Is the 2024 Subaru WRX TR a better AWD performance car than a VW Golf R?

The WRX TR is making a return from Subaru for 2024. On the outside you will discover special 19in wheels, 6-piston Brembo brakes and sunroof delete. On the inside you will be greeted by Recaro performance seats. Under the hood is a 2.4L turbocharged flat-4 mated to 6-speed manual gearbox.
**Please click the link to get your Raiti's Rides Merch! Is the 2024 Subaru WRX TR a better AWD performance car than a VW Golf R?
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[@lj5190]

This design has really grown on me. It might be my favorite WRX so far. And yes, black cars are a nightmare to own. They look incredible for about 5 seconds after cleaning them before dust starts to accumulate again.

[@RaitisRides]

I see you know that pain when it comes to black cars

[@lj5190]

@@RaitisRides I know it well. Owned a 2003 Mustang GT in black. Absolutely gorgeous when it was clean. I just couldn't keep it that way.

[@RaitisRides]

@@lj5190you are so very right

[@charlesbolton8471]

I own two black cars and have a quarter mile long gravel driveway. Needless to say, my cars can’t stay clean no matter what.

[@br8y693]

And micro scratches if you look at it from the right angle

[@davidp2888]

Happy Birthday, Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you David!

[@shakethedrummer2351]

​@RaitisRides your bday is 11th may??? Same!! 2023 brz owner here thanks to your videos Happy birthday

[@william_ochieng]

Thanks Raiti, awesome review as always!! 💯

[@libramoon9968]

Happy Birthday Joe !!!!!!! Thank your for all the car reviews !!!

[@sasquachjl1228]

As someone who has owned a MkVII Golf R and now owns a WRX TR, they’re both great just aimed at different experiences. Golf R has a more compliant suspension, slightly faster, and obviously has better materials (although this new gen WRX is a vast improvement over prior years). WRX has a much more enjoyable, raw daily driving experience that I like plus more room for my passengers. I thought I’d miss the hatch but the WRX actually fits my bike better in trunk/back seats due to more length. Both great cars

[@martinmcintyre7623]

This versus a Golf R? Apples to oranges. If you want to tune and modify, and are really in to that rally-inspired car thing, this is your car. But out of the box, the Golf R gives you so much more for only a couple grand more. The Golf R is simply a better road car with more HP and acceleration. And twice the practicality. Better interior room and cargo capacity; there is something to be said about square hatchbacks. Better visibility and easier to park without a trunk hanging out the back. If Subaru would make a hatchback WRX again, it would be so much better. It's kinda dumb that Subaru went sedan-only because the WRX and STI were legendary hot-hatches at one time. Not any more. Let's hope that the new Impreza(now hatchback only) gets the WRX treatment. Subaru is not a sedan company any more and they killed off the Legacy. Subaru loyals, just wait a few years.

[@josefierro3506]

Golf r kills this

[@MeestroDavid]

I'm torn between these two cars but kinda had the same reaction. I can definitely see some isolated advantages to the TR-far more sensible interior controls being a huge one, and long-term reliability is certainly a factor-but the Golf R offers more in most other areas. Crucially, while the MPG for both cars looks the same on paper, the Golf R overdelivers in the real-world with almost all of the documented tests showing over 30MPG consistently. It seems like the 2025 R fixes a few of the major interior issues and rumors say even more power, but gives up on the manual transmission, which is a shame.

[@anthonydannunzio134]

I follow your first point Golf R is more out of the box for the cash from an engine, drivetrain and interior materials. That said the Golf R def isn’t more interior room and cargo capacity over the Subaru. Could argue the Brembos are better than the golf r brakes but might be spitting hairs since golf r is lighter and doesn’t possibly need the same level of brake. Same for the awd system robustness. But ultimately you called it right it’s apples and oranges for sure. I also think $44k for this package is a bit pricey especially when it’s down on power compared to almost everything else at that price (type R, S, Golf R, even the Elantra N at $8k less) Here is to hoping Subaru brings something more competitive!

[@eclipsed168]

You spoke very highly of the Golf R. Does this compete against the GR Corolla? 🤷🏻

[@MeestroDavid]

@@eclipsed168 There are a couple of good KZbin vids (including SavageGeese) that compare this directly to the GR. Definitely worth a watch. Speaking only for myself, the interior of the Toyota is a deal-breaker at this price.

[@jerellebullock8792]

Sorry im late but happy born day brother hope u enjoyed off camera lol you stay with lit content 🔥🔥 from day one 💯✌🏾

[@tomdrummy4984]

I felt the same way with black and the black cladding. Looks good in all black 👍

[@Gen10civic]

I agree. Really hides the cheap plastic

[@RaitisRides]

Great minds think a like

[@RaitisRides]

@@Gen10civicI know how you feel

[@shabberplasm32]

Yeah it unfortunately looks pretty terrible when its in a bright color, which is a shame considering the Subaru WRX is a legendary name.

[@iaindyer1629]

The magnetite grey looks very nice too, a little bit of contrast but not too much.

[@jordan3305]

Happy Birthday! Also I think I like this and the GR Corrola the most when it comes to the hot hatches and performance sedans that we have gotten from VW, Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, and Toyota when it comes to the total package and cost.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks you! Great points on this one!

[@Irishmanbikes]

This. a very handsome car. I really like the flared out fenders. I didn't know it was your birthday, but Happy Birthday Joe!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks you so much!

[@hardenphil07]

I think this i a good daily driver. Fast enough to have fun; slow enough to keep you out of trouble on regulated roads. Head room is amazing for us taller guys too.

[@MKu64]

I drove it back to back with the new BRZ and it was extremely disappointing. It's not a direct comparison, but was surprised how much better the BRZ is.

[@omarnanana]

@@MKu64 if you have no friends or family brz cool

[@omarnanana]

or as a second car.

[@MKu64]

@@omarnanana If it's your only car and you daily with your family then sure.

[@mlee6136]

Love the iconic hood scoop.

[@chi3454]

Still have my 2006 wrx TR...paid only $21.5k back in 06

[@RawieRozay]

Which is the same as $33,863 today if you account for inflation.

[@chi3454]

@@RawieRozay sounds about right, paid $32k for a '22 VW GTI

[@digitaltouch1]

Had one to, when I hear they selling this for 43,000 that's just crazy.

[@ricmagik]

2024 wrx tr is $43k msrp….crazy

[@yeetyeet6015]

I shouldve bought one of those instead of being 5

[@artofwor8041]

Happy birthday Joe!!🎉🎉🍻

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you!

[@teotwawki00]

Very nice car. Loads of fun from a car built for enjoyment. Great review. Thanks.

[@kobemonteclar7012]

Happy birthday, Joe Raiti from Raiti's Rides!

[@BIGB347]

Hey, joe is the steering on the new wrx heavy or light ? Do you think a 2004 Subaru sti is a good idea to buy since it’s a 2000s car with so much stuff you can do to do it over buying a newer Subaru wrx like the new generation?

[@edwardhall184]

Happy Birthday Joe! Keep Going “ ON THROTTLE” 🕹️👍🏽🎉🎂🥳

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate that Edward!

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@davidgroll-cook7125]

Happy Birthday Joe Bring back the STI

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks David! I totally agree with you!

[@panderalexander]

This! pairing the STI drivetrain that gives front LSD, center DCCD diff, and rear LSD, hydraulic steering rack, with the new chassis and nice FA24 would beat the competition of Type R and GR Corolla.

[@Gohsted]

​@@panderalexander"beat" 😂😂😂

[@panderalexander]

@@Gohsted at least compete 😆

[@Steve-qi3mo]

​@@GohstedYes beat!

[@bobgong7832]

Thanks for another great Subie video Joe. Do you think the WRX or the BRZ ts was more fun on the Angeles Crest Highway?

[@teece06]

They might as well call it a STi TR with that 6MT. I hate all the cladding and luckily there’s companies who make color matched replacements. Solid review as always though & Happy Birthday man!

[@panderalexander]

No, every STI in the past had front LSD, center DCCD diff, and rear LSD, not this TR that has open front diff and open rear diff. But that's not to knock the new VB, it has the nice modern FA24 and the handling is really good considering it's electronic brakepad vectoring.

[@elsicario7359]

i enjoy my vb i recently found out though it open diffs front and rear, i thought it would be like sti with front lsd and the center dccd and the rear lsd but it not. but i will learn in my vb still because of proof from initial d. in that is good driver takumi with ae86 with lsd just like sti and his friend itsuki buy ae85 which is like wrx without lsd. but guess what, you put the good driver takumi in the ae85 and he still beat a car, silvia, in a race. that show me it is more about driver and if i get good will easily beat sti, evo, gr corolla, gtr.

[@dynodyno6970]

The cladding grew on me. I’m looking forward to trading in my va for a vb. A front lip and side skirts to match the cladding with a nice set of wheels and tires turns those things into a beauty. Plus you can easily get 350whp out of the vb wrxs.

[@cigars.with.thomas]

All Wheel Drive Legend (looks great in Black)

[@noahgarcia6120]

Happy Birthday Joe!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Noah

[@roderickarnold1412]

*TR now stands for "Track Ready," not "Tuner Ready." This is an awesome car, but I'm not sure it's worth the price versus a Premium or Limited trim with upgraded aftermarket brakes. If it was truly a "tuner ready" trim, bare bones and cheaper, maybe with nothing added but the Brembos and larger master cylinder and priced the same as a premium, I think it would be more desirable. Either way, this new WRX in any trim is damn impressive.

[@DragonKnightX12]

It might be worth it. Tightersteering rack and more buttoned suspension too. Those tires they picked are pricey too, $300 a pop.

[@robertw371]

I prefer the plastic cladding so it doesn't rust out up north.........

[@mitchh4189]

That's how I feel about it. Hated it when it came out. But now I like it due to being in an area that uses a lot of salt.

[@antoniodejulio79]

Love it...cheers!

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you are digging this one.

[@omarcortes5754]

I like this car but it''s very expensive. I feel like an STI from previous years would make more sense for the money.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so true

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

love the BRZ-ish tail lights, LOVE the design of this car, loved it since day one. best looking WRX to date

[@TheseCurrentYears]

Bought a white one 2 wks ago, it's good.

[@shahahmad18]

Happy Birthday Joe!!!! I hope you had a Blast Buddy!!! I Honesty still Prefer your WRX STI RA bro that is the 1 to have!!

[@IAmChuckNormous2484]

The ONE and ONLY Joe Raiti...happy belated birthday bro ✌️

[@user-op7mg4rx2w]

Very functional vehicle...👍👍

[@ricklp1861]

Nice!! If i was in high school....id be droolin' over this

[@RaitisRides]

Why only drool when you are in high school? You can also drool now.

[@ricklp1861]

@@RaitisRides True

[@GhostKilo36]

As long as both are still 6spd MT, I'm all over it. I 'll spec out the WRX Tr with a Raiti's edition, AWE-some cat back exhaust...Voila👍

[@ubroberts5541]

I bought a 2023 WRX. I looked at a Golf R. With dealer mark up they wanted $55,000.00 before tax and license fees. The Honda R’s are only FWD and they are also expensive if you can find one. The Corolla CR is also hard to find, expensive and a rough riding little overtuned three cylinder 1.6 liter engine.

[@Carryhandle556]

Got my 23 WRX premium for for 31k new a few days ago. Upgraded audio and a few goodies included. They had two 23s and clearly wanted to get rid of them. Dude lied and said there was no difference between the 23 and 24. 24s have a bigger brake master cylinder, more weld points in some areas, eyesight. I could care less for 31k lol.

[@hahaadventures4838]

Have a 2022 and a 2023 WRX and they are solid cars. 420 hp to the wheel on E85! They are quick on E!

[@omarnanana]

all i have is a vortex generator and it got me to 420hp. what a great mod

[@landon94]

Busting the Twinkie cream all over the place was out of pocket 😂. Happy birthday Joe!

[@jjlovelord]

That 19' rim with all black paint Looks sharp 😙

[@mousehouseimagineers2389]

Come review my 22' WRX with some simple mods....Golf Rs in the rear view daily on a basic e50 tune 350whp. Only 2bolt ons from 400whp......coming soon.

[@elsicario7359]

it about driver our vb can beat any car out there and i have proof. i enjoy my vb i recently found out it has open diffs front and rear, subaru should have make it like sti with front lsd and the center dccd and the rear lsd but it not. but have proof it dont matter, search "initial d ae85 vs silvia race". in that is good driver takumi with ae86 with lsd just like sti and his friend itsuki buy ae85 which is like wrx without lsd. but guess what, you put the good driver takumi in the ae85 and he still beat a car, silvia, in a race. that show me it is more about driver and if i get good will easily beat sti, evo, gr corolla, gtr at any race track.

[@harrydaniels9436]

thanks joe,,,,,really miss the sti,,,,,,,

[@Mano_on_Point]

Happy birthday broski didn’t know it was ur birthday. 🎁🎊

[@navamous]

Yes, I agrees looks good in black hides the plastic cladding well..

[@rickjames6867]

Both cars are equal in my opinion. I still think Corolla GR is the best. I am not sure about those plastic fender flares on the Subaru. It's a major Zonk for me personally. I am sure the car is a blast to drive though. Thanks for another entertaining and thorough review Mr. Raiti. ☮️💙

[@bobbyjones2112]

I think that diffuser would be better without that piece going along the very bottom, I thought the diffuser was supposed to have those vortex generators only on the bottom?

[@TheLastRide88]

Happy birthday Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate that!

[@amatiserna5777]

Happy Birthday Sir Raitis🎂

[@darkmandarkman3121]

Great review I’m buying one for sure.

[@DeathTheCat79]

Happy birthday! This 24 looks like my 23 premium, I got it in the all black too.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing that insight.

[@StraightPretzel]

Happy Birthday Joe!!!

[@estebantobes1158]

Is the STI short throw standard for the TR?

[@DragonKnightX12]

That's what I was thinking Joe. Might a bit pricey, she primed and ready for power mods. And this FA24 can handle a lot, without blowing up like previous Subaru engines.

[@dcoiman]

I have the GT model. All you need to do is change the grill, wheels, tint the windows, front lip, side skirts, rear spats, and paint matched fenders and lower the car and suddenly you have an absolute head turning car.

[@Darkvirgo88xx]

Happy Birthday Joe!

[@c.m.7037]

Omgsh! Analogue speedometer! Finally!!

[@onterrioredmon5711]

I’ve never thought about buying a Subaru but I’d definitely buy that car is nice

[@rob_becker]

100% they need to paint the cladding, agree it should've come with the STI exhaust. Considering buying my second WRX and getting the TR.

[@user-qj9hc2cy8c]

Hi Joe how y’all doing,one question please let me know how much is my 2004 Porsche 911/996 4s convertible under 13,000 miles worth!!! Thanks sir!!

[@smalec123]

Hey Joe - re: @10:59 I recently traded in my 2017 WRX for a 2024 Golf R after cross-shopping up and down the range from ~$35-70k. The R trounces the WRX in all aspects - nice place to be, power for days, adaptive suspension, subtle but not subdued looks, hatch. The perfect (manual) daily driver and surprise highway weapon. Best car in this range. I'll add that I'm no fan of capacitive surfaces - I hate a tablet! - but I mastered the infotainment system on the ride home. Piece of cake and easy to use every day. Do I want a volume knob? Yeah. Does that really detract? Nope.

[@dynodyno6970]

Tbh the golf r should be substantially better than a va wrx. Did you have any mods on the 2017 wrx?

[@smalec123]

@@dynodyno6970 No, stock - I like to keep em as they come. Of course the much newer car was better, but I also looked at the new WRX and that's what I was referring to.

[@grriceman782]

I can appreciate Subaru introducing this trim level since hardly anyone wants the CVT only GT. However, is the TR worth the $7000 price up charge from the Premium trim?

[@austinrivers7066]

Been a long time Subaru fan thanks to Ken block and Travis! Currently going on 6 years with my 2015 STI. Unfortunately Subaru has gotten me concerned over the years. I’d love to see them do something different and exciting for the next STI, but if it has anything to do with a hybrid system, they’re not my Subaru anymore.

[@tshore0601]

Happy Birthday!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much!

[@alonzo6488]

Nice I live down the road from there

[@ranthony2714]

The current gen wrx has grown on me. Eye sight technology on the tr is great. I hope this filters down to the lower trims. Checking the Canadian subaru website, but did not see the tr listed. Hope it is going to be offered up here.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your great thoughts on this one. That is interesting! I guess we will find out.

[@iaindyer1629]

TR trim in the states is called the RS up here in the great white north.

[@mystictk4149]

Happy birthday Joe!!!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate that!

[@dha588]

Stopping by!

[@RaitisRides]

I am grateful for that

[@ovathere93]

Since we're never getting a wagon/Hatchback, could they give us a Sport back? I wonder if it effects the classification of the world rally racing?

[@tellinustr8up]

They need to bring back the STI

[@jordantabat4143]

Love your videos Joe but ur camera 📹 quality when ur driving is like a ford back up camera 😂

[@Digiphex]

I used to absolutely love the WRX, the one with the gold wheels back in the day but this one has 2 fatal flaws, the huge trim above the wheels and the vertical display that looks super quirky and forced them to elongate the AC vents to an awkward size.

[@stevehuk902]

Ok, that's pretty nice

[@RaitisRides]

I’m happy that you approve

[@BadIndian340]

Is it reliable?

[@richardwalther6229]

The black paint is the only way to sidestep the issue of the horrible black cladding. When will Subaru learn to go body color on trim?

[@soundbreak7]

happy birthday Joe ! do these come in automatic

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man. The TR does not come in automatic.

[@josephlotrecchiano9359]

beautiful wheels

[@kermitkurtz3337]

💯 Subaru….it looks amazing in black

[@bcatchris]

HBD!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that!

[@wardellward]

They have totally reinvented the Subaru WRX

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you are thinking so

[@wardellward]

@@RaitisRides yes sir

[@andrewSUN17]

Love it!

[@tcerano]

Taurus Squad, Have Birthday Joe! Mine’s Monday!🎉🥳🍾

[@RaitisRides]

That’s so awesome man! Happy birthday to you!

[@tcerano]

@@RaitisRides thanks! I’ve been thinking heavily on getting a WRX STI, but these look pretty sweet

[@charlesrestivo870]

Happy birthday sir

[@HansDelbruck53]

Joe should order his cars without the turn signal option. Might save a few ounces of unnecessary weight. Substitute a Twinkie for the stalk.

[@powamoto]

Mr Raiti I need I need mo Powa bring my STI back bro 😎

[@odronnell]

How does this compare to your personal STI?

[@RaitisRides]

It doesn't! the STI truly is a special car. I am not just saying that because I own one either.

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Looks like 2024 is the year to buy, since so many great features and cars are being discontinued. Thanks for the great advice, Steven!

[@cajunotaku3256]

The 2024 TR stands for track ready. The old model stood for tuner ready.

[@mikekanakan]

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉

[@Carryhandle556]

Got my premium for 31k. Couldn't be happier! My Scat Packs about to be jealous lol

[@RaitisRides]

You are awesome! Congrats!

[@chrislenahan4477]

Bustin' dat Twinkie creme, yo!

[@RaitisRides]

You crack me up man Chris!

[@juve7]

Legendary Rally Car...

[@cajunotaku3256]

I’m trading my 2017 STI in for one of these sometime next year.

[@SangMarocain]

My beauty ❤

[@m.7567]

Of course they didn’t dare to include the adaptive suspension from the GT for this. Because then nobody would consider the GT anymore. The current generation WRX is just messed up.

[@somejackball]

i love it in black! but i'd have to get a rear wing for it, make it look more like a WRX |---😁---|

[@slumped_rayray7880]

when they going to color match the fenders 🤔

[@starrja]

probably never, but at least if you want to you can buy it aftermarket

[@CarsTechWood]

I like how Subaru tried to convince us more cheap plastic cladding was “aggressive” and “outdoorsy” when it’s really just ugly. These look 10x better when that plastic is painted body color.

[@RaitisRides]

I hope they handle that with the refresh.

[@chubobsthebobo]

Happy birthday joe

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate that!

[@jimmydeneus5322]

Happy birthday live your life

[@silverindigo8302]

Good lookin car

[@jjpark1989]

Rear looks like one of the older Honda Civics