The smile on your face sums up what's different about driving a Subie doesn't matter the look of the externals or the gear box once you throw that AWD into a corner and accelerate you just get that feeling. Btw half the ppl making negative comments have never even driven a WRX/STI.
This comment will put to shame when you see his reviews on the Civic Si. All big smiles and excitements no what ifs. I’m not saying the VB is bad, but I think he was expecting more from it.
A tuned manual is insane! Got a 450hp base model and it rips! J pipe, cai, exhaust, clutch and Cobb tuning with a little E mixed in…..best turbo 4cylinder car I’ve ever driven!
Really can’t think of any other car that has fallen so far from legendary status to average. Shame on Subaru, this was my dream car when I was younger and couldn’t afford it. Now that I can, I don’t want it.
@@steve8803these are like 2 seconds slower in the quarter mile than the stink eye generation. The performance is laughable. Elantra N is where it’s at, v8 performance for $30k.
Precisely. I had no choice but to stick with AWD. I was born into Subaru and loved them. But the effects of long-term cost-cutting, abandoning their ethos, and disregarding their core market, made me go to Audi. Haven't looked back since. Just disappointed in Subaru
The automatic transmission is pretty weak. The manual transmission is also. Its not the same type of transmission that was in the sti. It's pretty disappointing.
@@ranran2218 manual transmission isn’t weak. You see automatics beginning to fail at 100k miles while manuals that i’ve experienced have not gone out, most i’ve driven is 254k miles MT.
@Raiti's Rides, really REALLY love those gunmetal wheels. That exact colour reminds me of the ultra rare and impossible to find Acura CSX HFP wheels that was only available in Canada and an upgrade accessory!! Wooo~
i lease a new Subaru for 4 months, to know how the automatic transmission is, and i prefer rebuilding a manual, to buy an automatic one more time. Subaru needs a manual. Love the car really nice.
As a WRX Premium owner, I say no it is not. In fact a CVT WRX just feels off. If you insist on an automatic there are far better choices especially in the US where everyone wants to drive an automatic it seems.
The plastic cladding looks absolutely awful. Imagine how bad it will look when the sun fades it in 4 to 5 years. Subaru is not known for using high quality plastics.
GT is great for ppl like me who don't wanna drive a manual. Heard in some cases it's cheaper than the limited manual models cuz less demand. Great value.
The type r is a track car. You would not be able to unlock its full potential. No need for awd. Wrx could not compete with any of the fwd competitors on a track which is sad.
Some of these comments are mind-boggling and just hard to ignore. The FA24DIT is by far the best performance engine Subaru has ever released to the masses - people are already making 400 to the wheels without a fully built engine - that much power with just bolt ons and a protune. This might’ve been possible with the S209, but just ask any real WRX enthusiast what it took to get to 400 whp and how much it cost them. And that’s just the engine too. The new VB is tuned significant better than any other WRX that came out. 0-60 times are negligible because of the fact that the VB doesn’t have a proper launch control system and also the fact that you have to shift to 3rd at 56mph. Does anyone ever talk about any roll races between a VB vs a previous generation WRX? I thought so, because a stock VB will be toe-to-toe with a modestly tuned stage 2 VA and even a VA STI. But hey, spec sheets are the end-all-be-all way of measuring performance these days it seems.
Incredible video Joe!! My day is never complete without a Raiti’s Rides video! You and Lori keep kickin butt!! Hope you guys have an incredible weekend!🚙👍🏼😀
I traded my manual 2022 VB WRX Sport-tech (top trim but no Recaros) for a 2020 STI Sport... I don't miss the tablet screen or the floaty/bouncy ride. Honestly the only things that I liked about the VB were the moving headlights, some interior mats (soft touch pleather) and the Harmon Kardon speakers, all things that the aftermarket can fix. I didn't mind the looks of it at all, but man nothing beats the raw "analog" experience of the STI.
I own a 22 and I'd say, if you can do the dance and want to drive manual get the limited in manual . A lot of comfort features and under 40k. Its been a fun daily.
My money would go Integra Type S. I'm not a WRX fan or WRX STI fan, but both Subaru of Japan and Subaru of America dropped the ball and the major bombshell that the WRX STI that was supposed to be on this current gen WRX platform was no more. People including myself say the GR Corolla is the replacement for the WRX STI that was supposed to be, which from my understanding was fully completed and ready to be shown only to be cancelled before its big reveal. At the end of the day, the incoming and arriving Integra Type S would get my money 100%
Tbh… As a WRX fan since a kid, i can say this is the first generation WRX that I don’t like not one bit… specially the looks… it looks like a soccer mom car, NO WAY ITS BETTER THAT the Integra Type S, they nailed it on that one💯
I have this car and I love it. I did really want the type r but can’t justify mark ups. I would recommend getting the premium trim if you get this car, the upper trims are not worth the extra $$ in my opinion.
@@MyMentalMysteryI just went to go test a base and premium. The premium can come with or without the upgraded Harmon Kardon. I tested it cause I wanted it as I had it on my 2015 wrx premium and honestly there isn’t much of a difference. Save yourself the 2k add on.
I really love the long reviews when you do them, it's perfect for morning coffee, thanks Lori and Joe!!! As for the WRX, man I owned one in the day and hoping they raise the bar soon...
I'll sadly never own a new subaru again. Having all the center stack controls in the screen is going to be a future problem. All my previous Subarus have been great but the infotainment screens are slow and buggy.
The ideal gauge cluster configuration is a large central analog tach with an inset digital speedometer, flanked on both sides by digital instrumentation. Pretty much how Porsche does it. IMO anyway.
I think Subaru should have like a ts trim, basically the GT but with a manual, brembo brakes, and slightly sharper handling. Especially since we can't get an STI
42,000 is way too much for a wrx. I agree with some of these other comments this car isn’t that interesting anymore. I own a 17 wrx and have zero interest in this car
I have never been more amaze of watching such a LEGENDARY car go to average bruh this why when they say if is not broken don’t fix it idk wtf happen to Subaru at this point 😂
Also very disappointed with this offering from Subaru 😢. I leased my 2019 Sti wanting to trade up when the new Sti was out……… but……just bought out my Sti ,happy and content 🎉 and glad to have a legends last offering
Only God knows why Subaru decided the Pontiac Aztek was the epitome of automotive design and based this WRX off it. They were on to something half decent with the last gen Evo/Corolla design but this. This is atrocious.
Needs 3 pedals - need to lose that awful black plastic cladding - and a bump to 300 hp would be nice 😈. A#1 review - thanks again for all that you and Lori do for the car community 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼!
Test drove a base ‘22 with the short shift throw. Feels way different than my ‘20. With a tune and some bolt ons I think the VB has a lot of potential. Definitely needs a muffler delete cos it’s too quiet!
42k? I would, this would probably be my last pick behind Honda, VW, Hyundai, etc. if I absolutely needed AWD, I would be between the GR Corolla or the Golf R, both of which I could have a manual. To me, a CVT makes little sense in the WRX. The base WRX is more enticing due to the
@Paul I live in California. Awd does nothing for me. I understand if you get snow where you live. I need a track star on the weekends. The wrx is the worse choice if you want to track your car also.
@@tommieboi707 AWD isn't even necessary. I'm in New England and drive up to Maine in snowy weather with my fwd Volkswagen. Even good all seasons do the job, but I would like to get dedicated steelies with winter tires on them at some point. If you want to have fun in the snow I understand the AWD but that's not something I need in a car.
I'm a Subie fan but $42K for WRX is no go for me as I'd rather get a Camry V6 XSE for similar price but more power and better MPG. Looking forward to the Integra Type S review.
Really dig its new styling. Looks more rally purposeful to me and different than anything else. Like a madmax post-apocalypse vehicle. I’d add some mudflaps, LP adventure small bumper guards. But i think most prefer it look more street and arent feeling it as much. OEM performance is sweet spot. 271 and AWD is awesome. They fell short with no better brake option though. I’d have to get a limited or premium. No way i’d want an auto enthusiast car. I just would lose so much element of fun. I’d take the base model over the GT.
Everyone hates, but have you driven it? Once you've learned it, you may love it like i do. Also, the sti exhaust is worth the upgrade, gives you the tone and sound you might be looking for. Thanks Raiti, for the positive vibes ❤
I drove it and didn't like it. Something was missing. I don't know if it needs more power or more rawness...but it's definitely missing something to make it stand out from the crowd. I did not come away from it feeling like I drove a Subaru WRX but just another car with gimmicks to make it feel special.
Saw one of these in the flesh the other day and in red. Not a bad looker at all, quite smart. Glaring flaw is simply the lack of grunt. At a minimum it should be 220kw. Nice work Joe, keep it going.
42K with a CVT? GTFO. I'm not even a "car guy" but you're out of your mind if you want to sell this "sports" sedan without a manual. Not even a DCT or something like that? No way. Integra may even be slower but it at least looks good.
The old Wrx and Sti looked so much better I just can’t get over those suv style tire wells it’s like Subaru ran out of money when they got to the paint process!! 👽🛸
Car looks like ass unless it’s gray or black. CVT as the only option on top trim, wth are they thinking? Hopefully Subaru fixes this if they aren’t planning to axe it from the lineup anyway.
I drove one of these today.. it was okay, but I was nowhere near impressed. My 2023 santa fe with the 2.5T has more power on paper AND even being heavier and larger..feels like it has more power.
I’m afraid Subaru is on its way to becoming snoozebaru. No manual in the top trim of a WRX?!? STI cancelled?!? No turbo Forester, for us anyway a turbo STI Forester is available in Japan. CVT’s everywhere. I guess they’re just happy selling the U.S. Crosstreks and Outbacks as fast as they can make them. For car enthusiasts they may become the next Mitsubishi, Nothing to see here folks. ☹️
The new wrx is perfect for my northern climate if I lived in the southwest would be in the civic si / type r /integra , I had the 22 civic sii just couldn’t do it in these winters awd is a must
Hyundai is doing a lot better for the enthusiast than Slowbaru, Acura, Nissan, Mitsubishi. There is a saying, what goes up, must come down, and what goes around, comes around. Its the Koreans turn to show the world. Those old jdm had their turn in the 90’s
Expensive but probably just adjusted for inflation? I like cars with big rear ends but this one is too big. Maybe subaru should paint half of the rear diffuser? Just my opinion. And Joe, you can review a base toyota corolla and I'd watch. That's how great you're reviews are!
I love my 2022 WRX GT! I swapped my stock wheels for the 2021 STI wheels, AeroFlow Dynamics sport grille and STI paint matched ceramic rear spoiler. The only con I have is that the eyesight work tooo good😂 It can freak out during “spirited driving” with friends😅, but does do great at the autocross events
The WRX compared to the newer sports econo-cars looks to me like a tired grandpa, happy to have him here and sad that you know he's on his last legs. Very old fashioned styling
Its incredible how divided the Subaru fans are The new WRX its a nice car, just bought it in a Base trim with manual transmission and its a blast. Not everything its HPs, American guys are just all about power , that is not the only thing important thing in a car. What I agree its that the GT trim should have been manual and the STI is missing in the line up.. This WRX its a white canvas and you can tune it as you want
Definitely better looking in person BUT... that rear end bumper is an eye sore, the sluggish infotainment system that controls everything would drive me up a wall, and 42k price point is filled with better performing cars. Great review!
Jealousy all around here. Just bought one and it’s great. $11,000.00 less than a Golf R or Honda R. Great car and fun to drive with the 6 speed manual.
Couldn't pay more than $35k for a top of the line, fully loaded WRX. There's too much competition today and these IC engines really have no business charging that much when you can get a Model 3 for $35-40k.
You aren't getting anything special with base Model 3. Single motor, 0-60 in 5.8s. Most of theese turbo 4 bangers walk it stock, and the Tesla won't ever close to their handling.
After 15 Subarus over my lifetime, I am done with the horizontally opposed engine. If I were looking for an awd sedan, I would probably go Audi A3 for the similar money. 1/2 second slower to 60, but much better gas mileage.
The smile on your face sums up what's different about driving a Subie doesn't matter the look of the externals or the gear box once you throw that AWD into a corner and accelerate you just get that feeling. Btw half the ppl making negative comments have never even driven a WRX/STI.
Thanks for letting me share the on throttle experience with you!
This comment will put to shame when you see his reviews on the Civic Si. All big smiles and excitements no what ifs. I’m not saying the VB is bad, but I think he was expecting more from it.
A tuned manual is insane! Got a 450hp base model and it rips! J pipe, cai, exhaust, clutch and Cobb tuning with a little E mixed in…..best turbo 4cylinder car I’ve ever driven!
sure till the life expectancy is reduced by 75%
@@steveolie985 17k trouble free miles
@@steveolie985 and the warranty is void
They made these car to be tuned....and people can do what they want with their car......F warranty....I say tune the F out of them
@@steveolie985 oh hey btw, now at 22k miles with zero issues.
Really can’t think of any other car that has fallen so far from legendary status to average. Shame on Subaru, this was my dream car when I was younger and couldn’t afford it. Now that I can, I don’t want it.
this comment right here is spot on! I wouldnt even buy this car for half of what it costs. Hard pass!
@SixSigma your loss. The 2.4t has proven to be by far the best engine ever in a wrx/sti.
@Steve yet it looks like daily traffic. Nothing fancy looking with this.
@@steve8803these are like 2 seconds slower in the quarter mile than the stink eye generation. The performance is laughable. Elantra N is where it’s at, v8 performance for $30k.
Precisely. I had no choice but to stick with AWD. I was born into Subaru and loved them. But the effects of long-term cost-cutting, abandoning their ethos, and disregarding their core market, made me go to Audi. Haven't looked back since. Just disappointed in Subaru
Needs 50 more HP and a manual to justify that price. The engine can handle the extra boost.
Or a manual and brembos
aftermarket mod
The automatic transmission is pretty weak. The manual transmission is also. Its not the same type of transmission that was in the sti. It's pretty disappointing.
@@ranran2218 the manual trans is fine lol
@@ranran2218 manual transmission isn’t weak. You see automatics beginning to fail at 100k miles while manuals that i’ve experienced have not gone out, most i’ve driven is 254k miles MT.
Only thing they have to do is minimize the cladding and redesign the read end
Sketch Monkey did that on his channel, check it out.
@Raiti's Rides, really REALLY love those gunmetal wheels. That exact colour reminds me of the ultra rare and impossible to find Acura CSX HFP wheels that was only available in Canada and an upgrade accessory!! Wooo~
And make the gt model a manual Jesus….
@@porschegt2346 Yeah thats the major thing.
When your top trim, doesn't appeal to 85% of your target market?!?!
i lease a new Subaru for 4 months, to know how the automatic transmission is, and i prefer rebuilding a manual, to buy an automatic one more time.
Subaru needs a manual. Love the car really nice.
As a WRX Premium owner, I say no it is not. In fact a CVT WRX just feels off. If you insist on an automatic there are far better choices especially in the US where everyone wants to drive an automatic it seems.
The plastic cladding looks absolutely awful. Imagine how bad it will look when the sun fades it in 4 to 5 years. Subaru is not known for using high quality plastics.
One in a manual would be awesome. Wish the Type R was awd as fwd is a thing of the past.
Look at the Acura RDX
GT is great for ppl like me who don't wanna drive a manual. Heard in some cases it's cheaper than the limited manual models cuz less demand. Great value.
You shut your mouth. “Thing of the past” is why everything is going EV and automatic. Embrace Honda’s ability to stick to what they have perfected.
The lsd and amount of grip that the Type-R has makes awd negligible.
The type r is a track car. You would not be able to unlock its full potential. No need for awd. Wrx could not compete with any of the fwd competitors on a track which is sad.
Big price increase for the 2023s with no additional features or standard ones.
2k increase on new year models on mostly all new years with nothing new
You've never heard of inflation? We've had 10%+ real inflation in the past year. Not the CPI lies.
Just like every car out there. A Civic Si now costs $30k instead of $28k
@@po.russki stop with that inflation sh!t if its the same product just different year then the price should be the same or stop making them then
@@po.russki What gives you that feeling, Comrade?
Some of these comments are mind-boggling and just hard to ignore. The FA24DIT is by far the best performance engine Subaru has ever released to the masses - people are already making 400 to the wheels without a fully built engine - that much power with just bolt ons and a protune. This might’ve been possible with the S209, but just ask any real WRX enthusiast what it took to get to 400 whp and how much it cost them. And that’s just the engine too. The new VB is tuned significant better than any other WRX that came out. 0-60 times are negligible because of the fact that the VB doesn’t have a proper launch control system and also the fact that you have to shift to 3rd at 56mph. Does anyone ever talk about any roll races between a VB vs a previous generation WRX? I thought so, because a stock VB will be toe-to-toe with a modestly tuned stage 2 VA and even a VA STI. But hey, spec sheets are the end-all-be-all way of measuring performance these days it seems.
Incredible video Joe!! My day is never complete without a Raiti’s Rides video! You and Lori keep kickin butt!! Hope you guys have an incredible weekend!🚙👍🏼😀
In my area, dealers can't seem to give these things away. They all still have like 30+ 2022's in stock and are advertising $4000 off sticker deals.
Same here. Really piling up. Combo of redesign and core audience slammed by job losses and inflation.
Can i ask where u guys located? And which dealship! Thanks
@@kevinm5177 where are you guys located? My dealers still charging 2k over sticker lol
CVT is a car killer
@@hank5452 San Francisco Bay Area California
I traded my manual 2022 VB WRX Sport-tech (top trim but no Recaros) for a 2020 STI Sport... I don't miss the tablet screen or the floaty/bouncy ride. Honestly the only things that I liked about the VB were the moving headlights, some interior mats (soft touch pleather) and the Harmon Kardon speakers, all things that the aftermarket can fix.
I didn't mind the looks of it at all, but man nothing beats the raw "analog" experience of the STI.
Sti limited has all u need
Yep… Regardless of how good FA24 is vs EJ25, the transmission is still the limiting point.
moving headlights are so incredibly dope
I own a 22 and I'd say, if you can do the dance and want to drive manual get the limited in manual . A lot of comfort features and under 40k. Its been a fun daily.
Thanks for sharing that great ownership input.
My money would go Integra Type S.
I'm not a WRX fan or WRX STI fan, but both Subaru of Japan and Subaru of America dropped the ball and the major bombshell that the WRX STI that was supposed to be on this current gen WRX platform was no more.
People including myself say the GR Corolla is the replacement for the WRX STI that was supposed to be, which from my understanding was fully completed and ready to be shown only to be cancelled before its big reveal.
At the end of the day, the incoming and arriving Integra Type S would get my money 100%
Tbh… As a WRX fan since a kid, i can say this is the first generation WRX that I don’t like not one bit… specially the looks… it looks like a soccer mom car, NO WAY ITS BETTER THAT the Integra Type S, they nailed it on that one💯
I have this car and I love it. I did really want the type r but can’t justify mark ups. I would recommend getting the premium trim if you get this car, the upper trims are not worth the extra $$ in my opinion.
Even with the improved sound system and steering responsive headlights?
@@MyMentalMysteryI just went to go test a base and premium. The premium can come with or without the upgraded Harmon Kardon. I tested it cause I wanted it as I had it on my 2015 wrx premium and honestly there isn’t much of a difference. Save yourself the 2k add on.
I really love the long reviews when you do them, it's perfect for morning coffee, thanks Lori and Joe!!! As for the WRX, man I owned one in the day and hoping they raise the bar soon...
A WRX for the price of an STI, available only with a CVT on the most desired trim. Dealbreaker du juor!
You nailed that one for sure
Someone at Subaru needs to be fired for this. 🫤
I'll sadly never own a new subaru again. Having all the center stack controls in the screen is going to be a future problem. All my previous Subarus have been great but the infotainment screens are slow and buggy.
Why can’t all car companies trash the cvt transmission ? No one likes them lmao
The ideal gauge cluster configuration is a large central analog tach with an inset digital speedometer, flanked on both sides by digital instrumentation. Pretty much how Porsche does it. IMO anyway.
I think Subaru should have like a ts trim, basically the GT but with a manual, brembo brakes, and slightly sharper handling. Especially since we can't get an STI
bro predicted the future 😭
@@starrja oh my bad 🤣 sometimes I do that accidentally, using with things outside of cars
All the black trim on the bottom of the car cheapens the look of the car.
42,000 is way too much for a wrx. I agree with some of these other comments this car isn’t that interesting anymore. I own a 17 wrx and have zero interest in this car
Hey Raiti's Rides How Are You Can You Make The 2023 VW Golf R Great Video Have A Nice Day
I second this.
Fenders should be color matched to set it apart from their suvs.
I have never been more amaze of watching such a LEGENDARY car go to average bruh this why when they say if is not broken don’t fix it idk wtf happen to Subaru at this point 😂
Hell nah Subaru gotta be the ugliest carmaker in the USA rn. Type S million times better.
Also very disappointed with this offering from Subaru 😢. I leased my 2019 Sti wanting to trade up when the new Sti was out……… but……just bought out my Sti ,happy and content 🎉 and glad to have a legends last offering
Love the Subaru WRX I think this is the Apostle to the world rally races.
Fender flare doesn’t bug me anymore, it’s still the bumper.
Saw one in silver recently and it looked decent, though I always love a nice silver car.
I can understand where you are coming from.
just get the dark gray one. that one hides the cladding so well.
Only God knows why Subaru decided the Pontiac Aztek was the epitome of automotive design and based this WRX off it. They were on to something half decent with the last gen Evo/Corolla design but this. This is atrocious.
Needs 3 pedals - need to lose that awful black plastic cladding - and a bump to 300 hp would be nice 😈.
A#1 review - thanks again for all that you and Lori do for the car community 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼!
These cars are underrated from the factory and actually put down more like 315 hp. Most 2022+ wrxs are dyno testing at 250-255 whp.
@@ChazOfGod more like 240ish. They only trap 101 mph in 1/4. Previous generation was around 220whp
Test drove a base ‘22 with the short shift throw. Feels way different than my ‘20. With a tune and some bolt ons I think the VB has a lot of potential. Definitely needs a muffler delete cos it’s too quiet!
Test drove one today. I’m trading in my 15 wrx premium next week for a 23 premium lol
42k? I would, this would probably be my last pick behind Honda, VW, Hyundai, etc. if I absolutely needed AWD, I would be between the GR Corolla or the Golf R, both of which I could have a manual. To me, a CVT makes little sense in the WRX. The base WRX is more enticing due to the
Due to the low base price for the AWD option, as well as ability to have the manual.
Not to mention a Golf R DSG for a few thousand more is like 1.5 seconds faster to 60. Totally different league of speed.
@Paul I live in California. Awd does nothing for me. I understand if you get snow where you live. I need a track star on the weekends. The wrx is the worse choice if you want to track your car also.
@@tommieboi707 AWD isn't even necessary. I'm in New England and drive up to Maine in snowy weather with my fwd Volkswagen. Even good all seasons do the job, but I would like to get dedicated steelies with winter tires on them at some point. If you want to have fun in the snow I understand the AWD but that's not something I need in a car.
Civic R, Integra S, unobtainable, GR Corolla, prob same
The horse power numbers are weak cause the CVT can't handle any more power. Subaru really cheaped out in the transmission department.
That fender cladding is hideous.
It’s painful to look at
Waiting for Mr.Raiti's review of Integra Type S
I'm a Subie fan but $42K for WRX is no go for me as I'd rather get a Camry V6 XSE for similar price but more power and better MPG. Looking forward to the Integra Type S review.
And none of the fun or good handling
@@SoulEraser000 Priorities change with time
@@baldygrey2779 People lose what it means to be an enthusiast is what it is
I'm still not liking the cladding. Thought it would grow on me over the years but it seems to look worse.
Really dig its new styling. Looks more rally purposeful to me and different than anything else. Like a madmax post-apocalypse vehicle. I’d add some mudflaps, LP adventure small bumper guards. But i think most prefer it look more street and arent feeling it as much. OEM performance is sweet spot. 271 and AWD is awesome. They fell short with no better brake option though. I’d have to get a limited or premium. No way i’d want an auto enthusiast car. I just would lose so much element of fun. I’d take the base model over the GT.
I am so glad that you are liking this one Danny!
Went from a sti with 400hp to a 23 integra 6 speed and couldn't be happier
Said No One Ever
@@prettyvacant09 ok? Lol
CVT?! dang
They really need to remove that plastic fender trim
Im tried of these iconic cars having a Big screen, and small headlights Thats why i prefer buying a older car and solid built
Everyone hates, but have you driven it? Once you've learned it, you may love it like i do. Also, the sti exhaust is worth the upgrade, gives you the tone and sound you might be looking for. Thanks Raiti, for the positive vibes ❤
I drove it and didn't like it. Something was missing. I don't know if it needs more power or more rawness...but it's definitely missing something to make it stand out from the crowd. I did not come away from it feeling like I drove a Subaru WRX but just another car with gimmicks to make it feel special.
Not bad looking until you go around back. My god, that black plastic bumper is hideous
"Performance CVT" seems like an oxymoron.
Performance and CVT should not be in the same sentence in a CVT version of this car.
Saw one of these in the flesh the other day and in red. Not a bad looker at all, quite smart.
Glaring flaw is simply the lack of grunt. At a minimum it should be 220kw.
Nice work Joe, keep it going.
Subaru won't ever listen to it's customers. Make a WRX hatch with 300hp and you'll have an absolute home run in sales. Grrrr...
I'd prefer a hatchback. They are more convenient. There is also way more room to load up the boxes CA Twinkies for your return trip back to Florida.
I think the base is good bargain if you can get it under MSRP. OTD around 30k with lots of potential.
42K with a CVT? GTFO. I'm not even a "car guy" but you're out of your mind if you want to sell this "sports" sedan without a manual. Not even a DCT or something like that? No way. Integra may even be slower but it at least looks good.
The old Wrx and Sti looked so much better I just can’t get over those suv style tire wells it’s like Subaru ran out of money when they got to the paint process!! 👽🛸
Love love your channel and the energy you got when doing reviews
Gone are the days where the WRX looked like a rally car.
Thank God for that!
The plastic helps not get the paint all messed up, so that's kind of rallyish
@Zohn Williams you're on crack. It looks like a typical wrx.
I'm surprised that Subaru doesn't have A/C for the rear passengers at the price they're selling.
Car looks like ass unless it’s gray or black. CVT as the only option on top trim, wth are they thinking? Hopefully Subaru fixes this if they aren’t planning to axe it from the lineup anyway.
Thanks for covering this Mr.Raiti but we know that type s is going to be a monster!
The WRX hasn’t been the same since Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer EVO.
I need to talk to the engineers on this design. Looks like we went backward in history.
maybe a little sideways too ✌️
I drove one of these today.. it was okay, but I was nowhere near impressed. My 2023 santa fe with the 2.5T has more power on paper AND even being heavier and larger..feels like it has more power.
No manual option at all? Hell naw, to the naw naw naw, hell to the naw.😂
🤣🤣🤣
I’m afraid Subaru is on its way to becoming snoozebaru. No manual in the top trim of a WRX?!? STI cancelled?!?
No turbo Forester, for us anyway a turbo STI Forester is available in Japan. CVT’s everywhere. I guess they’re just happy selling the U.S. Crosstreks and Outbacks as fast as they can make them.
For car enthusiasts they may become the next Mitsubishi,
Nothing to see here folks. ☹️
They should’ve put an 8 speed in this thing.
The black cladding makes me feel like they wanted to make it look more crossoverish. Not as fan..
The new wrx is perfect for my northern climate if I lived in the southwest would be in the civic si / type r /integra , I had the 22 civic sii just couldn’t do it in these winters awd is a must
I think the new WRX looks great. It just needs another 25 horsepower, slightly better brakes, and a manual for the GT trim.
you can get 25 hp easily by tuning the ecu , brakes it does lack but can be installed , manual sucks if you live in the city
Hyundai is doing a lot better for the enthusiast than Slowbaru, Acura, Nissan, Mitsubishi.
There is a saying, what goes up, must come down, and what goes around, comes around. Its the Koreans turn to show the world. Those old jdm had their turn in the 90’s
Expensive but probably just adjusted for inflation? I like cars with big rear ends but this one is too big. Maybe subaru should paint half of the rear diffuser? Just my opinion. And Joe, you can review a base toyota corolla and I'd watch. That's how great you're reviews are!
I love my 2022 WRX GT! I swapped my stock wheels for the 2021 STI wheels, AeroFlow Dynamics sport grille and STI paint matched ceramic rear spoiler. The only con I have is that the eyesight work tooo good😂 It can freak out during “spirited driving” with friends😅, but does do great at the autocross events
"Spirited driving" in a $42k+ CVT Subaru with all the safety nannies. Dear god.
Happy Friday!
The exterior design is horrendous
Why are they getting uglier? Come on Subaru.
Joe you getting ready to hit a million subscribers 👏 🎉
The WRX compared to the newer sports econo-cars looks to me like a tired grandpa, happy to have him here and sad that you know he's on his last legs. Very old fashioned styling
Subaru said these VB engines are tune-friendly. A few people are reporting that they are getting 400 whp with just a jpipe and tune. Insane
The Joe smile factor lets you know just how good it really is!!!
The car look Really cool. The paddle shifters are cool . The details are really nice. Also the performance CVT sounds really cool.
I was so confused when I first saw the dead pedal. Kept thinking, "What is the fourth pedal for? Why is no one talking about the fourth pedal?!"
Nissan Z in Canada starts at 46k CAD MSRP which is about 34k USD .You get manual gearbox and 400hp and RWD
You do not do straight conversions. Cars in Canada are always priced according to the local purchasing power.
@@clearcut6818 I know we have definitely more newer and better cars on the road then in US
@@dukejukebox775No way did you just say that….
Been to Canada 2 weeks ago; same cars as the US (08’ Accord/14’ Frontier)
Yea for the bare bones base model, and the Z is purely weekend car. Barely more practical than a MX-5. WRX is a sporty family car.
JOE you forgot to show us how the instrument cluster works. The many functions of it.
One year in still don’t like the unpainted parts, Not a fan of the body at all, Very sad how no revisions were done
This red and black colorway is so clean 😁
I'd opt for a 2023 Civic Si, save a ton of money and have more fun in my mountains flipping gears.
You'd definitely save money on gas👍
For 43k, I will take a 2021 sti any time over this crap.
Joe’s on throttle face reminds me of my wife’s on our very first night. She was not impressed.
Lol you are freaking hilarious
i zonk the stereo system for not being up instead of being like most cars down where it can get dirty
I test drove this and was completely disappointed in how slow it was and not fun at all
It's not quick, nothing that puts a smile on your face.
Its incredible how divided the Subaru fans are
The new WRX its a nice car, just bought it in a Base trim with manual transmission and its a blast.
Not everything its HPs, American guys are just all about power , that is not the only thing important thing in a car.
What I agree its that the GT trim should have been manual and the STI is missing in the line up..
This WRX its a white canvas and you can tune it as you want
I have a 2022 Wrx and the manual is still the way to go!
Prices are so out of control that more and more people are forced to buy base model vehicles. Hyndai Venue in full affect.
Definitely better looking in person BUT... that rear end bumper is an eye sore, the sluggish infotainment system that controls everything would drive me up a wall, and 42k price point is filled with better performing cars. Great review!
Jealousy all around here. Just bought one and it’s great. $11,000.00 less than a Golf R or Honda R. Great car and fun to drive with the 6 speed manual.
I honestly believe the 0 to 60 would be faster, without the CVT. Especially since it has AWD.💯
Automatics are faster than manuals. Been that way for years.
Couldn't pay more than $35k for a top of the line, fully loaded WRX. There's too much competition today and these IC engines really have no business charging that much when you can get a Model 3 for $35-40k.
You aren't getting anything special with base Model 3. Single motor, 0-60 in 5.8s. Most of theese turbo 4 bangers walk it stock, and the Tesla won't ever close to their handling.
After 15 Subarus over my lifetime, I am done with the horizontally opposed engine. If I were looking for an awd sedan, I would probably go Audi A3 for the similar money. 1/2 second slower to 60, but much better gas mileage.