I have a ‘22 WRX and also recently bought a 2003 Celica GT-S. The Celica has really highlighted how much character has been lost in newer sports cars. The Celica screaming to 8,000 rpm is just incredible even if it’s going slower while doing it. That said, the WRX feels safer and has much higher cornering limits.
Unless you are trying to get the fastest lap, this is why it feels counter-productive to buy a new sports car than just getting an older one that you can actually have some sporting feeling from it.
Manufacturers (thankfully, for me) have moved away from performance engines requiring "screaming" revs to produce power, in favor of wider, lower-rev torque curves, more satisfying and efficient for street driving. I just wish the WRX achieved better mpg (and that I lived in a place with curvy roads).
i just got a 2023 wrx and im driving it like im driving miss daisy and I still havent hit the 20mpg mark. might have to drive it more but the fuel eco sucks dick in this car.@@kenhoward3512
I had a 2018 stage 1 wrx that I traded for a camaro ss 1le. Bought a 2004 celica gts manual as a 'beater' to save gas. That thing rips! I bought it already lowered, intake, exhaust, 245 square setup. Definitely going to do chassis bracing and coilovers when I get the chance.... and an lsd.
I own a 2022 stock WRX and could not be happier (I have never modified my cars; I just not like it, nor feel the need for it). I cannot think of a better bang for the buck than this WRX. The car is solid, very well balanced, responsive, fun to drive, excellent quality, practical and feels very secure. It is not perfect, but for the price it almost is. My biggest complaint is that it does not have a proper space to place your phone. Also, I will definitely buy stickier tires when the time comes.
I have a ‘22 WRX and my iPhone 13 Pro fits in the bin in front of the shifter perfectly. ProClip and Cruiser Design make some nice phone mounts for this car if you have a bigger phone that doesn’t fit in that cubby.
@@blueridge8992 Hi. Many thanks for the feedback. I have a medium sized Android phone (I do not like, nor use, big phones) and it does not fit well in that bin, nor the bin appears to have been designed for that purpose. Additionally, the phone cable frequently gets in the middle of the shifter, etc. This is something that could have been easily designed in a better way. Still love the car, though. Cheers.
@@alexmartin-schael7556 I use a Moto Razr so maybe not the best frame of reference, but a short right angle USB cable (down angle on A side, side angle on C, ~6" long) keeps the phone and cable out of the way on my 22.
Wasn't a fan of this car when it first came out but it's grown on me quite a bit and I think I'll be picking one up in the near future. Super excited to see a review on a tuned WRX from you! Lots of power potential from the FA24, just have to be careful with the transmission.
the biggest gripe I have is the electric steering and pedals, you get no feedback feel. Its pretty much like driving a sim that has cheap force feedback
@@cocoguardian6679 I will say Subaru steering racks except for the later STIs and BRZ have never been particularly good in terms of feedback. I haven't actually driven the new WRX but would imagine it's not fantastic in terms of feel even though it may be responsive. I'm used to the steering in old Miatas so modern EPS systems will probably never provide that level of feedback (although my brother's 22 BRZ is pretty good).
That exhaust makes a huge difference in the appeal of this car. I don't care if it adds power, but that sound adds so much character! Wow! Thanks for bringing this to the audience Topher!!!!
Definitely go with aftermarket though. For the price of the STI Axl back that they give you as an option you could buy a full on cat back. But as an owner, I will agree that the exhaust makes things a lot better
Buying a 2023 wrx has been the best decision I've made. It drives better than my buddy's truck in Canadian winters and with some summer slicks, it's an absolute unit during warmer months. Hoping the FA24 holds strong for many many years
as a SoCal native, I see these all the time and for good reason. if you get over the looks, these cars are really good dailies and i've definitely seen em haul
I know many people will say they hate the styling of the new WRX but I personally like it. The only pet peeve I have with the WRX (perhaps OCD) is the red stitching everywhere in the interior. To me it seems very kid like. I hate the assumption that "sport" usually means red stitching and blacked out wheels. Subaru, Honda, Toyota, and several others are all guilty of it. Other than that I would have no problem owning a new WRX. Please Subaru just change the interior. Perhaps full leather seats and no red stitching?
Those bracers and pads looked to make a big difference, I wonder how this will feel compared to the upcoming TR. I wanna see what's going on with that white BRZ in that background!
Sounds good but I heard the New GTI and R are better. Snow tires are a must on both. Hatchback life is where my hearts at. WRX i wanted since a child but hatchback all the way
For those on the fence about getting this car, especially because of the styling, drive the car before you turn it down. Chances are the aftermarket can fix any problems you have. I hated it when they first showed it and now I have been driving mine for the last two months and love it.
The styling thing is very funny for me. My actual problem is that I am a very discreet person (I bought my WRX in white color for that reason), but many people in the street aproach me to compliment the car's look and exhaust sound (barely never happened to me in the past, despite having owned some nice cars). It is obvious to me that certain influencer decided earlier on that this car was ugly and others decided to surf on that wave too. In any case, beauty is on the eye of the beholder. Cheers.
@@alexmartin-schael7556 the funny thing is that I’ve seen a Aeroflowdynamics paint matched fenders and I’m so used to the stock look at the car it almost seems like changing the color wouldn’t look as good to me. Funny, how opinions can change over time. I also snagged mine in white.
Especially coming from a modest 8 inch touchscreen and full physical button controls in the Gen 5 subarus. They had a perfect design that everyone was happy with, and left it behind.
The biggest letdown for me was the steering, that screen, and the brakes. Brakes felt weak, steering was sharp but so artificial. And I hated using that screen. Everything else was great
Still not a fan of the plastic diaper on the back of these things but Ford made it even worse on the new Mustang. Absolutely horrible design piece. Dunno what they were thinking.
Thats fine while you're inside but walking up to your car in the parking lot.....and knowing what people are seeing from behind in traffic.... @@waykool698
@pan4632 I haven't experienced hardly any lag with it, nor have I had any glare issues with it. I'd still prefer buttons but I couldn't imagine not buying the car over it.
@TheTopher would you pick a WRX Limited or a Integra A-Spec/6 speed as a DD? I need a practical family sedan that's sporty and these are the 2 I'm leaning towards. Winter weather isn't a big concern, although my wife LOVES her Outback if we get a rare snow.
I plan too. I drove the Integra a couple weeks ago and really liked it. Shifter was good, infotainment was excellent - loved the tactile climate controls!
I’ve been wanting a WRX for a while now even though it has some downsides compared to my GLI. It just seems super fun to drive and I miss that. Too bad the GLI is paid for so that’s not happening anytime soon lol.
@@jameskocks4734 it's because I have a 2020 si sedan and I jus seen someone who L15 swapped his 99 civic sedan so jus had me thinking extra about this cars creative tuner potential
Yep! Definitely doable. There’s some videos on YT of people doing the swap. Parts are pricey, but overall cheaper than buying a TR when that comes out.
the biggest gripe I have with this car is the electric steering and pedals, you get no feedback feel. Its pretty much like driving a sim that has cheap force feedback
I have seen several comparisons and it seems that the Elantra is more accomplished than the WRX in general terms. However, the Elantra is not AWD and Subaru may also have an edge over Hyundai in terms of quality and reliability.
Have you seen a 2010 Subaru of any sort? I own a 2010 and a family member has a 2018, it's leaps and bounds ahead in material quality and fit and finish. It's a much nicer place to be than my 2010 aside from the seats, and depending who you ask better than a newer one. I'd rather have the infotainment and physical HVAC out of the 2018.
I can live with exterior. I CANNOT live with that hideous laggy infotainment. What an absolute eyesore, you can't even see anything under direct light because of the glare.
I got a '23 and the infotainment isn't nearly as laggy as some of the super early reviews made it out to be. I can get into the car, start the car, plug in my phone and hit carplay and everything feels like you expect it to. No waiting for things to load. Sun light -> Never had a problem but I bought a screen protector that is glossy but it does diffuse the light pretty well where I never have a problem with looking at maps or switching songs. Connection issues -> don't buy crappy third party cables from no name vendors or gas stations, I use official iphone cables, but have also had anker cables work np.
I have a 23 limited, the infotainment is tolerable. The worst design flaw (interior) is definitely the rear deck lid. It's gloss black and makes the rear glass impossible to see out of in the sunlight.
@@pan4632 Could it be better absolutely, but being all my other cars have always been at least 20 years old, I can't really compare or complain. It does everything I need it to do and after getting it set up initially I haven't really fussed with it since. My complaint is that you can't look at google maps with pinch to zoom or drag the map around, you have to use some stupid ass arrows, but I don't know if that is Subi infotainment decisions or carplay... @shaunylee93 I am not sure what that is, but looking it up online, it looks like it has something to do with the decoration on the trunk? IDK I have the orange one, so I haven't had any in adequacies with that. I will say I tend to use my mirrors, camera, and just look out the side window to back up. So maybe I have the same problem, but just don't realize the reason for it.
I have a ‘22 WRX and also recently bought a 2003 Celica GT-S. The Celica has really highlighted how much character has been lost in newer sports cars. The Celica screaming to 8,000 rpm is just incredible even if it’s going slower while doing it. That said, the WRX feels safer and has much higher cornering limits.
Unless you are trying to get the fastest lap, this is why it feels counter-productive to buy a new sports car than just getting an older one that you can actually have some sporting feeling from it.
Manufacturers (thankfully, for me) have moved away from performance engines requiring "screaming" revs to produce power, in favor of wider, lower-rev torque curves, more satisfying and efficient for street driving. I just wish the WRX achieved better mpg (and that I lived in a place with curvy roads).
@@kenhoward3512he means more than just powerband. Newer cars are muted by throttle by wire and compliant suspensions along with new safety regulations
i just got a 2023 wrx and im driving it like im driving miss daisy and I still havent hit the 20mpg mark. might have to drive it more but the fuel eco sucks dick in this car.@@kenhoward3512
I had a 2018 stage 1 wrx that I traded for a camaro ss 1le. Bought a 2004 celica gts manual as a 'beater' to save gas. That thing rips! I bought it already lowered, intake, exhaust, 245 square setup. Definitely going to do chassis bracing and coilovers when I get the chance.... and an lsd.
Seeing them in person makes me appreciate it a lot more.
I own a 2022 stock WRX and could not be happier (I have never modified my cars; I just not like it, nor feel the need for it). I cannot think of a better bang for the buck than this WRX. The car is solid, very well balanced, responsive, fun to drive, excellent quality, practical and feels very secure. It is not perfect, but for the price it almost is. My biggest complaint is that it does not have a proper space to place your phone. Also, I will definitely buy stickier tires when the time comes.
I have a ‘22 WRX and my iPhone 13 Pro fits in the bin in front of the shifter perfectly. ProClip and Cruiser Design make some nice phone mounts for this car if you have a bigger phone that doesn’t fit in that cubby.
Look up Course Motorsports. They have a pretty amazing phone mounting solution for the WRX that looks like it fits in.
@@blueridge8992 Hi. Many thanks for the feedback. I have a medium sized Android phone (I do not like, nor use, big phones) and it does not fit well in that bin, nor the bin appears to have been designed for that purpose. Additionally, the phone cable frequently gets in the middle of the shifter, etc. This is something that could have been easily designed in a better way. Still love the car, though. Cheers.
@@alexmartin-schael7556 I use a Moto Razr so maybe not the best frame of reference, but a short right angle USB cable (down angle on A side, side angle on C, ~6" long) keeps the phone and cable out of the way on my 22.
Wasn't a fan of this car when it first came out but it's grown on me quite a bit and I think I'll be picking one up in the near future. Super excited to see a review on a tuned WRX from you! Lots of power potential from the FA24, just have to be careful with the transmission.
the biggest gripe I have is the electric steering and pedals, you get no feedback feel. Its pretty much like driving a sim that has cheap force feedback
@@cocoguardian6679 I will say Subaru steering racks except for the later STIs and BRZ have never been particularly good in terms of feedback. I haven't actually driven the new WRX but would imagine it's not fantastic in terms of feel even though it may be responsive. I'm used to the steering in old Miatas so modern EPS systems will probably never provide that level of feedback (although my brother's 22 BRZ is pretty good).
That exhaust makes a huge difference in the appeal of this car. I don't care if it adds power, but that sound adds so much character! Wow! Thanks for bringing this to the audience Topher!!!!
Definitely go with aftermarket though. For the price of the STI Axl back that they give you as an option you could buy a full on cat back.
But as an owner, I will agree that the exhaust makes things a lot better
Buying a 2023 wrx has been the best decision I've made. It drives better than my buddy's truck in Canadian winters and with some summer slicks, it's an absolute unit during warmer months. Hoping the FA24 holds strong for many many years
the goat of pov drivers
If it doesn’t have the sti 6 speed, DCCD controller, and Si-drive modes…it is indeed NOT an sti 😂
Truth in Engineering!!! Ohh wait.. lol
Agreed. Just stickers, logos and bolton crap doesn't make it a STI
as a SoCal native, I see these all the time and for good reason. if you get over the looks, these cars are really good dailies and i've definitely seen em haul
Ain't no way I was just watching your 2022 review when this uploaded.
I know many people will say they hate the styling of the new WRX but I personally like it. The only pet peeve I have with the WRX (perhaps OCD) is the red stitching everywhere in the interior. To me it seems very kid like. I hate the assumption that "sport" usually means red stitching and blacked out wheels. Subaru, Honda, Toyota, and several others are all guilty of it. Other than that I would have no problem owning a new WRX. Please Subaru just change the interior. Perhaps full leather seats and no red stitching?
Best wrx ever made leaves previous gens for dead
I would love to see you test a new WRX with an AccessPort and Protune.
Those bracers and pads looked to make a big difference, I wonder how this will feel compared to the upcoming TR. I wanna see what's going on with that white BRZ in that background!
i love how at the end its just car guys talking about car stuff haha
Sounds good but I heard the New GTI and R are better. Snow tires are a must on both. Hatchback life is where my hearts at. WRX i wanted since a child but hatchback all the way
For those on the fence about getting this car, especially because of the styling, drive the car before you turn it down. Chances are the aftermarket can fix any problems you have. I hated it when they first showed it and now I have been driving mine for the last two months and love it.
The styling thing is very funny for me. My actual problem is that I am a very discreet person (I bought my WRX in white color for that reason), but many people in the street aproach me to compliment the car's look and exhaust sound (barely never happened to me in the past, despite having owned some nice cars). It is obvious to me that certain influencer decided earlier on that this car was ugly and others decided to surf on that wave too. In any case, beauty is on the eye of the beholder. Cheers.
@@alexmartin-schael7556 the funny thing is that I’ve seen a Aeroflowdynamics paint matched fenders and I’m so used to the stock look at the car it almost seems like changing the color wouldn’t look as good to me. Funny, how opinions can change over time.
I also snagged mine in white.
@@44actualThat's cool. Thanks for sharing your experience.
What is this obsession with having a tablet mounted on the dash....just no!
I can see it for an SUV but not a sports car!
Can’t believe he didn’t click his heels getting in 😱
As always, great video. What a road!
Getting close to getting one of these... Thanks for the video!
Didnt know these parts were available. Thought somebody created their own take on the STI though; that would have been way cool
That interior is absolutely ATROCIOUS! Deal breaker for sure.
Especially coming from a modest 8 inch touchscreen and full physical button controls in the Gen 5 subarus. They had a perfect design that everyone was happy with, and left it behind.
@@domenik8339 AC controls could use a rework.
@@AntilleanConfederation Gen 5 still had physical buttons for all AC and transmission, touch screen for navigation and radio only.
@@domenik8339 I know I liked how it was on my STI. Easy but I guess I’ll get used to this new shit.
Less bouncy after it’s broken in eh? Crossing my fingers. 5k miles so far
Muffler deletes are awesome on WRXs
The biggest letdown for me was the steering, that screen, and the brakes. Brakes felt weak, steering was sharp but so artificial. And I hated using that screen. Everything else was great
The iPad stuck to do the middle of the dash truly is an exceptionally ugly design. It's easily one of the top complaints among subaru owners.
Still not a fan of the plastic diaper on the back of these things but Ford made it even worse on the new Mustang. Absolutely horrible design piece. Dunno what they were thinking.
I can’t unsee that now. Hopefully a facelift will slim up that ugly mess at the back.
Good thing I’m looking at my windshield, not my bumper.
Thats fine while you're inside but walking up to your car in the parking lot.....and knowing what people are seeing from behind in traffic.... @@waykool698
More plastic = cheaper to manufacture. Meanwhile the price still goes up!
Nah it’s way worse on the WRX
That colors mean. My fav is the jet black or rally blue.
That center screen is horrendous. I was looking into buying one of these, I had the 11 WRX that I absolutely loved but that screen killed it for me.
I'm considering a WRX and that screen is my biggest hangup too. Whyyyyyyy a giant pointless tablet to control everything ugh
Its not ideal but i dont see how it would be a deal breaker. It does the job
@@EvolutionIX219 it's ugly, laggy and the glare blocks your view under any sort of sunlight. Turning on heated seats requires 2 taps into a sub-menu.
Get a base?
@pan4632 I haven't experienced hardly any lag with it, nor have I had any glare issues with it. I'd still prefer buttons but I couldn't imagine not buying the car over it.
My favorite ❤ Planning to buy one soon. I had a Subaru legacy B4 and that's how I got into the Subaru world. Love the handling of these cars
What an amazing car
stainless steel brake lines and pads for sure.
Try an STI transmission swap the gearing is nuts. Did it on my 2022 WRX and she's perky.
this thing needs a torsion lsd package and itd be way better but i dont think anything can be a "performance car" while having open diffs
That rear diffuser is 10/10
That oil temp is much higher than mine runs. On a warm day i peak at about 212.
Tossed between this and the GR Corolla
I went wrx. Owned a 17 wrx and a 21 STI. Now a VB.
Was just looking at the draw braces ill have to pick them up
I hope you get to drive that Mazda holy smokes thats pretty.
Wow nice car!
Trying to decide if its worth getting a new sti muffler for 1200 or finding a used one..or not at all.. want to stay oem..
Damm no feet taps when getting in tho?.. LOL 1:08
Why does everyone forget to turn off the traction control?
Wait until you take out a tuned one putting out almost 400 to the wheels with just bolt ons. You’ll lose it
Love my 22. The aftermarket pitch stop mount I did adds a lot better feel to
You should bought Martina Natrolova for that ride . Rip suby STI
whats the highest mileage WRX ?
will it last me 200K MILES if inleave it Stock ?
More GMR content please!
this videos audi doesnt pick up the exhaust the same way it sounds in real life. irl it has more presence if that's the right word.
@TheTopher would you pick a WRX Limited or a Integra A-Spec/6 speed as a DD? I need a practical family sedan that's sporty and these are the 2 I'm leaning towards. Winter weather isn't a big concern, although my wife LOVES her Outback if we get a rare snow.
For fun factor I’d pick the WRX, it’s such a great daily
Definitely drive both to see what you prefer
I plan too. I drove the Integra a couple weeks ago and really liked it. Shifter was good, infotainment was excellent - loved the tactile climate controls!
@@TheTopherpicking up a leftover 23 Limited in Word Rally Blue this weekend ❤. Can't wait!
I’ve been wanting a WRX for a while now even though it has some downsides compared to my GLI. It just seems super fun to drive and I miss that. Too bad the GLI is paid for so that’s not happening anytime soon lol.
what brakes and braces are you using?
Looks good in that color darker colors make in not as bad
Is it possible to put the 2020 sti brake kit on the 2022?
i wondered that too, but did you mean the full conversion?
@@jameskocks4734 yeah
@@jameskocks4734 it's because I have a 2020 si sedan and I jus seen someone who L15 swapped his 99 civic sedan so jus had me thinking extra about this cars creative tuner potential
Yep! Definitely doable. There’s some videos on YT of people doing the swap. Parts are pricey, but overall cheaper than buying a TR when that comes out.
Ya
Waiting for the next model year with eyesight
A little Sexually Transmitted Infection flair
Ugh, enough with the stupid screens already.
the biggest gripe I have with this car is the electric steering and pedals, you get no feedback feel. Its pretty much like driving a sim that has cheap force feedback
Where can u buy the sti performance exhaust? For the 22 wrx
its an option from factory
All the dealerships sell them.
Anyone got doubts on 60fps PS5 & Xbox SeriesX
Is the shifter stock? Any shifter stop installed? Or any mods to it ?
What road in LA is this?
Not exactly sure but it looks like big tujunga to me
This or an Elantra N?
I have seen several comparisons and it seems that the Elantra is more accomplished than the WRX in general terms. However, the Elantra is not AWD and Subaru may also have an edge over Hyundai in terms of quality and reliability.
It really depends on what you plan on doing with the car. If you're mostly daily driving then get a WRX. If you plan on tracking then get the EN.
If you're asking that question, you don't deserve a subaru.
Veloster N
@@andrew-f8x that wasn't an option
You should test drive a 1990 mercury cougar XR-7 superchargered v6 5 speed manual
This is not a STI!
i despise the vertical screen
#1
That screen, ugg.
IMO the STI looks watered down now. It looks every other Japanese 2 door..Its....boring.
Great looking car, hate the added skirts, make the car look cheap
Imo stock exhaust sound better, with more character to it
Looks like it came straight out of 2010. Outdated upon arrival.
Have you seen a 2010 Subaru of any sort? I own a 2010 and a family member has a 2018, it's leaps and bounds ahead in material quality and fit and finish. It's a much nicer place to be than my 2010 aside from the seats, and depending who you ask better than a newer one. I'd rather have the infotainment and physical HVAC out of the 2018.
#2
I was thinking Americans can’t use manual lifting
That rear end piece is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen a factory upgrade add onto a vehicle
#3
That interior is hideous
I can live with exterior. I CANNOT live with that hideous laggy infotainment. What an absolute eyesore, you can't even see anything under direct light because of the glare.
I got a '23 and the infotainment isn't nearly as laggy as some of the super early reviews made it out to be. I can get into the car, start the car, plug in my phone and hit carplay and everything feels like you expect it to. No waiting for things to load. Sun light -> Never had a problem but I bought a screen protector that is glossy but it does diffuse the light pretty well where I never have a problem with looking at maps or switching songs. Connection issues -> don't buy crappy third party cables from no name vendors or gas stations, I use official iphone cables, but have also had anker cables work np.
@@Watsaname1999 fair enough, glad it works for you. There are clearly better ways to implement infotainment, though.
I have a 23 limited, the infotainment is tolerable. The worst design flaw (interior) is definitely the rear deck lid. It's gloss black and makes the rear glass impossible to see out of in the sunlight.
@@pan4632 Could it be better absolutely, but being all my other cars have always been at least 20 years old, I can't really compare or complain. It does everything I need it to do and after getting it set up initially I haven't really fussed with it since. My complaint is that you can't look at google maps with pinch to zoom or drag the map around, you have to use some stupid ass arrows, but I don't know if that is Subi infotainment decisions or carplay...
@shaunylee93 I am not sure what that is, but looking it up online, it looks like it has something to do with the decoration on the trunk? IDK I have the orange one, so I haven't had any in adequacies with that. I will say I tend to use my mirrors, camera, and just look out the side window to back up. So maybe I have the same problem, but just don't realize the reason for it.
theres nothing STi about this car