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

[@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.

[@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

[@vinhly6633]

I cross shop between the two rn. Like the wrx more than r.

[@robertmorano2372]

The cladding has grown on me quite a bit. I actually really love this car in white. I really wish we got a wrx wagon but that being said, this will most likely be my next car. I think it looks like a civic with paint matched flares and I can't unsee it!

[@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

[@chi3454]

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

[@RawRozay]

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

[@chi3454]

@@RawRozay 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

[@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.

[@ubroberts5541]

@@Carryhandle556Agreed. I have a 2023 WRX too.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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

[@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!

[@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 😆

[@Stephano58]

​@@GohstedYes beat!

[@tookiedew]

They shpuld of made that black strip along the trunk lid a continuous led light to go along with the led magma tail light design. Would have made the rear end more premium and cool.

[@kameronkingsbury9386]

I like the wheels and overall lines of the car. Def not a fan of the fake vents down on the front bumper. It def needs a spoiler of some kind as well..

[@Jonathan00062]

Golf R for me does it. I just wish they came with bramble brakes.

[@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?

[@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.

[@brandonpetrilla1731]

At 43k should have the STI exhaust standard and a power bump, Not good at all, all that extra money and the same performance as the base model

[@clipsncasts1]

exactly better off buying base and adding aftermarket parts

[@Madman6505]

They should have made the VB good looking or at least not so polarizing and given it 300 hp. They said they didn't give it more power because it's still more than the direct competition. Well the 2002 bug eye didn't have to have 227 hp, but look what it did for sales.

[@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.

[@FrankMopar]

Hey Joe, you didn't tell us what you thought of the brake pedal. The 2024 Wrx is now brake by wire and feels like you're pushing down on a brick. There's no feedback to the pedal, now. You don't know how the brakes are doing. At least that's how they feel to me. What did you think?

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

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

[@yokonoises]

Happy Birthday Joe!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you Noah

[@mlee6136]

Love the iconic hood scoop.

[@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.

[@navamous]

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

[@Dialed_medic]

"And this is where you might be busting the twinkie cream all over the place." 🤣🤣🤣

[@RaitisRides]

You know it!

[@KpopNiDontStop]

That really is a nice interior upgrade.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you hit the nail on the head!

[@1LonerWolf]

What’re you shifting at to produce those pops?

[@3D-Rivers]

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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@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.

[@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?

[@jessevalle5208]

Does the TR come with the STI manual trans?

[@BambinoFilipino1]

Is the STI short throw standard for the TR?

[@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. ☮️💙

[@nikkoteen1314]

What’s a TR? Is that a special US release? There’s only the standard version, RS and TS in Aus..

[@marcpelta4055]

How does it compare to the Cadillac CT4 BW?

[@richarddearth-st8ko]

43 grand! i got my eco boost mustang for 29k plugged a tuner device under the dash and zoom zoom. dont u feel thats too much money for that

[@RaitisRides]

One thing your Mustang does not have is AWD.

[@iaindyer1629]

@@RaitisRidesWhat about useable rear seats!

[@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

[@kobe_dough3702]

Happy birthday, Joe Raiti from Raiti's Rides!

[@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.

[@OOOnanana]

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

[@OOOnanana]

or as a second car.

[@MKu64]

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

[@gamingseeks3580]

2020 series white my last wrx unless they bring back actual sti back

[@william_ochieng]

Thanks Raiti, awesome review as always!! 💯

[@tommygunnnn1770]

Wish there was an STI transmission upgrade then it would be truly tuner ready

[@IMArvidson]

Those wheels look cool but they’re going to be a huge pain to clean. I’m holding out for more power and a real wing. 0-60 in 5.3 is getting beat by most everything out there. There’s sadly nothing to see here. It’s a shame to see nothing replacing or improving on the STI.

[@grantschmidt8497]

The Golf R gives you a lot more bang for the buck in luxury/comfort and it caters to a larger audience in offering both a manual and a DSG transmission.

[@Killy340]

Is it reliable?

[@robertw371]

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

[@Savagewolf624]

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.

[@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

[@artofwor8041]

Happy birthday Joe!!🎉🎉🍻

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you!

[@antoniodejulio79]

Love it...cheers!

[@RaitisRides]

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

[@prettyvacant09]

Would you trade a 2018 STI in on a WRX TR ?

[@forgetfulyoseph]

Maybe

[@Harold.Richard]

I have a ‘21 STI and I’ve always wondered the same.

[@RaitisRides]

No way, not in a million years

[@RaitisRides]

@@forgetfulyosephdon’t do it

[@RaitisRides]

@@Harold.RichardI would keep the STI

[@gsprings43]

Just do not like the shape of the wheel wells,,,,would have looked better more rounded

[@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.

[@kameronkingsbury9386]

also why does this have honda civic tail lights?

[@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.

[@moki97]

I've owned a 2004 WRX, 2005 STI, and 2018 Golf R. I would rather have a 2024 Golf R over this WRX TR.

[@dathonda6647]

15:01 when you remember your wife is watching

[@SonDang-v7l]

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!!

[@powamoto]

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

[@VEEZER1]

These cars are fun but you need 17 inch wheels. The 8 inch wide tires too. Anything other than a base model is watered down

[@landon94]

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

[@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.

[@dannyelmism0]

Don't know the Gulf R to me is better unless at some point the STI comes out

[@desmondboyd976]

Need the big spoiler

[@TrellvisThomas]

Hey Joe, thanks for the review. Question, is the TR suspension ‘too firm’ as several voices have said? I noticed you never said it. I owned a ‘21 premium 6MT new and loved it, want to get back to WRX but want more than a ‘normal’ one…also, the tS appears to be great but don’t want to spend that much. Opinion? Thanks.

[@jjpark1989]

Rear looks like one of the older Honda Civics

[@dha588]

Stopping by!

[@RaitisRides]

I am grateful for that

[@bsr6823]

Yes it is! I sold my golf R for WRX !!!!

[@4thforcon426]

Nice car but was expecting more horsepower and definitely more torque out of the gate.

[@coltonbriggs71]

I prefer the GR Corolla because it features a D4S system that doesn't require a Catch can. In contrast, Subarus, especially the unreliable VW Golf R with direct injection, may face issues with carbon buildup over time and are prone to quick breakdowns.

[@gustavocabrall]

This car is $44k Canadian dollar over here. So at least a 35% discount 😍

[@forgetfulyoseph]

Seems like they only sway the brembo and recaro seats from the sti other than that 19 inch wheels which is no good. 18s are the way to go. And not to mention no sti lip or side skirts for that price no way. Ill keep my 20 sti still.

[@RaitisRides]

You have a keeper on your hands for sure

[@bgrant48234]

Yeah this one is nice too.

[@honda116969]

Thank God it's not a CVT transmission! Good review Joe! 👍👍

[@bcatchris]

HBD!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that!

[@t-lawsfitness6044]

All cladding needs to be body color

[@alengreen589]

Something has changed in a month?

[@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.

[@TheLastRide88]

Happy birthday Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate that!

[@anthonytavyortiz1980]

My dream car❤

[@RaitisRides]

Dream big Anthony!

[@JMilMovies]

Subaru should definitely paint the cladding. They use way too much flat black plastic

[@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!

[@jerellebullock8792]

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

[@paullansville]

That center screen looks a little off in my opinion but overall the car looks decent but that "Cladding" tho.🙄

[@RaitisRides]

Cladding has got to go

[@paullansville]

@@RaitisRides Agree .👍🏼

[@cigarswiththomas]

All Wheel Drive Legend (looks great in Black)

[@libramoon9968]

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

[@elsicario7359]

i enjoy my vb i recently found out though it has open diffs front and rear, if only it was same as 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.

[@TheseCurrentYears]

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

[@alonzo6488]

Nice I live down the road from there

[@grenzle2428]

43 grand?! That’s a almost new scat pack maaaan

[@RaitisRides]

That is an excellent point.

[@theheatmagazine]

Nice never had a Subaru

[@Sedonapass]

why cant they put this engine into the BRZ dude wtf

[@kermitkurtz3337]

💯 Subaru….it looks amazing in black

[@juve7]

Sorry, it's Golf R for me, I just wish it came in a "4 door" sedan..."Zonk"...lol.

[@clipsncasts1]

Audi S3 is that

[@randomlyentertaining8287]

"Bright red Brembo calipers" Uhh, is it just me or is that caliper orange?

[@midnightstorm4642]

Plastic intakes? Glue instead of real gaskets? Plastic on the sides? What is Subaru trying to accomplish?

[@RaitisRides]

That’s the million dollar question