Everything Wrong With The VB 2022+ Subaru WRX (POV Driving)

[@molethan6138]

Wanted to give my experiences/thoughts having owned a 23 WRX for 6 months now. -Headunit I have only had issues with relating to android auto (base model). BT works flawlessly and apple carplay seems to work well too. -I have never had issues with filling the car with fuel like he described. -I really like the power on this car, I understand the frustration given how capable the FA24 is, but i also understand that Subaru didnt want to make the VA STI irrelevant by giving this car 350 hp for 30k. (stock for stock the VB is already faster than the VA STI). -I have no idea what he is talking about with the gear ratios. The WRX has the most aggressive gear ratios on any manual I have driven, this is honestly the most hardcore part about the car, it feels like a rally car with how short the gear are. Honestly they are too short, 6th gear @ 80mph and the car is at 3k RPMs. So I completely disagree with him, the gears are super sporty. -Also why does everyone care about modding so much? If you want to mod, buy a used car. Its stupid to throw away your warranty modding a car that the community has very little knowledge on yet.

[@PsunnProductions]

I think that’s his gripe with first gear. It’s waayyy too short

[@molethan6138]

@@PsunnProductions I was thinking shorter gears = sporty, but I agree the gears are too short. This car would probably have a sub 5 second 0-60 if they made 1st and 2nd gears a little longer.

[@YourRiceInMyBeans]

I have a 22 base model. I constantly have issues with wired Apple car play connection. It disconnects constantly, at minimum once on every drive and restarts itself. Sometimes multiple times on a drive. It might be that I also have a dash cam installed on one of the usb plugs. I think the head unit struggles when trying to do too much all at once like connecting the dash cam and Apple car play.

[@molethan6138]

@@YourRiceInMyBeans Yeah i routed my dash cam to the cigarette lighter in the center armrest box.

[@blkstang4830]

I have a 22 limited. I agree 2nd gear is too short, Apple CarPlay has issues every once in awhile but not all the time, car is fun but not fast, overall good car for the price. Personally I wanted brembo brakes, more power, and painted fenders and rear bumper. Easy to mod it, but so far just did looks stuff.

[@25rsti15]

You don't need to turn the car off to restart the head unit. Just hold down the volume button till it restarts itself.

[@b.1922]

it works

[@chippyb.7015]

Yeah well I sold my 22 after less than 3 months. Subaru couldn't fix the head unit. Straight up told me to just restart the car. Let me repeat... SUBARU TOLD ME they had no fix and the solution is to turn off the car and restart. So driving on the highway between Chicago and St. Louis, I am just supposed to pull over and restart so I can use my heater or a/c or stereo or maps. Garbage company making garbage products. Subaru will be just like Mitsubishi within a decade.

[@25rsti15]

@chippyb.7015 I'm assume a dealer told you that and not Subaru of America? Dealers can be pretty shady and not have any idea what they're talking about.

[@ludicrousspeeds4938]

I’m planning on getting a wrx next month (June 2024). This is invaluable information. Thank you so much.

[@HI-pi1er]

Intake , j pipe , top mount , pro tune . Cat back , Cobb access port will blows the socks of the sti . Best wrx Subaru have built

[@cusumano91]

I was about to say ONCE IN A WHILE!?!?! Then I looked down and saw your double display, I’ve heard those are a lot better

[@travismc4154]

I have never experienced any of the issues you are experiencing. Now granted mine is a 2023. But I even have a wireless CarPlay adapter and never once an issue

[@VB_Bryan]

what carplay adapter do you have? I have been looking for one that isnt a cheap amazon one

[@Tmanw8898]

1st gear gaslights you so hard into feeling like you're just doing something wrong if you're just trying to roll slow through a parking lot or something.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

​@@dsaini6476 I do not understand these comments. This vlogger said it takes too long to get out of first gear, meaning it is too tall, not too short. And the actual ratio is 3.455 vs 3.639 first gear in VA STi. What am I missing? Are you guys expecting a more Honda Civic like experience? Did you guys drive a manual STi before?

[@Ian22VB]

Solid video! I’m confused what parts your looking to order?

[@EdwardSteadfast]

I have had the head unit drop the the blue tooth… no other issues. But I’m listening to the motor on this 5 and a half speed manual. 😂 I found 3 intakes while I watched this, so you my friend need to try harder. ❤

[@EdwardSteadfast]

And… a cool info vid would be …to explain Turing off traction control, and track mode and what it actually does. (I know, but maybe new WRX owners don’t) 👍🏼

[@subterraneanguitartech]

I do like hearing the negatives, but you haven't talked me out of buying one yet! I'm hoping the infotainment on the 2024 models is more stable.

[@fappydabear1774]

Getting mine tomorrow! Cant talk me out of this one. Been waiting for 3 months on this car to come in.

[@DilbertReckinridge]

I'm totally okay with the base head unit. However, I did replace the stock speakers with Infinity Reference Standard speakers, which has made a huge difference for just a few hundred bucks.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Someone one also wrote a comment on one of the videos I watched, claiming that the 2024 fixes the rigidity issue in the prior VBs where the rear sway bar hinges and mounts at the chassis. Apparently that was a weak point that has to be braced with an aftermarket part otherwise. Has anyone else been able to confirm this? I can not find anything on this except the existence of the aftermarket bracing. Would appreciate any feedback here. I will try to extirpate that comment I read. EDIT here is the said comment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGXWiZifeKiirdk&lc=Ugwodga2emQ-zT5-P2F4AaABAg.9zE5mlIdSkl9zRNzD6Zngd

[@chads7796]

1) I have lost Bluetooth connectivity intermittently. But, never needed to turn the car off and on. Just plug out my bluetooth dongle and plug it back in or toggle on/off the bluetooth on my phone. However, I don't think this a VB or headunit's fault, rather this is a Bluetooth problem. Every single Bluetooth device I have ever used in my life and continue to use needs to be reconnected from time to time. 2) Gas tank full issue....not an issue with my '23. 3) VB is way, way, way better than VA stock. VA had the worst stock tune EVER. I'd argue that the VB has the best stock tune ever. Stock tune on a VB is faster than Stage 1 OTS on a VA. I used to have a '21 and traded it for a '23. IMHO the FA20 was not a good engine, especially compared to the FA24. 4) 1st gear can't really argue with other than to say, the VA was way worse. The VA had the jumpiest/lurchiest 1st gear I have ever experienced in my over 20 years of driving a manual. 5) Not sure if its a you thing, but intakes are in stock. I also have not had any issues getting any parts for my '23. Maybe try ordering via Felix Performance or New Provisions Racing both are excellent. I think for a less than 2 year old model there is a ton of aftermarket support. But, I am really only into performance not cosmetic mods.

[@Konformation07]

I own a VB is not very exciting to me. Maybe once I tune it then it will change. It rides ok but it doesn't have enough oomph for me.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

I read a blog that is of the opinion that the AWD makes a vehicle feel less exciting because there is too much understeer or at least a lack of more exciting oversteer. AWD presumably sucks away some of the power also, and especially with that less connected 50/50 understeer viscous center differential instead of the torsen LSD center (+ clutch) in the 41/59% oversteer capable DCCD STi? Make sense? Everything is a tradeoff between performance/comfort/cost. The STi is much more harsh, you feel everything more, but outperforms? I reckon you need 70 to 100 more HP to make the VB exhilarating?

[@devoz7]

get a nd

[@Vladg111]

I think the torque is a bit low on WRX, it is the same as Volkswagen GTI from 2015. I guess they left it the same to protect the transmissions, to make it more reliable. However, another KZbinr said it is enough power. Maybe it is not enough if you keep thinking you can tune it for more power.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

3:49 Great to hear it doesn’t have rev hang. Yes the gear ratios are more commuter car oriented than performance oriented in the case in the VA STi (e.g. 3.455 vs 3.639 first gear), but that means better fuel economy and more tolerable on the highway as the final year ratios (0.667 vs 0.756) are higher than on the STi. Also the non-STi transmission is weaker and can only handle up to ~380 HP and 400 ft-lbs torque reliably (or maybe less, nobody is sure yet). Also the non-STi means you get a weaker, less connected, not manually tweakable center diff (viscous versus torsen + clutches in the DCCD STi) and open diffs front and rear instead of torsen LSD. Thus you can not dial in a rear bias on the VB and I think I read someone making over 400 wheel torque blew up the VB center diff. Problem is the STi is really not suitable as a comfortable, commuter daily. Also the STi transmission has direct linkage instead of cable, so it has been described as more notchy whereas the VB connected by cable is supposedly more like the feel of a Honda transmission? But the STi drivetrain can be swapped in, although it will entirely change the feeling of the vehicle. And I did find taller 5th and 6th gears for the STi transmission to make it more suitable on the highway. I figure with an inch taller tires and those taller years the final ratio would be almost as tall as the stock VB, but you would have the shorter first four gears for the twisties and launch performance? What you think? Would be more harsh but maybe a balance some might prefer? Really the vehicle needs adjustable dampers if one wants comfort for a daily and ability to dial up the firmness for performance, wherein you will feel all the bumps. I have read that the stock VB suspension (not the CVT GT with the adjustable dampers) is about as stiff as the Sport (not Sport+) setting on the GT and feels rough for someone who prefers a soft commuter daily?

[@fro5ty208]

While you are technically right about the gearing between the two cars. The final drive for the va sti is 4.11, while the vb's finals drive is 4.44. it makes the car not really that tolerable on the highway, and the gas mileage really isnt that good, I ma forgetting what mpg my older brother gets with his va over a whole tank, but my vb cant really get more than 22 mpg of the whole tank unless i constantly baby the car, and then what was the point in getting a wrx

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

@@fro5ty208 I thought I had checked the final drive ratios and they were the same. Does the final drive ratio mean the ratio at the rear and front diffs? Or does it mean 6th gear ratio plus those? If the former then indeed the STi is not revving as high on the highway as the WRX despite the shorter 6th gear. But that makes no sense because everyone says the WRX is more suitable on the highway the STI. What gives?

[@SavageBluetick]

'23 premium with juat over 5k miles and my only infotainment issue was having to buy a higher end cable to attach my android phone to use android auto. The cable coiled in the cubby is minimally annoying but also it seems pretty sensitive where it will disconnect easily if the cable is moved much. Other than that its been good. I also find knobs and dials much easier and safer to use than these screens. All the menus take your eyes off the road way too much. Thats an issue with almoat every car now though. Keep the content coming.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Wouldn’t be wonderful if someone could reverse engineer the software and design a new smaller screen with knobs that can be programmed to do which ever functions the owner chooses. Imagine that! An open source software car. Should I do it? I am a computer programmer. Problem is too many people are worried about voiding their warranty and resale value? Maybe if we made it an easily reversible mod there would be more interest?

[@naldovaz9157]

2023 WRX 6 speed, upgrade STI exhaust, Perrin intake, Steering wheel and shift knob

[@jhal3022]

I got the 2024 club spec 1 of 150 in aus my biggest problem is it takes 6 months to get it here and nobody has any parts yet

[@Keith-e5f]

There's part shortages everywhere for all makes and models. Instead of modding a car that really isn't all that great, go buy a Porsche. There is no substitute. I do have a 2023 WRX base model and I really like it. I see no reason to mod it. It only drives solid up to about a 100 mph then it just gets too bumpy and squirrely. My 08 Porsche had 300 HP and I regularly beat cars in races that had over 400 HP. And even at 150 mph in the Porsche it felt solid and completely in control. The Subaru is a blast to drift in the winter.

[@brianbailey7128]

Note that at least for 2024 WRX, the Andriod auto is using wireless connectivity and not BT - even though the BT symbol is lit up on the screen (according to the SA that explained the car to me).

[@fernandoquiceno]

It’s not just Subarus. Apple car play has been plagued with connectivity issues that car brands are starting to steer away from them and make their own software better. My Pacifica does the same thing with CarPlay.

[@Backyard_KLX]

I like the dual screen better than the big screen.

[@Vladg111]

Would you buy WRX over Elantra N?

[@googleifyouseekayu]

Head unit is Subaru Headunits not WRX, my BRZ would randomly do this aswell. Only way i could get playthrough back on BT was to jus turn BT off my phone for bout 2-5mins,cuz yeah im not pulling over. N pulling over n turning off isnt a fix all as ive had this happen to me parked n sound did not return.

[@CCS216]

I’ve had no issues getting Cobb and ETS parts for my VB.

[@alpinedb150]

Import image racing has almost all of the available intakes in stock.

[@garboi8976]

I don't know if it's because your vehicle is a base, but i have a limited manual and a gt cvt (wifes) and I did the head unit update on both of them and have not had a single issue with connectivity at least even remotely like before.

[@JohnMurse]

Thanks for the video but I disagree with 90% of the subjective and have had zero issues with the other things.

[@jeterbox8938]

I've put a lot of mods on my 22 the past 6 months and have had no issues of getting what I want, never longer than a 2 week wait at max

[@TheParajoe]

Number one; never happened to me. Number two; yeah thats never happened either, probably user error. Number three; it has plenty of power for what it is. This isn't a problem persay, more of an opinion. Number four; agreed. Number five; first world problem lol

[@ssamcobalt4956]

Love the VB content!!

[@bobhebblewhite1685]

i have the same and on level or on a decline i take off gently on 2nd gear, only use 1st on steep incline.

[@mrmeman98]

do you need to be tuned to run any kind of mods (ie: an intake) like all the motors in the past?

[@Waste_MTG]

you should get a tune anytime you mod the engine or engine peripherals

[@cusumano91]

The head unit is the worst head unit I’ve ever used in a car. Constantly disconnects my phone whether I’m using gps, a phone call, or Spotify. Also takes a solid minute or 2 after starting in the cold (40-50degreew)to actually be able to register a touch on the head unit. Screen goes black randomly and gets rid of your air settings. I’ve had certain areas of the screen go blank or stop working specifically the gauges at the top of the screen. O and I’ve gotten an infotainment recall where they installed some kinda software but it wasn’t an update. That same day it dropped my cellphone from the car. Then I got the most recent software update and the service center assured me “95% of all customers that come in with infotainment issues like yours are resolved with this update” not to my surprise but on my 20 minute drive home I started a phone call and no joke about 5 minutes into the call I realized I was talking to myself. Subaru gets 0* in their infotainment execution. Highly dissatisfied as I bought the car brand new in 2022 and have been dealing with the same issues over and over and over.

[@cusumano91]

I actually even have an album on my phone that has everything from photos to videos about how shitty it “works”

[@rallyblueboxer]

a month ago? you could find a intake a month ago? I don't think you're looking in the right places my man cause I see pretty much everything available for this car. I had my car for 1 month only 6 months after the release of the VB chassis and already had an immediate option of a BMS or ETS intake. I don't think stock power is bad either. It's unfair to compare a tuned VA engine to a fresh out the dealer VB. I enjoy driving my mostly stock VB. Even your stock exhaust note is fantastic at cold start. I haven't had a single issue with my VB. intake, catback only and it looks, sounds and drives great.

[@joshr.5199]

What does the vb stand for?

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

B comes after A in the alphabet? Version B perhaps?

[@keithsada1380]

Parts are hard to find for all models and makes right now. I don't have any problem with the factory tune. Obviously the car has potential to have a lot more horsepower if you tune it. Nothing sounds worse than a hopped-up subaru. The only decent sounding motors out there are ones with eight cylinders or more. I have a black 2023 base model and I like it a lot. No plan on any tunes or anything like that. You don't need a tune to go fast through the corners. Driving mine reminds me a lot of driving my 08 Porsche Boxster S. The VB chassis is way stiffer than the VA.

[@jakeeames725]

Go away nerd

[@DilbertReckinridge]

I've got an e-tune on my 2022 VB and it's made a huge difference (moving max boost up from about 13 to 21). Other than better tires and wheels (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on Enkei rims), that's the only performance mod I've made. The tune adds about 70 horsepower and makes a world of difference - the car is no longer underpowered.

[@EVOLUCIAN_GAMING]

You are cracked….there is everything you can think of. There is no used parts because it’s a brand new platform. 3k and 8 hours in your garage your mid 300 hp

[@peejread2309]

I use a wirless android auto adapter and it works well. Only had 1 time it disconnected. I also experienced the same issue with filling up gas and it will just stop even though I just started to fill up.

[@Jesusisthetruth99]

I ordered an intake less than a week ago and have had it on the car and tuned for two days. I know you have your own shop, but import image racing is how I got mine if you are trying to go that route. Also its a HUGE difference with an intake and tune highly would recommend.

[@mrmeman98]

just starting off the video, in my 2019 si, i have the same issues with connectivity and outages with carplay.

[@scampilover00]

Re Bluetooth or Carplay/Android Auto issue, I've had these in other cars, it's simply a matter of disabling the BT on your phone and enabling it. Often another glitch comes from Time mismatches between your phone and car. If they are different, for security reasons, the car disconnect the phone

[@enacku]

my old wrx had bluetooth issues too, but fine with ford

[@gatesj2538]

I disagree with you when you say parts aren't available. There's multiple brands selling multiple different types of performance parts that are available today and were available 3 weeks ago in this video was posted. And honestly it's not something I see anybody complaining about.

[@ItsDrMobius]

You would have fewer problems with the head unit if you didn't buy a base model with the older style infotainment. My gt has never missed a beat and I was very skeptical at first

[@ItsDrMobius]

Also why are you complaining about not having enough power when you're too scared to put your foot down in the wet...

[@Cows640]

You memtioning lack of power is one of the reasons sport cars keep getting more expensive. If you really want more power from factory, wait for the STi, or go Supra, CTR, etc. Getting 270 hp from a base 27k car is plenty enough. At this price point I am not expecting 400hp.

[@devoz7]

genuine question, but do you really think they going to bring the sti version of the vb ?

[@Cows640]

@@devoz7 when I went to test drive the vb wrx, the dealer mentioned something about a hybrid powertrain for the vb sti. I don’t think subaru is gonna do us dirty in this way, but it is 2024… things don’t make sense anymore, so idk. But I’m pretty sure the sti is their plans.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Someone one also wrote a comment on one of the videos I watched, claiming that the 2024 fixes the rigidity issue in the prior VBs where the rear sway bar hinges and mounts at the chassis. Apparently that was a weak point that has to be braced with an aftermarket part otherwise. Has anyone else been able to confirm this? I can not find anything on this except the existence of the aftermarket bracing. Would appreciate any feedback here. I will try to extirpate that comment I read. EDIT here is the said comment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGXWiZifeKiirdk&lc=Ugwodga2emQ-zT5-P2F4AaABAg.9zE5mlIdSkl9zRNzD6Zngd On the issue of the infotainment screen issues and the lack of analog dials like we had on the VA, which are much safer and better immediacy when driving... Wouldn’t be wonderful if someone could reverse engineer the software and design a new smaller screen with knobs that can be programmed to do which ever functions the owner chooses. Imagine that! An open source software car. Should I do it? I am a computer programmer. Problem is too many people are worried about voiding their warranty and resale value? Maybe if we made it an easily reversible mod there would be more interest?

[@jeffortman6395]

VB is what? Base?

[@AutoEnthusiast]

VB is the generation of this WRX, VA was 2015-2021

[@jeffortman6395]

@@AutoEnthusiast is it Very Bad or wut?

[@K03sport]

​@@jeffortman6395... it's different. updated chassis, engine, intwrior. but other things are the same. The VB is more in line w/Subaru's current showroom. It is a street car (not a race/rally car). A lot of design things are to make the test drive "nice". There is heritage here, but you have to look deep. Weird how ppl scoff at a 276hp daily driver q/huge aftermarket support & potential.

[@jeffortman6395]

@@K03sport I'm just wondering what VB stands for. I know it's the new generation 2022-24

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

@@AutoEnthusiast version B? This is intuitive to a computer programmer as we version our software releases.

[@ubroberts5541]

I own a 2023. First gear is too short. You have to get used to it. I’m sure the engineers were considering bad weather conditions when they designed it.

[@DilbertReckinridge]

If you upgrade to bigger wheels, that will mitigate some of that complaint. That's what I did.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

I do not understand these comments. This vlogger said it takes too long to get out of first gear, meaning it is too tall, not too short. And the actual ratio is 3.455 vs 3.639 first gear in VA STi. What am I missing? Are you guys expecting a more Honda Civic like experience? Did you guys drive a manual STi before?

[@andrewparson9832]

That's why you never buy a brand new model of a car. Every car maker has these issues and has to work out the kinks.

[@ninjaridaz4571]

Try blipping for 1st gear.

[@michaelcooper5972]

You didn’t even let the whip warm up my guy.🤦🏾‍♂️ high rpms at stop, coolant not even operating temperature. I hope you have nothing to say mechanical wise.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I drive before every video just in case I do end up doing pulls!

[@b.1922]

Pov style is cool for this type of deal. I got a vb not long ago. What part of mass are you in dude? Im down near the Rhode Island line. Seekonk Attleboro area.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

Boston!

[@mitchindronevideos]

For someone with your level of experience driving a manual, I was surprised to see that you push in the clutch and shift to neutral and completely rely on your brakes to bring the car to a stop. Why not take advantage of engine breaking and save your brakes?

[@molethan6138]

I've pondered this aswell, but wearing your brakes down makes more sense than putting wear on the drivetrain given how easy it is to replace brake pads. I try to rev-match downshift when coming to stop, but it takes a lot of effort to do properly for multiple gears so I just put it in neutral and brake sometimes too.

[@diallo1347]

Could be laziness. Also, brake pads are cheaper than the drive train

[@AutoEnthusiast]

I can replace a set of pads in an hour and spend an insignificant amount of money. Hence avoiding engine braking, it just isn’t worth the long term for me.

[@booyakashaWagwan]

@@AutoEnthusiast Engine braking is like the ABC of driving a manual car. Sorry, but you don't drive a manual car in neutral, ever. Especially in the wet or snow. I've engine-braked all my manual cars and had zero problems with the clutch.

[@tomrakusan1179]

Brakes (not breaks) are cheaper than engines.

[@DilbertReckinridge]

Surprised you didn't mention the poor turn signal canceling. It was way better in my VA, so that's one letdown with my 2022 VB. But my biggest gripe - something you also didn't mention - is the almost total absence of steering feel. This car is all about handling and control, so that's a pretty big letdown (even the Subaru / Toyota FR-S and successor cars have decent steering feel).

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

I have read there is mitigation in the aftermarket to give it more feel? Please describe the poor turn signal canceling issue?

[@tomrakusan1179]

Sorry - disagree these are PROBLEMS. Bluetooth is an issue on all devices, cars. The power is great. Fuel? - what?

[@GrB-M]

Personally I couldn’t care less what footage is used for these videos. They are about the audio/information not the visuals; I’m not sure why anyone would care.

[@jakeeames725]

Only opinions.

[@AutoEnthusiast]

um yes?...

[@DilbertReckinridge]

What exactly were you expecting?

[@egorlike1324]

Its a little to wet to do a pull, bruh you realize your car is awd?😂

[@AutoEnthusiast]

eek

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Seems the new VB WRX comes intentionally detuned from the factory to optimize emissions? Realize it is becoming more and more difficult every year for OEMs to comply with evermore onerous EPA requirements. Essentially ICEVs are being banned via the EPA by ~2028 but it gets much worse pretty much every year now with the rogue EPA under the current administration. Thus the only way Subaru can gives us the vehicle we want is detuned but easily modded. This is our last chance for an ICEV. There will be nothing but hybrids soon. This is the end-of-the-line for vehicle enthusiasts. Feel bad for the Gen Y and Z, as their future (vehicle choices are and overall) is so dismal. But you know they been telling us since the 1970s that we must all sacrifice for the climate because otherwise we will all be drowning due to the rising oceans.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Never mind that they told us some variant of this lie every decade of the entire 20th century (look up old Time magazine articles from the 1970s for example). Also tree huggers often forget that local environment is not the same as climate. But I guess I am being too pedantic. Never interfere with a scapegoat for debt collapse, else you comments will be censored here.