The New 2022 Subaru WRX Got Ugly And Its All-New Engine Makes The Same Power? - Two Takes

[@TheSmokingTire]

What do you think about the new WRX's engine?

[@joeblacc8573]

In an age/era dominated by numbers and figures, they definitely sold themselves short from a marketing standpoint. Sure "tuners" might under stand the benefit but the general public...notsomuch

[@stevemartegani]

Need to drive it first. The 6000 redline is disappointing, but more low end and power across the curve is good. Seems like more of a truck motor though (it did come from the Ascent)

[@axeya366]

I think its trash. after 20yrs and not even close to an AMG 45s

[@jfnurod]

The turbo has an electronic wastegate which I'm interested to see how it helps boost response. No t thrilled with the plastic bypass valve or the plastic intake manifold. My complaint is the 6k redline! It's a sports sedan not a diesel jetta.

[@The_Stanman]

It's seems decently effective, but is incredibly boring. It's meant for Outback and Ascents.and it shows. Make a "Just the Noise" video to troll Subaru 😅

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Subaru: "You know what looks cool? Dark boxy fender cladding!" Pontiac: "Hmmm, that's what we thought..."

[@henlolneh]

Breaking Bad reboot about to have a new meme vehicle ?

[@YeahItsYourBoyG]

@@henlolneh hahaha Mr. White boutta send it in a '22 WRX. not a bad idea actually.

[@bokiNYC]

😂😂😂

[@unlisted9494]

Nahh, Pontiac got fucked. They would design pretty decent vehicles, then the accountants at GM would ruin them. Remember the fiero V6 gt? It was actually pretty sick. That is what the fiero was supposed to be FROM THE BEGINNING. The 5th gen camaro was supposed to have a twin turbo 4.2L i6. It got neutered and stuck in the trailblazer.

[@stinkothestooleater4490]

Looks don't matter when you don't have to worry about paint chips every time you drive on dirt roads

[@Slickpete83]

*all HVAC controls should have physical buttons , including heated/cooled seats and heated steering wheel* no matter what !!!

[@The_Stanman]

100% agree

[@daves984]

It's ridiculous you can adjust dials and buttons by feel without ever having to take your eyes off the road. It's definitely more dangerous

[@paulwade5853]

Heated/cooled seats just shouldn't exist in what's labeled as a performance car.

[@f1jones544]

All controls should use buttons and dials. There's no practical exception.

[@The_Stanman]

@@paulwade5853 A WRX is a daily driver with some performance chops, not some dedicated track day toy. They'd lose a lot of buyers if it didn't have at least heated seats on higher trims.

[@kevinryan2992]

The wheel cladding I can take or leave, the rear bumper/diffuser is what I can't get past.

[@SomethingSeemsOff]

Jesus it's atrocious.

[@scotchbonnetfk8]

It looks like when you do most of your homework but get lazy and hit up your friend (brz) for the last few answers.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@Taichou Levi 3 hp more may not seem like much, but it’s on 4 lbs less boost. This engine will vastly outperform the ej257 in your STi mod for mod, the fa20 in the previous generation WRX does as well…

[@mojojoji5493]

The whole thing is just messed up though lol

[@YasumotoUS]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 Likely so, but that's also thousands of additional dollars and a voided warranty. May not matter in the argument of which platform is better for modifications, but it sure matters for those of us who don't have the time to wrench.

[@adamleininger1387]

The touchscreen is not an improvement. It sucks in the Outback, and it sucks in this.

[@colinsdad1]

I owned an 07 Subaru and miss how dead ass simple that interior was. Why Subaru thought sticking a TV on the dash was a good idea I'll never know.

[@djsone3499]

The oversized vertical touchscreen with integrated HVAC is the main reason I won't buy this car. I refuse to buy anything without physical HVAC controls.

[@MrSlowestD16]

@@colinsdad1 Because it's what most people expect now-a-days and unfortunately what they want. No idea how, I find it difficult as hell to hit buttons on screen while bouncing down the road, but apparently I'm in the minority.

[@brucelee5465]

@@djsone3499 they have a base model which has physical hvac buttons.

[@colinsdad1]

@@MrSlowestD16 Maybe it's my age (49) but, all I want are two things in a car- a manual transmission and FOR THE CAR TO STAY THE FUCK OUT OF MY DRIVING!! I don't need it talking to me, "grabbing" the wheel because it thinks I'm out of my lane, or flashing and blasting sounds at me while I'm just driving down the road. I'm in the process of building my Own K Code Mustang with a 1995 Steeda- it has a 306 in it with a... *gasp*.... carburetor!! That way, I can actually tune/work on the fucking thing!

[@Mrsonicslash5]

Not even 4 minutes and Matt wanted out lol

[@bokiNYC]

😂😂

[@lukewalker1051]

Matt did a commendable job of not puking about the entire car. It is such a disappointment. Outgoing car is a cult tuner car. That's what makes this so hard to accept. Subaru ruined it. Hard to believe such a fail could occur and only plausible explanation is there was a sea change in the staff at Subaru. Subaru did improve the engine and the rev hang in this car. The rest is unacceptable.

[@ZONE3965]

Can't blame the man 🤷‍♂️

[@fifteen8850]

@@lukewalker1051 sounds like you didn’t watch the review but ok lol

[@fifteen8850]

Wdym?

[@stevemartegani]

All Subaru had to do was bring a sedan version of the Japanese Levorg over... But nooo they had to stick ugly black plastic on the car because "rugged" :/

[@brucelee5465]

Japan only has Cvt wrx no manual

[@stevemartegani]

@@brucelee5465 Not exactly difficult for Subaru to put the US WRX drivetrain/manual trans into the wagon body. All the parts exist, nothing requires re-engineering.

[@Wpjgdmtu]

Never heard of it until today. That's a seriously cool car. Bummer we don't get it imported here with a manual.

[@ciello___8307]

@@stevemartegani americans dont buy wagons

[@cbidwell91]

Thank you for hitting on the fact the best trim level for enthusiasts is CVT only. HUGE miss by Subaru.

[@bokiNYC]

Agree 100%! 👍

[@jamesgarvey8402]

It’s so dumb!!

[@fifteen8850]

Depends how the cvt is tbh

[@cbidwell91]

@@fifteen8850 I don't mind that its offered with a CVT, my issue is the GT trim is CVT only. Thats a huge miss to offer a 6MT on every trim level, excluding the best performing one.

[@jamesgarvey8402]

@@fifteen8850 show me 1 cvt that’s engaging.

[@justinx8935]

A lot of people talking shit about it can't even afford it. Car is great and better than most in the price range. 280hp monster

[@GeraldineLancaster]

Man, these cars used to be iconic.

[@KennyJacobs]

Anyone who complains about the cladding is not the target audience for the WRX. It's a rally car. It's meant to be driven off-road with dirt and rocks. Anyone that has done any off-road driving appreciates having that cladding to protect the paint/body. It's much easier to replace scratched/damaged cladding than body work and paint job. I love the look of this WRX. Looking forward to putting in an order for one.

[@ianholmquist8492]

Yeah man. I love my sti and loved my wrx before that. And I long to just let it really rip on gravel but I always hold back because I don't want to tear all the paint off the fenders, which would take about 12 minutes of beautiful, gravel-slinging joy. Yes the cladding on the 22 looks crappy but I have always liked subaru more for their function than their form anyway.

[@jasonmoyer]

We're starting to flirt with snow (PA) and it's nice having the majority of the slush and salt slapping against that plastic instead of trying to tear the metal apart.

[@MrAlf24]

If you’re using this as a rally car you aren’t going to care either way. The cladding or the paint…you aren’t going to care. The main audience for this vehicle are people who will be daily driving this on the street. That cladding is ugly af and needs to be binned.

[@jasonmoyer]

IRL I've had multiple people say they like the cladding (including every WRX owner who has come over to look at it) and one person who gave the internet review word-for-word (not enough power, it's ugly) while his buddy said "yeah, that's because you can't buy one". My reaction, as an owner, is basically "if I cared what it looked like I wouldn't have bought a WRX". I bought it because I wanted to replace my AWD daily, and I wanted whatever I bought to be quick and fun, which the new one is. What I didn't expect was how much traction the new chassis has. It's the perfect car for where I live in Pennsylvania, driving mostly 25/35 mph backroads with lots of hills and switchbacks, usually in some sort of precipitation.

[@a_unit_NG]

Yea. Cuz 90% of the people buy who this car take it off road SMH. It's ugly as shit

[@BCNeil]

I finally got to drive one. Its faster than I thought it would be. I'd say pretty close to my '15sti. They say 12psi, old was 16psi. Getting this new one 16psi of boost and a tune, its faster that the old sti easy. That cladding doesn't look too bad on the black in person.

[@illyack5593]

I had an 2020 sti, got the 2022 , its a lot faster actually than my sti and just so buttery smooth . The suspension is awesome, rides so nice. There is no way all the haters have driven one. I freaking love it.

[@squirrelzar]

@@illyack5593 this was my reaction after test driving it as well

[@pilotscott1204]

No one in New England, the northern border states, or Canada will complain about the cladding. In Northern NY, we're already at 42" of an expected 200" of snow this year - the cladding saves the paint from the salt and sand blasting.

[@cs2294]

I wonder if Subaru's angle with this car is actually marketing it as more of an outback sedan given the CVT trans and the cladding. Maybe they're trying to grab more buyers who don't know what a WRX is. That's my only guess

[@SuchFinessse]

I’m not sure, they’ve had a CVT in this thing since the last generation. The cladding almost looks like they’re pushing more of an off-road look lol

[@v8_sami]

@@SuchFinessse most likely trying to get the SUV/CUV drivers to buy the car. Seats that is higher cladding that makes the car look higher.

[@joshuafallet5690]

@@SuchFinessse isnt the cvt different in the gt trim though?

[@ABoringTool]

Possible that enthusiasts go for STI and the average WRX buyer is just someone who vapes in new england and won't mind the cladding

[@notmybadd]

@@ABoringTool LOL!!

[@NZmellowyellow]

None of these older reviews are aging very well. Lots have come round to the looks and the cvt isn’t a bad drive either.

[@Cats_Are_Scary]

I was just thinking this and wanted to see if anyone agreed with me in the comments.

[@leospaceman2976]

I didn’t mind the looks at first but now it looks pretty bland. Almost like a rental car.

[@murmsuniversalrobotics3938]

I like the way the car looks, and the car has performance potential for days. Leagues beyond previous versions.

[@stevethomas760]

There has been a WRX in my driveway since '02. Wanted this new model to be the car I buy in '22, no way. Over the top plastic is just to much for this guy.

[@ericpetschl8347]

The car looks awful

[@wrxrcr1]

Same, I have owned 2 wrxs and saved up to get this one, subaru just lost a sale.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Plastics will help with longevity in the salt belt, no stone chips in the paint means no rust… I don’t mind the cladding, the rear end is a bit excessive though

[@ericpetschl8347]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 in my opinion the front it rough too. It seems a bit like a crossover and not a sporty sedan

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@ericpetschl8347 the fronts not that bad, looks modern and is fairly clean. Not perfect by any means but looks are subjective

[@tkkcali]

All you fan boys complaining that the new one is so ugly are just jealous because you can’t afford the new one so you keep your old falling apart 2003 one

[@craigpurnell4897]

I miss the hatchback.

[@ShaanNotShawn]

I used to be a proud 2017 WRX owner, which was alot of fun, and looked awesome, but I don't think I will be going back to Subaru anytime soon. It feels so cheap/economy for what you pay vs a GTI.

[@gregmcable]

Sadly, wait to you sit in the 22 GTI's. viva la plastique.

[@ShaanNotShawn]

@@gregmcable Dang thats disapointing, I also owned a 2017 gti and was blown away compared to the wrx interior. That said now with the Audi RS3 I am too spoiled.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Has to do with fit and finish, Subarus have always felt on the cheap side compared to the competition. That being said, it’s not enough for me to say no due to the AWD, where I live snow 6+ months of the year isn’t uncommon, AWD really helps

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@ShaanNotShawn RS3 is where it’s at, all you need is basic tune and bolt ons and you can humiliate a lot of cars, while still being comfortable

[@ShaanNotShawn]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 oh yeah the wrx is a great car. And what I did like more about it vs the GTI was it had more of a attitude especially with an upgraded exhaust so it was more exciting to drive, and absolutely kills it in the snow. The rs3 is definitely at least twice the price but it has what I liked about both cars and of course more power and 5 cylinder turbo noises.

[@Yesidoplaytheguitar]

I'd get the Mazda 3 Turbo as an awd daily driver and deal with the automatic transmission. Better interior, less ugly, more comfortable.

[@FACTOTUM_55]

Smaller interior, not as focused on sportiness. But a better daily driver indeed, yes on all other points you raised.

[@itgoes3284]

Internal combustion is going to die in our lifetime and ur trying to convince people to buy autos? 😵‍💫🤧🤧🤧

[@SomethingSeemsOff]

@@itgoes3284 Why not? I have to drive in stop and go rush hour traffic everyday weekday for work, but I also want to have a touch of power when I need/want it.

[@itgoes3284]

@@SomethingSeemsOff in 10 or so years there will be no new manuals so its a "enjoy it while you can" kinda deals

[@RCXDerp]

@@SomethingSeemsOff You make it sound like the clutch pedal in a wrx is like a dodge viper

[@Vurlo]

I was working on the previous generation wrx last week and I just thought it was dull and boring, but this is a whole new level! Old gen looks good now

[@papa_pt]

what exactly are u looking for?

[@stoneylonesome4062]

They’re trying to make it an SUV. I guarantee you the next generation will be one.

[@Vurlo]

@@papa_pt something that doesn't look hideous from pretty much every angle

[@papa_pt]

@@Vurlo I wouldn't pair hideous and dull/boring together which u going with?

[@Vurlo]

What is your point, move along

[@wantapgt]

Does not do 0-60 in the 4’s. It’s low to mid 5’s

[@str8cash113]

That's in a manual trans.. good luck getting those times constantly.

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

Really enjoying this new video format and you guys are excellent together so cheers for that.

[@bendaga]

As a Subaru fan - I’ll stick to the older generation WRX’s. There is nothing really to be excited about here.

[@civiccrewrojosi]

Thank-you Subaru for continuing to #SaveTheManuals!!!!!

[@bryanallendorf7064]

They have all those fixes you talked about in the aftermarket now. I have the STI shifter in mine. The Dulops suck for daily use. Rough and noisy. Conti. DSW+ 255's excellent ride with new rims. Replacing struts with coilovers with adjustable dampening. The seat goes down more in non power seats. Cat back with dealeats sounds awesome with pop's. Intake sounds great now with blow off noise. Painted back bumper. Tons of aftermarket parts out already from ETS,Berger tune etc.

[@spacepxl]

The hood vibration is an issue for the BRZ/86 as well, but in those you can fix it by adjusting the rubber stoppers so it closes tighter. Maybe the same here?

[@anticalgary]

hood vibration on my Outback Wilderness too

[@Owenth42]

The more new cars come out the older i feel, none of the new stuff appeals to me

[@dericanslum1696]

...keep waking up grasshopper...keep waking up...

[@kennyphun1946]

Look like a budget rental car

[@Zygocrybiate]

oxymoron

[@LAAO369]

Watching this video 2 years later is pretty funny. Turns out this model ended up smashing on the VA WRX and can out tune a VA STI. It’s definitely not their prettiest, but people complain about every new model. I remember the community when the VA’s came out, and the hate it got. Now they benchmark it when they compare it to the VB. 😂

[@Togairu]

Yep. Love reading the comments. People hating on it for reasons that are clearly wrong now. And they seemed so certain - LOL

[@TheJacobshapiro]

This is why I wasn’t happy when they spun the WRX off as a separate car rather than just keeping it as a trim of the Impreza. When companies do this, the car always gets neglected. The Civic Si and Type R, as well as the GTI and golf R get refreshed every time the car they’re based on does. Not only does this mean they get more frequent attention from car companies, but needing to accommodate those trims makes the base car better.

[@TheMacroGravity]

I have a 2020 wrx (after the rev hang semi-fix) and love it. The 2022 just doesn't do it for me with the body cladding, lower Rev limit, and shifter feel. If I ever trade mine in, it feels like the GR corolla will be more in the spirit of what I'm looking for, but I'll have to wait and see.

[@andreashabeck1155]

Why not a GR Yaris?

[@nootology]

@@andreashabeck1155 not sold in the US

[@TheMacroGravity]

@@sirskorge I mean, the only market I know of where both are sold is Japan, and both are around 4 million yen (for an rz yaris and a base wrx s4)

[@Garcheezy]

@@TheMacroGravity i live in argentina and we have both cars too, most of european countries, australia and NZ have them too

[@TheMacroGravity]

@@Garcheezy it seems mexico has both, and the price for a mid spec wrx is the same as a base spec gr yaris. It looks like Europe dropped the wrx in 2018. Either way, the point was that the price different isn't big enough to warrant the "wrx owners can't afford a gr yaris" comment

[@DasWauto]

I had the previous gen and it seems like a lot of the same qualms remain. The suspension is downright rough and unrefined - it does the performance thing well and I get they have to choose a compromise for the cost but I wish they went a different direction. I’d like Subaru to lean more into the rally car vibe with a sort of factory gravel setup, in the same sort way the Raptor pushes the baja truck vibe. That would be awesome. Anyway, it seems like they have made some decent improvements, to the engine/tuning especially and most obviously. The lack of a hatchback is what will keep me from coming back to the WRX, much as I’d like to otherwise (fingers crossed the Corolla GR is what I think we all hope it to be).

[@ciello___8307]

They did that when the wrx was redesigned in ‘08- people complained it was wayy too soft so they revised it in 2011

[@1023nick]

This car would be a lot easier to argue "for it" if it had anything that really wowed me about it, but sadly it doesn't.

[@bradmarcus26]

I own a 2023 with a short shifter. Feels great. These guys talk a lot to talk a lot.

[@willr5372]

Literally every generation of WRX is hated and then people get over it. Hell I hated it too until I sat in one and drove it. I now have one in my driveway 🤘

[@noiiaz96]

Your comment about the brake feeling "uncertain" and "having to press it a lot more than you'd think" describes exactly how the brakes on my 13 WRX feels, no matter if they were super worn, or after just replacing them. They suck lol.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

My 2011 Outback 3.6r is the same. Brand new brakes, not the most confidence inspiring. Granted I don’t race it, just feels weird. My Mazda Speed6 has insanely good brakes in comparison

[@deviousmudd]

It's due to the firewall flexing. You need a master cylinder brace. Several companies make them for about $100 and takes about 30 minutes to install.

[@motorcyclesandguitars1892]

Thanks for commenting on the cabin/road noise. I hoped that would be fixed for the new model, but apparently it’s not. It’s a deal breaker for me :-/

[@po.russki]

It’s the tires.

[@stevemcrichards8768]

@@po.russki Dunlop did develop those tires for that car but, Dunlop made some clear performance vs compliance compromises with the GT600A. I'm almost certain if you put a Goodyear, Yokohama o Michelin on there the ride quality would improve.

[@voss456]

The plastic fenders aren’t that bad to me. It’s the rear bumper and the fact that the wheels are too small and the ride height is too high. The new engine is good though. It can take more power with less stress on it due to running lower boost.

[@deathtollwrx]

I purchased mine 2 weeks ago (Ice metallic silver, Premium) and I have been pretty happy so far. When I first saw photos of the car online I absolutely hated it. My dealership Timmons Subaru started getting them in but I was NOT interested. Out of the blue my son and I decided to take a closer look and do a test drive. After the test drive I knew absolutely knew I had to have it. I have owned 2003,2011,2015 WRX and this one just felt familiar yet much better in every way. If you just think about the numbers then you might not be impressed but if you actually sit down and take a few minutes to drive one you will see where that extra .4 displacement comes into play.

[@hellobooom]

Some cars are worth it from the inside, regardless of how hideous they are from the outside.

[@AbleMable]

I was going to get one in gray to hide the plastic, but I saw a red one in person and loved it. Subarus are ugly, and this one is no different, I love that.

[@papa_pt]

I give zero shits about the plastic cladding. Having that would make me feel more comfortable about whipping this out on dirt roads

[@2jsanc681]

You account for 1% of wrx owners, where the other 99% will spend it stanced out in a mall parking lot blowing vap clouds.

[@papa_pt]

@@2jsanc681 rip. People forget the world rally in WRX 😂

[@markthibault8579]

What's needed is a Crosstrek WRX manual. Now that would be a wonderful thing...

[@Puma6922]

it sounds like they haven't changed that much. my old 03 did the bouncy thing on the highway too, apparently its due to the rally design of having the front of the car pitch up under acceleration so it can go over gravel/snow/etc. the brake thing is also reminiscent of my 03. the subaru firewall flexes causing the brake feel to be inconsistent even though the power is there. a brace against the strut tower, firewall and brake fluid reservoir fixes that

[@noonenoesbutme]

It's really not ugly at all I think it's a fantastic looking car

[@ZakWilson]

It sure would be nice if they had a wagon/hatchback. I know the US market usually hates those, but they accounted for half of the WRX sales when they existed.

[@laynesuhr]

They do have a (CVT Only) Wagon alongside it, atleast in the Australian Market, it also doesnt have the cladding which is very odd.

[@ZakWilson]

@@laynesuhr Between that and the GT model, they really seem to be pushing that CVT.

[@JFinns]

WRX hatchback would be an easy buy, miss that car. The new WRX got too big for a sporty sedan.

[@doodooswirl]

The hatchback version of this would be the Crosstrek.

[@ZakWilson]

@@doodooswirl i have driven a Crosstrek. It's no WRX. I imagine a determined modder could make it into one.

[@Rex_Racer]

Like a Pontiac Aztec mated with a WRX and this popped out.

[@TheTiDablju]

„But only if you get an automatic transmission (CVT), whiiiiich SUCKS” had me dying lol

[@thatoletsie376]

Subaru is not trying anymore, this is what happens when beancounters interfere with the creative process. This car's soul equivalent to a sock with a hole.

[@FrankZR1]

Right!!! It's like they turned into early 2000's General Motors

[@LockednLost]

I just got mine. The suspension is great compared to other cars I’ve owned, (2001 Outback, 2020 Honda Civic). It feels like it takes every bump well. I haven’t noticed the hood shaking at all.

[@LockednLost]

Also I got a CVT and it’s great. It feels like I’m driving a luxury sports Sudan and it’s the base model!

[@joeblacc8573]

As a 21 WRX owner this solidifies I made the right decision.

[@ianduckett9135]

As a '14 WRX Hatch Owner this solidifies I made the right decision. :P

[@joeblacc8573]

@@ianduckett9135 lol I would've if I could've

[@shamwaymoonyos9578]

As a '15 WRX sedan Owner this solidifies I made the right decision :P

[@jesmcalli]

My 2021 WRX is getting delivered on Thursday. I feel like I made a good choice.

[@joeblacc8573]

@@jesmcalli it's the last of the real analog cars man congrats 🎉

[@stevebuscemi3622]

Subaru: "Am I out of touch? No, it's the vapers who are wrong"

[@raver208]

I wish Subaru could have simply installed the all-new motor, revised 6-speed manual in the previous body style....I feel most fans would have been happy. I liked the exterior styling since 2006 thru 2021, was just the right level of evolution. And of course add the optional suspension to manual models as well as CVT models. Can handle the CVT being in the WRX so long as it stays out of the STi. = P LOVE that one can still get a true , fully connected twin dual tip Exhaust system. No Fake tips on our WRX's!!!

[@michaelbullington3182]

"right level of evolution" .. Mitsubishi has joined...

[@ciello___8307]

Why? The new platform is much stiffer than the last one- matts complaint was not about how it handled. Sure the suspension could be revised bu thats not the platform’s problem

[@aaronleang]

I like how the drivers are so polite to just signal you that something might be up ahead.

[@DailyDriver.]

As someone who owned and worked for Subaru. That screen WILL messed up, break, stop functioning, and drive you nuts. God this the info fugly the front end is tolerable without the plastic but the rest is hideous. I had a 17 STI and that was one of the most beautiful vehicles Subaru had made IMO. Also those Dunlop’s my car came with stock sucked! The cvt stuff is offensive too promoting it as a upgrade -_-

[@Cr125stin]

My girlfriend is in the market for something awd and slightly sporty. The problem is she wants an automatic. I don’t think I would let her get this because of the CVT. Every car I’ve been in with a CVT I’ve absolutely hated.

[@SuchFinessse]

Used S3 or golf R would do it if cost of upkeep isn’t as much of an issue. Their transmissions blow a cvt out the water lol

[@deet4895]

Mazda 3 Turbo!

[@Cr125stin]

@@deet4895 I never even thought to look at Mazda! I just looked at their website and ya that Mazda 3 turbo looks awesome! I can’t believe I never thought of looking at them. The hatch and the sedan both look really nice, especially for a top trim turbo for around $33k.

[@deet4895]

@@Cr125stin Yeah unfortunately alot of people forget or ignore Mazda, but they make really good reliable cars.

[@ravagerracing306]

Good, honest review. Thanks guys! The big question: if you have a newer previous gen WRX, are you really missing out if you don't dump it for the new one? Many of the things you mentioned are definitely carry-over issues from the previous gen. I HATE the stock shifter of my 2020 WRX for the same reasons. Same on the seat height - feels like you're on top of it and not in it. Very stiff - my FR-S on coilovers is more comfortable than my WRX with stock suspension

[@jaybosher6144]

I'm right there with you. Is the new engine n chassis worth trading up? I think the new brz and gr86 definitely did a better job in justifying a trade in this gen

[@ravagerracing306]

@@jaybosher6144 100% agree. I would trade my FR-S in a heartbeat. I can't decide if I should be upset I didn't hold out for the new WRX or be totally good with it

[@jaybosher6144]

@@ravagerracing306 idk about you but if you'd want to sell it there's dealers falling over themselves trying to buy this gen wrx. Gotten offers for almost what I paid for it including tax. Problem is trying to get a new car without getting ripped off lol. Msrp is considered a good deal in today's market

[@ravagerracing306]

@@jaybosher6144 that's a really fair point. I hadn't even thought about what I might end up paying for the new one

[@jaybosher6144]

@@ravagerracing306 it'd dealer dependent as some charge msrp and some add on. Best way I've seen to get msrp is to order one vs getting one off the lot. Its all backwards now lol.

[@SWARKA1]

8:53 I already remember in 1993 that the Subaru's brake pedal was very soft. Guess what? The same feeling remained with the LEGACY 2020 I have today. Strange isn't it? Beautiful and professional review and mostly fair.

[@googleleavemynamealone9145]

I have a soft pedal in my XT too! I dont mind it as I have the Brembo's now and the soft pedal gives me a LOT of modulation, but still with big braking if I dig in

[@stevemcrichards8768]

I think they've been using the same master cylinder since forever.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

that is an interesting point - my wife's '16 Crosstrek is the same way, spongey brake pedal with limited feed back. My '18 WRX is not like that, but sounds like maybe the new '22 is... apparently yet another issue not to like about the new '22.

[@mafico]

Similar to others, I can’t really follow Subaru’s thought process here. It’s not just that it’s uglier, they’ve made it more…bland. Say what you will about BMW’s questionable (putting it mildly) design choices recently, but no one can accuse them of blandness.

[@MrSlowestD16]

They make it more bland because bland people buy cars new. Car enthusiasts don't. They need to try and sell to the masses. The WRX hasn't really been an enthusiast car since they neutered it one or 2 revisions ago, and this is just the icing on that cake.

[@Tonyxfitt]

@@MrSlowestD16 yeah ever since the evo gave up and have had basically no competition or reason to improve things

[@MrSlowestD16]

@@Tonyxfitt I 100% agree, but I think there's more to it as well. I think to pump up the sales numbers they made it more bland to appeal to a wider audience who may like quick cars, but also have to pick up kids from daycare and shit and not stick out like a sore thumb (or get a car their SO approves of). Even my wife was considering one, where-as she never would have considered a more traditional WRX. Of course she noped the fuck out of it when she felt how horrible the CVT is, but I'm sure many people don't have a problem there. I think the fact of the matter is it has transitioned to a car for suburban "car" dads who are only allowed 1 car.

[@Tonyxfitt]

@@MrSlowestD16 true about that. Bad silly a completely different car. Looks like a suv but interior is all plastic and drives like a sports car lmao it’s such a bad car

[@MrSlowestD16]

@@Tonyxfitt Yeah, the interior does feel cheap. It's a mess. It'll probably die soon, I can't imagine they're selling many of them compared to their SUV/CUV offerings.

[@oxpahnakompromatkohtpol436]

Given that a majority of enthusiasts who buy this car will use it with a Cobb AccessPort, I'm surprised that wasn't discussed. Cobb will raise the boost pressure by 5-7 psi and add 50 horsepower. That's the only change I made to my last WRX and it made a world of difference.

[@koastal312]

accessport doesn't even add 10% more hp. You need atleast a downpipe and exhaust for a noticeable bump even then it's not fast

[@Togairu]

@@koastal312 False. The numbers are in and you do get around 30 hp and 50+ tq just from a tune

[@justinbecker4772]

THANK YOU for talking about Radar Cruise in manual transmissions. The omission of that (and a lot of other adaptive safety features) was a huge letdown with the BRZ 6MT. I can't justify that being my ONE car if it doesn't have features that are standard on other 6MT vehicles (Golf R, Civic Si, etc)

[@justinbecker4772]

@@Gandalf721 the car can be for more than one thing. I want my 6mt in the canyons, and my adaptive cruise control in rush hour. No reason I shouldn't have both.

[@ianholmquist8492]

@@justinbecker4772 na, Gandalf is right. In a driver's car I want no nanny stuff, and as little electronic bs as possible. Part of why I love subaru and why I bought a 21 sti

[@justinbecker4772]

@@ianholmquist8492 you do realize this stuff can be disabled? My 22 brz is incredible in the canyon. It just happens to also be great in bumper to bumper, as well.

[@bk83082]

Everyone says this new one is ugly, like it hasn't already been ugly for the last 16 years. And hasn't actually looked good since the 2000 model year (2.5 RS in the states.)

[@davidsteinhour5562]

All Cars 3 was SO good, I can't believe you guys have to promote it. It deserves 10 million downloads

[@joshuathomas4934]

I personally prefer the GR series wrx/sti. To me they look the best and feel the best to drive. It’s refined enough to daily drive but not to much to where you feel like it’s a regular car.

[@ThomasHarrisonLord]

That's a great song at 2:13, car review is superb too!

[@justaddafan]

Subarus continue the slow loss of discernable personality. Much of what makes a fun car fun is a unique experience. WRXs used to be oozing with it but no more.

[@greggamandabarkus4235]

I prefer the older body style WRX. My wife and I have a 2014 with 50,000mi and we love everything about it, i call it the Unicorn cuz it's so low miles and such great shape. Im a Toyota guy and saw this Subaru and had to snatch it up. It's charcoal, heated leather and 5-speed.

[@gabea.458]

Even though I'm disappointed about the lack of fender flares, I'm curious to see how the GR-Four Corolla will stack up against the others.

[@MKu64]

I would be curious if it wasn't for the fact that the Corolla has not been a well made car since the AE86 (in terms of anything other than an A-B car). It's been better each year, sure... but in an appliance non-enthusiast way. I'm sure the engine will be fine, but no doubt the interior / functions / feel will be second rate standard Toyota sedan/hatch. I have been yet to drive a modern Toyota that feels like a car I would ever want to drive more than once... the power is there.. but they feel super disconnected. (not including the Supra here). GR Yaris gets good reviews, but after checking one out, I was not impressed in any way, when considering the price.

[@caliwong]

I would be really curious how this car performs in snow and other trickier weather/road conditions. I want to be able to take it up to the mountains during winter like a Crosstrek and enjoy the sportiness of it year round. I drove an Evo to Tahoe but the car is just a bit too low to comfortably clear any kind of snow-covered roads for me.

[@viru52000]

If I remember right, the 2022 has more ground clearance than the outgoing model. Same AWD system as the Crosstrek so you're good there. BUT, the WRX comes with summer tires.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Make sure you have real snow tires installed, makes a MAJOR difference

[@TheophanP]

Lived in Montana when owned 2018 WRX. This car was great on snow w winter tires. Sure same w this gen, but now love w FL

[@RodgersB412]

It's a pass for me, but the thing that ruins the Civic si is the lack of heated front seats. Canadian models get all the bells and whistles at no extra cost.

[@antiseth3964]

I think the Savagegeese channel mentioned that the Si is to the Canadian market what the Sport Touring trim is to the American market, so it gets all the extra features. I’m really frustrated by it though. They didn’t even bother to make those things options, and for those of us that live in northern states with lots of snow and cold winters, it almost seems like they didn’t think Americans get real cold or snow. It’s a little insulting.

[@AK-ZL1]

It's only at no extra cost from an american perspective converting from USD to CAD. The catch is, salaries are similar in both countries and do not account for currency exchange rates, so converting and saying it's cheaper is a bit misleading, since it damages the pockets of the buyer the same in both. The Canadian Si is actually quite expensive. Truth be told, id rather have the cheaper 29k american one, MSRP for the Si in Canada is 35k, no fees, no taxes. All in, your about 41k... for an Si... For 41k, I can get an Elantra N all in at that price, and I'm only a few thousand away from Golf R territory. As much as the Canadian features seem nice, would you really buy a 41k Si that makes just 200hp?

[@ItsAlive111]

If new tires with only 2k miles sound loud, it’s not the tires, it’s the lack of sound insulation :(

[@thevideolord]

It's a shame how it looks because the 2.4 is a great motor. A few years ago a shop stuck it in a Crosstrek and made 400+hp on a stock engine

[@Flex_WRX]

Amazing review thanks guys

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

It’s kinda sad that Subaru no longer dominates this segment. Manual transmissions are fun, but if you spend any time in stop & go traffic, you will want an automatic, but certainly NOT the Subaru CVT. Not a player for me.

[@str8cash113]

Agreed. The M/T is dead in America.

[@scottthecarguy8147]

I’m here for the comments.

[@ms3ben]

The Civic has a nicer interior and better transmission that is ruined by rev-hang. Id also rather have the extra power and AWD if I were considering an enthusiast daily at this price point.

[@RAZGR1Z]

Thanks guys.

[@timsgarage1861]

I went to the dealer to buy a new wrx. couldn't get pass the look of it. Thought it would grow on me in person. Nope, drove away with a low mile 21 wrx. I also prefer knobs for the hvac. We all know what happens to our old laptops and phones in the inevitable time when we either hit it with something or the screen goes out. Having those screens in cars is like keeping our phones and laptops for 6 years or more

[@stevep4236]

Subaru not doing us any favors at all

[@zmuse]

The Ascent had a TSB because the hood layers are not adhered together. So they literally inject a glue into the hood to fix it. It fixed it about 70% of the time but it still wobbles/shakes on the highway for us. I hope thats not the case for the WRX

[@pascutia]

So, interestingly enough I just drove the new Legacy for an extended period of time. I was impressed by its poor weather traction, however, I had to drive it over some deeply rutted roads and I noticed something odd. I was going very slowly because how deep those ruts are, but I noticed the roof was creaking. I’ve driven that same road in many different cars, and I never noticed the structure creaking like that. Makes me wonder about the structure’s rigidity.

[@kirkwagner461]

Good review. Thanks.

[@franklynlopez7326]

Awesome video

[@Jackinacox]

No Mazda3 Turbo comparison? I know it only in auto but still... Also, I think it has way better interior than this one with that ipad stuck to the dash.

[@cajunotaku3256]

They need to paint the wheel cladding and add 15-20 horsepower to the 2024 model. Fixing the back bumper is a must as well.

[@Crittek]

You wouldn’t even feel the difference with +30hp in a 3200lb vehicle. Don’t get hung up on numbers. Remember, the 350hp Supra kills the Nissan Z’s 400hp twin turbo in every test.

[@cajunotaku3256]

@@Crittek the Supra has 389 and it dynos at 415 to the crank.

[@Crittek]

@@cajunotaku3256 Interesting being that’s it’s barely Japanese that they’ve underrated the car so much! I really want one but sketched over BMW reliability and repair costs.

[@codermyers]

There's only one thing about a CVT I might appreciate - if it were a design compromise that allowed mid-engine, AWD to happen in an affordable car. The probability of that happening before EVs take over that part of the market is not looking good.

[@Chilicharger665]

That makes no sense at all.

[@codermyers]

@@Chilicharger665 Yes, when WangChung doesn't understand something, that's because it makes no sense at all. Otherwise, WangChung might have to learn something, and we can't have that.

[@brandon7136]

They have squeezed all of the juice out of WRX's and STi's. These were fun back in 2007 and earlier.

[@sneakhyperion9297]

I hope this exterior design bombs so subaru does a refresh sooner than later

[@scottthecarguy8147]

I really like the teaser trailer at the beginning! Good idea guys.

[@Emb4Prez]

I thought I clicked the wrong video

[@Sandals-WithSocks]

First glance, I thought the TST logo was a tattoo on Zack. It instantly made him tougher!

[@Lucscarsandstocks]

I see some people on here compare the WRX to the Mazda3, Corolla GR, I mean the kind of next level of stupid. Hahaha

[@morthomer5804]

Appreciate the honest words

[@alexmartin-schael7556]

The WRX is unbeatable for the price, if you want a sporty manual with AWD. It is hard to understand why the WRX gets so much hate and some harsh reviews. The only possible explanation is that some people/reviewers are comparing the WRX to a Porsche and also forget that the WRX has never been a gorgeous car. I own a manual BMW M135i and the Subaru does not pale at all when compared with the BMW (specially considering the price difference). Sure, the WRX is somewhat less refined and has less horsepower than the BMW, but the WRX is more impresive when handling curvy roads, while still being very refined and powerful, considering its price and rally heritage.

[@mikemattern6345]

The question I'm am extremely curious about is how the new motor accepts higher Horsepower. With the old motor you normally had to pretty much get a different bottom end for big power.

[@mmonkeyman1403]

Its a much stronger engine. Much better power delivery. I still wouldn't push it too much.

[@KAGENfilms]

At least since there’s no hype on the car it might be the only car in 2022 you can get for below msrp which might work in favor for Subaru

[@stevemcrichards8768]

Maybe idk. Maybe they'll put the adaptive suspension option in the M/T cars? Who knows.

[@squirrelzar]

Considering you can’t really find them anywhere right now, they seem to be selling well. Only have my own area in New England to go off of though

[@wasimgotauzi9756]

10:45 how is the ND miata shift feel compared to those cars

[@TheSmokingTire]

Better. Feels more solid and accurate.

[@wasimgotauzi9756]

@@TheSmokingTire thanks 👍

[@maaackel]

my "like" is for @TheSmokingTire , not the car...

[@NaturalProgressGames]

Couldn't help but notice the gauge in Km/H, is this a Euro Spec or Japan Spec model being given to reviewers for a bait and switch between what we see/hear about reviewed and what we actually buy? (Not on your end, but on the end of the manufacturer.)

[@bbehzadi413]

I don’t like the I pad screen tbh never saw a problem with the old model. I prefer a more simple interior with a focus on chassis and performance. Excited to see how the new engine will respond to tuning

[@brendanfogel4573]

I’m not gonna lie the body is growing on me, once you go after marker and paint the fender flares it’ll look really good imo

[@ofwgthaidgaf]

Nah

[@158158cow]

Talking about shift feel, but no mention of the ND Miata?? ;)