@@nattga I managed to pull out a narrow right turn at 50kph and 5 people in my fozzy once. A car arrived at the intersection in the opposite lane and I almost t bone that. Fozzy saved everyone.
@@jonathanb1987 it's been a blast to drive around this past weekend! I'm dying to hit that 1600 km driven so I can get over 4k RPM, but honestly the way it pulls from like, 2300 to 3800 for the couple little pulls I've done is fantastic! Shifter feels great (I got the OEM short shifter), clutch is wonderful - not too heavy but feels like you're doing something while driving, steering feels fantastic, it corners so flat compared to even other smaller cars I've owned, and I'm so glad the visibility is just as good as my previous Crosstrek, just obviously a little lower. It's everything I want in a sporty every day driver. It's cool because I've been waiting and hyping it up in my head for months since I put my deposit down, and even with that it's surpassing all expectations.
PLS READ: I had this car for about 5 years, CVT Limited fully optioned (radar cruise/lks etc) and it was great car, a side note that the CVT adds about 250LBS hence the slower 0-60 time, although the car was by no means slow, I got better times than that (about 5.4) because of launch mode. Interior was plastic but very durable! You buy these cars for the drivetrain and engine, you give up interior quality, although the interior was slightly above average actually. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
>>the interior was slightly above average actually. What exactly do you consider average? I consider Subaru's practical, not luxurious. The interior is far below Mazda/Honda etc..
I went from an 07 WRX with light mods to a 16. Immediately did ECU tune because rev hang. Sold it within a year because the ride was jittery on Chicago roads, steering feel was worse. But other than that a good design with enough back seat space for two orangutans in heat
I've had my manual 2015 WRX since 2014 and it still looks the same as the 2020. I love the car and it never gave me problems for the past 6 years. That would be my strike against the GLI tbh.
I just bought my first Subaru, 21 Crosstrek Limited. love the simplicity of it. Interior has a ‘analog’ feel to it with all of the buttons/dials, analog gauges, etc...decent power, CVT is the best I have ever driven. 2.5 NA engine, no turbo issues, no dying battery cells like a Hybrid, good fuel economy as well.
I was sad to see the 5-door WRX go away. Ever since I got my 2005 Matrix, I learned to not like sedans, since just opening up the back and putting down the seats provides a lot more usable space in a 5 door versus a sedan, if it's your only vehicle.
I have a 2018 WRX premium 6MT, I have to say this is the best video on a WRX i have ever watched, you even touched a bit on the aftermarket, witch is something i wish i would have heard more about before I purchased it. Never the less I couldn't be happier with the car and maybe have a sneaking suspicion that when people ask what's the best 15+ WRX model they made the answer is going to 18, ill see you in a couple years when the change the looks and motor in 2022.
I just purchased a 2020 WRX Limited with STI short shifter a couple months ago. While it is very fun to drive, I would agree that there are definitely some power drops at around 4500 rpm. It's a weird dip that just doesn't make sense and shouldn't be there. I also agree that the seats are a bit hard, but they are nicely bolstered. The biggest annoyance with the car is the lack of interior refinement. The fit and finish isn't bad, but I already have 2 separate rattles in the cabin that I can't quite pinpoint. The ride is a bit harsh, but it's not terrible. I'll probably upgrade the suspension to something a bit more refined at some point. I'm pretty happy with the car overall, but I will consider replacing it with the upcoming model if there are significant improvements in power and refinement.
You said the Civic Si is old, but damn it still looks great. If I knew nothing about cars and you told me that was a new design for 2021 I would believe you.
Alex, What a relief to hear you finally endorse a #manual above a CVT! Did WRX sales go up or down when Subaru dropped the hatch? When is the LeVorg wagon coming to this market? What about the upcoming AWD, 6 speed manual Corolla GR hatch?
I picked up the new Outback XT Onyx Edition, and it's *OK*... but the CVT does a disservice to that engine. So you're definitely right about the CVT not being a good option on the WRX.
Hands down the base WRX with manual transmission. I had the 2011 WRX for 5 years before selling it and I still miss it to this day. Hoping to try out the next 2022 WRX.
That depends on how you define "this segment", because the WRX is outdated from an economy, horsepower, interior quality, crash safety, and chassis standpoint. Its certainly not top of the line in the performance sedan class.
I’ve had an 03 wrx, an 07 sti. Subaru has stagnated since then. The 03 WRX with 227 hp stock goes 0-60 in 5.4 sec. weighs 3000 lbs. paid 23k, a real fun to drive all weather interceptor. A $260 set of swaybars cured the understeer problem without a harsh ride, gave a neutral balance at the limit. For $30k I wouldn’t get a slower WRX without some serious improvements, like engine efficiency, better low end power, launch control. I’d go for the new GTI coming out or save money for 2 more years for the Golf R!
Hey Alex, I own a 2018 with those recaros and I agree with you. The sport seats are beautiful but the standard leather seats are more comfortable. The cloth seats are a little soft and spongy, and we lose lumbar controls.
Thank you for the great in depth unbiased review. I like that you compared it to the Civic Si even though the Si is not AWD. From my understanding the Si is cheaper than the WRX base and comes with heated seats, Apple CarPlay, a moonroof, better sound system, HondaSense, and like you said more room. But for a little more money, I too would get the WRX over the Si for the AWD, better/bigger engine, and better handling. I do get nervous about reliability and higher maintenance costs when compared to the Si. Thanks Alex.
Also my co-worker has a 2016 WRX CVT. With close to 100k miles (he has a long commute), he recently had to get his O2 sensors replaced and his CVT oil pump was leaking. During the dealer service they found his cam seals/cam caps were also leaking. They had to pull the engine out to reseal the cams. Luckily he bought the extended warranty. Imagine how much that service would have costed out of pocket...?
Thank you for the usual through review. The reason why Subaru gave you one for a full week is two-fold - to encourage excitement about the existing model which won't be replaced for another couple of years and to allow reviewers across the industry more time to enjoy the car since it still is one of the cheapest performance cars on the market. I would get the WRX after what you said since AWD is needed on a mountain in CT in the winter.
Comprehensive review... like your other reviews. Bug-eye for life! The question for me would be: go with a tried and true approach or wait for the new-new model... Or just procrastinate the decision and keeping driving the old-old. ha!
Problem with the WRX it is lack of balance. The steering wheel feels a little too light, throttle feel is not linear enough, you have some rev hand, the manual shifter feel a little bit off and sluggish. You have to mod it and change the bushing, even then, it is not great. How the engine deliver power is not interesting, there is nothing left pass 5000rpm, you almost feels like the car is slowing down. No more rumble, does not sound good at all. I had one, for the price it is great, but you always feels like they are missing something. I remember the 2002 WRX, that car felt amazing, even if it was not as powerfull. I say better saving for an STI or just buying a base Impreza. Current generation WRX are just not great to me and too many small flaws. It is not like they are that powerfull anyway, I would just save thw cash and buy a basic impreza, they feel more honnest.
Awesome review, Alex! Very informative when comparing the competition. I currently own a 2015 Subaru Forester XT with the CVT and really enjoy the fun factor with the drive modes and paddle shifters. I’ve had no reliability issues to date, so if I was to upgrade, I’d seriously consider staying with Subaru even though the boxer engines are definitely dated compared to the competition. My wife would love to drive a manual transmission again.....so a move from an SUV may be on the horizon.
After driving Honda's in the 80's and 90's I test drove a "bug eye" when it came out and ended up buying one. Then shortly after replaced it with the "hawk eye". The biggest draw was actually having torque. That was my short interlude from Honda. WRX was great then and they still are today but like everything else out there, they got a little soft.
Having previously owned an 04 "blob eye" and an 06 "hawk eye," after upgrading to the VA generation for 2015 model year I can confirm that the current generation has stiffer suspension tuning than those early WRXs. A 2020 WRX is about 200 lb heavier than the 2002 version, which isn't that much when you consider the age gap.
New Civic SI can make Honda Sensing package compatible with MT. I think this makes them a better option than not having active safety at all in this WRX MT.
Got my brand new Premium trim WRX ordered a week ago. Just a waiting game at this point. I know its considered not that new, but when all the cars youve owned are 2008 and older and all used, its pretty exciting for me. Shopped for a Type R for a while but between mark ups and up keep on those tires idk if it was worth the hit on my budget.
Those seats are just half Recaros. The place where you sit on, is the plain jane WRX flat seats, while the portion of the seats where your backs rest on (with good bolstering) are Recaros. It is strange why Subaru insists on putting flat seats into their performance cars........they had superb seats in the 2002 WRX and no model after that, including the STIs, got those fantastic seats.
I love the WRX. Great driving and a manual transmission fun. The rev hang is annoying but it works. My only complaint is the price creep. I also like that the interior has all the tech I would every want and its easy to use. No spying video recorder on your face judging you and sending your info to your insurance company like new Subaru vehicles. I am not looking forward to this car getting update
2019 Premium here. If your looking for a fun sporty sedan that has all the functions of a daily at the price point there is no competitor. The ride is rough and firm but this is more leaning towards highway driving at high speeds it keeps this thing planted and for windy twisty roads you will have so much fun. The Dunlop tires are harder then most tires out of factory but will give you the best precision cornering and handling. Ive changed to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 which are a bit softer for a more smoother ride at the expense of cornering. Cant go wrong with this car. Have fun and be safe.
Would you this car is worth buying ? Im thinking about trading my 2019 accord sport 1.5 turbo. Have you experience any issues? When you say the ride is rough, is that rough that's it unbearable if you take it for a long drive to go out of town??
@@bj10jgo Yeah i would change to a WRX no doubt. Improvement in power and handling. No issues so far. Many mods can be done if wanted. I would not say unbearable but you will feel the road. Take one for a test drive before you do and get a feel for it. Im sure you will forget all the bumps =)
@@axeya366 I test drove it and it was a little stiff. It kinda reminded me of having a lowering springs installed on my old cars since it tends to be a little bouncy when you lower a car due to the less travel of the spring rate. One thing i wanted to ask you, how's the paint quality? i read the paint is really thin and prone to rock chips. Did you get PPF installed on your car for that reason?
@@bj10jgo yes that is correct. The STI is even more stiffer and with 19"wheels and 35 tires makes the experience not comfy. But that is the way the car is meant to be driven.
for me it would have to be the STI limited and thats way more money than i would spend for the WRX, that would make the hyundai N line veloster the next car on the list in this category.
These seem very popular with the kiddos in my area. It does seem like a fun cat, tho I heard the turbo lag is pretty bad. Outside of the old G coupe, this is one of the cars that has a distinctive driver. I pretty much know what the driver is going to look like before looking at them buzzing by
I got the recaro's because I hated the stock seats, would have been a deal breaker. They squeezed the back of my ribs in a way I couldn't get comfortable.
As stated within, I would certainly want the WRX in a 6MT. The STI thankfully comes only with a 6MT. But it is a serious pity, that unlike prior generations, a hatch or wagon is not an option at all, which pretty much rules it out for me, since I need more practicality than what a sedan can provide. I love the AWD, especially the version on the STI, but being drawn more to the Civic Type-R due to its hatch bodystyle (personally, I hate the wild-child look of the Type-R, but can live with that, considering its performance and also the fact that it is a hatchback).
MPG on paper for this car is underrated. I can easily got 28-32mpg on my 18' WRX, you can even get 38mpg if you drive like those 18 wheeler. (I'm just doing hypermiling occasionally on this car for fun :p)
See this You Tube series about quieting a WRX interior: th-cam.com/video/wgSEhMEoWEo/w-d-xo.html On my '13 Impreza, had to ditch the Yokohama 17" Avids as the tires had too much road noise. Pirelli P7 All-Season-Plus fixed that, as did insulating the front doors and installing buffers behind the JBL replacement speakers. The stock speakers are junk, and we Impreza owners were two years ahead of the 2015 WRX guys in replacing our stereo units which sounded horrible. The new for 2017 Impreza was much better on all fronts, and much quieter riding, but the 2022 WRX will be all-new, as will the Impreza. Both will then get a proprietary infotainment system complete with tablet, so no more aftermarket stereos.
Ah, yes, my segment. Been looking at the Forte GT and then the Jetta GLI. Price vs performance but either way I'd like two pedals so my roommate can drive it and the DCT is closer to a stick than a CVT. I'd probably end up with a slightly used Stinger/G70 or Q50 though.
I need help I love the forte gt cause the interior looks so modern and comfortable, while the wrx is fun to drive from what I gather and has a bunch of aftermarket mods, I honestly can’t decide the gt value is out of this world and if I put winter tires there’s really no need for awd
turbo lag? its tiny and twin scroll. when I drive these, the lack of turbo lag is what I notice. Any rpms, any gear, put your foot down and its a surge of low end torque. Its chokes out above 5000 for sure though.
Hey Alex! Please review Mazda 3 Turbo. I’m think about trade in my 16 Mazda 3 for it. I want your comprehensive review for reference. Thank you so much
This mini-segment seems doomed as a high-low mix is likely more profitable than a high-medium-low mix since the medium is likely to cannibalize the high. This is especially likely as segment volumes shrink and used models of the same thing - or something like a used AWD TLX - compete with new sales and "regular" cars get to be almost as fast with better ride, nvh and mpg. If this was seen as a growth segment, odds are Civic Si would not skip a year and Toyota would not have, ummm, inserted the Corolla Apex.
In stock form, this thing definitely cuts timing. I highly recommend a tune, but then again, I'm an 18 year old, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt.
Subaru’s (Porsche 4s, Quattro) have a full-time planetary center diff and require a little more revs to turn the drivetrain; other ‘awd’ (4motion, htrac) systems are not full-time, or as robust, and are more aptly designated ‘fwd+’ as they need only enough fuel to turn a single half-shaft “until slip is detected” lol
Actually the x is infinite not experimental. It’s been said by Subaru themselves. But I too thought it was experimental or cross. But either way infinite does mean all those as well
@@imoffendedthatyouareoffended Just to expand on what you’ve said, the “X” is representative of the mathematical symbol for the unknown, which in turn, has “infinite” possibilities. And that’s directly from Fuji Heavy industries.
WRX with all wheel drive , and the cvt will be my next car . the all wheel drive puts the WRX over all the rest of the competition in my opinion . the cvt although not the best option ( Subaru dual clutch please ! ) I am over 60 and a standard trans just makes me tired now days . but I am still looking at a 5.0 Mustang . wish I still had my 1987 Scirocco , best new car I ever bought . had that car up to 135 . It was fun .
This would be a decent daily in manual form....and if one lives in the Great White North. AWD nature of the car is it’s only real advantage then vs other hatches and sporty cars of this size. Otherwise, one might be better off in terms of ride, comfort and performance/consumption tradeoff with other competitors. Subaru needs to improve mpg, braking, comfort in the next iteration to keep a classic car relevant.
Owning a radar detector and Waze with police reports turned on is pretty much mandatory for a car like this. Insurance assumes you're going to drive this car like a wacko and either wreck it or get speeding tickets.
Yeah, the numbers aren't on its side. Its drivers are tops for speeding ticket citations and compared to the VW GTi, similar power/price, it has a much higher fatality rate. The insurance company is pretty much going to assume you're a yahoo if you buy one of these.
I don't know if I'd call the insurance for the WRX unaffordable, as the average cost appears to be $1700/year. By comparison, a Honda Fit is around $1400/year. But I'm sure that the difference can become more pronounced depending on the driver and the area.
I think i can live with a budget interiors... I think what mainly concerns me is space and daily liveability! They seem close performance wise for the limits of street driving. Too bad the i30N wont show up in the US...Thatd be an instant buy!
You should test drive a Forte GT. It's not quite as fast, but also not much slower. Also, it has a 7 spd DCT or manual option and handles well. Also, it has a nice interior with tons of standard equipment a nice stereo in top trim and is a good daily driver.
Love how thorough this review is! Excellent presentation, Alex, thanks. For my money, I’d get the Veloster N. I don’t need an adult-sized back seat, that said it’s 3rd door allows easy child-seat access on the starboard side. And don’t forget Hyundai’s 10 year/100,090 mile powertrain warranty. Plus, it’s a really fun ride!
Had WRX in my 20s. So many speeding tickets, so many off-road shortcuts. I had my fun and it saved my life.
In my country the power, fuel consumption and the derived taxes would prohibit any young person who doesn't have wealthy parents from owning one. :(
How did it save your life?
James Well one instance involved driving too fast, a blind curve, wet road, and an animal. It didn’t loose grip one bit.
@@nattga Sounds like good tires and driving more responsibly would save your lives 😉
@@nattga I managed to pull out a narrow right turn at 50kph and 5 people in my fozzy once. A car arrived at the intersection in the opposite lane and I almost t bone that. Fozzy saved everyone.
Picking my '20 WRX up tomorrow! I'm so excited!
Are you loving it?
@@jonathanb1987 it's been a blast to drive around this past weekend! I'm dying to hit that 1600 km driven so I can get over 4k RPM, but honestly the way it pulls from like, 2300 to 3800 for the couple little pulls I've done is fantastic! Shifter feels great (I got the OEM short shifter), clutch is wonderful - not too heavy but feels like you're doing something while driving, steering feels fantastic, it corners so flat compared to even other smaller cars I've owned, and I'm so glad the visibility is just as good as my previous Crosstrek, just obviously a little lower. It's everything I want in a sporty every day driver.
It's cool because I've been waiting and hyping it up in my head for months since I put my deposit down, and even with that it's surpassing all expectations.
@@ThatGenericCanadian It will be Awesome 👍👍
@@Honestandtruth007 it has been!!
@@ThatGenericCanadian I should be picking one up today. Any tips for a first time owner? I'm super hyped with how much ive built it up in my head.
I actually like the simplicity of this interior.
Same here tbh!
I still turn my head for WRX including STi - great looking cars!
Its one of the best rally car you can buy in stock form.
PLS READ: I had this car for about 5 years, CVT Limited fully optioned (radar cruise/lks etc) and it was great car, a side note that the CVT adds about 250LBS hence the slower 0-60 time, although the car was by no means slow, I got better times than that (about 5.4) because of launch mode. Interior was plastic but very durable! You buy these cars for the drivetrain and engine, you give up interior quality, although the interior was slightly above average actually. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
>>the interior was slightly above average actually.
What exactly do you consider average?
I consider Subaru's practical, not luxurious. The interior is far below Mazda/Honda etc..
I went from an 07 WRX with light mods to a 16. Immediately did ECU tune because rev hang. Sold it within a year because the ride was jittery on Chicago roads, steering feel was worse. But other than that a good design with enough back seat space for two orangutans in heat
I've had my manual 2015 WRX since 2014 and it still looks the same as the 2020. I love the car and it never gave me problems for the past 6 years. That would be my strike against the GLI tbh.
Wow its crazy how the new Outback XT is just as quick 0-60 as the new WRX. Although the STI is still the quickest Subaru you can buy.
I just bought my first Subaru, 21 Crosstrek Limited. love the simplicity of it. Interior has a ‘analog’ feel to it with all of the buttons/dials, analog gauges, etc...decent power, CVT is the best I have ever driven. 2.5 NA engine, no turbo issues, no dying battery cells like a Hybrid, good fuel economy as well.
kermit1, Imagine a Crosstrek with the WRX drivetrain, 2” lift, & tires. Sign me up.
Have the same car. Can confirm. Still has concerns tho...gdi and inherent concerns with boxer design/maintenance. Still love mine tho.
Dont know why but the opening fade in really amazed me. Your cinematography has come so far
I have a 2001 Forester and it is so Subaru to still be using the exact same seat heater buttons, I am not complaining they still work great.
New intro jingle is great!
I'm considering the 2021 Forte gt2 package. Enough power to have fun with. packed with a lot of features for $25,000.
I was sad to see the 5-door WRX go away. Ever since I got my 2005 Matrix, I learned to not like sedans, since just opening up the back and putting down the seats provides a lot more usable space in a 5 door versus a sedan, if it's your only vehicle.
The Exclusive Trunk Comfort Index is why I watch AOA.
I have a 2018 WRX premium 6MT, I have to say this is the best video on a WRX i have ever watched, you even touched a bit on the aftermarket, witch is something i wish i would have heard more about before I purchased it. Never the less I couldn't be happier with the car and maybe have a sneaking suspicion that when people ask what's the best 15+ WRX model they made the answer is going to 18, ill see you in a couple years when the change the looks and motor in 2022.
This is the most thorough review I've seen on the WRX - thanks for your help!
I just purchased a 2020 WRX Limited with STI short shifter a couple months ago. While it is very fun to drive, I would agree that there are definitely some power drops at around 4500 rpm. It's a weird dip that just doesn't make sense and shouldn't be there. I also agree that the seats are a bit hard, but they are nicely bolstered. The biggest annoyance with the car is the lack of interior refinement. The fit and finish isn't bad, but I already have 2 separate rattles in the cabin that I can't quite pinpoint. The ride is a bit harsh, but it's not terrible. I'll probably upgrade the suspension to something a bit more refined at some point. I'm pretty happy with the car overall, but I will consider replacing it with the upcoming model if there are significant improvements in power and refinement.
Alex - you are the best car reviewer on TH-cam.
You said the Civic Si is old, but damn it still looks great. If I knew nothing about cars and you told me that was a new design for 2021 I would believe you.
Alex, What a relief to hear you finally endorse a #manual above a CVT! Did WRX sales go up or down when Subaru dropped the hatch? When is the LeVorg wagon coming to this market? What about the upcoming AWD, 6 speed manual Corolla GR hatch?
Damn yes, really want a wrx hatchback in NorthAmerica!!!!
No levorg wagon here
I picked up the new Outback XT Onyx Edition, and it's *OK*... but the CVT does a disservice to that engine. So you're definitely right about the CVT not being a good option on the WRX.
Hands down the base WRX with manual transmission. I had the 2011 WRX for 5 years before selling it and I still miss it to this day. Hoping to try out the next 2022 WRX.
Νo other car offers more fun in this segment than this since the Evo s are gone!
And a WRX in particular is much cheaper than the evos were!
That depends on how you define "this segment", because the WRX is outdated from an economy, horsepower, interior quality, crash safety, and chassis standpoint. Its certainly not top of the line in the performance sedan class.
@@huskydinosaur2860 name another awd 4 door sports sedan with a manual transmission for
Savage geese Vape skit I can never look at a WRX or STI the same way lol
lol true
I got my fidget spinner, I got my vape.
I’ve had an 03 wrx, an 07 sti. Subaru has stagnated since then. The 03 WRX with 227 hp stock goes 0-60 in 5.4 sec. weighs 3000 lbs. paid 23k, a real fun to drive all weather interceptor. A $260 set of swaybars cured the understeer problem without a harsh ride, gave a neutral balance at the limit. For $30k I wouldn’t get a slower WRX without some serious improvements, like engine efficiency, better low end power, launch control. I’d go for the new GTI coming out or save money for 2 more years for the Golf R!
Hey Alex, I own a 2018 with those recaros and I agree with you. The sport seats are beautiful but the standard leather seats are more comfortable. The cloth seats are a little soft and spongy, and we lose lumbar controls.
Nice, one of the best and most detailed (and observant) reviews on this car. Thanks!
Why is it still so difficult for subaru to bring the wagon version to the states?
Before buying, don't forget the insurance rates for this vehicle is very high.
Really? Any comparisons? Civic SI or Type R or ??
Great video and review. Learned more here than watching all the other videos on TH-cam.
Just bought a 2020 WRX premium in red! It is amazing! Except at the gas pumps
You pay to play sir 😂
Thank you for the great in depth unbiased review.
I like that you compared it to the Civic Si even though the Si is not AWD.
From my understanding the Si is cheaper than the WRX base and comes with heated seats, Apple CarPlay, a moonroof, better sound system, HondaSense, and like you said more room.
But for a little more money, I too would get the WRX over the Si for the AWD, better/bigger engine, and better handling.
I do get nervous about reliability and higher maintenance costs when compared to the Si. Thanks Alex.
Also my co-worker has a 2016 WRX CVT. With close to 100k miles (he has a long commute), he recently had to get his O2 sensors replaced and his CVT oil pump was leaking. During the dealer service they found his cam seals/cam caps were also leaking. They had to pull the engine out to reseal the cams. Luckily he bought the extended warranty. Imagine how much that service would have costed out of pocket...?
Thank you for the usual through review. The reason why Subaru gave you one for a full week is two-fold - to encourage excitement about the existing model which won't be replaced for another couple of years and to allow reviewers across the industry more time to enjoy the car since it still is one of the cheapest performance cars on the market. I would get the WRX after what you said since AWD is needed on a mountain in CT in the winter.
Great analysis. I'm tired of my Camry and want a manual. I'm surprised good wasn't compared to a mazda3.
The "Trunk Comfort Index" never fails to bring me joy.
Comprehensive review... like your other reviews. Bug-eye for life! The question for me would be: go with a tried and true approach or wait for the new-new model... Or just procrastinate the decision and keeping driving the old-old. ha!
Kona N is quite intriguing
Problem with the WRX it is lack of balance. The steering wheel feels a little too light, throttle feel is not linear enough, you have some rev hand, the manual shifter feel a little bit off and sluggish. You have to mod it and change the bushing, even then, it is not great. How the engine deliver power is not interesting, there is nothing left pass 5000rpm, you almost feels like the car is slowing down. No more rumble, does not sound good at all. I had one, for the price it is great, but you always feels like they are missing something. I remember the 2002 WRX, that car felt amazing, even if it was not as powerfull. I say better saving for an STI or just buying a base Impreza. Current generation WRX are just not great to me and too many small flaws. It is not like they are that powerfull anyway, I would just save thw cash and buy a basic impreza, they feel more honnest.
Alex...your reviews are the best.
Excellent on all. Don't forget, the 2021 Veloster n will have an 8 speed DCT available in addition the the 6 speed manual.
At 21:37 u said that the civic si is more expensive than the base wrx! U where referring to the type r or?
Awesome review, Alex! Very informative when comparing the competition. I currently own a 2015 Subaru Forester XT with the CVT and really enjoy the fun factor with the drive modes and paddle shifters. I’ve had no reliability issues to date, so if I was to upgrade, I’d seriously consider staying with Subaru even though the boxer engines are definitely dated compared to the competition. My wife would love to drive a manual transmission again.....so a move from an SUV may be on the horizon.
Dear Alex on Autos, can you make a direct Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic Si comparison review? Thank you!
Extremely good review, as always. Thank you Alex!
After driving Honda's in the 80's and 90's I test drove a "bug eye" when it came out and ended up buying one. Then shortly after replaced it with the "hawk eye". The biggest draw was actually having torque. That was my short interlude from Honda. WRX was great then and they still are today but like everything else out there, they got a little soft.
Having previously owned an 04 "blob eye" and an 06 "hawk eye," after upgrading to the VA generation for 2015 model year I can confirm that the current generation has stiffer suspension tuning than those early WRXs. A 2020 WRX is about 200 lb heavier than the 2002 version, which isn't that much when you consider the age gap.
New Civic SI can make Honda Sensing package compatible with MT. I think this makes them a better option than not having active safety at all in this WRX MT.
greatreveiw but audis awd work all the time 50 50 and on demandwrx is mainly fwd on demand awd
Been waiting about a month for my WRX premium. Can't wait to drive it!
Got my brand new Premium trim WRX ordered a week ago. Just a waiting game at this point. I know its considered not that new, but when all the cars youve owned are 2008 and older and all used, its pretty exciting for me. Shopped for a Type R for a while but between mark ups and up keep on those tires idk if it was worth the hit on my budget.
I just hope they can put the 2.5 turbo on Crosstrek, I love the old WRX hothatch, not the 4 doors sedan.
I’ve been waiting for this review for 2 years
Those seats are just half Recaros. The place where you sit on, is the plain jane WRX flat seats, while the portion of the seats where your backs rest on (with good bolstering) are Recaros. It is strange why Subaru insists on putting flat seats into their performance cars........they had superb seats in the 2002 WRX and no model after that, including the STIs, got those fantastic seats.
BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR THIS REVIEW
I love the WRX. Great driving and a manual transmission fun. The rev hang is annoying but it works. My only complaint is the price creep. I also like that the interior has all the tech I would every want and its easy to use. No spying video recorder on your face judging you and sending your info to your insurance company like new Subaru vehicles. I am not looking forward to this car getting update
Seems like the new Turbo Mazda 3 sedan will be good competition for this, although the Mazda does not come with a manual.
2019 Premium here. If your looking for a fun sporty sedan that has all the functions of a daily at the price point there is no competitor. The ride is rough and firm but this is more leaning towards highway driving at high speeds it keeps this thing planted and for windy twisty roads you will have so much fun. The Dunlop tires are harder then most tires out of factory but will give you the best precision cornering and handling. Ive changed to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 which are a bit softer for a more smoother ride at the expense of cornering. Cant go wrong with this car. Have fun and be safe.
Would you this car is worth buying ? Im thinking about trading my 2019 accord sport 1.5 turbo. Have you experience any issues? When you say the ride is rough, is that rough that's it unbearable if you take it for a long drive to go out of town??
@@bj10jgo Yeah i would change to a WRX no doubt. Improvement in power and handling. No issues so far. Many mods can be done if wanted. I would not say unbearable but you will feel the road. Take one for a test drive before you do and get a feel for it. Im sure you will forget all the bumps =)
@@axeya366 I test drove it and it was a little stiff. It kinda reminded me of having a lowering springs installed on my old cars since it tends to be a little bouncy when you lower a car due to the less travel of the spring rate. One thing i wanted to ask you, how's the paint quality? i read the paint is really thin and prone to rock chips. Did you get PPF installed on your car for that reason?
@@bj10jgo yes that is correct. The STI is even more stiffer and with 19"wheels and 35 tires makes the experience not comfy. But that is the way the car is meant to be driven.
for me it would have to be the STI limited and thats way more money than i would spend for the WRX, that would make the hyundai N line veloster the next car on the list in this category.
These seem very popular with the kiddos in my area. It does seem like a fun cat, tho I heard the turbo lag is pretty bad. Outside of the old G coupe, this is one of the cars that has a distinctive driver. I pretty much know what the driver is going to look like before looking at them buzzing by
I got the recaro's because I hated the stock seats, would have been a deal breaker. They squeezed the back of my ribs in a way I couldn't get comfortable.
As stated within, I would certainly want the WRX in a 6MT. The STI thankfully comes only with a 6MT. But it is a serious pity, that unlike prior generations, a hatch or wagon is not an option at all, which pretty much rules it out for me, since I need more practicality than what a sedan can provide. I love the AWD, especially the version on the STI, but being drawn more to the Civic Type-R due to its hatch bodystyle (personally, I hate the wild-child look of the Type-R, but can live with that, considering its performance and also the fact that it is a hatchback).
Very good in-depth study.....thank-you! Jim
MPG on paper for this car is underrated. I can easily got 28-32mpg on my 18' WRX, you can even get 38mpg if you drive like those 18 wheeler. (I'm just doing hypermiling occasionally on this car for fun :p)
75db at 50mph?! Holy cow, that is freaking loud.. It'd be hard just to have a conversation with back passengers
See this You Tube series about quieting a WRX interior: th-cam.com/video/wgSEhMEoWEo/w-d-xo.html On my '13 Impreza, had to ditch the Yokohama 17" Avids as the tires had too much road noise. Pirelli P7 All-Season-Plus fixed that, as did insulating the front doors and installing buffers behind the JBL replacement speakers. The stock speakers are junk, and we Impreza owners were two years ahead of the 2015 WRX guys in replacing our stereo units which sounded horrible. The new for 2017 Impreza was much better on all fronts, and much quieter riding, but the 2022 WRX will be all-new, as will the Impreza. Both will then get a proprietary infotainment system complete with tablet, so no more aftermarket stereos.
considering all the options, maybe it's also my age, I would pick the Veloster N. mainly cuz of the exhaust
OMG YES I was hoping you'd do a review on the WRX :D
Hows the rev hang? is it less noticeable than the previous year
It gets good low end torque but falls flat on its face when you're climbing the revvs. Seems to be a common issue in subarus
What a car.
Loved the review as always. Any chance you’re going to get your hands on a 2020 STI to review?
Ah, yes, my segment. Been looking at the Forte GT and then the Jetta GLI. Price vs performance but either way I'd like two pedals so my roommate can drive it and the DCT is closer to a stick than a CVT. I'd probably end up with a slightly used Stinger/G70 or Q50 though.
I need help I love the forte gt cause the interior looks so modern and comfortable, while the wrx is fun to drive from what I gather and has a bunch of aftermarket mods, I honestly can’t decide the gt value is out of this world and if I put winter tires there’s really no need for awd
@18:32, the White Series still has the 2.0 Turbo boxer, right, and not the 2.5?
Great review Alex.( as always )
turbo lag? its tiny and twin scroll. when I drive these, the lack of turbo lag is what I notice. Any rpms, any gear, put your foot down and its a surge of low end torque. Its chokes out above 5000 for sure though.
Very good review, sir. Thank you very much!
This is a fantastic review!
If you are going to buy a brand new Subaru. Do yourself a favor and opt for the Harman Kardon stereo. The stock system is horrible.
Hey Alex! Please review Mazda 3 Turbo. I’m think about trade in my 16 Mazda 3 for it. I want your comprehensive review for reference. Thank you so much
This mini-segment seems doomed as a high-low mix is likely more profitable than a high-medium-low mix since the medium is likely to cannibalize the high. This is especially likely as segment volumes shrink and used models of the same thing - or something like a used AWD TLX - compete with new sales and "regular" cars get to be almost as fast with better ride, nvh and mpg.
If this was seen as a growth segment, odds are Civic Si would not skip a year and Toyota would not have, ummm, inserted the Corolla Apex.
I’ll take a wrx over a si every time, and I’ve had them both
how about the mazda3 sport with turbo engine? which do you think is the better affordable hatchback sports car? thanks
What about the Golf GTI with the DSG? Perhaps a bit better handling wise then the Jetta?
In stock form, this thing definitely cuts timing. I highly recommend a tune, but then again, I'm an 18 year old, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt.
A left over 2020 base can be had at 25k which is nice..anyone know if the 2021s came out yet?
Surprised you don't mention the Mazda 3 AWD
How’s the gearbox compared to a FWD or RWD car? Is it more difficult because it is AWD?
Subaru’s (Porsche 4s, Quattro) have a full-time planetary center diff and require a little more revs to turn the drivetrain; other ‘awd’ (4motion, htrac) systems are not full-time, or as robust, and are more aptly designated ‘fwd+’ as they need only enough fuel to turn a single half-shaft “until slip is detected” lol
Just in case anyone’s thinking if they can fit a body in the trunk @8:35 yes you can!
WRX stands for World Rally Experimental, so yes, the Ride will be rough, the WRX is on Rally suspension.
Actually the x is infinite not experimental. It’s been said by Subaru themselves. But I too thought it was experimental or cross. But either way infinite does mean all those as well
@@imoffendedthatyouareoffended Just to expand on what you’ve said, the “X” is representative of the mathematical symbol for the unknown, which in turn, has “infinite” possibilities. And that’s directly from Fuji Heavy industries.
WRX with all wheel drive , and the cvt will be my next car . the all wheel drive puts the WRX over all the rest of the competition in my opinion . the cvt although not the best option ( Subaru dual clutch please ! ) I am over 60 and a standard trans just makes me tired now days . but I am still looking at a 5.0 Mustang . wish I still had my 1987 Scirocco , best new car I ever bought . had that car up to 135 . It was fun .
Get the mustang then make your last car purchase in life a good one.
@@GaragebuiltOriginal Thanks I do love that 5.0 . Mustang is hard to beat .
@@eaglewolf5 go for it boss.
This would be a decent daily in manual form....and if one lives in the Great White North. AWD nature of the car is it’s only real advantage then vs other hatches and sporty cars of this size. Otherwise, one might be better off in terms of ride, comfort and performance/consumption tradeoff with other competitors. Subaru needs to improve mpg, braking, comfort in the next iteration to keep a classic car relevant.
The problem with the WRX is that while it might be affordable to buy, it's not affordable to insure.
Owning a radar detector and Waze with police reports turned on is pretty much mandatory for a car like this. Insurance assumes you're going to drive this car like a wacko and either wreck it or get speeding tickets.
Yeah, the numbers aren't on its side. Its drivers are tops for speeding ticket citations and compared to the VW GTi, similar power/price, it has a much higher fatality rate. The insurance company is pretty much going to assume you're a yahoo if you buy one of these.
I don't know if I'd call the insurance for the WRX unaffordable, as the average cost appears to be $1700/year. By comparison, a Honda Fit is around $1400/year. But I'm sure that the difference can become more pronounced depending on the driver and the area.
I had a 2011 Wrx hatchback and just brought a 2020 Wrx. The 2011 push you to the seat and the new one doesn’t.
Nice review! When do u get to review the Mazda 3 AWD Turbo?
Would take a Mazda 3 turbo AWD over all of these. Why was this upcoming car not discussed?
Would have liked to hear more on the 2.0 vs 2.5 engine in the series white.
The 2.5 is only in the Sti not wrx.
@@ChazzyMcD 20:40 says 2.5, might be a typo.
Alex, How does this compare to the 2021 Mazda 3 turbo? I WONDER
Im pretty torn between a wrx and a veloster n!
The veloster N offer's a lot for the money, but the interior is even more low budget
I think i can live with a budget interiors... I think what mainly concerns me is space and daily liveability! They seem close performance wise for the limits of street driving. Too bad the i30N wont show up in the US...Thatd be an instant buy!
You should test drive a Forte GT. It's not quite as fast, but also not much slower. Also, it has a 7 spd DCT or manual option and handles well. Also, it has a nice interior with tons of standard equipment a nice stereo in top trim and is a good daily driver.
Love how thorough this review is! Excellent presentation, Alex, thanks. For my money, I’d get the Veloster N. I don’t need an adult-sized back seat, that said it’s 3rd door allows easy child-seat access on the starboard side. And don’t forget Hyundai’s 10 year/100,090 mile powertrain warranty. Plus, it’s a really fun ride!
Much better as a hatch. The sedan version, by comparison, is less utile and looks frumpy