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I've driven a lot of lightweight sportscars. FB/FC/RX8, NC Miata, FRS, and the VA feels more like an AWD extension to that philosophy. VA doesn't feel nearly as fast as VB though it feels like the peaky engine can teach you more. VB feels like a better Bond Car (excluding the minimalist interior). Where something like an FRS is good to teach you to be a stunt driver, the WRX is a better escape vehicle. VB feels more rugged and faster, more grown up. If you haven't yet learned how to stunt drive, you might benefit from the earlier car or, ideally, a lightweight RWD sportscar. If you wish you had a modern R32 GTR (yes I've driven one).... VB WRX does that.

I dunno why the way he says VB is so cringe

I'm 64 and drove the VB a couple of times. I'm definitely looking to purchase one soon.

How about the WRX GT vs WRX limited?

It's crazy to me that subaru makes you get what used to be the top manual trim just to get a basic safety feature (blind spot)

That screen looks super reflective…

The VA is a better looking car and I say that while my weekend toy is a 2024 WRX Sport-Tech 6 speed. The VA is more conservative and just better looking. But that is about the only thing that makes this prior generation better. In EVERY OTHER aspect, the new chassis and drive-train is better. The interior is mildly better in the new, with better tech and some trim touches. The chassis and suspension is better with a wider track, more space and a far stiffer chassis thanks to better welds, better materials and light-weight ultra-strong metals. Most importantly, the 2.4 T tuning and power delivery is FAR better. More linear, far flatter without the dips and valleys of the old .20DIT engine.

You dont need brembos if you are not tracking your car regularly. Maybe just upgrade the brake pads and brake fluid. Will cost you less than 1K

I’m 47 and have a 2023 Premium. I’ve had coyote mustangs, focus RS and currently have a RHD 1992 Toyota Soarer with a big single turbo 1JZ. For me, My VB is just a more matured, refined version of the VA. It’s also quicker and responds WAY better to mods than the VA. No way you are making over 300whp in a VA with just a tune but you can with the VB

Hey Mike, hoping to see you do a video on the 2025 WRX tS!

i've had and have all and from my experience. 1. Adaptive Tilt headlight -u won't notice it or at least it doesn't make a big difference in term of night driving. so don't be bothered. by the time headlight tilts, u already finished ur turn. 2. LED DRL - u r inside, won't see it anyway. and nobody look at your DRL like you don't look at their DRLs 3. blindspot monitor - I have blind spot camera as well but I still do shoulder check and u can always replace to wide angle side mirror 4. moonroof - Texas.. rarely used so no need..and c'mon...no panoramic in 2020s!? 5. suede seat - cloth grips you better and better durability 6. power adjustable seat - yes i like this one 😄 7. fancier interior trim - wrx interior isn't fancy from the beginning so don't be bothered. if u want fancy interior, get something else lol 8. wrx hk sound system - trust me..i think they've used cheapest HK system. i have HK on my X5 and i thought subaru used Chinese knock off. just upgrade to ur own system if these bothers u, yes go for limited.

The other day, I test-drove a brand-new 2024 6-speed WRX Limited at my local dealership. You are absolutely correct that its brake is weak & uninspiring, to say the least. The brake doesn't have the immediate bite that I am accustomed to with my BMW M2 Comp. The problem is that if you go for the TR trim equipped with a Brembo brake, not only do you have to pay a $40K+ sticker price, you only get the CVT instead of the 6-speed. Subaru has really missed the mark on the new Subaru WRX VB. Imho, a 6-speed STI badge will probably persuade a die-hard Subaru fan to buy it. But for me, it simply doesn't make any sense at this price point.

On paper the VA and VB are similar in power but on the dyno, the VB makes 30+ more whp and it does it on almost HALF the stock boost. The VB is way underrated.

Loving my 24 WRX Limited !!!!! 1st time Subaru owner and for 39k it made sense to me.

That screen changes the game for me. It's the main reason I did not want the base in the past. Now that it's full, I might need to find one of these

Have just over 7k on my 23 premium. I only have three main compailnts. First, as many as said the braking leaves something to be desired, plan on adresssing that soon, and the turn signals! 🤬 still drive me insane. I also HATED the stock exhaust. Already adressed that and it sounds WAY better. Other than those I love it. Like you said though everytime I take it on a back road eveything is forgiven! 😂. The suspension and chassis are so well tuned! and the engine is plenty punchy kicking you out of corners. Has been reliable as well.

I test drove a VA a few years ago - but decided not to buy it because it frankly was too much car for the city driving I was constantly doing at the time. Then the VBs came out and man - the only way I could describe it is that it felt like my Subaru Legacy and the VA WRX had a child, was super comfortable for normal driving while still allowing you to have the fun you want I do despise the climate controls being on the touch screen though haha

My 2024 VB is my forth Subaru and second WRX. My first WRX was a 2005 hatch. That car was stiffer and punchier in first and second. The stock VB only starts waking up around 4000 rpms in second gear. So it's much tamer in town. The 2005 was an untamed little bugger. Always excited. And I miss that sometimes. The VB power is elsewhere... which is fine. It's stiff in a more comfortable way. Smoother, still precise, accurate and punchy from second gear onward. Seriously: mechanical AWD, great handling, manual stick, driver assistance you can turn off, a real hand brake... who else today makes anything so connected to the roots of driving and so perfect for the northern roads? An endangered species.

Dad of a one year old here. Have had WRX's since 2013 and 2 STi's. I recently got a 24 VB premium and it is an excellent car. Great drivability and feels punchy at lower rpm's. Feels great without having to lay into it for it to feel quick. More mature is a great description but you feel its soul as soon as you turn it on. I love these cars and cant wait to see the next gen STi!

A lot of what you speculated about as far as who this car is made for is true for me. I've made several modifications to my '22 Premium VB to fix some of its shortcomings and make it nicer to drive. This is my first WRX and its a really fun toy/weekend car - but I wouldn't want to drive it everyday.

I'd trade my '23 Forester Premium for that WRX Sport Wagon Mexico is getting in a heartbeat. I honestly don't understand what Subaru is doing not bringing that car here to the U.S.

That’s what I’m going for a blue VB wrx

Hey this would be my first performance car is it really hard on gas do you find

Im 43 What i love about this car you mention too , i noticed when i first bought mine , how it captivates inside the cabin the feel of a truck to me seat hight and space i feel remind me of my days owning America older pickups but also the car has the handling and sporty capabilities you'd expect from a sporty car. For me this was a welcomed unexpected experience i don't think any other vehicle could deliver for me in this way.

My only real complaint about my VB is that it is too subdued. It Needs a redline at least 6.5k, and needs more grunt. It has speed, you just can't feel it, as it's pretty refined. Oh and the engine mounts/pitch stop suck. They cause the car to kangaroo at low speeds. Subaru should have sacrificed NVH for stiff version.

Just got mine couple days ago love it!😏

So far ive only seen ppl 50+ driving them. They look like a sporty crosstreeck so it stands to reason.

Just a toy compared to BilletPro stuff

I mean the wrx is still not selling well so whatever they did, didnt work

The VB is my 4th WRX since my 02 bug eye. I don't see it as any less hardcore than the VA, other than it has hardly any steering feel and doesn't beat the hell out of you over bumps. It's still just as capable as far as I can tell. The ride quality is similar to the original bug eye, from what I recall. It's a great car, especially if you commute in snow.

I wonder if culture changing and the car seemingly being more mature is what their target audience is.

I’m 27 idk if that’s considered old yet but as an “older” young guy, I wanted the VB because it had so much potential. I’ve always loved Subarus so it was a no brainer to get a WRX when the opportunity came. When I show up to meets everyone says it’s ugly but the looks are actually really sharp imo. That being said I feel like once the next gen comes out people will suddenly love our gen.

My grandma has the same car

What has happened to the steering wheel leather ? Our 2017 Subaru Outback has done the same thing - you should claim under warranty

I'm 54 and I have owned a 2017 WRX and I now own a 2020 WRX/STI. I will keep my Bluebaru STI forever. The new VB WRX doesn't compare to my 2020 STI. A great video. Subies forever.

35 and bought my 23 wrx about 6 months ago. Was in high school 2003-2007. Right at the end of the bug eye era. I was 16 and had just gotten my license when the 2004 sti debuted and it was THE performance car of its time. Unsurprisingly my parents wouldn't get me one! 😂, but proceed to get an 07 impreza and started to modify it like a wrx cause they were still on the same platform then. I loved my old car but now at 35 I'm really liking the more refined feel of the vb and it fits my lifestyle. At 16-20 all I cared about was speed and handling, didn't care about the harsh ride, cheap interior and all that other stuff. Now I have a daily 9-5 where I commute alot. The vb is WAY better of a daily driver and with the cvt, go ahead and mock me, you can drive it around town like a normal sedan and it won't beat you up. That said, When I'm not working I take it up on some backroads and get to enjoy that fun that I had as a teenager in my suped up impreza. It really kind of is a more mature wrx. It may not fit everyone's lifestyle but for me it's a great mix of practically and fun.

'dubbyarex'

Yes. I'm just shy of 50, and it has elements of being grown up and practical, with hints of what it might have been. I'd have preferred the STI if it was available. it's simply not as aggressive as other sporty cars I've owned like the first gen MazdaSpeed 3. But as an overall driving experience, especially since I have harsh winters where I live, it's very enjoyable. It's definitely not a race car by any means.

I’m 58 and I’ve had muscle cars, a GR86, Honda Civic Si, etc and this car is my favorite by far to date. The engine is under-stressed allowing for mods while still being reliable with AWD drive and is practical as a daily driver. I have a complete Stage 2 kit with a custom tune putting out 340HP and 432Ft-Lbs of torque. I have about 16k miles and I’ve had no issues and the same mpg as I did before the mods. This car is the best bang for the buck today.

I’m 49 bought a gr86 as a second car. It was a bit too small for what I need. I sold it and bought a VB manual. I’m disappointed as a second fun car for me it is not. I need to try and get back into a gr86 hopefully with the performance pack

best car in the world

I'm 23 and I want a vb more than I've wanted any other wrx, and more than any other car that even exists. It just makes more sense than anything else.

I currently have a Chevy Blazer but I've really been looking at the new WRX's. I've never driven a manual car and would like to own one before they are gone.

Yep. I didn't buy a WRX until the VB came out and I'm also in my 30s lol. I really didn't like WRX's while growing up and it wasn't until this generation that everything came together. Sure I think the rear end design is a little questionable, but the rest of the car is a pretty great package for the price.

As a 38 year old dad who is shopping for a vb wrx, I completely agree. The reasons you listed are why it's at the top of my list. Question: Are you going to get a catch can or AoS installed for engine longevity?

What do you think is the second best color? Maybe the gray?

In Canada the base trim still has the silly 7” twin screens but our base has heated seats and wheel.

i recently went to test drive the VB to consider trading in my '16 VA. Yes, the VB is a little better in everything, but I decided to modify and improve my VA and Im very happy I did because it was a cheaper option to do and its even better than the VB now!

I have a 2017 WRX and a 2022 WRX. VB all day! More consistent power delivery. Smoother ride.