auto is.

[@jmtcol5280]

Had my 22wrx since last July, 11k miles. 💯 Agree with the layout of the HVAC on the screen. Shouldn't have to push a button to open up another screen to hit more buttons. Super annoying. And the use of the screen. I don't think the light sensitivity setting is for the hi beam assist. I've noticed it's for the screen and gauge light cluster brightness. I could be wrong. But as I've changed those settings and driving under a bridge, I've noticed those lights dimming and coming back on once I get out of shade. Good points with your views. It's been an awesome vehicle. Love it despite a few things you're dealing with as well. Engine is legit 🔥 Cheers man, keep up the awesome content.

[@CustomTele52RI]

I've compared the 2017 VA WRX Premium 6-speed I own with Cobb tune on the more-reliable 2.0-liter engine against the the 2022 VB WRX and I prefer the VA, hands down. The smaller, more efficient and higher-revving engine makes the car feel quicker and more nimble, and I still get > 300 HP with the Cobb tune. The feel of the clutch and steering is far more tactile, visceral and engaging. If you want the uncompromised fun of driving a real WRX, get the VA AND tune it (stock VA tune is *garbage* at least with the 6-speed - VB fixed that). If you want a car that feels more like it's driving itself, get the VB with its tacky plastic trim, lighter feel on the clutch and steering and gaudy, laggy big-screen interface. Possibly a slightly better daily driver but I want no part of it. What it took for me to *love* the VA (I actually prefer it to the BMW M3 I owned previously - definitely handles better): Cobb tune (mandatory!), short-throw shifter (factory upgrade), replacing all of the speakers and adding an aftermarket subwoofer an Alpine power booster to the "modest" factory stereo; adding sound damping materials inside the hood, trunk and door panels to quiet rattles and overall noise level; adding seat and lumbar cushions to the front seats, which are very comfortable for long trips (better for me than my 2011 Forester Premium was); tinting all the windows and moon roof; replacing every incandescent bulb in the car with LED; and of course putting excellent tires on it. I found my 2017 with 9,500 miles on it in 2020 and picked it up for less than a new Civic Si so I was happy to invest a couple thousand into totally transforming the car. DEFINITELY glad I didn't go with the Civic! Possibly the most fun available in a car that also works well as a daily driver, date car or even a car for a small family. "Your mileage may vary :o)"

[@chuckcribbs3398]

I’m about to buy a used 2022 with only 1200 miles on it. Worried that it’s a first-year model but at least I still have the warranty. I like how you went through the car and pointed out the flaws. Great video. I’m still going to buy it, hopefully this weekend. Going to replace the black fender inserts with color matched ones for sure. Might also ask the dealer to install the short shift kit. That might fix the shifter feel. I test drove one with the short shifter and I really liked it.

[@willywinket]

I like my 2022 limited VB WRX overall a little better than my 2016 limited VA model. The VA felt faster, but maybe because I had muffler delete exhaust on it. VB: better shifting, better handling, just feels better in general. I have driven tons of manual cars and trucks. But it’s clearly an opinion thing. And the suspension is definitely stiffer, but if I wanted plush I would buy a Caddy. But yeah the lack of knobs is a downside. Having to fiddle with the screen for climate control is poopy. Also I miss the mute button on the steering wheel that my Forester XT had. Oh, and rattles are just about a guarantee with any Subaru. I guess that’s why they cost half of an Audi R series. But Subaru rattles are better now than they were 15 or 20 years ago.

[@ChadHargis]

You might want to have your shifter checked. Mine is buttery smooth. I haven't missed a shift yet. It's not Honda "snick snick" crisp...but not many cars are except maybe a Porsche. I have the base model, so no big screen. No moonroof. No bells and whistles. No rattles either. Fix for the rattles is pretty easy. Dynamat. Get a roll of it and use it to deaden or pad anything that rattles. Happy my car has not developed any rattles other than the license plate when I shut the trunk, but I put some rubber bumpers on the back of it to stop that. The stock ones weren't beefy enough. My auto dimming hi beam system works great too. The one on my Honda SUCKED and I disabled it because basically it never enabled the high beams. The Subaru one works as well as my wife's Lexus. I solved the armrest issue by purchasing the Subaru "extended armrest". It makes it the same height as the door section. Luckily at 6'5" tall, the seat is all the way back and I can still easily reach the wheel with my elbows on both armrests. You are right that the suspension is stiff, and that's a positive for me. I don't get any strut banging or anything like that. Just a standard stiff sport suspension. We take my wife's car if we want a boring smooth ride.

[@AustinSamuelF]

The OEM suede dash pieces and armrest are very affordable btw. Just ordered them for my Premium

[@steveny8289]

I disagree on 2 things: -steering wheel controls are way better than my 2020. Volume up and down are better. -suspension doesn’t feel as bad as described. My limited doesn’t feel like it’s bottoming out. Outside of the above; the review is great

[@adamsmidkiff1]

He kinda discredited himself when he started complaining about the shifter. I've owned nothing but manuals throughout my life and of all the complaints I had about my WRX, the shifter felt "broken" wasn't one. Where is that coming from?

[@nickgeracitano5339]

I bought a WRX for the engine and the all-wheel drive experience. I don’t expect anymore. Simple.

[@LagunaOba]

Just got a 2023 DREAM CAR💙💙💙 ! I live in Florida its always hot and flat

[@brysonfrantz4740]

I think that for a vehicle, having climate control done by the head unit is the worst way to do it, while people might not like it, the classic knobs is the way to go and will remain my prefered method of interfacing with my climate control.

[@bigmaxnonions]

I've owned mine since Oct 22, and there are a few big issues that I have seen during my time with it. The biggest one to me is my phone disconnecting from Apple Car Play. It does so randomly, like some trips it won't disconnect, then some trips it'll disconnect anywhere from 1-5 times. I've tried different cables and swapping to the other port, but it still DCs. I specifically got the premium for the bigger screen, and when it disconnects randomly, its a little frustrating. The seat heater buttons are a little annoying, but I usually set it and forget it when I start driving so its not that bad. I opted for the STI short throw and actually haven't tried a normal transmission, so I can't compare the feel. It has been nice, but sometimes, putting it into 1st from a dead stop feels almost crunchy. Like, it takes a little force and doesn't go in smoothly. This only happens sometimes, but definitely doesn't feel good when it happens. Gears 2-6 feel nice and smooth and notchy though, it's very nice. I may replace the whole shifter with something from COBB, but not anytime soon. The fenders and things don't bother me too much, I don't look at the bumper too often so there's that too lol. Overall, I think it's a super nice car, and will definitely get better with the love (and money) I put into it.

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Have you updated your Infotainment software yet? You can have the dealer do it or you can do it yourself. Updates from version 121-980 to 132-080.

[@drueger]

Ive avoided that feeling on first in my short throw by just using slow stead pressure and not trying to put it in 1st above 5ish mph. It pops right in. If you jam it then it feels like shits gonna break

[@donaldsmith8657]

The window visors mobility....Yikes! Also I hate the little shadows IN the headlight beams.

[@samuelg3586]

Trying to mess with touch screen while driving with stiff suspension is a problem for me. I feel like touch screen takes too much attention away from the road as opposed to a knob you can adjust without taking eyes off the tarmac

[@billychen10]

You hold the "source" button for a second to play/pause. It won't actually change the source if you hold it.

[@mistamaog]

The shifter feels fine to me, feels mechanical, not as nice as my old 9th Gen Si, but it definitely feels better than a Golf shifter and the shifter in MT82 equipped mustangs. Also I'm wondering if there's an issue with your car with the rattling, because my premium with the HK system doesn't rattle, or maybe it's because I don't raise the volume too high 🤔 I'm not sure

[@PremiumUserUltra]

in forza right?

[@mistamaog]

@@PremiumUserUltra What about Forza?

[@garboi8976]

did you also get a GR86 then sell it for a 22 wrx? cause i did lol

[@mistamaog]

@@garboi8976 Haha no, I just randomly used the GR86/BRZ picture when the car came out. I did trade in my Civic Si for the WRX though

[@garboi8976]

@@mistamaog are you glad you did it? I traded in my 86 and paid an additional $5700 but I think it was worth it.

[@ubroberts5541]

For the money, there’s nothing wrong with the car. I have a 2023. The manual transmission works perfectly. You sound like a gourmet on a fast food budget.

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

I have the same 2022 wrx premium model. 1) screen is great but it takes your eyes off the road. Thats bad. I prefer knobs or dials to adjust climate 2) the shifter is very loose and sloppy. Have a lot of play when in gears first, 2nd, 5th and 6th 3) seat /front section doesnt lower. Basically you and just sitting on. A fixed “bucket” position. Despite these items-its still an awesome car❤!

[@drueger]

Im very tall so id actually wouldve liked to make it even more aggressive. At 6'2" my thighs are basically floating

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

13 minutes of complaints. 3 minutes of compliments. Time to part it out! 🤣 Jk of course. I watched the whole video and I got to say I just hit 10,000 miles and I've been wanting to do kind of a driver review of how it feels so far and some of the things you said I have experienced but majority of them have been a non-issue. Again some of these are subjective. You know either you have a problem with it from day one where it doesn't really bother you. I never really noticed the the flow on the side where you mentioned that it looks like a dent. I think because mine is a lighter color, I don't really see the body lines as much as you would when it's a darker color. I've actually been using the the speech function of the car and it works surprisingly well and nobody really talks about it and that's something I want to make a video about because it is pretty funny.

[@StreetInspired1]

I have a lot more compliments on the car, but it was mostly a video about my dislikes, and I knew it was getting long haha. I still love the car overall. Im just nit picking. And i have toyed with the speach funtion a few times but never tried testing out different commands. I always connect to andorid auto and use "hey google" for everything haha

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

@@StreetInspired1 totally , I was just messing with ya. I agree with some of the complaints though, especially the armrest. I have long gorilla arms so I ended up getting the arm rest extension tray for my right arm and the use the door for my left. It's a bit cumbersome but I've gotten used to the jank. The auto headlights tho, that's something I use every night and it works 100% of the time....except when I can't actually enable the feature. So sometimes I have to turn the lights on the stalk from auto to off then back to auto to enable it. The icon ( looks like a green headlight with an A in it) goes away at night. Maybe that's why yours isn't working?

[@Rick4345]

I have Apple CarPlay. Mine uses the full screen.

[@zane8789]

The only thing I hate about my 2024 Impreza is the weird wind noise when driving fast. :( interior and car is extremely quiet but I can literally hear the wind whipping into the interior from the door.

[@HS-sr9ww]

Is this best engine for subaru so far ? No headgasket and overheat issues ? FA24 is the best for the mod ?

[@StreetInspired1]

Arguably, this is the best engine subaru has made so far! It's definitely the best for easy power and efficiency. No head gasket or overheating issues that are known yet. The Head gasket issue has been almost non existent on all the newer subarus.

[@HS-sr9ww]

@@StreetInspired1 but it has a bad reputation of CVT with it ?

[@StreetInspired1]

@HS For the New WRX, they made a new CVT transmission and called it the "Subaru Performance Transmission" and so far ive heard nothing but compliments and how great it is.

[@HS-sr9ww]

@@StreetInspired1 right but CVT has a lot of transmission failure if we don't maintenance well.. i should looking into buying manual. much fun and reliable ! haha

[@MahmoodYahyaviAzad]

Absolutely great video! Just sold my VA and waiting for something better from Subaru, sadly the VB is not it.

[@gaivoron]

That high beam is a real issue, that would drive me insane!

[@jonasrehn9883]

So I had two allocations for a new mk8 Golf R, the first one sank together with Matt’s frozen berry metallic spyder and the second try the dealer wanted ADM. My local Subaru dealer has 3 stick shift WRX on their lot and will sell at msrp. Will I (diehard VW/Audi “fanatic”) be disappointed if I ventured into a WRX? Appreciate any input! ❤

[@justinwieduwilt5420]

Subaru dealer in my area has 3 ‘22 base trim manual WRXs that they have been trying to sell for under msrp. And it seems they still can’t get them off their lot… Seems that Subaru intentionally made the base trim as unappealing as possible in an attempt to help sell more of the higher trims.

[@LordStaind]

@Jonas Rehn Stick to getting the Golf R. You won’t regret it.

[@kangill2411]

Thx for the reality check. If the transmission shifter is as bad as you make out, I may cross this off my list as I cross-shop with manual GTI, R, Honda's etc.

[@StreetInspired1]

I dont like it, but it can be fixed with the aftermarket. I would still visit a dealership and check it out for yourself if you're considering one.

[@250f5.6]

How does the screen react with gloves in cold weather?

[@atd5425]

I have a Premium 6MT(No HK), I have had it for 6 months and put down 17.5k miles already. Almost all the problems you said I have as well, it isn't anything deal breaking in my opinion but things I just wish were different or better, almost makes me wish I considered a GR Corolla. Build quality feels like a $20k car, not a $33k car, The touchscreen HVAC controls and Android auto being my 2 biggest gripes. I get a smidge bit of creaking/chattering sounds on the highway near the infotainment sometimes but doesn't always. I wish the bass in the car was better, it's not great, it just makes horrible sounds in high bass. The suspension is pretty stiff so potholes got me pretty scared at times, taking crossroads v slow to not cause any problems. I've already had warranty work too, having my AC compressor replaced at 15k miles. I knew buying this car that the focus wasn't going to be on comfort but how it drives but at the end of the day seeing how the competition is doing with their build quality and features, it's a little disappointing. I still love the car as my first manual daily and it's been great to me so far.

[@zacharydellamano7199]

If you had an issue with the transmission, there's no reason you should have purchased this car. As you said, that's a huge part of the driving experience. Also, the VW GTI shifter/clutch combo is notoriously numb and plasticky, so I'm not sure why that was your benchmark. They're basically all designed for the DSG. I agree with a lot of your complaints, but it sounds like you're really not happy with the car.

[@andrewdannoun3460]

How do you get away with no front license plate? Asking cause my 2023 WRX is being delivered in April

[@StreetInspired1]

It's not required in my state. Thankfully!

[@danmac6185]

Anyone else hear a clunk in the rear suspension almost like the trunk is loose? I read that the crosstrek had an issue where the strut towers were over torqued. I didn't notice it during the test drive, but I noticed it on the way home.

[@Bored2Deaf]

Bought a base last week to keep miles off my cayman and hellcat. Climate on auto and use the hard buttons seems to work pretty good. Kinda souds like you bought the wrong car. My biggest complaint is the steering, no feedback, very dull. I do 120 miles each day in the car through the mountains and some long 2 lane straights, and the highbeem assist is pretty spot on. Every single car I have owned with high been assist thinks street signs are lights.arm rest dose suck bad, why is it so low?? Idk for 30k or so out the door I have very little complaints

[@grriceman782]

The only glitch I’ve had with my 6mo old Premium is the infotainment system occasionally reboots during operation. Other than that no rattles or issues.

[@shutang6840]

I just wanna get rid of the dead pedal, it's too high I have to put my foot underneath the clutch pedal, don't know if left hand driver would be better

[@MrSauceman09]

My 22 premium doesn't seem to have all the issues that yours does. I don't notice a rattle when I'm bumping music, and I too have the Harmon Kardon audio system. I love the auto high beams. They can blind people from time to time and will turn off if you're on a well lit road in town at night but tbh you don't need high beams if the roads are lit up that well. My biggest gripe with the car is the damn screen. I hate that Android auto gets half the screen while apple carplay gets the whole screen. Really screws over all the people who get this car that own androids. Was hoping that'd get fixed with a software update but nothing yet and honestly probably won't happen at all. All HVAC controls being on the screen does suck. That screen is impossible to use while driving. Especially if you're trying to focus on shifting gears as well. The screens also way too dim during a sunny day and reflects almost all sunlight that hits it blinding you during the right time of day. I'm seeing people in the comments suggesting full auto HVAC which I might have to start using. I was so used to fully manual controls on my '09 legacy that it just felt weird letting the car control it all. All in all I love this car, it's a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Biggest changes I'd like to see in the 2023 WRX is a better screen, option for brembo brakes (stock brakes are NOT good at stopping you when you're going 100+ mph), and maybe an option for a wing. Had to buy an aftermarket wing for $1k because I refused to let my WRX not look like how a WRX should Edit: If you get a chance to customize your WRX before it's made at the factory I highly recommend the STi mufflers. Stock car sounds really weak. STi mufflers make it sound much more aggressive

[@warrenwong7774]

My car rattles also. I agree with your transmission comments. I want to change to a sti shirt throw shifter but I’m not too handy. I heard the dealer charges a lot of money to change out the shifter. With all of thos, I still love my car.

[@keaneu4456]

Base model, premium model just negotiate a STI Short Throw Shifter and be done with that. The STI Shifter is good.

[@jeterbox8938]

My biggest complaint is when opening the driver door when exiting, the forearm naturally presses against the "arm rest", and after hundreds of opens feels like it will cave in collapse just as any warrantys go out, had same scenario in my old 08 Sentra Spec V

[@2klatte]

Thats exactly what happened with my Impreza

[@isaaclove6819]

so i’ve got a 2011 subaru legacy limited, and my high beam thing works perfectly, idk why it doesn’t in the newer cars lmao, but i have the same issue with the rattling from my sound system (same brand), but other then that this is obvl almost completely different. i’m watching this in order to see if i shoukd trade my car in to get one of these, honestly they’re my dream cars, ik very very low dreams but at least ik i can obtain it. good video, thanks

[@StreetInspired1]

Nothing wrong with that. Over all i love the car! It would be a solid upgrade if you like the styling of them!

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

For me this new WRX and the hawkeye along with the original GC8 are the best looking WRXs

[@gs1150adv]

2022 WRX Base - pricing OTD hard find suitable substitute. Agreed, too much plastic, auto high beam is not very good/led interior-trunk-license plate should be standard. I bought to get new car with old school hand brake/manual. Overall, I think it's a great buy. Also, Subaru dealers here in DFW area are much more willing to negotiate. Grapevine Subaru (Derek Adams) the guy to talk. No BS, and OTD pricing hard to find a better deal. I'll upgrade myself and spec. it for my needs.

[@chknmnky]

I have a 22 wrx and thought the exhaust was boomy, but i took apart the rear deck lid to get at its rattle and put a bunch of memory foam in there, fixed the rattle AND exhaust no longer was boomy, i think the deck lid has an acoustic resonance with the exhaust. Also the jdm s4 wrx got an additional resonator in its exhaust.

[@piercejenkins13]

Btw, apple car play is much better in the Subarus with the iPad screen. It actually fills the whole thing unlike android auto

[@Anonymoose0913]

It’s not about it looking like a civic. It’s the fact they intentionally went with cheap materials over the entire car and still asking the premium price tag for it…

[@atweber]

The auto hi beam is turned off by just pulling the hi beam stock when headlights on at night. I usually have it off.

[@Redwrx20]

Love my 2020 . The 2022 has some quirks , but dont all subies ? Lol . Our addiction , our love . Peace bro !

[@DELICIOUSORANGECHICKEN]

Awesome video!

[@MistaGeezy90]

Good to hear that the FA24 is an improvement. The FA20 was hot garbage. I had a 2016 WRX limited and I hated that engine. It was useless after second gear.

[@StreetInspired1]

Was it stock? I loved my FA20. I put about $3,000 into it and got 403whp out of it and the powerband was amazing. Highway pulls in 4th gear still pulled great.

[@MistaGeezy90]

@@StreetInspired1 had upgraded top mount, intake, and turbo back with egv deletes tuned at 19 psi. Made 285whp on a mustang dyno. Probably doesng help that I came from a 350whp sti lol. But idk I ended having mechanical issues once I flashed the stage 2 cobb tune. My tuner didn't want to touch it until I had it looked at. Long story short I eventually had him tune it. Drove it for like 6 months and then put it back to stock to trade it in. It had a CEL the whole time so they asked me if it was tuned like 3 times and I said no. Apparently there was damage to the cam sprockets and timing chain. It would make a weird rattling noise on startup then go away. But wouldn't do it on the factory tune. It was really weird but I wasn't the only person that had this issue. Never found out what caused it but subaru fixed it under warranty and I got rid of it lol

[@dann1483]

That’s 2 minutes of my life I can’t get back…

[@porschegt2346]

Funny story. I went to test drive this. They had 10 on the lot. I took a wrb limited in manual out. Wasn’t impressed as the interior felt like it was from 2008 except the screen which I didn’t like anyways. Salesman begged me to buy it.. he let me take it home for a night to think about it. I did lmao.. returned it the next day and said I don’t like it. Their faces dropped because there’s now 80 miles on it. Do they have to sell it used?

[@StreetInspired1]

That's awesome, haha. They will still sell it new. Dealership managers get "Demo" cars where they can drive a new car around for a few months and put a few thousand miles on it and then put it back on the lot and still sell it new because it was never sold and put into someones name. They usually just discount those vehicles slightly.

[@juanmiranda-tt5df]

Kinda why i went with the base model, checked out both the gt and the limited and the only changes where all just interior cosmetics and i could care less about the inside. Subarus are meant to mod and have fun with it, at least that's my opinion. In the end of the day subarus are built and designed from there rally division, so engine and suspension is all your really buying when getting into one of these cars. If you care for interior functions this isn't the car for you.

[@drueger]

Apple carplay does use the lower area. The subaru dealership told me that before android coolwalk ish android was at fault. Now we are just waiting for subaru to update it or not. Also the short shifter feels great from the factory :)

[@estebanramos4659]

I agree with street inspired that the VB is stiff but in my opinion the VA wrx felt bumpier and stiffer.

[@RI-yw8hm]

Damn I just got thru withdrawing a down payment today to go get a 2022 WRX Limited tomorrow, so this car is not recommendable then?

[@StreetInspired1]

I love the car overall. If you test drive one and like it then send it!

[@RI-yw8hm]

@@StreetInspired1 Pulled the trigger and got it. Loving the car so far!

[@StreetInspired1]

@@RI-yw8hm that's awesome! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@RI-yw8hm]

@@StreetInspired1 thanks bro!

[@eknapp70]

I think you just prefer cable actuated shifters. What you’re feeling when you think it’s breaking is just a direct shift. VW gtis have a cable shifter. Drivers usually like the direct shifter because it provides more feedback

[@StreetInspired1]

The wrx is a cable driven transmission. The sti actually feels great, and it's a direct shift. Did an sti transmission swap in my last wrx and I guess now im spoiled lol.

[@eknapp70]

@@StreetInspired1 Ohhh no shit. yeah that 6mt is a beefy boy. got one in my gdb

[@eknapp70]

@@StreetInspired1 i did test drive this wrx and i do think the throws are too long on that shifter. i liked the suspension feel, low end torque, and overall rigidity of the chassis though

[@StreetInspired1]

@eknapp70 yeah these feel a lot better with a short shifter. But i agree the chassis overall is very solid and feels sporty. And unlike the last wrx the factory tune actually feels vwry nice!

[@slosubies4845]

So many reasons to keep driving my Impreza Sport hatchback.

[@XIAOHEZHU]

No mention of that RTV issue?

[@MHMN21]

I’m not sure about the wrx but if you press and hold “source” on the steering wheel it should pause the music.

[@StreetInspired1]

Just gave that a try, and it worked! Thank you! Thats a small convenience thing that makes a big difference!

[@JustisFlame]

Dude… blessed thank you

[@MHMN21]

@@StreetInspired1 You're welcome!

[@MHMN21]

@@JustisFlame No worries!

[@TheCree2010]

It doesn’t do the half screen for IPhones, just Android. Unfortunately that isn’t Subarus fault either, it’s the partnership agreement Android made 4 years ago with car brands. That deal expires in 2-3 years hopefully then it will be fixed. Gotta love company corporate politics

[@michaelking42]

I also think it looks sharp. And the control center sucks, it's nothing but a distraction that gets your attention off the road. Very bad. But they're all the same.

[@HadEnough745]

People seem to love the shifter and manual transmission. I'm test driving this car soon and coming from a VW manual, I'll be able to tell if the shifter feels flimsy or not.

[@ShugoHack1]

Pull the light saulk toward you. Should turn off the auto high beams that way you can leave them on auto

[@StreetInspired1]

Ill have to try this. Thank you!