The Subaru WRX GT is the Wrong Spec of a Fantastic Car (POV Drive Review)

Join Miles in the 2023 Subaru WRX GT in Ignition Red with all Black Ultrasuede with Red Stitching as he shares his expert driving impressions.
Price (as tested) 💲: $44,415
Powertrain ⚙️: 2.4-liter Boxer Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Output 💪: 271 hp/258 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: CVT
0-60 MPH 🚦: 5.4 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 145 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 19 city/25 hwy/21 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 3,530 lbs
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#2023SubaruWRXGT #SubaruWRXGT #2023WRXGT #WRX #pov #povreview
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[@FirmMathers]

14:27 for instant Splat™ replay

[@MilesPerHr]

😂

[@bcatchris]

I have a 22 Premium Ignition Red SPT CVT. Everyday driving is great; no canyons on the way to work or the grocery store. It absolutely killed it in the snow last winter with Pilot A/S 4's It also has remote start. Manual mode in Sport mode will shift automatically for you. Sport # it will red line & you are in charge of the shifts. The MSRP for me was $35,500. AWD sedan that is not expensive to maintain is a win. The only GT I would get would be the New 2024 Mustang 480Hp for over 42K. Great review!

[@MilesPerHr]

Thanks for the insight as an owner!

[@Jay-sn7wu]

waiting for the brembo package.. w/o the SPT of course

[@KingCobra_45]

i have it in World Rally Blue, I'm 6f"3 and I'm not concerned about the backseat space. The black cladding will save on chips and nicks. My gripes are I wish it was a true Dule clutch instead of simulated, Badging ( I stuck on my own GT badge), and a spare tire.

[@SurlyDreamRoller]

I was worried about leg room (6'-5" mostly leg) and test drove one just now, SO much more leg room for the driver compared to my Impreza...Waiting to get a GT lined up with the specs I want. STOKED.

[@KingCobra_45]

@@SurlyDreamRoller you'll enjoy it for sure.

[@EvolutionIX219]

I honestly love the seats in my limited. Drove in recaros for 10 plus years in my Evo 9. Cant say i miss them

[@Teddingtin]

It's absurd to only offer the recaros (plus all the other performance features) in the CVT automatic trim...

[@alfa_guy09]

Oh shut it, you wouldn’t even notice it’s a CVT because of the engine dropping the revs like an automatic

[@Teddingtin]

@@alfa_guy09 I highly doubt that but even if I couldn’t tell I would still know it was a CVT…

[@alengreen589]

Nah the price is to high for this. Thanks Miles 😀

[@diallo1347]

Have you seen the pricing for the GR Corrola? Or Type R or Type S? Those cars are overpriced. This car is cheaper and offers more options/comforts.

[@AwkwardYet]

You can get low mile GT trim for low to mid 30's absolutely insane value

[@R0CKtheR3D]

@@diallo1347those cars are also more powerful, better specced, and more unique, much lower production

[@jackskeleton733]

Car prices now in days are a ridiculous now. Compared to the competition, this is cheap.

[@zahf6484]

those are overpriced too but at least they retain their value. @@diallo1347

[@diallo1347]

I'm waiting for Subaru to either offer these options in the Limited trim, or offer a manual GT trim. I like the look of the car, even with the cladding. Also, the rear isn't that big a deal to me.

[@mattheviewer]

Interesting review. Subaru has reasons for only offering the GT with a SPT but hasn't stated why. It's understood that enthusiasts hate CVT's ( 80% of WRX's go out the door with the 6 speed manual) - to be fair, most enthusiasts want same 3 things from a car: RWD, a manual, and a V8 or other loud engine. Enthusiasts also hated the Forester XT once it lost its manual, but nobody was buying the manual (Subaru stated 5% of XT sales were manual, too small to support).

[@markovwms]

Just give me a Turbo Legacy Sport and I’ll save almost 10k and get the same engine

[@Theboyfromjupiter]

I think I found my new 4:39 favorite down to earth car review channel

[@HossLUK]

Correction, those are LED turn signals on the front

[@AlanAnt]

What reviewers fail to mention is that the CVT vs 6 speed manual is more than a transmission option. The 6 speed uses the same viscous differential as prior models and uses the ABS system to implement he VDC and ATV systems. Power is split 50/50 front/rear. The SPT/CVT adds VTD (variable torque distribution) which distributes power 45% front / 55% rear by default and can direct power to any individual wheel. The SPT has two settings for the AWD system (normal and sport). The end result provides more aggressive turn in and more of a real wheel drive handling character.

[@Fwex]

I noticed this, and a lot of them will even state that the AWD system in the CVT models is FWD on demand AWD instead of full time 45/55 AWD with VTD. Makes me realize a lot of reviewers are are either lazy, uninformed, or just want to peddle misinformation.

[@Fwex]

They also all complain about how the car shifts and never use the manual mode to control the shifts

[@fvgarrobo1682]

The dizzy effect of head mounted camera. Why not mount it fix, that wouldve been more enjoyable

[@Lukksia]

a lot of people like the lack of wing but i just think it looks weird without it

[@PicNickPhoto]

Great vid as always! I ended up going for the Limited trim manual. Absolutely LOVE it! I commute to the office with it during the week, getting around 28mpg, and tear up the mountain roads on the weekend. Put the seats down in the rear and bring my 2 large dogs with me to explore hiking trails. It does it all, and I have such a blast doing them all.

[@BartlettRacing66]

45k for this, unreal. i paid 37k for my STI.

[@ubroberts5541]

The 2023 premium is the best value at $37,000.

[@BartlettRacing66]

@@ubroberts5541 It's still a wrx at STI prices bro

[@thefishthefish]

STI offers nothing you can't get for a couple $k on this car @@BartlettRacing66

[@user-oe7oe2fl8q]

@@BartlettRacing66every car has been going up in price bro not just subaru🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jasperng9896]

Thanks for making me feel better about getting my GR COROLLA

[@bryanzotta1703]

Couldnt imagine paying $45g for a CVT sub 300 hp "sporty sedan". Thats embarrassing

[@InfuzeDcyphR]

No it isn't.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Interesting..here in OZ, rear air vents feature in the CVT model (not manual) along with most of the other safety features..again, not featured on the manual..Strange..

[@FrankZR1]

Still baffles the mind why they paired Recaros to cushy suspension and CVT. Also why did they get rid of pure leather without Alcantara inserts? It's the first WRX since 2004 to do this. Also still no STi variant? Swing and misses by Subaru for this gen. It's like they're throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Sad to see Subaru in this current state.

[@tyhyhh]

No sti because it would fight the gr corolla for sales

[@maximus9401]

I'm not a fan of this gen of WRX either but I have to admit they're selling pretty well at the moment

[@stevebicknell6346]

Better than my 2023 WRX in everything . Drive , sospension , interior, Looks etc etc , English car fanatic living in the Philippines . Steve.

[@Impulseive]

It is a 2023 WRX? Right? I don't think they haven't released the 2024 yet. Not much is changing on the 2024 other than a small increase in shift speed, chassis stiffness, and materials used in part of the build to increase safety scores. I'll stick to my 2002 Bugeye Hatch STI that's on its 2nd engine and transmission until they bring an equivalent back. Might be waiting until the electric STI in 2028-29, but no manual is gonna be a tough sell for me. I may have to step away from Subaru for my fun car. (I work in sales at a Subaru dealership)

[@jimsgaragetoys]

I was in the market for a new, fun hot hatch or sedan. I drove a WRX similar to this one but with the 6-speed manual. There is no way that I would buy a CVT or automatic transmission of any type. The WRX was okay in most ways but it didn't excite me as much as others. The exterior styling is a no go for me, I like the previous design much more. The shifter was as nice as the Civic Type-R or GR Corolla. I also was not a fan of the huge screen as too many things had to go through the screen to adjust. I also drove the Civic Type-R, GR Corolla, Golf R, and Elantra N. I live in the Pacific NW though so I was leaning toward AWD which this did have. I ultimately bought a loaded GR Corolla Core for under $40k and it excited me a lot more when I drove it than the WRX, and fun was the name of this purchase.

[@A26638gahxb]

Where in America do you film this stunning picturesque setting?

[@JJ-ws3zn]

Cali Valley

[@ju4121]

Orange County.. Newport Beach - Laguna beach area

[@antonovkouakouthoussin3660]

This car is handsome, but you made it look great through your awesome review.

[@Cats_Are_Scary]

Subaru would of sold out of the WRX GT if it only had a manual.

[@eddstarr2185]

Love that Directional Selector - your choice of "this-a-way" or "that-a-way". Miles, I was with you on the new WRX, and then you showed the rear. Kinda looks like it was sitting on top of another car. Overall, it's a good combination of features but it would be fantastic at a lower base price. Thank you for an interesting drive in the WRX GT. "Fun" is the password.

[@MilesPerHr]

I agree that the WRX suffers from the "BMW i8 syndrome," where the rear end looks like it's either mating with or consuming another vehicle.

[@mrcarlson68]

Yea, it’s the wrong spec of a fantastic car because it’s got a CVT, I rather the 6 speed manual

[@johnnybravo5044]

Subaru needs to get rid of all that side and rear cladding. More body colored. It badly needs a rear redesign.

[@gothops154]

Ever since I learned this was slower than an N/A BRZ, I could never want one.

[@exede5790]

Ive been itching for m340i

[@snoopdogg7366]

Hi miles per hour thanks for test driving all of these great Cars. But can you please test drive some sport cars and luxury cars from early2000s and mid2000s? It gonna be a great action. Thanks🤠

[@benmorris7276]

Yeah I would probably just stick with the premium trim with the 6 speed

[@Blade332]

I have a 2019 WRX, got an offer for trade on a new one from the dealership. Saw 40k+ and LOL'd. No. Never. This isn't a STI, and isn't that powerful. I'd buy an Audi and eat the extra maintenance costs first. Big oof Subaru.

[@klemarketing]

cvt is better than the stick!!

[@JY__L]

Looks cheap everywhere. I will avoid CVT after the current leasing of my Crosstrek.

[@alengreen589]

for that price you can buy a new 2024 Mustang GT with a V8 and 486 HP 😅

[@alengreen589]

@@alex-sc7zl only without AWD but the Mustang has few more pro´s as the Subi.

[@dipastick]

Good luck with that. All v8s are above 50k with dealer mark up.

[@alengreen589]

@@alex-sc7zl everyone as he likes 👍

[@gladdy02]

It still blows my mind that Subaru doesn't offer this in a stick. It's the beginning of the end of the manual in my opinion

[@dipastick]

@@alex-sc7zl I got my GT for right under 40k

[@bloomvikung]

What if the WRX have PDK 7 SpEeD and 9k redline??

[@InfuzeDcyphR]

This is the exact one I got. Love it!

[@Christian-kj4ox]

Thanks Subaru. Always putting dark colored interior/seats in your vehicles and only offering heated seats. Anytime it’s 80 degrees outside and the interior has been baking, I’d love to add more heat to that and not cool it down??

[@santoscarrillo2996]

Whats the GT stand for? Trim

[@Phiz787]

I'm surprised you didn't manually operate the CVT? The Sports# mode makes it pretty fun to drive that way. No, not the same as throwing a shifter around with a clutch but its definitely exciting. Still I agree that the GT should come with a Manual option. And if they dont already, the other 3 trims should have CVT options.

[@Nonx47]

The other three have CVT options.

[@tv321123]

There is no 'manually operate' a CVT. It's a CVT, it's a belt/chain riding on a 'infinite gear ratio' cone. There are no 'gears'. CVTs with 'manual' modes or 'gears' are fake imitations 'gears' that are just are just tricks of the engine revving/holding. Driving a CVT with imitation gears, and/or a manual mode are slower than without as the 'gears' are not real and the whole point of a CVT is to keep the engine in the maximum powerband for the speed.

[@Phiz787]

@@tv321123 seeing as I own a CVT WRX... I'm pretty sure there is a way to manually operate it. You use the paddle *shifters* to artificially set the CVTs belt, putting the car in a "gear" which manually sets the engines rpms for a given speed. "Downshifting" the CVT will give a decent amount of power because the CVT is going to try and keep the rpms as low as possible unless you're pushing the gas pedal to the floor. I've driven my CVT WRX 80,000 miles, and trust me when I say, it's pretty fun to manually operate my CVT.

[@garboi8976]

@@tv321123 with this cvt you would be wrong. its not a linear cone design, rather it uses a step system so there actually are simulated gears. they cannot use a torque driver constantly variable system as you would in something like a razer because it will overheat. think of this cvt as having a lot of characteristics of a DCT

[@Nonx47]

@@tv321123 well, I hate driving an automatic car as much as the next diehard... But to say there is no way to manually operate a CVT is just plain dumb. If you are telling it what to do, you are manually operating it. It's not a manual transmission, it doesn't have a clutch you operate... But you can manually operate the tension.

[@al_f.miami.semperefideles2879]

Honda Civic Si or Type R … Honda reliability and resale value .. avoid the German money pits

[@davidtomazovich7941]

Go with a Toyota GR FOUR

[@DavidLee-ic4wh]

This is the worst WRX ever. To think that you could get a 2021 STI for about the same price is insane.

[@justausernamehere]

What's the name of the road you were on in the canyon drive?

[@MK3JettaDude]

The WRX is getting softer and softer.

[@TheAbenunez]

Where was this?! beautiful

[@tristahncruzada4338]

Why there is no sti version of the new wrx?

[@xFlared]

Important question first. Do you think the Supra horn is wimpier than this one?

[@MilesPerHr]

Definitely.

[@xFlared]

@@MilesPerHr I want a supra but I still have a manhood to preserve. My woman will leave me if she ever hears me use that horn.

[@gregdixon3797]

Love it❤ Beautiful car!

[@kugelschreiber5678]

No rear air vents on a $44k car with a rear end that makes you want to puke. I'll pass.

[@InfuzeDcyphR]

It's more of a sports car with back seats.

[@_Kinetic]

Subaru lost their motorsport badge when they canned the STI. Now it's a weird hodge-podge of WRX trim levels paired with econobox offerings and "sporty" trim levels. Guess it's what happens when you "beat" the competition.

[@crypto_carter2205]

A wrx thatsbless than 315hp and 340tq is a let down. It has to be bette than last gens sti or whats the point

[@hallf723]

Question Miles, have you ever been pulled over on youre drives?

[@xFlared]

The back bumper looks like it got major case of hemorrhoids.

[@Conti93]

Subaru is crazy. Imagine buying this when you can get a Type R for almost the same price... Wow.

[@joshuamorales1113]

Your not getting the type r for that price I promise you

[@Indykeebler]

And you’d be better for buying the premium trim so you can get the manual which goes for about 35k

[@davidib17]

i paid 30k flat before tax on my vb. although would agree the gt trim is kind of absurd

[@kevinwng]

I mean, depending on where one lives, it may make some sense if there's snow. Driving a WRX around in snow is great (and useful). :)

[@Indykeebler]

@@alex-sc7zl I can’t get passed the cvt transmission though.

[@stms4411]

Wrong transmission for this car

[@TheTussman]

Subaru is simply weird, which made them charming in the past. After years of rightful public bitching about no power, they design this little monster - with terrible fuel mileage. My buddy takes his Camaro SS instead of his Rex on long trips because it gets much better highway MPGs. Not a good look for their ESG profile lol. The purposeless cladding with the CVT / Recaro combo is really embarrassing.

[@vamiso1770]

Now i need to buy one😢

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

the best looking WRX to date IMO, the rear bumper just need red accent and it's gold

[@sn4rl277]

Went and checked out the new WRX a few months ago. Was ok with the exterior, then I saw the interior and the Dodge Ram like middle infotainment screen and I was like NOPE. The pixilation of that huge screen is just sad, won't buy a car with dumb looking screen like that.

[@StarryTemplar]

They made same mistake as Toyota Camry before....Why the F you gonna cheap Out the Rear seat Air Vent???

[@bradgreen987]

Always drive a manual if possible

[@vinn283]

To me manual just seems like that weekend fun car. Not to say you can’t daily a manual. Just saying since traffic every single day is terrible for me. It’d be more of a chore than actually having fun. For me it’s stick to manuals for that weekend fun when there’s no traffic and automatic for your daily work/school commutes.

[@kinsonhusting7577]

I thought this vision GT = sti . Then …. So what s exactly WRX GT stands for 😂

[@faridtanjungsaputra3242]

Subaru WRX is manual, not matic

[@bassamshukair7450]

The bug 😂

[@cirilloscater5545]

I've got a question for you sir,if you bother with the comments. Which has the most comfortable ride:Latest S class?Or the latest Range Rover?

[@jessecumbee6156]

Did it just go to 60 in first gear??

[@dewjustin]

It has no gears

[@KK-tt6ui]

I like the GT. It’s too much $$$ for what it is

[@stevebicknell6346]

Should say 2018 WRX .

[@Hernsama]

44k USD or Canadian?

[@davidtomazovich7941]

I wouldn't give 44k pesos

[@markovwms]

Nice shorts

[@tremontefr5617]

Don’t know about the price

[@soldatolacrimosa1868]

Last generation was a lot better imo. I don't like the new ones at all.

[@leonardosantos6516]

Yesssiiirr

[@braveheart9658]

Now the question is, this or Mazda 3 turbo?

[@MilesPerHr]

This, in manual, is much more fun to drive than the Mazda, but the Mazda is more practical and better looking. Guess it just depends on your priorities.

[@davidtomazovich7941]

Neither, take a look at the Toyota GR four circuit edition, that's is the absolute baddest awd hatch out....

[@braveheart9658]

@@davidtomazovich7941 Ye for sure... Sadly mark ups over here are crazy.

[@jd_17gaming8]

A automatic wrx just doesn’t sit right with me

[@InfuzeDcyphR]

Many Corvettes, Comaros, Mustangs, and Challengers are autos, get over it.

[@rayray5662]

Nice

[@bradgreen987]

I've got a '16 wrx premium. VA chassis so much prettier than new VB. What's with the rear bumper?! Why touchscreen for climate control. Engine is the only bright spot

[@Proparkourgamer]

What does the sport climate control even do? 🤣🤣🤣

[@AlanAnt]

There is no sport mode on the climate control . It's mild and normal. Mild reduces the fan speed for gentler air flow.

[@Proparkourgamer]

@@AlanAnt oh... but why it's not included within the climate controls? It's not supposed to be in driving modes, right?

[@AlanAnt]

@@Proparkourgamer It’s in the driving modes settings. Comfort mode uses the mild setting. Normal, Sport, and Sport+ mode use the normal setting. There is an individual setting that allows the driver to choose each setting independently. Surprisingly, there is an Eyesight setting as well. I discovered it has mostly to do with how fast the car will accelerate back to the set speed once resume is pressed.

[@Proparkourgamer]

@@AlanAnt Thanks for the info

[@buridah328]

Excellent

[@Kay_Emm_]

If only you could get it with a manual… Although, actually, it does seem like a pretty decent CVT.

[@MilesPerHr]

It's good for a CVT, but I'd give up the great adaptive dampers and Recaro buckets to get the manual-equipped versions (that are also less $)

[@SubieLifeG13]

❤

[@sokratzmmf]

No one is buying manual Subarus

[@G.A.G6]

sup

[@MilesPerHr]

👋

[@Tarantula-rz9td]

B

[@raver208]

The aesthetic is junk. My friend’s ‘20 STi in Lapis Blue is far more attractive. That rear fascia is design suicide. No idea what they were drinking over there at Fujitsu HI. I have the CVT in my ‘13 Impreza Ltd. & accept its existence, but it is not “engaging”…a WRX should have a 6M option in every trim.

[@msndotnet01]

Better

[@dangies]

from a looks perspective, this gen wrx is terrible

[@ausxau]

Looks worse, lost a lot of personality. And the front turn signals appear to be LED.

[@nostrilnick]

It's pretty hideous. C'mon Subaru.

[@MrSnuffinum]

Automatic 😴 🥱