Got My 2021 WRX in the WR Blue of course. It beat me up for the first 1000 miles but being at 20K now, I'm still learning more about it every day. It's gotten smoother as well. I can def vouch for the clutch being unpredictable at times but I wanted this car for a long time and I'm forever grateful for it. Definitely worth the buy for me.
Wrx clutch needs to be slipped a bit for a smooth shift. Moving off from still, you wanna pause a sec at biting point while giving a bit gas. For a smooth 1st to 2nd, gently lift off throttle completely BEFORE clutch in and shift to 2nd, then again, you wanna pause a sec at friction point at the same time applying a bit throttle before smoothly re-engage the clutch fully. Hope it helps.
it seems to me that a wrx clutch behaves like this: the bottom 30% part is free travel, the mid 40% is friction area, and the top 30% is fully engaged. Any jerkyness is caused by a quick clutch movement in that slipping zone which is only 40%. That’s why a pause at biting point is beneficial offering some time for the synchro to complete its task. In comparison a modern Mazda feels like 20% 60% 20%, you have more room for mistake in 60%, that’s why it is so easy and forgiving.
idk, the problems are all in the rev hang for me. If you wait patiently for the RPMs to drop, your shift should be fine given that you know how to use a clutch. As long as I wait properly, I get smooth shifts from 1st to 2nd without doing what will ruin the clutch faster like what you seem to be suggesting. Though I do actually do something of the sort of what you are saying if I REALLY need to accelerate on a highway ramp, but I don't do it if I can't help it because I don't feel like pre-maturely replacing my clutch.
I have the base wrx 2020 and I feel like you just gotta relax and time your first gear with the gas then same with the second gear. The third gear and up is smooth. Love the car.
Thank you! My Forte GT is like butta, this thing is like doin a reach around on a big one. Too much work to enjoy it. It is clearly geared for hard launches. Gonna give it to my oldest daughter for her 18th this June. I want a Stinger. Getting old. Need an auto, but with zip. Looks good AND has a hatch! Rock on, sister sledge!
I feel better about myself since you mentioned the clutch. I just jumped out of a 2016 Fiesta ST into a 2020 WRX. Definitely taking some getting used to but I'm certainly having fun with it.
I currently have the 2020 WRX with the CVT which I leased with out driving in May of 2020. It currently has 14k and no issues. I came out of a 2018 WRX Manual with a short throw shifter. I loved it. It helped with shifting for sure. The only reason why I went with the CVT was because my daughter was learning how to drive. Because I was working from home, she actually put 4k on the car driving to school, work and hanging out with Friends before I purchased a 3.6r Legacy for her. Now, being 2023, I struggle with moving to a 3.6r used Legacy or Going with the Legacy Sport. My wife like that she can drive my WRX since it’s not a Manual, so the WRX Manual is off the table. I am not really liking the new TECH that Subaru has and feel like the 2020 has just enough in it with the split screen which I love. I just hate the headlights are not bright enough and don’t have the Harman Karden system in there for Audio. Buy out is 19.5 and there is no car I could get that cheap with that much fun to drive aspect and low mileage. Having a really hard time with my latest decision. I have grown accustomed to the CVT and use the Paddle Shifters daily. I am in the north east, do run winters. Fun fact, couple of inches of snow pre Covid caught me before the winters were on and my stick got me home, no issues (20 mile commute with hills and curves) no issues on the stock SUMMER tires. Love this car and set up, just not sure what to do.
If you're looking for another option, see if you can find a Mazda3 turbo to test drive. Different experience from a WRX but it's automatic, awd, and quite quick, just more refined than aggressive.
The nice thing is there are mods for most of the annoyances, such as firming up the transmission mount for better shifting and clutch feel. I've read turning off hill assist also helps with starts in general
My '17 WRX had a heavy clutch and I loved it. I test drove a' 19 WRX and the clutch was half as light. I have engaged the "braking steering assist once, the car did ridiculously tight turn even with throttle.
I liked the older clutch too! Also, are you referring to the "torque vectoring" thing. Because I think it is a neat feature and I'm glad it is in most Subarus. I was being obnoxious in a legacy and it did the same thing!
I found placing the right side of my right foot against the transmission tunnel with a light pressure really makes it much easier to coordinate the use of the gas a clutch pedal. Much smoother starting from a stop and smoother gear changes.
All I want is performance, and practicality when the weather turns evil. Base WRX is fine. All those electronic gizmos, no thank you! Who needs a power driver's seat if you're the only one touching your Precious. You adjust the seat when you buy it, and you're done! If a mechanic works on your car and needs to drive it a bit, without a power driver's seat, they usually pull it forward or push it back. You get in it, that's all you need to adjust! Sun-roof, go outside and look up at the sky. Moon-roof.... go outside at night. These electronic extras belong on a luxury car for people who are dead inside. They don't belong on a WRX.
I have a 17 base, bought it new. Drove it stock before tune. I enjoyed it stock and even more now. The Cobb drivetrain upgrade was far the best thing I ever did. Bushings, short shift plate, shift stop, and pitch stop. I have the cobb intake and 3 port boost controller. 270whp/270 torque. Btw, I have 90k miles.
Yeah, looked like enough headroom too! Also looking at a Mazda 3 Skyactiv X but headroom looks quite restricted. My 10 year old boy will be taller than me in roughly 2 years and I'm 189/ 6f2.4..
Okay, so I do agree to a point. I had a 2015 base model, and now have a 2020 limited. My car is a 6mt and is my daily. I drive cars for a living, even when you are “used to the clutch” you either ride the clutch or have a rough start. Perrin makes a pitch stop mount brace and mount. These clean up that slop and clunkiness, and make it a much better experience. I do not know why Subaru manufactured the wrx with a plastic junk pitch stop mount, but replace it, and get the brace, and you will be much happier with the car. Noticeable difference in all driving conditions, most noticeable driving around town and in traffic.
So, my 15 base model had the clutch issue at 6000 miles. The throw out bearing broke and came apart. The clutch was replaced under warranty, and felt much better after replacement than it did when is was “3miles” new. The shifter had slop in it from side to side when in gear, it was clunky and drove me nuts. Perrin makes a shift stop mount/brace that will clean that slop up. It’s cheap and easy to install, and easy to adjust: makes shifter level feel much more solid. My 2020 limited feels great from the factory, so I don’t know if they have improved the design, or if it is different from base model to limited model.
I own a 2017, I never understood why people kept describing it as "unrefined". Compared to the STI it's supposed to be very refined. I guess it's a matter of what you're used to. The suspension in my 2014 BRZ before that for example was very tight so the WRX with it's softer suspension and electrically boosted steering still felt soft to me and took some adjustment for that reason.
Yeah, compared to those cars it is more comfortable but it's main competition from other brands like the GTI, GLI, Civic SI, etc. are more civilized! I was talking with someone earlier who has a BRZ and he actually wanted the WRX to be more aggressive so I hear you.
I have had both WRX and WRX STI cars and currently have 2019 WRX STI. Between the clutch and too aggressive hill assist have stalled the car few times when starting up hill. Had one idiot gun his large Ford van and rear end my car when this happened. I have since disabled the hill assist to get rid of the too aggressive brake application to not deal with this. I have a 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe that releases the hill assist much quicker than the STI. My previous Subaru cars have not been this aggressive and I have driven stick cars since 1967. There are faster and better handling cars but they do not feel as good to me when driving.
@@codezalo5773 Yes-that is why I brought up the BMW Z4 M Coupe for comparison. While the BMW has hill assist it releases more easily when starting off on a hill. Has forgotten about this post since was 4 years ago!
@@doctorrobert60 haha there a resurgence for a VA, but obviously cross shopping the new cars like VB or like a Honda 2.0 NA at this point in time, but iunno I've owned an 09 impreza WRX and miss the Subaru driving feel. Would love an STi but looks like I'll be going for a WRX, there's actually an influx of options right now. So thank you for the input! I'm curious about the hill assist since no one seems to bring it up actually but something I'll have to check out. Thanks a lot !
@@codezalo5773The newest WRX have made improvements in suspension and the 2.4 engine has decent low end torque. Have not checked one out but reviews have been positive. I do not know if a new STi will appear in next few years. Maybe as a hybrid? Who knows.
I purchased a new 2019 and yes it was taking a while to get used to the clutch until I disabled the hill assist. My base model came with a STI shifter, so I have no complaints. I’ve owned many manual transmission cars and they they are all different, you adapt to it.
Great review, interesting point about the CVT. Sure would lose a fair bit of engagement but would make it incredibly easy around town. Currently driving a 2.5L CVT 2011 Outback, bought 10 years ago, and it's only gotten stronger over the years - and love the AWD grip. Hardly any issues either. I've tried an STI, and what you said about the clutch had me laughing. I didn't stall it, but yeah the bite point is about 5mm wide. :) As amazing as it was on the back roads, and I'm still grinning just remembering that, there's no way I'd want to commute with that - ever.
LOL about the clutch.... When I bought my WRX, the salesman said he wasn't allowed to ride along on the test drive (because of the Coronavirus) so he made me go back and forth in the parking lot first before taking it out on the street. Fortunately I've driven plenty of nit-picky manuals before so I did fine. Ironically, I find the 1-2 shift to be the most abrupt; much more so than starting from a stop.
Nope, it's still there but the new si has it, my si had it, the veloster turbo had it that I drove awhile back and so did the GLI. It's kind of just something that you get used to with all of these new cars and I forgot to note it in the midst of it. Honestly, it's not a big deal for most people and to the people that so care about it, usually they will tune these things and they can eliminate most of the rev hang that way. I will have to remember to note it though for future reviews.
@@Realistick oh yes glad you mentioned the GLI. My GLI was terrible until I got my stage 2 APR tune and an upgraded clutch and flywheel. Became butter after. I wonder why so many auto manufacturers are having issues with rev hang for so many models in the late 2010's and even 2020.
You mentioned the GTI is easier to live with. How is the build quality and road noise compared to the GTI? How about the undercoating and corrosion protection? Any reliability issues other than the clutch?
I don't know of anything notable other than the transmission problems, I would dig through cars.com reviews of the 17,18,19 models, it might reveal some common smaller problems. Quality and road noise is better in the GTI. Subaru is not bad with rusting but time will tell!
The GTI is a great car, go test drive one. It is a great value for what you get: creature comforts, a smooth ride, turbo 2.0 front wheel drive, it makes for a wonderful comfortable daily and travel car. For me the WRX is a great second car. The WRX is a great car, but I would say define what you want out of a car, and know what you are looking for in a car. The WRX is a 2.0 turbo, all wheel drive vehicle, it is great in the snow, and for going just about anywhere. It has some features(less than the GTI), and rides good, the WRX rides smoother than the STI due to suspension. In the WRX the road noise is louder and it is also a rougher ride over the GTI. The GTI is more friendly to you in terms of ride quality. But you have to keep in mind that you are comparing a rally car that has been made more for the road, and setup for the consumer, versus a sporty hot hatch that was made for the consumer to be a great car for the work commute, and fun at the track and on back roads.
I have to agree with you on good shifts being rewarding. Most drivers just want to take off fast on a line and not really feel their car or enjoy their driving...
I am considering one of these for my daily driver; I live in the Northeast and we get a share of snow; etc. I have a 600hp blown mustang with a hot cam and tall gears. The clutch in that is pretty challenging, so I am wondering how the clutch engagement will compare (have yet to test-drive). I'm hoping to find something my wife can drive in a pinch too (she doesn't really drive manual; so she'd be learning on the car).
I think you would be more than fine with this car (this felt like a stage 2 clutch to me) and it is perfect for that kind of environment, however, this is certainly a tricky car to learn on. One of my old managers bought one and managed to learn on it so it is not impossible but a Civic SI would be much easier for her to learn on and just a more forgiving car to daily as well. That has an LSD in the front and makes it pretty decent in the snow for a front wheel drive car but it won't hold a candle to the subie. I would still try out both though! The SI is cheaper so you could get some snow tires on it and you'd be set.
I also live in the Northeast. I'm a new driver and the base 2020 WRX was my very first manual car. It was tough at first and about 900 miles in I still stall occasionally and get clunky shifts into 1 and 2. With that said it is an incredibly rewarding and fun experience to drive my WRX just make sure to get all weather or winter tires.
I’m in the same boat, I currently drive a mustang and I’m getting into a 21 wrx. I love my mustang, always been a mustang kid, but I’m getting tired of the winter anxiety. Yes there’s remedies you can do to help it in the snow but it still sucks when you’re getting out of work and there’s 6 inches of snow on the road and you got a 30 min drive ahead of you. Gonna be an interesting experience considering I’ve only driven manual around dealership parking lots when I was a valet. I refuse to join the cookie cutter SUV wave
Short throw shifter helps and also a cobb tune helps so its not super touchy and the power gets evened out. The power won't disappear in the higher rpms. Makes it so much better. Just buy an access port online.
*@Ao Okami* Thank you and congratulations on the WRX. Learning on a WRX will make everything else much more approachable too, glad you are enjoying it!
I bought my base 2020 WRX back in 2020 Dec. My first manual car. I am loving it more and more. It can be tough to get the shifting smooth but when you do it feels great.
@@Realistick thanks. its pretty quick. im pro tuned to 301 whp and 315 wtq. if the sti has 400 hp like rumors suggest and its not ugly i might trade in by 2023 if my situation permits.
actually your comment about the side vent 2:25 they are functional they help with heat extraction. if you buy some perrin engine side vents it allows more ventilation engine bay heat drops about 8 degrees and leaves the bay a little quicker.
These were not opened up. At least I couldn't see an opening upon close inspection. The new supra has similar vents but there are aftermarket ways to open them up. I take it that you are suggesting something similar.
great review brother appreciate you thanks man the only thing I would disagree with you on was your opinion of the trunk space you are crazy no other car can fit 4full size sparez in the trunk WRX was intended to be able to carry for full size spare tires for when you go to the track. you tell me if another car that has that ability to carry for full size tires in the trunk and you said it's okay on trunk space.. lol
Thanks for the feedback, I only said it had okay space because it does have a smaller trunk than the Civic Si sedan and Jetta GLI. I recently tested an audi a3 and that one was cramped, this just isn't on top of the class.
Brother your 6ft tall. If there's enough room to fit your big ass plus a sexy lady and a pony keg it's not just okay room brother... it's f******n party time.. lol.. I subscribe to the channel love the content. see you in the next video brother 👊👍😎
Nice review bro, about to get my first WRX next week (it's in transit). I'm coming off from '14 MINI Cooper Hardtop where the clutch is so forgiving so it'll be interesting to see how I'll do with WRX. My test drive was clunky, not going to lie, but love how the car drives.
Thank you and congratulations. They are tricky at first and it will never be buttery smooth the way a regular civic might be but it gets much much easier over time and becomes really rewarding!
If you are buying a new one then I would have little to no concerns outside of the trans problems they were having earlier in its production run. If it was lightly used, i still think it would be fine. I think where I would start to be a little on edge is after 8 or 10 years. Subaru said they fixed the head gasket and oil consumption problems, but that still lurks in the back of my head. Still, I would recommend it for you if you want something reliable and fun but if you enjoy the comfort of the Accord then I would personally steer you toward an SI. While it is a different experience from the WRX, they are still capable and so much easier to live with so test drive them both! But hey, if reliability is what you are worried about, the WRX shouldn't dissappoint. And if it does, the resale is best in class! I hope this helps.(also, i think the SI still has the oil dilution problem in cold climates).
@@Realistick the thing i love about my accord now is the technology piece (Lane keep assist, brake assist, etc) but the 1.5 T sport is little slow for me and its a CVT. I regret buying the accord 2.0 T Sport. I trade to trade it in but the payments are too high. It seems like i will be getting a better deal with the WRX. But hearing all these problems with the WRX in the past with other users ,worries me..That's why i am debating if should get it or not..Plus i have always own a honda..lol
I don’t know is just me I guess... cuz i bought the basic one and I change the wheels that limited has and It feels that run faster and more fun .. mmm that is what I feel lol
Is this somehow an astronomically harder to shift car the the 2019? With reduced rev-hang issues this thing should be easy. As for stalling, well, I owned an 07 Civic, and even after mastering the clutch still stalled when I wasn't paying enough attention to it. The WRX is much more forgiving in comparison, so I never had this issue. Great review! Im really loving my 2019 and am anxiously waiting for my warranty to end so that I can tune out some of my minor gripes.
The rev hang doesn’t effect starting out in first gear. I think that most if the issue he is talking about. I have a 2018 wrx. I got the Cobb access port to loose that rev hang. That helps from 1st to 2nd. Also it helps take the dip in power from 4K-5k.
@@rallyfreak08 - I wasnt talking about rev hang when talking about starting out. What I said was in reference to it being difficult to shift through the gears. Imo the rev hang is what makes my 19 harder to shift for your average person. So if he is having a hard time jamming through the gears, im wondering what the problem is? I have over 50k on my car now, and even with the less than stellar gear box, I wouldn't have the same problems he mentions with the 20, which afaik is the same car but with the rev hang issue improved. I really want an access port, but im gonna milk the warranty for a little longer.
I'm anxiously awaiting this vehicle. I'm extremely upset with my 2018 WRX Limited and it sucks in the heat (I'm in Florida). M also not a modder, so I have to suck it up until it gets cooler in October and this Yaris arrives. If the Yaris is awesome, I'll get it.
Two days ago I bought a 2020 base model. I didn't have any trouble with the clutch in the test drive. Shifting is a bit weird, but I found it's smoother if I use less clutch.
People usually have issues with the abruptness of the clutch, ESPECIALLY if they haven't daily driven a manual. I had to re-teach my camera man who has limited experience because he couldn't get the thing to move.
@@Realistick That makes sense. I've been daily driving clutch for 17 years now. I could see how it could be hard if you daily an auto. BTW, I watched quite a few wrx videos prior to purchase. This is one of the best ones I've found. And it probably helps it's the same model I wanted.
Good question and I don't believe so, all of the modern spory compact cars I have driven have a fair amount of rev hang, a tune can alleviate that in most cases I have run into and I think a few people have commented about removing that as well with a tune! It's software, not hardware, that causes it to be excessive.
I have a 2018 WRX and it’s a pain to drive smoothly. I haven’t driven any of the competition but used to drive a Honda Accord 5-speed MT, and the Honda was way easier to drive than the WRX. The WRX has bad rev hang going into 2nd gear, but this can be tuned out. The WRX is overall a fun little car though, and the rough ride just comes with the turf.
murcroadster I let some neighbors/family members drive my car a little and every single one of them stalled. One neighbor tried to reverse my car but kept putting it in 6th gear (as he wasn’t used to the little switch under the stick). My uncle stalled a few times and said it was because he’s used to right hand drive vehicles (bad excuse).
Look up the Perrin pitch stop mount, and brace, separate items. These clean up the slop in taking off and you will get a smooth comfortable take off constantly.
@@RP-ge1ts also make them very noisy. Just like the rough feeling in the suspension. It’s a give and a take. You can’t take turns like your on rails with soft comfortable suspension. Makes me giggle that people complain about a rough ride in a sports car. That thing is designed to carve turns. Not get groceries home safe. Lol
I haven't driven the veloster n (the regular or hopped up version) but I have not heard that they were rougher than the WRX, I will have to get my hand on it to find out myself!
Great review man! Couldn’t have said it better as I drove the 2019 model. One thing I can say is that the steering is a bit off as you noted (its electric while STI is hydraulic). However it feels much nicer and on point in the winter with the winter tires. The clutch also feels stiff when shifting from first to second gear until it “bites”. It is a great daily/rally car for the price!
If you want to incease your viewers start off with a fast drive to get them hooked then after you pull over then show the car because people want to feel and see how fast it is discussing the car is boring at first so Flip the script start your video at 14:48 you also fail to disclose that VW's last 3 years then fall apart why Subaru's give you atleast 10 years so if you want Longevity Subaru if you want to lease then go VW
While I agree that VWs as a whole are not as reliable as Subarus. The WRX is technically the least reliable in their lineup according to outlets like consumer reports. Looking at online consumer reviews also shows that they aren't some bulletproof, maintenance-free car. Oil consumption, head gaskets, transmissions and clutches are all things that have plagued the WRX in the past and some in the present. The vw hasn't had all of those issues. They used to have oil consumption problems similar to Subaru, Toyota, and Honda, but I wouldn't shit all over them for that. The main advantage to the Subaru, in that regard, is resale! As far as review structure goes, I was thinking the same thing for a while. In my oldest videos, I didn't have the same structure as I do now and my viewer retention has actually gone up on average. Common news story logic of a strong "hook" hasn't really held up here with TH-cam. Still, I will probably switch it up again in a future review if when I get a performance car again, not for a corolla. So far my videos have pretty good numbers, my main struggle is posting often! If you want views, you need to appease the algorithm, and that's how you do it!
Great Video, I have a 2003 Sonic Yellow WRX Wagon that I am putting up for sale as I just got a 2018 50th anniversary to replace her and yes I got her new.. The Clutch is what you said.. I guess its now electronic and took a week to get used to. The first gear is way too short, I have to shift at 15mph if i am normally driving.. But it just is a perfect WRX.. Havnt put my girl up for sale yet, but I love the Rex..
In my experience WRX clutch just grabs really hard and the power band is really touchy. Even after owning one for almost a year, my takeoffs are still a little bumpy sometimes. STI clutch is butter, and the power band is more linear which is why it’s easier.
Yeah. I kinda jump in the deep end. I bought my 2020 WRX Base with it being the first manual I’ve owned. I have driven manual trans in the past for my old job. Lets just say stalling was a normal occurrence the first couple days.
You forgot to add this car completely sucks in hot climates. Feels like there's no boost during summer and I can't stand it. Luckily, I live in Florida and it's only hot 8 months out of the year. 🤮
@@splatbubble It was a valid inference, it was a grocery chain that has slowly been going out of business. Another large grocery chain bought the building to keep out any competitors and they let the nearby dealership park cars there. The Marshalls in Bloomington is doing surprisingly well 😂
@@Realistick TH-cam won't let me post links - so I'll simply say, "Well then I'm happy and sad for you." - Laslo Hollyfield (Real Genius, 1985) (quote matches your sentence better in reverse, but it's all I got!)
Car clutch and trans breaks because people launch them on pavement. They thrash the fuck out of them. If u drive the car like it’s meant to be then I will last a long time. Just make sure u clean ur valves every 15-20k. Gotta love direct injection.
That's a surefire way for a trans to break too, however, those specific years actually did have problems that needed addressing though. Their failure rate was abnormally high for such a new car, previous models did not have that problem the same way. And yes, direct injection is a efficient, dirty bitch that needs attention!
Great review, but I disagree with shifter being notchy and transmission being difficult to drive smoothly. I love the feel of shifter clicking into gear, and clutch take-up isn't too difficult to do smoothly, imo.
Thank you, and I honestly can't even think of a new car with a manual that is more difficult to drive than this. Do you have a new one? I did find it to be a bit better after being broken in, but I see SOOO many people struggle with them that I had to mention it. I even left in the clip of my camera man trying to drive it, again, older ones and more broken in ones seem to be better. As far as feel goes, it seemed notchy when compared to other new cars like the Jetta GLI, SI, Golf R, Focus RS, Mazda 3, but some may prefer it that way. Not to say that you can't drive these smoothly, I could after a while but it takes much more thought and care than in pretty much any other car I have driven
@@Realistick so I just got a 2020 Wednesday, similar to car in this video, but premium. I watched other reviews that mentioned it being a tricky manual as well, so maybe my expectations were low. When I test drove it Monday I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I am also coming from a Tacoma manual that I turned in off lease, and a 2013 Elantra that I traded in.... Both sticks, so I'm comparing WRX to some sloppy competition!
@@daveromanyshyn1170 Yes, I definitely prefer the WRX stick over the one in the Tacoma (haven't driven the elantra), the clutch on the Tacoma that I drove (2017) was touchy too, but a little more forgiving in my opinion. Still, WRX is a big improvement and congratulations!
As soon as he said he had no issues with the stock sound system I immediately cannot trust his judgment. The stock stereo is junk. The head unit, the speakers, it's all junk. Had to spend like 1800 bucks to completely replace it all to make the car a nice place to be including wireless android auto, a 10" sub and while retaining the factory steering wheel controls and backup camera. As far as the driveability, the stock throttle is non-linear. It's in the ECU. It's front weighted. You give it 10% throttle input and it outputs 30% engine output. At 50% throttle input its at 100% output. The last half of the pedal travel is completely numb and at 5k rpm it falls on its face. A Cobb Accessport and a OTS Stage 1 Tune corrects this and makes it linear so 10% input gives you 10% output. No more stalling and jerky 1-2 shifts. That's another $700 bucks. So for just $2,500 you can have a WRX with a proper sound system and one that drives proper. Still worth it.
No issues to me means I don't have any qualms about it, it's okay, not up to audiophile standards and not going to impress anyone, personally, the hk system isn't a whole bunch better either, even with the sub.
@@Realistick What I did isn't up to audiophile standards either. That would have run me several thousand more. It's just not hot garbage. The HK system option is the biggest waste of money since it all needs to be ripped out anyways. Te factory speakers have magnets the size of a quarter literally, and plastic baskets and are a whopping 35W max rated speaker that weighs about 4 ounces for a 6.5" speaker. It's no joke as close to nothing as they could get. The factory head unit puts out something like 7.5W per channel. The "tweeters" are paper cone small speakers, not a typical done style tweeter at all.
@@Realistick You're correct. But the laggy resistive screen factory head unit just really makes it sad. I understand. It's a WRX. It's focused on performance mostly.
I have to agree that the base sound system in the WRX is absolutely horrific. I figured the sound wouldn’t matter to me - I have a Subaru with the Kardon system which is ok. I had to have the wrx system changed. It definitely requires an amp, upgraded speakers and a small sub in the trunk. The factory system is ridiculously bad.
Thank you for this awesome review, I wish Subaru would do something about the fuel economy on this vehicle because damn fuel prices are expensive!!! What if they put out an option to have a RWD WRX I mean it's out of the norm but it would yield a notable increase in MPG and you would still be able to have some fun around the corners. It's just something to think about🤔
Thank you for the feedback, hopefully with the next redesign we see a big boost in mileage. I don't know if they will use their new 2.4 turbo in this (I kind of doubt it) but those get pretty good gas mileage (30 mpg on the highway with the outback). Rwd would be really cool but I doubt they would ever do it just because awd is a part of the WRX's niche. What would be cool is a brz sti, something that is much more plausible! Performance versions of about every car use premium unfortunately but the 2.4 turbo doesn't in the outback and legacy so maybe that can change with the next gen. Subaru is good at getting good gas mileage with awd so there's promise there!
I came from an 05 outback 3.0R so I had low expectations but my 2020 wrx base barely uses gas compared to that thing. I average 37mpg highway and 24.5 overall the past 3k miles. That's damn good for a raw turbo awd "sports sedan" in my book.
It's an understandable concern, it's why I usually do one launch in new cars and if I don't get a good result then so be it. Honestly, I don't push these cars more than a lot of people do when test driving a car. In fact, I actually make sure they are at the proper running temperature, which many people don't. Plus, the person who bought the car saw the video first.
@@Realistick interesting - my '11 2.5L CVT Outback feels like it's gotten stronger over the years. I'll make sure to give it 100% throttle on a regular basis once warmed up, eg freeway onramps, and I only use 98 fuel which is not half as bad as the high sulfur crap in the lower octane fuels in Australia. It's very responsive around town as such, and the AWD is always well footed. The '22 Rex looks like an amazing update.. ;)
Newer models are much better (time will tell further), but you should do more research on the changes. None in the class are super reliable either, this at least holds its value better than any of the others. Not saying they are the most reliable cars, they aren't, but the new ones are not something that needs to be avoided.
I'm not an actor, obviously, but I enjoy implementing bits or jokes into these videos. As long as I am my own boss, you can rest assured that I will do whatever I please. The next one will win an oscar, I swear!
@@Realistick Your correct, you can certainly do whatever you like. It just sucked that's all. not the whole thing, who knows you may be the next great You Tuber...or maybe not..Peace
Got My 2021 WRX in the WR Blue of course. It beat me up for the first 1000 miles but being at 20K now, I'm still learning more about it every day. It's gotten smoother as well. I can def vouch for the clutch being unpredictable at times but I wanted this car for a long time and I'm forever grateful for it. Definitely worth the buy for me.
@jackiemcmillan8390 not to this point, no. Just reached 28K miles. Just keeping up with routine maintenance. Nothing out of the ordinary.
I have a 2019 wrx premium in ice silver metallic and I love it . I can take turns so fast that I feel like I’m going to pass out . It grips and rips
Rip and tear
Thirdeye386 Until it is done
I got the base WRX in Feb and just passed 2k miles. My test drive was brutal but it does get smooth after 2k
Getting mine today....been a minute since I've driven a manual! Haha 😄
i just test drove one and bought it. test drive was weird got to get used to the jerking in between shift.
Same with mine. Passed 3000km & installed shifter stop and went from 20% smooth shifts to >90% smooth shifts.
Wrx clutch needs to be slipped a bit for a smooth shift. Moving off from still, you wanna pause a sec at biting point while giving a bit gas. For a smooth 1st to 2nd, gently lift off throttle completely BEFORE clutch in and shift to 2nd, then again, you wanna pause a sec at friction point at the same time applying a bit throttle before smoothly re-engage the clutch fully. Hope it helps.
it seems to me that a wrx clutch behaves like this: the bottom 30% part is free travel, the mid 40% is friction area, and the top 30% is fully engaged. Any jerkyness is caused by a quick clutch movement in that slipping zone which is only 40%. That’s why a pause at biting point is beneficial offering some time for the synchro to complete its task. In comparison a modern Mazda feels like 20% 60% 20%, you have more room for mistake in 60%, that’s why it is so easy and forgiving.
I’m gonna have to give this a shot. I’ve only had my car for about a week
idk, the problems are all in the rev hang for me. If you wait patiently for the RPMs to drop, your shift should be fine given that you know how to use a clutch. As long as I wait properly, I get smooth shifts from 1st to 2nd without doing what will ruin the clutch faster like what you seem to be suggesting. Though I do actually do something of the sort of what you are saying if I REALLY need to accelerate on a highway ramp, but I don't do it if I can't help it because I don't feel like pre-maturely replacing my clutch.
@@metallitron9000 you wont lol. that really how you have to drive em or else its not smooth. they made it this way for a reason.
@@koopa1375 that’s how the clutch feels in my ‘11 civic, the 30/40/30. Kind of ridiculous for that little thing 😂 but I love it, super fun to drive
I find riding the clutch for an extra second and slowly letting off it is the smoothest way to drive the wrx
I have the base wrx 2020 and I feel like you just gotta relax and time your first gear with the gas then same with the second gear. The third gear and up is smooth. Love the car.
Thank you! My Forte GT is like butta, this thing is like doin a reach around on a big one. Too much work to enjoy it. It is clearly geared for hard launches. Gonna give it to my oldest daughter for her 18th this June. I want a Stinger. Getting old. Need an auto, but with zip. Looks good AND has a hatch! Rock on, sister sledge!
About to dump money in a 2021 WRX base. Never been more excited for a learning experience in my life
I feel better about myself since you mentioned the clutch. I just jumped out of a 2016 Fiesta ST into a 2020 WRX. Definitely taking some getting used to but I'm certainly having fun with it.
Same (but with a Focus ST); that bite point is extremely early. It definitely takes some getting used to.
@@traviswatson49861st and 2nd are just a little short. I’m my opinion 2nd feels fine but the real speed hits around 3.5k rpm’s into 3rd
Great review. I have the 2019 WRB Premium. Everything you've said is true in mine as well.
I currently have the 2020 WRX with the CVT which I leased with out driving in May of 2020. It currently has 14k and no issues. I came out of a 2018 WRX Manual with a short throw shifter. I loved it. It helped with shifting for sure. The only reason why I went with the CVT was because my daughter was learning how to drive. Because I was working from home, she actually put 4k on the car driving to school, work and hanging out with Friends before I purchased a 3.6r Legacy for her. Now, being 2023, I struggle with moving to a 3.6r used Legacy or Going with the Legacy Sport. My wife like that she can drive my WRX since it’s not a Manual, so the WRX Manual is off the table. I am not really liking the new TECH that Subaru has and feel like the 2020 has just enough in it with the split screen which I love. I just hate the headlights are not bright enough and don’t have the Harman Karden system in there for Audio. Buy out is 19.5 and there is no car I could get that cheap with that much fun to drive aspect and low mileage. Having a really hard time with my latest decision. I have grown accustomed to the CVT and use the Paddle Shifters daily. I am in the north east, do run winters. Fun fact, couple of inches of snow pre Covid caught me before the winters were on and my stick got me home, no issues (20 mile commute with hills and curves) no issues on the stock SUMMER tires. Love this car and set up, just not sure what to do.
If you're looking for another option, see if you can find a Mazda3 turbo to test drive. Different experience from a WRX but it's automatic, awd, and quite quick, just more refined than aggressive.
The nice thing is there are mods for most of the annoyances, such as firming up the transmission mount for better shifting and clutch feel. I've read turning off hill assist also helps with starts in general
My '17 WRX had a heavy clutch and I loved it. I test drove a' 19 WRX and the clutch was half as light. I have engaged the "braking steering assist once, the car did ridiculously tight turn even with throttle.
I liked the older clutch too! Also, are you referring to the "torque vectoring" thing. Because I think it is a neat feature and I'm glad it is in most Subarus. I was being obnoxious in a legacy and it did the same thing!
I found placing the right side of my right foot against the transmission tunnel with a light pressure really makes it much easier to coordinate the use of the gas a clutch pedal. Much smoother starting from a stop and smoother gear changes.
All I want is performance, and practicality when the weather turns evil. Base WRX is fine. All those electronic gizmos, no thank you! Who needs a power driver's seat if you're the only one touching your Precious. You adjust the seat when you buy it, and you're done! If a mechanic works on your car and needs to drive it a bit, without a power driver's seat, they usually pull it forward or push it back. You get in it, that's all you need to adjust! Sun-roof, go outside and look up at the sky. Moon-roof.... go outside at night. These electronic extras belong on a luxury car for people who are dead inside. They don't belong on a WRX.
I have a 17 base, bought it new. Drove it stock before tune. I enjoyed it stock and even more now. The Cobb drivetrain upgrade was far the best thing I ever did. Bushings, short shift plate, shift stop, and pitch stop.
I have the cobb intake and 3 port boost controller. 270whp/270 torque. Btw, I have 90k miles.
Out of curiosity, has anything broke on it? How long with the tune?
Well this guy answers my question i am asking myself. Being 6'6 my issue was leg room. Thanks to this guy for talking about that
Yeah, looked like enough headroom too! Also looking at a Mazda 3 Skyactiv X but headroom looks quite restricted. My 10 year old boy will be taller than me in roughly 2 years and I'm 189/ 6f2.4..
I’m the same height haven’t had an issue so far , seats almost all the way back
Better looking wrx compared the new 2022 model
Drove fine on the test drive. Stalled twice getting up the dealership driveway 😑
You’re quality is great. Keep it up.
Thank you
Tone down the bg music when you're driving. I like to hear the engine and not the music. It's annoying.
Okay, so I do agree to a point. I had a 2015 base model, and now have a 2020 limited. My car is a 6mt and is my daily. I drive cars for a living, even when you are “used to the clutch” you either ride the clutch or have a rough start. Perrin makes a pitch stop mount brace and mount. These clean up that slop and clunkiness, and make it a much better experience. I do not know why Subaru manufactured the wrx with a plastic junk pitch stop mount, but replace it, and get the brace, and you will be much happier with the car. Noticeable difference in all driving conditions, most noticeable driving around town and in traffic.
So, my 15 base model had the clutch issue at 6000 miles. The throw out bearing broke and came apart. The clutch was replaced under warranty, and felt much better after replacement than it did when is was “3miles” new. The shifter had slop in it from side to side when in gear, it was clunky and drove me nuts. Perrin makes a shift stop mount/brace that will clean that slop up. It’s cheap and easy to install, and easy to adjust: makes shifter level feel much more solid. My 2020 limited feels great from the factory, so I don’t know if they have improved the design, or if it is different from base model to limited model.
I own a 2017, I never understood why people kept describing it as "unrefined". Compared to the STI it's supposed to be very refined. I guess it's a matter of what you're used to.
The suspension in my 2014 BRZ before that for example was very tight so the WRX with it's softer suspension and electrically boosted steering still felt soft to me and took some adjustment for that reason.
Yeah, compared to those cars it is more comfortable but it's main competition from other brands like the GTI, GLI, Civic SI, etc. are more civilized! I was talking with someone earlier who has a BRZ and he actually wanted the WRX to be more aggressive so I hear you.
Looks so dope , like an Evo and a BMW combined. Looks so much better than a civic
Nick Chavez comparing a wrx to a civic is the equivalent to apples to orange.
I have had both WRX and WRX STI cars and currently have 2019 WRX STI. Between the clutch and too aggressive hill assist have stalled the car few times when starting up hill. Had one idiot gun his large Ford van and rear end my car when this happened. I have since disabled the hill assist to get rid of the too aggressive brake application to not deal with this. I have a 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe that releases the hill assist much quicker than the STI. My previous Subaru cars have not been this aggressive and I have driven stick cars since 1967. There are faster and better handling cars but they do not feel as good to me when driving.
So the WRX or STI was more aggressive on the hill assist? Couldn't make that out bringing up the BMW. thanks!
@@codezalo5773 Yes-that is why I brought up the BMW Z4 M Coupe for comparison. While the BMW has hill assist it releases more easily when starting off on a hill. Has forgotten about this post since was 4 years ago!
@@doctorrobert60 haha there a resurgence for a VA, but obviously cross shopping the new cars like VB or like a Honda 2.0 NA at this point in time, but iunno I've owned an 09 impreza WRX and miss the Subaru driving feel. Would love an STi but looks like I'll be going for a WRX, there's actually an influx of options right now. So thank you for the input! I'm curious about the hill assist since no one seems to bring it up actually but something I'll have to check out. Thanks a lot !
@@codezalo5773The newest WRX have made improvements in suspension and the 2.4 engine has decent low end torque. Have not checked one out but reviews have been positive. I do not know if a new STi will appear in next few years. Maybe as a hybrid? Who knows.
I’ve owned a 2019 civic si. Now I own a 2021 wrx premium and IMO the WRX is more fun to drive
I didn’t have any issues shifting a WRX in fact it was really easy you just have to be easy on it and take your time shifting
I purchased a new 2019 and yes it was taking a while to get used to the clutch until I disabled the hill assist. My base model came with a STI shifter, so I have no complaints. I’ve owned many manual transmission cars and they they are all different, you adapt to it.
how do you take off hill assist?
Great review, interesting point about the CVT. Sure would lose a fair bit of engagement but would make it incredibly easy around town. Currently driving a 2.5L CVT 2011 Outback, bought 10 years ago, and it's only gotten stronger over the years - and love the AWD grip. Hardly any issues either.
I've tried an STI, and what you said about the clutch had me laughing. I didn't stall it, but yeah the bite point is about 5mm wide. :) As amazing as it was on the back roads, and I'm still grinning just remembering that, there's no way I'd want to commute with that - ever.
STI is not what he’s reviewing here. STI drives totally different. Different motor. Different transmission. Apples to oranges.
LOL about the clutch.... When I bought my WRX, the salesman said he wasn't allowed to ride along on the test drive (because of the Coronavirus) so he made me go back and forth in the parking lot first before taking it out on the street. Fortunately I've driven plenty of nit-picky manuals before so I did fine. Ironically, I find the 1-2 shift to be the most abrupt; much more so than starting from a stop.
awesome. I got a series.white . tuned with e30 and burble. swapped in STI springs. very fun to drive
You didn't mention rev hang like reviewers for 2019 and before years ALWAYS do. Did Subraru get rid of it for 2020?
Nope, it's still there but the new si has it, my si had it, the veloster turbo had it that I drove awhile back and so did the GLI. It's kind of just something that you get used to with all of these new cars and I forgot to note it in the midst of it. Honestly, it's not a big deal for most people and to the people that so care about it, usually they will tune these things and they can eliminate most of the rev hang that way. I will have to remember to note it though for future reviews.
twinfishfour rev hang is significantly lower for 2020 and it has a new tune and rear diff
@@Realistick oh yes glad you mentioned the GLI. My GLI was terrible until I got my stage 2 APR tune and an upgraded clutch and flywheel. Became butter after. I wonder why so many auto manufacturers are having issues with rev hang for so many models in the late 2010's and even 2020.
No idea if the 2020 and 2021 has it but I have a 2023 WRX and Subaru completely fixed the rev hang in the 2022+.
You mentioned the GTI is easier to live with. How is the build quality and road noise compared to the GTI? How about the undercoating and corrosion protection? Any reliability issues other than the clutch?
I don't know of anything notable other than the transmission problems, I would dig through cars.com reviews of the 17,18,19 models, it might reveal some common smaller problems. Quality and road noise is better in the GTI. Subaru is not bad with rusting but time will tell!
The GTI is a great car, go test drive one. It is a great value for what you get: creature comforts, a smooth ride, turbo 2.0 front wheel drive, it makes for a wonderful comfortable daily and travel car. For me the WRX is a great second car. The WRX is a great car, but I would say define what you want out of a car, and know what you are looking for in a car. The WRX is a 2.0 turbo, all wheel drive vehicle, it is great in the snow, and for going just about anywhere. It has some features(less than the GTI), and rides good, the WRX rides smoother than the STI due to suspension. In the WRX the road noise is louder and it is also a rougher ride over the GTI. The GTI is more friendly to you in terms of ride quality. But you have to keep in mind that you are comparing a rally car that has been made more for the road, and setup for the consumer, versus a sporty hot hatch that was made for the consumer to be a great car for the work commute, and fun at the track and on back roads.
I used to not be able to drive my 2015 wrx with regular shoes on cause of the clutch and throttle sensitivity 😂
I love the touchy wrx, this thing requires a bit more skill to tame :).
Makes smooth shifts much more rewarding!
I have to agree with you on good shifts being rewarding. Most drivers just want to take off fast on a line and not really feel their car or enjoy their driving...
I bought a 2020 WRX about 2 months ago, and learned stick on it. Whenever I shift smoothly im like "Damn that was smooth"
@@jeremy5421 nice *smooth*
this comment is so true!
I am considering one of these for my daily driver; I live in the Northeast and we get a share of snow; etc. I have a 600hp blown mustang with a hot cam and tall gears. The clutch in that is pretty challenging, so I am wondering how the clutch engagement will compare (have yet to test-drive). I'm hoping to find something my wife can drive in a pinch too (she doesn't really drive manual; so she'd be learning on the car).
I think you would be more than fine with this car (this felt like a stage 2 clutch to me) and it is perfect for that kind of environment, however, this is certainly a tricky car to learn on. One of my old managers bought one and managed to learn on it so it is not impossible but a Civic SI would be much easier for her to learn on and just a more forgiving car to daily as well. That has an LSD in the front and makes it pretty decent in the snow for a front wheel drive car but it won't hold a candle to the subie. I would still try out both though! The SI is cheaper so you could get some snow tires on it and you'd be set.
I also live in the Northeast. I'm a new driver and the base 2020 WRX was my very first manual car. It was tough at first and about 900 miles in I still stall occasionally and get clunky shifts into 1 and 2. With that said it is an incredibly rewarding and fun experience to drive my WRX just make sure to get all weather or winter tires.
I’m in the same boat, I currently drive a mustang and I’m getting into a 21 wrx. I love my mustang, always been a mustang kid, but I’m getting tired of the winter anxiety. Yes there’s remedies you can do to help it in the snow but it still sucks when you’re getting out of work and there’s 6 inches of snow on the road and you got a 30 min drive ahead of you. Gonna be an interesting experience considering I’ve only driven manual around dealership parking lots when I was a valet. I refuse to join the cookie cutter SUV wave
Yes, it took me time to figure out the throttle/clutch program when starting in first gear. Then I discovered hill assist.
And I discovered instantly how to turn off the damn hill assist! And the seatbelt chime!
Love the review. I got a 2020 WRX like the one you drove here. I leaned the clutch the hard way (first owned manual car). But I’m loving the car.
Short throw shifter helps and also a cobb tune helps so its not super touchy and the power gets evened out. The power won't disappear in the higher rpms. Makes it so much better. Just buy an access port online.
*@Ao Okami* Thank you and congratulations on the WRX. Learning on a WRX will make everything else much more approachable too, glad you are enjoying it!
I bought my base 2020 WRX back in 2020 Dec. My first manual car. I am loving it more and more. It can be tough to get the shifting smooth but when you do it feels great.
@@rakatika same. I absolutely love my WRX. with the snowstorms recently the car does great for handling, even with sport tires.
Have a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, bought it new and that has been my car since. Thinking about a WRX next.
When you go from a 2000 Jetta 2.slow to this WRX, you feel like you’re in a rocket 😂
Hmm I’m 6’4” last time i sat in a 2017wrx I didn’t fit, no head room, do you know if the seating position is the same?
If you have a sunroof then it actually decreases headroom. Also, torso length changes things too! To my knowledge, the seats are the same.
I’m 6’3” and fit in a 2020 wrx with a sunroof no problem. Hope that helps. 🍻
Dude, you rock. 😂 Thank you for the insight, man.
had a 2016 WRX ran into transmission problems. It did cost me a lot for repair. I had no mods just the exhaust.
Sorry to hear, it's weird how they had more issues with the comparatively simple manual trans compared to the CVT.
Taimi Ando How many miles did your wrx last before you had transmission problems?
I had about 75000 miles
@@taimitine 75,000??? Don't launch the car so much bro.
WRX stock tune and the throttle pedal mapping is brutal. stage 1 tune is much smoother to drive.
my 18 wrx is base 6 speed and is pro tuned with the usual mods is so much better than stock. its like my car went super saiyen!
Did you have to beef up the transmission any? (Out of curiosity)
@@Realistick nope. Ive read the con rods are the biggest worry at my power level. Plus the 18s and up have reinforced 1st and 2nd gears.
Yes, I was curious if the things I was reading about 1st and 2nd were true. Nice ride!
@@Realistick thanks. its pretty quick. im pro tuned to 301 whp and 315 wtq. if the sti has 400 hp like rumors suggest and its not ugly i might trade in by 2023 if my situation permits.
My Impreza's manual transmission is like that. Also, the friction zone is like an inch off the floor. So annoying compared to my Civic.
actually your comment about the side vent 2:25 they are functional they help with heat extraction. if you buy some perrin engine side vents it allows more ventilation engine bay heat drops about 8 degrees and leaves the bay a little quicker.
These were not opened up. At least I couldn't see an opening upon close inspection. The new supra has similar vents but there are aftermarket ways to open them up. I take it that you are suggesting something similar.
@@Realistick yes theres a rubber piece that needs to come out for better extraction but it's got some flow you gotta pull off the fender shrouds
Atleast you tell people about the clutch I had no clue. I didn't stall it but definitely bogged down and was really close
Every Subaru sales person definitely needs to give people a heads up on it!
i got the same exact car 1 week ago. same trim same color
great review brother appreciate you thanks man the only thing I would disagree with you on was your opinion of the trunk space you are crazy no other car can fit 4full size sparez in the trunk WRX was intended to be able to carry for full size spare tires for when you go to the track. you tell me if another car that has that ability to carry for full size tires in the trunk and you said it's okay on trunk space.. lol
Thanks for the feedback, I only said it had okay space because it does have a smaller trunk than the Civic Si sedan and Jetta GLI. I recently tested an audi a3 and that one was cramped, this just isn't on top of the class.
Brother your 6ft tall. If there's enough room to fit your big ass plus a sexy lady and a pony keg it's not just okay room brother... it's f******n party time.. lol.. I subscribe to the channel love the content. see you in the next video brother 👊👍😎
,best daily review for the car ! U get sub
Nice review bro, about to get my first WRX next week (it's in transit). I'm coming off from '14 MINI Cooper Hardtop where the clutch is so forgiving so it'll be interesting to see how I'll do with WRX. My test drive was clunky, not going to lie, but love how the car drives.
Thank you and congratulations. They are tricky at first and it will never be buttery smooth the way a regular civic might be but it gets much much easier over time and becomes really rewarding!
The best manual car I have ever driven
Upgraded sway bars will make steering tighter.
Nice review. Im thinking about trading my 2018 honda accord sport 1.5 into a 2020 WRX Premium. Would you say the WRX is worth it and reliable?
If you are buying a new one then I would have little to no concerns outside of the trans problems they were having earlier in its production run. If it was lightly used, i still think it would be fine. I think where I would start to be a little on edge is after 8 or 10 years. Subaru said they fixed the head gasket and oil consumption problems, but that still lurks in the back of my head. Still, I would recommend it for you if you want something reliable and fun but if you enjoy the comfort of the Accord then I would personally steer you toward an SI. While it is a different experience from the WRX, they are still capable and so much easier to live with so test drive them both! But hey, if reliability is what you are worried about, the WRX shouldn't dissappoint. And if it does, the resale is best in class! I hope this helps.(also, i think the SI still has the oil dilution problem in cold climates).
@@Realistick the thing i love about my accord now is the technology piece (Lane keep assist, brake assist, etc) but the 1.5 T sport is little slow for me and its a CVT. I regret buying the accord 2.0 T Sport. I trade to trade it in but the payments are too high. It seems like i will be getting a better deal with the WRX. But hearing all these problems with the WRX in the past with other users ,worries me..That's why i am debating if should get it or not..Plus i have always own a honda..lol
Not worth IT but reliable yes
I would recommend the base model WRX as it provides the best bang for your buck and the seats are more comfy too!
I don’t know is just me I guess... cuz i bought the basic one and I change the wheels that limited has and It feels that run faster and more fun .. mmm that is what I feel lol
Love my wrx ❤️
does it sound good?
Is this somehow an astronomically harder to shift car the the 2019? With reduced rev-hang issues this thing should be easy. As for stalling, well, I owned an 07 Civic, and even after mastering the clutch still stalled when I wasn't paying enough attention to it. The WRX is much more forgiving in comparison, so I never had this issue.
Great review! Im really loving my 2019 and am anxiously waiting for my warranty to end so that I can tune out some of my minor gripes.
The rev hang doesn’t effect starting out in first gear. I think that most if the issue he is talking about. I have a 2018 wrx. I got the Cobb access port to loose that rev hang. That helps from 1st to 2nd. Also it helps take the dip in power from 4K-5k.
@@rallyfreak08 - I wasnt talking about rev hang when talking about starting out. What I said was in reference to it being difficult to shift through the gears. Imo the rev hang is what makes my 19 harder to shift for your average person. So if he is having a hard time jamming through the gears, im wondering what the problem is? I have over 50k on my car now, and even with the less than stellar gear box, I wouldn't have the same problems he mentions with the 20, which afaik is the same car but with the rev hang issue improved.
I really want an access port, but im gonna milk the warranty for a little longer.
I think I am getting the base version soon.
My first try WRX with experience of motorcycle clutch but it not to bad like this.
Thank you. Great video, very informative!
While I love Subaru's the engine is getting a little tired for the times. Check out the Toyota GR Yaris 257 Horsepower, All-Wheel Drive
I really wish the US would get that! We might at least be getting the corolla with the same engine but only fwd..
I'm anxiously awaiting this vehicle. I'm extremely upset with my 2018 WRX Limited and it sucks in the heat (I'm in Florida). M also not a modder, so I have to suck it up until it gets cooler in October and this Yaris arrives. If the Yaris is awesome, I'll get it.
The fa20 is a recent engine.
It almost like they didn’t watch the video. Yes. This motor was new in 2015 and been updated since.
Nice review! Thank you!
Thanks for interesting review 😊
Two days ago I bought a 2020 base model. I didn't have any trouble with the clutch in the test drive. Shifting is a bit weird, but I found it's smoother if I use less clutch.
People usually have issues with the abruptness of the clutch, ESPECIALLY if they haven't daily driven a manual. I had to re-teach my camera man who has limited experience because he couldn't get the thing to move.
@@Realistick That makes sense. I've been daily driving clutch for 17 years now. I could see how it could be hard if you daily an auto.
BTW, I watched quite a few wrx videos prior to purchase. This is one of the best ones I've found. And it probably helps it's the same model I wanted.
@@GarageRacer253 Glad you enjoyed the video, thank you!
has the 2020 wrx rev hang been fixed?
Good question and I don't believe so, all of the modern spory compact cars I have driven have a fair amount of rev hang, a tune can alleviate that in most cases I have run into and I think a few people have commented about removing that as well with a tune! It's software, not hardware, that causes it to be excessive.
@@Realistick right on, thank you! been debating on what year i should get and the 2020 might just be it for me
I have a 2018 WRX and it’s a pain to drive smoothly. I haven’t driven any of the competition but used to drive a Honda Accord 5-speed MT, and the Honda was way easier to drive than the WRX. The WRX has bad rev hang going into 2nd gear, but this can be tuned out. The WRX is overall a fun little car though, and the rough ride just comes with the turf.
murcroadster I let some neighbors/family members drive my car a little and every single one of them stalled. One neighbor tried to reverse my car but kept putting it in 6th gear (as he wasn’t used to the little switch under the stick). My uncle stalled a few times and said it was because he’s used to right hand drive vehicles (bad excuse).
Look up the Perrin pitch stop mount, and brace, separate items. These clean up the slop in taking off and you will get a smooth comfortable take off constantly.
@@RP-ge1ts also make them very noisy. Just like the rough feeling in the suspension. It’s a give and a take. You can’t take turns like your on rails with soft comfortable suspension. Makes me giggle that people complain about a rough ride in a sports car. That thing is designed to carve turns. Not get groceries home safe. Lol
Great reveiw but the velostet n is more harsh in ride than the wrx
I haven't driven the veloster n (the regular or hopped up version) but I have not heard that they were rougher than the WRX, I will have to get my hand on it to find out myself!
imagine a dealership letting this dude launch a new wrx just going to redline.
Is the boxer engine gone from the wrx 😨 and only sti get them btw good video
Thank you and no, this has a boxer engine! It's just the FA20 and not an EJ motor like sti.
Great review man! Couldn’t have said it better as I drove the 2019 model.
One thing I can say is that the steering is a bit off as you noted (its electric while STI is hydraulic).
However it feels much nicer and on point in the winter with the winter tires.
The clutch also feels stiff when shifting from first to second gear until it “bites”.
It is a great daily/rally car for the price!
If you want to incease your viewers start off with a fast drive to get them hooked then after you pull over then show the car because people want to feel and see how fast it is discussing the car is boring at first so Flip the script start your video at 14:48 you also fail to disclose that VW's last 3 years then fall apart why Subaru's give you atleast 10 years so if you want Longevity Subaru if you want to lease then go VW
While I agree that VWs as a whole are not as reliable as Subarus. The WRX is technically the least reliable in their lineup according to outlets like consumer reports. Looking at online consumer reviews also shows that they aren't some bulletproof, maintenance-free car. Oil consumption, head gaskets, transmissions and clutches are all things that have plagued the WRX in the past and some in the present. The vw hasn't had all of those issues. They used to have oil consumption problems similar to Subaru, Toyota, and Honda, but I wouldn't shit all over them for that. The main advantage to the Subaru, in that regard, is resale! As far as review structure goes, I was thinking the same thing for a while. In my oldest videos, I didn't have the same structure as I do now and my viewer retention has actually gone up on average. Common news story logic of a strong "hook" hasn't really held up here with TH-cam. Still, I will probably switch it up again in a future review if when I get a performance car again, not for a corolla. So far my videos have pretty good numbers, my main struggle is posting often! If you want views, you need to appease the algorithm, and that's how you do it!
Nice palace hat
Great Video, I have a 2003 Sonic Yellow WRX Wagon that I am putting up for sale as I just got a 2018 50th anniversary to replace her and yes I got her new.. The Clutch is what you said.. I guess its now electronic and took a week to get used to. The first gear is way too short, I have to shift at 15mph if i am normally driving.. But it just is a perfect WRX.. Havnt put my girl up for sale yet, but I love the Rex..
Thank you! Yes, the gearbox has aggressive gearing for sure. Has to be hard to part ways with the bugeye but congratulations on the new car!
In my experience WRX clutch just grabs really hard and the power band is really touchy. Even after owning one for almost a year, my takeoffs are still a little bumpy sometimes.
STI clutch is butter, and the power band is more linear which is why it’s easier.
Yeah. I kinda jump in the deep end. I bought my 2020 WRX Base with it being the first manual I’ve owned. I have driven manual trans in the past for my old job. Lets just say stalling was a normal occurrence the first couple days.
COBB ACCESSPORT and you're done!
You forgot to add this car completely sucks in hot climates. Feels like there's no boost during summer and I can't stand it. Luckily, I live in Florida and it's only hot 8 months out of the year. 🤮
That's sad that Marshall's closed :(
**marsh**
@@Realistick Wait is it actually a store called "Marsh?" hahahah egg on my face...
@@splatbubble It was a valid inference, it was a grocery chain that has slowly been going out of business. Another large grocery chain bought the building to keep out any competitors and they let the nearby dealership park cars there. The Marshalls in Bloomington is doing surprisingly well 😂
@@Realistick TH-cam won't let me post links - so I'll simply say, "Well then I'm happy and sad for you." - Laslo Hollyfield (Real Genius, 1985) (quote matches your sentence better in reverse, but it's all I got!)
10:03: whenever I let people drive my sti that's how it is lol
It’s all in the tune tbh
I have never heard of the WRX having clutch problems. Clutch failure is due to human error.
www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-wrx-brand-s-least-reliable-model-transmission-problems
Car clutch and trans breaks because people launch them on pavement. They thrash the fuck out of them. If u drive the car like it’s meant to be then I will last a long time. Just make sure u clean ur valves every 15-20k. Gotta love direct injection.
That's a surefire way for a trans to break too, however, those specific years actually did have problems that needed addressing though. Their failure rate was abnormally high for such a new car, previous models did not have that problem the same way. And yes, direct injection is a efficient, dirty bitch that needs attention!
I've never had a car with direct injection, what do you do for the maintenance?
Great review, but I disagree with shifter being notchy and transmission being difficult to drive smoothly. I love the feel of shifter clicking into gear, and clutch take-up isn't too difficult to do smoothly, imo.
Thank you, and I honestly can't even think of a new car with a manual that is more difficult to drive than this. Do you have a new one? I did find it to be a bit better after being broken in, but I see SOOO many people struggle with them that I had to mention it. I even left in the clip of my camera man trying to drive it, again, older ones and more broken in ones seem to be better. As far as feel goes, it seemed notchy when compared to other new cars like the Jetta GLI, SI, Golf R, Focus RS, Mazda 3, but some may prefer it that way. Not to say that you can't drive these smoothly, I could after a while but it takes much more thought and care than in pretty much any other car I have driven
@@Realistick so I just got a 2020 Wednesday, similar to car in this video, but premium. I watched other reviews that mentioned it being a tricky manual as well, so maybe my expectations were low. When I test drove it Monday I ended up being pleasantly surprised. I am also coming from a Tacoma manual that I turned in off lease, and a 2013 Elantra that I traded in.... Both sticks, so I'm comparing WRX to some sloppy competition!
@@daveromanyshyn1170 Yes, I definitely prefer the WRX stick over the one in the Tacoma (haven't driven the elantra), the clutch on the Tacoma that I drove (2017) was touchy too, but a little more forgiving in my opinion. Still, WRX is a big improvement and congratulations!
@@Realistick Thanks! Again, great review. It's nice to watch a solid review from a true car guy!
@@daveromanyshyn1170 Thank you!
As soon as he said he had no issues with the stock sound system I immediately cannot trust his judgment. The stock stereo is junk. The head unit, the speakers, it's all junk. Had to spend like 1800 bucks to completely replace it all to make the car a nice place to be including wireless android auto, a 10" sub and while retaining the factory steering wheel controls and backup camera.
As far as the driveability, the stock throttle is non-linear. It's in the ECU. It's front weighted. You give it 10% throttle input and it outputs 30% engine output. At 50% throttle input its at 100% output. The last half of the pedal travel is completely numb and at 5k rpm it falls on its face. A Cobb Accessport and a OTS Stage 1 Tune corrects this and makes it linear so 10% input gives you 10% output. No more stalling and jerky 1-2 shifts. That's another $700 bucks. So for just $2,500 you can have a WRX with a proper sound system and one that drives proper. Still worth it.
No issues to me means I don't have any qualms about it, it's okay, not up to audiophile standards and not going to impress anyone, personally, the hk system isn't a whole bunch better either, even with the sub.
@@Realistick What I did isn't up to audiophile standards either. That would have run me several thousand more. It's just not hot garbage. The HK system option is the biggest waste of money since it all needs to be ripped out anyways.
Te factory speakers have magnets the size of a quarter literally, and plastic baskets and are a whopping 35W max rated speaker that weighs about 4 ounces for a 6.5" speaker. It's no joke as close to nothing as they could get. The factory head unit puts out something like 7.5W per channel. The "tweeters" are paper cone small speakers, not a typical done style tweeter at all.
@@jamesg8246 Just about every stock system in a non-luxury car is the same.
@@Realistick You're correct. But the laggy resistive screen factory head unit just really makes it sad. I understand. It's a WRX. It's focused on performance mostly.
I have to agree that the base sound system in the WRX is absolutely horrific. I figured the sound wouldn’t matter to me - I have a Subaru with the Kardon system which is ok. I had to have the wrx system changed. It definitely requires an amp, upgraded speakers and a small sub in the trunk. The factory system is ridiculously bad.
Thought this was Alex from FI 😭🤣
WRX buyers want pain.
Dead.
Thank you for this awesome review, I wish Subaru would do something about the fuel economy on this vehicle because damn fuel prices are expensive!!!
What if they put out an option to have a RWD WRX I mean it's out of the norm but it would yield a notable increase in MPG and you would still be able to have some fun around the corners.
It's just something to think about🤔
Thank you for the feedback, hopefully with the next redesign we see a big boost in mileage. I don't know if they will use their new 2.4 turbo in this (I kind of doubt it) but those get pretty good gas mileage (30 mpg on the highway with the outback). Rwd would be really cool but I doubt they would ever do it just because awd is a part of the WRX's niche. What would be cool is a brz sti, something that is much more plausible! Performance versions of about every car use premium unfortunately but the 2.4 turbo doesn't in the outback and legacy so maybe that can change with the next gen. Subaru is good at getting good gas mileage with awd so there's promise there!
I came from an 05 outback 3.0R so I had low expectations but my 2020 wrx base barely uses gas compared to that thing. I average 37mpg highway and 24.5 overall the past 3k miles. That's damn good for a raw turbo awd "sports sedan" in my book.
I will not buy this car after he launched it.
It's an understandable concern, it's why I usually do one launch in new cars and if I don't get a good result then so be it. Honestly, I don't push these cars more than a lot of people do when test driving a car. In fact, I actually make sure they are at the proper running temperature, which many people don't. Plus, the person who bought the car saw the video first.
@@Realistick interesting - my '11 2.5L CVT Outback feels like it's gotten stronger over the years.
I'll make sure to give it 100% throttle on a regular basis once warmed up, eg freeway onramps, and I only use 98 fuel which is not half as bad as the high sulfur crap in the lower octane fuels in Australia. It's very responsive around town as such, and the AWD is always well footed.
The '22 Rex looks like an amazing update.. ;)
Subaru went from the sweet bug eye impezas to this horrible looking camry abomination 🤣🤣
never buy a Subaru. the head gaskets fail...
Newer models are much better (time will tell further), but you should do more research on the changes. None in the class are super reliable either, this at least holds its value better than any of the others. Not saying they are the most reliable cars, they aren't, but the new ones are not something that needs to be avoided.
Quit it
It's hard for me to take car advice from a guy who looks like he can't change his own oil. Sorry, bro.
quit with the crappy acting. over acting is so terrible to watch.
I'm not an actor, obviously, but I enjoy implementing bits or jokes into these videos. As long as I am my own boss, you can rest assured that I will do whatever I please. The next one will win an oscar, I swear!
@@Realistick Your correct, you can certainly do whatever you like. It just sucked that's all. not the whole thing, who knows you may be the next great You Tuber...or maybe not..Peace
Realistick you’re video was great. Fuck this 👆guy.