Is it worth buying? Subaru WRX 2023 review (sedan and Sportswagon)

[@bertygizzer]

Almost bought the wagon recently but actually ended up going for the Outback XT! A little cheaper in top trim and a lot more comfortable. CVT felt like it suitrd the outbacks character a little more too.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

That looks like a really fun car. I used to have and love a 06 Outback 3.0 H6.

[@247Coby]

For someone like me who still has a large CD collection and loves to still listen to them I like that they still put a CD player in. I wish more car manufacturers put them in their new cars today. Nostalgic.

[@351tgv]

My Ford Escape has a cd player and in just over 4 years of ownership I have never inserted a CD or CD-R into the slot. My sister on the other hand has Pixel smartphone that does Bluetooth streaming (although no Android Auto for the 2013 Mitsubishi's ASX) but continues to this very day to use CD ( store purchased format and CD-R (MP3 compilation) and refuses to use the simple Bluetooth method and songs stored in her phone or use apps like KZbin Music / Spotify or Tune In Radio. All come down to what you are comfortable with, I have been using mobile devices that had large storage capacity since 2007 combined with AUX cable to get music from phone to audio system, of course in 2023 it is so music easier with the Ford Sync 3 system and the adaptation of Android Auto and the steering wheel controls.

[@rahraider]

I don't know what the big deal is with some people about the CD player. Cars sold in the 2000's still had cassette players in them. No body was using cassettes since the late 80's/early 90's. Plus not all music is available on digital or streaming devices either.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

And CDs sound better unless you use low compression audio files.

[@msmarshall854]

This is the best looking WRX----I love the cladding. THe styling is fantastic! HEre's what I don't like: the reduced rear visibilty, and the allllllll black interior!

[@therightcar]

Fair call -- it looks tough!

[@tinshlong]

Rear bumper needs improvement for the update.

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks Matt - no doubt where my loyalties lie after owning 10 Subarus as there’s nothing like AWD and low centre of gravity for confidence on all surfaces - I owned a GC8 ‘98 WRX Indigo hatch Auto and was very impressed with its performance and practicality for touring and I even slept in it but eventually sold it to buy a house - my ‘07 automatic XT Turbo Forester was even better for practicality and no longer attracting those ‘flashing blue lights’ - I’ve moved on to a Toyota Hilux diesel auto but kept a runabout Forester - the Golf GTI was a fantastic ‘driver’s car’ but soon experienced its inherent DSG gearbox issues - my choice would be the Subaru wagon with CVT to avoid the characteristic ‘Mitsubishi Triton turbo lag’.

[@351tgv]

WOOO over 7,000+ subs, again great work Matt, far and away the best Australian based automotive reviewer and to boot? a local NSW resident, ok your I'm guessing around 80km away from where I am (Inner Sydney to I'm assuming mid Blue Mountains), nice and cold up that way at altitude. that is TURBO country up that way at night.

[@therightcar]

Yep, things are singing nicely now! Yep, I’m in Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains. Great community and lovely spot to shoot cars, for the most part.

[@scannon4492]

Great review. I was looking at the sedan as my kids no longer fit conformably in my Renault Megane. Looking for something fun to drive and took this for a test drive... Found it great to drive. Some food for thought in the review though, thanks mate

[@therightcar]

Great, thank you!

[@Chris-sd6os]

Great review - the lack of safety equipment on manual is a deal breaker for me. However I hear that it will be coming soon on the 2024 model

[@therightcar]

Yep, it’s coming finally!

[@Kopernicus67]

As far as the competitors for the WRX, forget getting either the excellent GR Corolla or the Golf R for anything remotely close to MSRP (at least in the US), which for both is more $$$ by far than the WRX. Most WRXs I've seen are discounted by $2k US. The other two will outperform the WRX on a dry straight, but are more expensive cars. The GR Corolla does have an overly basic interior (even the somewhat behind the times WRX is better) and I doubt you can tune a 3-cylinder with much more than the car already produces (which is a phenomenal amount of hp per liter). The Golf R is awesome, has similar tunability to the WRX, but there are very few made, most are marked up, and the AWD system is not set up for gravel/snow, but for dry road fun, it is a FWD biased system when underway.

[@therightcar]

Wow! Discounts?! Amazing. What a world.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

A tS wagon with wider wheels and sticky Michelin rubber could be my next car. However my current Skoda Octavia vRS does everything so well, and is about a fast a car as you can get away with these days, so it is really hard to replace.

[@therightcar]

Yep, I’m with you. The Octavia is such a masterpiece.

[@nicksalzke9729]

Thanks Camby, cool car but the most important question is does it go sutututu? 😂 New one looks a bit soft to me tho, think ill stick to my built 01 WRX, coilovers ride like a skateboard, but it constantly delivers that raw driving experience you just cant get from the newer models. Economy is shit at 300km to a tank of premium, but small price to pay for massive grins and 4 wheel drifts! Great work on the content, keep it coming buddy!

[@therightcar]

Hahaha no sututu to be spoken of. I’m sure I could have just removed the air intake box and got some of that happening 😝 I think you’re right to stick with your rig. Sound awesome! Would love to check it out one day. Thanks mate - glad you’re enjoying it. I’m having fun with it!

[@tareskisloki8579]

My current vehicle has the safety suite of 2 airbags and ABS brakes, and that's it, it also has an average fuel consumption around 14l/100km, so all of this is sounding like a win to me. Seriously though, I've been looking for a manual car at a decent price to take some of the kilometre load off my trusty V6 Hilux as it comes up to 300,000km, so far the WRX is the only one that ticks all my boxes, I've seen how well the WRX engine wakes up with bolt-ons and a flash, so it has great potential down the road. I do wish you could option up the adaptive dampers, but I have no doubt the aftermarket will step up to the plate there.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the comment mate. The WRX manual is set to get some safety tech soon - so if you don’t want the nannies interrupting, best get one soon!

[@Waheeda-kl8lt]

Great review man. You share each and every detail of the car. It is a worth to watch video

[@therightcar]

Glad you liked it!

[@xtrekrex]

This new engine is leaps and bounds better than the older FA20DIT. In stock form, yeah it’s quite underwhelming for various reasons. Subaru kept the boost low compared to high strung cars like the GR Corolla. Because of the potential of this new engine, the new WRX has the bang for the buck.

[@therightcar]

Have you done work on one?

[@xtrekrex]

@@therightcar not yet. There are several tuner podcasts here on KZbin where they discuss the comparisons of the FA24DIT vs the FA20DIT in granular details and even the EJ25. It’s quite impressive seeing the number people are posting. Long story short, it’s easy to make reliable power with just a tune and bolt-ons.

[@HI-pi1er]

Yep with a new intake , pro tune and down pipe this new wrx is absolute tuning monster . Putting up incredible gains from a stage 2

[@danielcave7065]

Great review Matt, and enjoyed your review of the new Crosstrek also, we pick ours up in a couple of weeks! I read somewhere recently that Subaru are going to add the autonomous safety equipment in a future update in the not too distant future for the manuals. I love that colour too, reminds me of my MY99 WRX in “Steel Blue Mica”. I personally really like the styling, it looks really good in person. I haven’t driven the new one but I absolutely love the nostalgia of WRX/STI’s of old. So I was relieved when you mentioned that you still feel some of that in this new model, albeit with less of a shove in the back when you put your boot in.

[@therightcar]

Hi Daniel - thanks for the comment and glad you’re enjoying the videos! I hope the Crosstrek hits the spot for you mate. It’s just like a few other Subies - knows what it’s supposed to be and does the job!! And yep, the manuals should be getting the safety stuff at some point. Hopefully it maintains the fun factor. I owned a MY98 hatch in Reddish Blue. Gosh they were amazing fun.

[@SuperAlmighty]

this is the most honest review

[@therightcar]

Thanks!

[@alizaidi5610]

This is one of the few cars you can get at MSRP and in many cases for a few thousand less than MSRP. The Corolla GR, golf R, and other cars are beyond marked up. On top of that the FA24 engine in this generation of WRX has shown itself to respond well to tuning. With just an engine tune you can get the car to 300+ hp and torque with no risk to reliability. Basically for under 40k you can get a car with 350hp and torque with the handling these cars are known for. Which is still cheaper than what you’ll pay for a GR, Gold R or civic type r.

[@therightcar]

You commenting from the USA?

[@alizaidi5610]

Should have specified but yes these are US prices. Elantra N is also another amazing car that is often purchased below MSRP.

[@philross1680]

Hi Mat thanks for another great video I owned a 2018 WRX premium auto, even though that model was starting to date both my wife and very much enjoyed it .The power and handling it had was incredible and it was joyous car to drive. The only criticisms with our WRX that I had was the very notice engine noise in the cabin which made phone conversations somewhat difficult. Also the exterior paint finish was a little substandard for a Japanese build car. I am wondering from your experience if you think the new WRX has improved in these areas? The new WRX would definitely be on my list for future performance car purchase. Regarding the CD player I quite like having one in the car but then I’m old school in these areas lol😂.

[@therightcar]

Haha 😂 good one mate. It’s just so weird that the CD player persists with a huge screen and smartphone mirroring!’

[@philross1680]

@@therightcar yes I agree and I do use Apple CarPlay these days but your talking to someone who bought his first new car (a 1972 Corolla SE) almost 51 years ago and it was one of the first cars that had a radio cassette fitted as standard equipment! In those days streaming was something you did in a boat 😊)

[@harlequin75]

being “behind the times” is what we need nowadays.

[@therightcar]

Haha!

[@CDuff86]

Maybe it's because I drive a garbage truck for a living, but I find my 23 Sport Tech (same as the RS in Canada) to be incredibly comfortable. notchy shifts are a welcome feeling. It inspires confidence in your shift and feels very much like a boy racer car. CVT is kakas. Couldn't pay me to drive one :) EDIT - 9.9 combined?! I'm holding 6.8 at the moment. Maybe it's Canadian standards?

[@chrisparr7476]

All automatic WRX models in sedan and wagon get rear air vents. Manuals do not. Different centre consul design.

[@therightcar]

My mistake - and what’s annoying is I knew that and just said the wrong thing!!

[@truckinguy92]

It’s amazing the difference between foreign models vs the US models.

[@therightcar]

Each market has its own needs and wants!

[@HI-pi1er]

This new wrx platform is a tuning monster . Best engine suburu have ever released

[@therightcar]

I got the feeling there’s a lot more to unleash.

[@HI-pi1er]

@@therightcar it’s the best engine wrx have released for engine mods

[@andrewd7586]

My brother bought a manual model last year after wanting one for god knows how long. I was quite shocked how harsh the ride was! I thought I’d need a kidney transplant after a few k’s Matt.😖 Having had a drive of his, I have to agree how notchy the gear box was & also quite underwhelming performance wise. Yeah the older ones were the ducks guts.👍🏼

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Yeah, it doesn’t feel like it had kept pace in a few ways. Still fun and I still like them a lot, but rivals make it feel a bit out of touch.

[@AhmadKhan-bz3oe]

Nice video 💯😊

[@MuhammadUmairTahir-bo9df]

Nice look. Beautiful car❤️

[@Michael-m2l8b]

I just drove the ts 2024 today if was great 62k I also drove the, Type R VW nearly 80k WRX thanks

[@therightcar]

Nice one mate! Glad you loved it.

[@MultiEmoto]

The repeated whining about the sedan not having the "Eyesight" safety suite (as it is called in the US) was ridiculous and off-putting. This sort of thing didn't even exist just a few short years ago, and somehow we all survived. I certainly don't want the added cost. When it stops the car or steers it for no apparent reason (happened to a friend) you may question how much you really need it.

[@therightcar]

Sorry for “whining” but people do look for SOME advanced safety tech these days. And it’s coming to the manual soon. So there.

[@colhutchins]

Hi Matt, I saw in your long-term review of the WRX wagon you said for the individual set up you would do the following "set up Individual with Normal steering, Normal suspension, S# (sport sharp) engine and transmission, Sport AWD, Dynamic Eyesight and Normal climate control." With normal suspension and steering and Sport# transmission and engine, that would be basically pretty similar to the WRX-GT in sports+ or sharp mode wouldn't it? Asking as with a family I prefer the GT leather interior. Took it for a test drive, seems pretty good to me but obviously the TS is more customisable with the active dampers etc. Thanks

[@hespie1]

The looks have gone backwards, not the Rex of old!

[@therightcar]

As a MY98 hatch owner, once upon a time, I can agree with that sentiment.

[@johnlambert1744]

Fully agree!! I used to own an MY99 with a few mods and loved it! Today's WRXs are just a bit plain looking now. Do they still make STi models??

[@hespie1]

@@johnlambert1744 not sure. It’s a shame models getting bigger slower more sensible as they age!

[@HI-pi1er]

@@hespie1slower ? This new wrx delivers power better then any of the previous models . It’s a tuning monster with a few mods

[@MasterMind-io6bp]

Good reviews

[@Ali-w3s1h]

Great job 👏

[@antonilavin2488]

Hi Matt, really like your reviews and your channel however I’ve got to disagree that the power delivery on the VB WRX is not linear. One of the most linear turbo four-cylinder engines I’ve ever driven. Torque is pretty much flat and consistent from just below 2000 revs right up to the red line at 6000 revs. I’m another one of those who don’t want the safety gear . All that technological wizardry that constantly annoys you and 95% of people turn off at the first opportunity is just a total waste of time and money and complexity., for me. I am the safety system in my car and I’m a lot more more effective than anything I manufacturer can create. When I drove the VB, I thought the ride handling balance was very good. Without adaptive suspension, which I have on my BMW, there’s always got to be some compromise. And the manual, VB WRX that I drove handled like it was on rails and rode perfectly ok on the B grade road that I used for a decent part of my one hour test drive. And adaptive suspension components are very expensive to replace. The front struts are my BMW were around $1200 each. They did last 150,000 km, so no complaints. The only slight weakness on the WRX in my opinion is the brakes. if I buy one, I’ll be doing some upgrades there. I’m used to the M Sport/Brembo brakes on my BMW. But again, very expensive to service when you’ve got racing brakes on your road car. Considering I can pick up a demonstrator VB manual for around mid $40,000 (they’re asking around 50) it’s very tempting. Especially when they come with the Harmon sound system. (again, similar to the one in My BMW). Add a couple of thousand for some low level engine turning, and I think it’s a real bargain.

[@351tgv]

what I would consider as the "alternative" option if you are in this market segment. would love to know how responsive "step" mode is and if the nature of manual step changes up and down crates turbo lag as boost kicks in late at around 3,500rpm with boxer engines since you describe there is "turbo woosh" re: lag then BAM boost in the manual. Symmetrical AWD (in this case mechanical with software controlled BTC) means it will drive out of slow corners quickly but might have a little understeer if you push too hard, from what I have seen from other reviews the steering is lumpy on-lock but good at the straight ahead and ride is fine for this type of vehicle. As for the rest of the package? one word, "outdated". Again a great "alternative" in this market space.

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Great insightful commentary as always!!

[@antonroux6737]

you need to say more about this channel. to what what extent are you independent, etc

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. I’m fully independent. No support from any advertisers or car brands, no sponsorship at all in any way, shape or form. I’m a motoring journalist - have been for nearly 14 years. I believe in the church and state mentality for sponsorship and content, that being that no-one will ever have the opportunity to for “pay” for a positive review. I will staunchly stay independent. This is why I do it.

[@msmarshall854]

I'm willing the pay the 48K (US dollars) for the WRX GT (after taxes) but...... here in NYC it will get vandalized quick. It makes far more sense to drive beaters.. you'll sleep better.

[@therightcar]

I love beaters!

[@mixupchannel643]

Wao what a look ❤

[@maryamnawaz22]

Fabulous car

[@AmeerBuxBhayo-y1c]

Wonderful

[@IqraahmadIqra]

Amazing

[@mixupchannel643]

What beautiful 🤩

[@AmeerBuxBhayo-y1c]

Greatful

[@MirzaZahid-q4x]

Nice ❤

[@crashtestcal6484]

I think you can substitute the AC button for the recirculate button on the home screen. I’ve done it on my 2023 outback XT anyway. It’s somewhere in the settings.

[@therightcar]

Hmmm I don’t know if you can on the WRX. The Outback has a slightly newer infotainment software.

[@syyeung]

@@therightcar Yes, you can do that on the WRX too

[@ChKashifRasheed]

Nice

[@drumaasepp9899]

You've chosen the exact competitors I've shortlisted for 'sporty manual car that can fit family of 5 in a pinch'. WRX, GR Corolla and i30N (not Golf R). For me I am leaning toward GR Corolla... and it's all to do with the safety tech issue you mentioned. Toyota figured out a way to put AEB amongst other safety bit in a manual sports car and Subaru didn't and Hyundai are rumoured to bring it in the facelift i30N Sedan later this year. I think that's poor form from Subaru. I think with AEB i'd rather have it not need it than need it not have it. That said over $60k on the Toyota is a lot of coin and you don't even get an arm rest for the driver. Maybe I'll just get an SUV for the fam and an old MX5 for me...

[@therightcar]

Great minds think alike, eh?? Thanks for the comment mate. I really like your thinking with the “two cars each designed to do a job could be better than one car compromising to do the same” idea. I often think about how many cars I’d buy for the price of a new car - it would be several, and silly.

[@operationgetthugs232]

Family of midgets.

[@drumaasepp9899]

@@therightcar haha that’s right! So many categories; RWD sport, AWD daily, 4WD weekender, Classic restoration project, $1000 flip car… maybe I’ll live vicariously through my kids when they get their first cars 😉

[@limwiching2277]

Poor manual version without rear aircond vent. Cvt version have rear aircond vent...

[@therightcar]

I realised after I took the car back that I said it wrong. Sorry!

[@HI-pi1er]

U can’t compare a wrx to gold R . Maybe a STI to a golf r

[@therightcar]

I can. I did. I will again.

[@kashifsajjad-u7p]

Good

[@justin8448]

None of your quoted prices for any of the models you mentioned, including the wrx are true! Off by 7 - 20k in reality

[@therightcar]

Are you in USA? The prices are Australian MSRP, so before on-road costs etc.

[@troyl4576]

@@therightcar yes I’m in Australia. 51k for an RS ? No more like 58k. 66k for a Golf R, in what world? More like 80-85k. 62k for a Corolla GR? Dreaming. Again more like 75-80k. You’re quoted prices don’t exist. Find me one example in the country where what you say is true.

[@rockcrawlerchurch2976]

The lack of safety rubbish is why i am looking to get one now. I dont want an auto under any circumstances. They are boring and leave me thinking about selling them and what my next car that i drive and not just steer aimlessly is going to be. This will be the last car i ever buy. I refuse to buy the cars they are making now and the direction they are heading

[@therightcar]

That’s cool. Go get a manual WRX and live your life in a way that makes you feel happy.

[@deanroslynmengel5575]

Current Subaru cvt's are exceptionally good - nothing changes quicker if you do go manual mode.

[@351tgv]

Yes a lot of people don't understand that with CVT in "step" mode its alike a clutch less manual. and just as responsive, it also helps that the final drive ratio is like 6.35:1 so for step mode in hear acceleration its instant response. That said V can't handle big amounts of toque. Note: a lot of SIDE by SIDE off road vehicles have CVT for that reason.

[@deanroslynmengel5575]

@@351tgv Grain Headers handle the torque well.

[@rc70ys]

Subaru Going Backwards Fast The Ass end looks like a Honda Civic

[@therightcar]

I don’t think they’re going backwards. I think they’re staying still.

[@rc70ys]

@@therightcar good point Yeah they haven’t really moved forward. Can’t be the old GC8 for me personally

[@buncha5651]

Now that's a car. The only EV thing is the starter motor.

[@therightcar]

Haha!

[@therightcar]

Even though it has a CVT auto???

[@buncha5651]

@The Right Car? The dreaded CVT is probably OK in something with plenty of power.

[@applesauceawesome]

Am I the only one that would want the wagon in manual without the safety gear? Overall as is ,it's just a bit pointless and irrelevant innit?

[@therightcar]

You’re not the only person - but I’d have a manual wagon with safety kit, and the sedan’s widebody kit.

[@applesauceawesome]

@@therightcar Widebody? Mint. Well, if you have the option to turn off safety things I'd be ok with it being on the car, I just find the inability to fully turn things off like collision assist frustrating when they go haywire on narrow streets with parked cars and throw up loud and flashing alarms that distract the driver.....

[@sadiaiftikhar7459]

👏👏

[@Aiken47]

Electronic “safety gear” is overrated IMO

[@therightcar]

Fair enough.

[@mrz1281]

RIP subaru, lost their touch with car enthusiasts when the wrx became boring and run of the mill and they lost the boy racer styling. the general styling of subaru is the same tweak every new model. yawn

[@therightcar]

Thanks for having your say!

[@mrz1281]

@@therightcar its a real a shame.

[@gwatson7124]

It's too ugly, too thirsty, and lacking tech. Still, Subaru really impressed us when my wifes rs wagon broke down on a road trip. The car was towed and fixed. And we were delivered to pick a lender so our holiday wasn't interrupted. They lent us a bt50 which was a blast to drive in north WA. I've heard others say they were treated well by subaru.

[@therightcar]

They do have a really good reputation for customer satisfaction and care.

[@AmberKwow]

Colour is good. Interior is average.

[@toddalcock6879]

if you are feeling like you are missing out with the "life saving safety tech" tech by getting the manual I would seriously question if I want to get into any car with you as a passenger, just remember all that "safety tech" is not making you a better driver, it's making you lazy and teaching you to be a complacent driver.... emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lead vehicle start alert, how about just pay attention on the road.

[@therightcar]

This is such a misinformed and ignorant statement. Safety tech isn’t just about saving you. It’s about saving other people FROM you.

[@muhammadnawaz5411]

❤🎉❤

[@asifmanzoor2198]

Looks old school

[@The-Wise-One]

Dated

[@longdang3379]

How can a car in 2023 still not have back air vents…. And the ipad screen up front. U really cannot like this car at all

[@djizzah]

Silicone gasket in oil pick up issues with these motors, buyer beware

[@szjaved]

👉👍

[@stendecstretcher5678]

Maybe Toyota's influence is not a good thing.

[@RanaFaisal-mk9yb]

Gd

[@Mr_Golden.]

Yall complain too much

[@imranjaved9673]

Good review

[@therightcar]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AmirZaib-rx7ov]

Nice