Subaru WRX Long-Term Review: Performance and Handling Explored

[@stevenhansen1469]

Proud new owner of a 23 WRX base. This is my daily driver and i absolutely love it. Im 55 yrs old and love driving a manual.

[@crabhab]

I’m 49 and I just picked up a 2023 I noticed that lots of older folk are buying these VB models . Probably they are comfy and big enough to attract the old folks

[@HadEnough745]

@@crabhab I'm 64 (but feel younger) and looking to buy one. I drove one a couple of weeks ago and loved it the first time. I just drove a 2022 abnd it sounded louder than the first car., also felt slower. I kinda got turned off. Need to drive another.

[@luvhcchris]

Subaru absolutely nailed this car in stock trim. It’s the perfect 30k-35k car that’s great for town/city driving and also long road trips with a punchy 6MT. I had one of the fastest VA wrx’s in my area with a boostlab turbo at around 415-425whp and that thing was crazy. I went back to stock everything and traded her in and got into a VB. And wow. The VB is such an improvement in every way. I’m almost tempted to just never mod this car with bolt ons and drive it stock. I’m in the city so I have no need for power anymore as most of my driving is all under 50mph now unless I do go on freeway for commuting. I told myself I’d never own a VB due to its looks but man I love this car. Nice review. Hope you kee enjoying the car man!

[@AlanAnt]

I have the WRX GT. Same color as yours. It’s my 7th Subaru. I bought my first WRX in 2003. I have had 3 WRXs, a BRZ, a Legacy, and 2 STIs. I bought them all new. Never had issues with any of them. I didn’t mod them (except short throw shifters and OEM cat backs). The BRZ and STIs were tracked a few times and STIs saw regular quick mountain drives. I think the SPT is underrated. I’m happy with the fast ‘shifts.’ I really like the adjustable suspension. I drive it pretty ‘spiritedly’ in the mountains and it’s a blast. Is it an STI? Nope. But they’re not selling a new STI, so this is top dog of the WRX line up. I’d like to drive a manual VB WRX to compare how the stock suspension compares to the different settings of the GT.

[@southpawsmitty]

Glad you’ve had some good Subarus! I can say I’ve had the same experience with the two I’ve owned, very nice cars. I’d like to drive the spt just to see about the suspension relative to the manual. I would like the option to adjust some settings depending on the drive for the day. Thanks for the comment!

[@wolfdna788]

The grey and the black are my 2 favorites

[@southpawsmitty]

I agree!

[@bradthornton6953]

Just subscribed. Thank you for the VB review. I’ve had mine for approximately 4 months. Loving it so far. If I could make one recommendation, during your driving videos, angle the camera up more so we can see the road as well. People don’t want to stare at your infotainment screen the whole time. Keep it up and keep uploading videos!

[@southpawsmitty]

Thank you for the feedback and support! Im still working on trying to figure out camera angles when I’m driving. I’d like to be able to show shifting, the pedals and the road ahead of me but it can be difficult.

[@gmitchell_tc]

Your exterior tour has solidified my color choice, cheers!

[@chrisvanzyl84]

Spot on, agree with everything you said, 2 months into ownership op my VB WRX.

[@southpawsmitty]

Thanks for the comment! And for agreeing, of course!

[@donjohnson2428]

Really enjoyed your review and hearing your perspective. I think the VB WRX and Mk8 GTI are both in their own league in the $30-$35k "sport" car segment. None of the others come close in the blend of power, practicality, and driving dynamics.

[@reaperskeeper8259]

Had my 2023 base for 2 months now, bought it new and I can definitely tell that compared to you I baby mine😂 never even get it close to redline on my shifts, never try to take it on harsh dirt roads etc. Maybe I should sometime. I have the ice metallic grey and I gotta say I love the dark grey of yours as well!

[@alex86devapath]

I had my wrx gt since august 6th of 2022 and I’ve driven 37636 miles thanks to my job 😅 Pro, is a fun car to drive(although the MT would have been definitely more fun) love the adaptive demoed control and safety features. My biggest con is the infotainment. For someone that has to commute from nj to NY, PA , CT and occasionally Maryland that’s screen is to glitchy for my taste. And I’ve experienced full black screen for 5/10 minutes which is quite inconvenient while travelling for work.

[@michaelking42]

Nice review thank you. Looking at a 2023 now.

[@NathanWrightGEEOTTO]

Love the car seat comments I have two back there still not a problem

[@tommieboi707]

I have a 2017 wrx and a 2022 wrx. The 2022 is hands down the better overall car. Stock vs stock the 2022 pulls harder. The 2017 dies down pass 5k rpm but the 2022 pulls hard all the way to red line.

[@diallo1347]

I love these reviews. Are you going to post any more updates onbthe car

[@waybach]

The last of a dying breed I also have the 23 limited and I’m holding onto this baby until it becomes an antique!!

[@diallo1347]

I appreciate the stock daily driver perspective. I'm considering this exact trim for a daily and won't mod performance. I'm curious how are the steering responsive lights at night.

[@southpawsmitty]

The headlights are extremely good at night, and add to it that they’re steering responsive. I have nothing but good things to say about the headlights.

[@PicNickPhoto]

I can also confirm they're great. I have 23 WRX and a 21 Outback. The WRX responsive headlights are even better than the Outback. You definitely notice them move with you.

[@Mike-hv5jv]

I just got a base 2023 automatic the auto is for old guys who drove Mack Trucks with a bum knee like me but it's still a cool car and if you want to play around it has the paddle shifter

[@aaronkim3856]

OMG, im like 30 minutes away from boardman subaru. you came all the way from pennsylvania to get your wrx?? you must be close to the border :O

[@gesu1742]

You're a good driver, I would love to see your video on heel-toe! Subscribing either way.

[@southpawsmitty]

Thank you for the kind words and support! I’ll be working on that soon..

[@beeler123]

bro you need new tires

[@chadbrown7648]

Love my vb mines mostly stock has a jb4 a Perrin intake and awe catback makes it a little more fun to drive car has 9k miles

[@lowery02]

How old is your daughter? Does that rear facing car seat leave enough room for mom up front?

[@ubroberts5541]

I own a 2023. A 6500 red line would be nice.

[@robertshetsen8691]

Which other cars you tried before bying wrx and why this one

[@mingzhang3925]

Your shifts are smooth.. Could you explain how you make your shifts smooth? Specifically 1-2 upshift ? Thanks

[@southpawsmitty]

Sure! I believe the trick is to slowly release the clutch after the shift to second. (Like slower than any of the other shifts). Since first is such a low gear it takes a slight bit longer for the rpm’s to drop into second gear and makes it difficult to match and time the rpm drop. As for the others they are much easier and I just release the clutch fairly quickly.

[@mingzhang3925]

@@southpawsmitty thanks for the input. I have tried it and sometimes I feel like if I get off clutch slowly, my speed drops alittle. Are you touching the throttle at all when youre slowly letting clutch off or just kinda wait for it to be completely off and then full throttle? Sorry this is my first manual car and i just wanna make sure Im driving it properly. Thanks

[@southpawsmitty]

I had to think about this on my way home from work lol. I do give it a little throttle as I’m letting the clutch out to meet the rpm’s. The second gear rev hang is noticeable in this car, not as bad as my ‘15 but I believe that’s why it’s hard to get a smooth shift sometimes. It’ll just take time to get used to. I’ve been driving a manual for over 10 years and I still don’t get every shift perfect.

[@jhonathansanchez5905]

@@mingzhang3925I agree! Same happened to me with this car I put a little throttle and when I switch to third I’m always a little bit above 2500 rpm’s so that little jump you get is because ur maybe letting off just a tad bit too fast on the clutch.. btw 1st to second is a little clunky and gets time getting used to it so don’t sweat it.

[@921ster]

Interesting how the speedometer and other dials are flashing, or am I just seeing things?? Nice interior, like the color too.

[@southpawsmitty]

Probably just the mismatch of the camera and refresh rate on the displays. They don’t flash in person though so don’t worry! Thanks for the comment.

[@921ster]

I’m actually looking at a couple different models right now. I like the look of them. I don’t understand why people are complaining?? I do agree that the horsepower could be better, like 295-310.

[@XaviorHults]

@@921stermod it up then :) I agree stock it could be higher however these cars the VB was designed to be modded and tuned. So I wouldn’t be scared to put some bolt ons on or tune it. As long as you don’t go crazy the vehicle will live a long life just fine.

[@Alabogaz]

I bought the new TS WRX model and I am very happy with it, but Subaru's start-stop feature is very bad, you cannot turn it off completely, you have to turn it off every time you start it, it is a very unnecessary and bad feature.

[@umaxen0048]

No more turbo cars for me. I've known of at least 6 people who have had MAJOR issues before and after warranty expires.

[@southpawsmitty]

@umaxen0048 Wow that’s a significant portion. My only turbo cars I’ve owned are a wrx, my first was a 15 and I didn’t have any problems with it after 130k miles. Then this one, knock on wood has been pretty good so far.

[@robertblack6630]

Everything these days either has turbo is electric. These are the old Turbos the reliability is second to known with new Turbos just don't buy one from China

[@BackToWar100]

this or Civic SI ?

[@Toutvids]

Honestly, these huge info screens ruin the new cars for me. I always replace my stereo with something I like and it is no longer possible. They tie up climate controls and heated seats to the screen as well. The Ford Taurus that I used to have was the same way. Got rid of it. I'm looking to buy a previous edition so I can do a simple stereo swap and connect my amp and sub in the trunk like I always do. Screw this glitchy tablet junk.

[@FloreaniGarage]

Buy the base model, there is a way different head unit that is able to swap out to aftermarket easy

[@2023startingCA]

Are the mud flap & wheel lock set with original car? thx.

[@southpawsmitty]

The lock set came as an option with the car. The mud flaps did not come with it and they are rally armor, I highly recommend them.

[@AlanAnt]

@@southpawsmittyDo the Rally Armor mud flaps require drilling?

[@bignasty.c.185]

@@AlanAntno

[@noob.168]

how are the stock tires on wet roads, esp super rainy days?

[@southpawsmitty]

Not terrible, I’ve never had them slip out or anything even when I’ve tried. I’d say they are a decent summer tire for sure.

[@YoYo-vc1os]

i would buy it used

[@southpawsmitty]

That’s an option!

[@wolfdna788]

After it’s been molested?

[@southpawsmitty]

Yeah definitely gotta watch out for the used ones.

[@mitchoconnell6815]

Given the price of what dealers want on used ones, its borderline not worth it now. Currently, rebuilt title premiums go for 25k, 20k mile wrx's going for 2-4k off msrp, completely not worth it over paying 34k msrp or shopping to save 1-3k

[@joshpinchuk7061]

If it came stock 290hp, then people would say oh if it only had 40 more hp. For the mpg it gets, it def should have more hp. This thing is so inefficient, regardless of awd

[@gregorylouiscoleman]

might be trading my new m340i X drive in for a new WRX, I just miss manual too much. IS the BMW a very nice car and FAST? yes....but theres a lot more to enjoying driving than an impressive 0-60 time. The B58 engine does sound nice but after the fun of an initial acceleration, the fun is kind of over. I had a 2019 WRX and loved it although just have to get used to the lesser luxury compared to other automakers.

[@anthonyjambrik3050]

I got 31.1 hi way ny to fla

[@southpawsmitty]

Yup definitely possible depending on terrain. The most I’ve seen is about 30 on flat with rolling hills.

[@yehornaumov5893]

What is that glass thing in the middle

[@brandonpetrilla1731]

Not a fan of the VB WRX’s, the looks alone are a let down and they share the same engine as the outback XT and Ascent, They lost their roots

[@southpawsmitty]

I actually prefer the looks of this car more than my VA by quite a lot. Definitely was a let down with no sti and not much increased performance though.

[@XaviorHults]

And it’s a much better engine then the previous. Who cares if it shares. It’s still a lighter much sportier car. And it allows for much more gain from a tune or bolt ons then any previous model. If it works don’t change it in my opinion. Cosmetics yeah it could be better ngl.

[@diallo1347]

Looks are a subjective thing. I love the vb look more than the va. The engine is sturdy, lots of safe tuning potential, and it's the best stock tune of a wrx ever.

[@tahoebum]

Looks like you stole mine! However it's still in the garage.

[@badbeatking80]

I definitely would keep yhe plastics unpainted.

[@2023startingCA]

bad design for OEM rubber mat, too small for covering...

[@jayczyzyk9707]

be prepared compressor breaking rstv in oil pan

[@southpawsmitty]

I’ll look out for that, is that still an issue?

[@badbeatking80]

Haha how long have you been a Subaru engineer again?

[@ccouch5859]

Haven’t heard of a single failure on that yet.

[@bifanotim]

@@southpawsmitty its completely overblown, not an issue

[@waybach]

“Jack of all trades, master of none, Though oftentimes better than a master of one.” 👌🤌