Pricing
The Indominus WRX (base model review)
This is my fifth Subaru since 2010, and my second WRX. My first was a 2014 hatchback (wagon), so much of my review on the 2022 model is in comparison to my past experiences with my 2014, and lessor to the common attributes of Subaru manufacture in general. First off, you'll see a large discrepancy between "shop" reviews and user reviews. Shop reviews tend to follow each other in lockstep, with an emphasis on creating "views" more than focusing on an objective honest review from a purchaser standpoint. My first advice to you if you are interested in the WRX, is to quit reading/watching shop reviews online and go test drive one immediately. It's highly likely (I won't speak for you) that the experience you have in person will be much different than any review you read online. In fact, I would say it's likely much more positive than the cookie cutter/lock step shop reviews out there. Secondly, come back here and write your own review and mention the differences of your experiences vs. the shop reviews. Consumers want consumer reviews, be detailed and take your time- we all benefit. Here is my review: Refined. That was the word that summed up my first test drive. Every detail of the WRX seemed better than my 2014 WRX, and there were even refinements over my 2018 Crosstrek, and 2021 Ascent that I appreciated (mainly, but not limited to, the refinement of the firmware in the interface and electronics). I was impressed. My second test drive was extended, over a half hour long, and I could dig deeper into the way the drive train, handling, and engine performed. Overall I left more impressed than my first test drive and that experience caused me to custom order my own. My 2022 WRX was delivered almost a month early than the expected delivery date. I've had it for 3 days and I've driven it in every condition that I will experience. Freeway, mountains, wet weather (monsoon storm in the desert), and in town. I am still in the break in period so I'm paying attention not to go over the 4K rpm mark, and I have not used cruise control (both recommendations from the dealer). Since I took ownership, my impression has only improved further. You get a lot for your money here, even with the base model- but I do recommend getting the short throw shifter, its pretty much an affordable must. There's too much to list in terms of positive experiences, but all I can keep thinking is how refined it is in every way. From the aluminum hood with gas struts, to the awesome instrument cluster, the excellent vision out of the windows, the thrill of the handling (which is amazingly good), to the spirited acceleration, it's all fantastic. Unless you want obnoxiously loud exhaust, you'll find the sound of this WRX is near perfection. Just enough growl and beautiful harmony to keep a smile on your face, without waking up the neighbors and getting shoes thrown at your car. I was able to easily get over 30mpg on the highway (as high as 35mpg, and as low as 28mpg) and even with all the back roads driving and in town start and stops, I had no issues getting 25mpg or more. Those numbers will likely change after break in when I can use the full rev range and/or I'm able to use cruise control (I expect a wider range of high and low MPG). Many positive details will reveal themselves the more time you spend driving a 2022 WRX. For instance, the dual screen set up- I prefer this to the 11" screen. It's a more organized way to divide up the functions for both the car (bottom) and infotainment (top). There are also a few more analog controls which I prefer to most touch screen interfaces. I find more reliance on touch screens tend to demand more attention away from the road. Fancy, but overkill for my needs. The dual screen set up is a good overall compromise between modern tech and analog. Now as far as the drive train, whoa. I can tell you the sound and smoothness of the engine are far superior to my 2014 WRX. The power comes in just over 2K, so much sooner than the older (and more quirky/less reliable 2.5), and wow is it just a treat feeling it push you back in your seat. The gear box really shines on mountain roads to whit I feel it is best suited. Going up hill you'll practically live in 3rd gear which gives you plenty of punch as low as 25mph, and yet can be revved up comfortably to well over 65mph. Its nearly perfect for the twists and turns and that mixed with the incredible grip on hard turns, gives you complete command of the road. It's an awesome experience that I can't properly describe with text. The gear box feels a bit low for around the town driving, 1st gear especially, but that gear is awesome in bumper to bumper traffic, to whit I believe is its main purpose. At first I wasn't sure I'd like the gear ratios but after driving it in so many different circumstances, I see the brilliance of the engineering and decisions to design it as such. Again, driving it will enlighten you. Reviews do not do this car justice. It's roomier, more refined and well thought out, faster, handles better, and has better gas mileage than my old 2014. On top of that, is that its engine can stand for some serious upgrading without fear of it blowing up (like the old 2.5's did). When the aftermarket gets rolling on WRX mods, I think this car will be the most popular WRX yet, proving all the naysayers wrong. If I have the option to update this review in the future I will, for now, I've pretty much covered the basics. There are many little details that I wanted to include in this review, but I'd rather leave some room for surprise and to your own experience to find. If you live in So Cal give Irvine Subaru a try, I can't recommend them enough. Family owned and awesome down to earth staff, they will take care of you like a friend, no hassle, top rate service. Update: Just reread my review, I agree with everything that I've said previously still. It's because my weekend driver. I hope I have it the rest of my life. Cobb tuning now has a tuning kit available you can purchase if you want more horsepower out of your WRX. Check it out online you can bring the torque up to 400 foot pounds and the horsepower over 300 (barely). I may look into that in the future. Still 100% satisfied with my purchase I have no real complaints about my new WRX I just wish Subaru would make a hatchback version. Subaru do not get rid of the gas powered WRX. Subaru do not get rid of the manual transmission. If you do both you will kill the spirit of driving.
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The Jack-Of-All-Trades (Premium Trim in Manual)
"A jack of all trades is a master of non, but often times better than a master of one" This is true for the 2022 WRX. The engine produces pretty good horsepower, excellent handling, comfortable seats, actual usable back seats for adults and good space in the trunk, enough technology, good price and with good resale value. I dig the looks and functionality of the plastic cladding around the car (not exaggerating). My premium manual trim cost $33k which I feel is a very good deal for what the car comes with. My brother had a 2017 WRX Premium and upgraded to a 2021 STI and both I've test drove, but the tuning of the 2022 and in all areas (interior, engine -power delivery, handling, tech) is just better. Are there any other car brand/model that'll offer what the WRX can (270hp, AWD) starting at $30k? Probably not. No, it's not as fast as the Elantra N, does not have the gas efficiency of a Civic SI, or excellent interior like the Mazda 3, but if you are looking for sporty, practical, and fun sedan, the 2022 WRX is a wonderful bang for the buck car!
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- TR SedanMSRP: $39,58924 mi away
- Premium SedanMSRP: $34,78924 mi away
- Premium SedanMSRP: $31,980In-stock online
Go Drive It - you'll be glad you did...
UPDATE - I'm not wild about the touchscreen infotainment system. During daylight hours it catches glare and is difficult to see even with sunglasses. It's not intuitive, and there's no knobs or switches to control common heat/ac functions. I have to take my eyes off the road to make changes - not cool. I traded in my 2015 silver WRX premium cvt (88,000 miles) for a 2022 black WRX premium 6 spd, and I'm ecstatic! I didn't plan on getting black, but it looked way better to me in person than the silver or blue - the black cladding on the fenders is more noticeable on the non-black cars. My neighbors love it, and they're not even sure what it is. The new platform is an improvement in every respect, and the ride is more refined, while still firm and sporty. The 6 spd is a joy to shift, and a huge improvement over my last stick (2005 STI). This car is marginally bigger than my 2015, but seems larger inside because the space is better utilized. The front seats are more comfortable too. From 1900 rpm to redline, you get maximum linear torque. I had to pay sticker, but until recently that was just a dream. I'm not sure why people are bashing this car in online reviews. There are MANY good reasons why the 2022 WRX only stays on a dealer's lot for an average of 8 days, an industry low.
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Stealth speedster
I bought the premium model with the sunroof and updated radio package. Added the short shifter too. This car is AMAZING. Powerful, shifts smoothly, comfortable interior. Bought it in the mag grey. Hides the wheel cladding. You will have zero regrets buying this car.
Absolutely not what automotive press claims!
First of all Rush2112's review is spot on. Here is what you read online: ugly, slower than last version, no STi, not as fast as an Elantra N or CTR, yada, yada, yada. Here is what you get: A powerful driver's car for $30k with AWD. My '19 Q5 was killed by a deer, and I was looking for an AWD sports sedan for the NW PA winters. With my kids almost all driving now, I wanted to get back to a car for me rather than a CUV/SUV for a part-time family hauler. My WRX is a Premium, with the Harmon Kardon stereo and moonroof with a 6 Spd. manual. First of all I think it is a gorgeous car and looks better than the last generation. Mine is the Silica Black. The amount of cladding is no different than my wife's Ascent, which the automotive press had no issues with. Here in NW PA most roads out of town are tar&chipped, and this keeps the painted work free of dings and scratches. The WRX looks like everything else Subaru, which is a good thing because Subaru still believes in making its vehicles look unique. They have always been frumpy and quirkly looking, they are not street show cars. Everything else looks like a bubble. No one will mistake a WRX for anything else. Second, this is not a drag racing car. The automotive press, especially in the US is obsessed with drag racing. Sorry, if that is what you like, you will live an unhappy life, and never be satisfied with any car, as someone will just have those extra $$$ that you don't and leave you in the dust. I autocrossed through the 90s, and spent tons of time on track days and time-to-distance events. Find a car that makes you smile driving, and that you can learn the art of driving, and you'll be more satisfied for your money. The 0-60 numbers from C&D and others are from people who don't own the car who can do clutch drops and abuse the F out of the car. Don't fall for the numbers game. The transmission. The torque is amazing, and the clutch is light, direct and incredibly predictable. A new driver of manuals will pick this up easily. I had the STi shifter installed on delivery and it makes a huge difference in tightness. Pushing into each gear has definite tactile feedback. The gears are short, and remind me of the 99.5 Audi A4 I had, where you won't reach 60 in 2nd. Even in 6th gear you are at 2k rpm at 55-60. Yes the mpg is not stellar, but this car is always AWD, and is tuned for the close ratios. The engine. Roars on startup. If you want a quiet car, this is not the one for you. The cold exhaust does drone for 1-2 minutes after start up at idle. After that it is sheer rumble when you are on the gas, and quiet when you are not. There is a hint of turbo noises, but nothing obnoxious. At my age I still love a rumbling exhaust, but not a fan of turbo noises (those are for the younger set). The engine has almost no lag. The 2.4L could pull the car on its own with no turbo and probably still put down a 7 sec 0-60. That and the twin scroll turbo make any lag minimal. My last car ('19 Q5) had far more lag. Car pulls from 2k all the way to redline linearly. Revs drop immediately on letting off gas to shift. Everything under the hood is accessible (except spark plugs, obviously). My wife's Ascent limited has a cheap prop rod for the hood, the WRX has a pair of real pressurized struts. Tuning. I tuned my last three turbo cars, but to tell you the truth, I am going to leave this one stock other than an AWE exhaust, some Red Stuff pads and some dress up items. The Audis and Volvos I just had lacked any sense of speed, they were too quiet, too smooth too refined to enjoy any bit of the driving experience. 100 MPH and you thought you were doing 50. This car engages you in the driving experience, and I think it has all the power it needs. I also want to keep the warranty and still drive it hard. That is more genius from Subaru, as this engine has more headroom for tuning, but also gives stock power at lower boost than the previous model. We have 70k in our Ascent and no issues (CVT is another issue). The Ascent has more boost at lower rpm to increase towing torque and moving a bigger vechicle. The WRX works at lower boost peak, but shifts that to higher rpm to get more hp. Ascent takes 87 octane, the WRX takes 91. Interior. Simple and livable. I can't fault my Q5 or the Audi virtual cockpit, that was flawless. But really once all those gizmos are set up the way you want, you simply need rpm, speed, coolant and oil temperature and won't bother with anything else. The WRX instrument display is straightforward and direct. Two big analog gauges for tach and speedo, and a changeable middle display for instant mpg, average mpg/range, tire pressure, media and then the turbo boost gauge that has a peak function. The 11.5" middle display combines the three from my wife's Ascent into one. A top 1/6 of the screen that scrolls L/R for media and a display for coolant temp, oil temp and average speed is cool. The main screen has the coolest feature in that it will do portrait mode of Apple car play. Bottom 1/6 of screen is HVAC controls, and YES, SUBARU FIXED THE HEATED SEAT CONTROLS!!! One push and you toggle through the heated seat levels, just like a physical button. Physical buttons are there for auto temp and volume, and push to pause music. Yes, the looks of the system are a little Windows Vista era, and I would beg Subaru to allow users to personalize background color and fonts (Volvo does that better than anyone). The system has been labelled as laggy by some reviews, but it is faster than in our '19 Ascent by a long shot. Seats have great side bolsters for cornering that really hold you in. I'm tall and thin, and can see how a larger person may think they are too tight. Lumbar support actually gives me backaches, so I'm happy without it. Seats raise/lower, setback angle and front back, that's it. Moonroof is simple, but I wish controls were backlit, no biggie. I did have the LED interior lights as an option. No rear seat ducts for HVAC, don't see where that saved Subaru any money, but the car is small enough that it should not be an issue come winter. I can comfortably sit in the rear seat behind my driver seat (I'm 6'0"). Visibitliy is awesome. Comfort. This is a sports sedan with a suspension made for a dirt track, you are not going to get a comfy detached ride. Buy another car for that. You will feel the road. Is it obnoxious or painful? No way. But the ride should be expected in this type of car. Big impacts ARE smoothed better than a comfy car, little undulations are really what you will feel in return. Handling? A dream. All reviews of electric steering have been poor from Audi, BMW, etc. don't expect miracles from Subaru in a $30 car. I find no issues with knowing where the car is pointed vs. wheel position, and I used to amateur race. Car corners flat, and with the summer rubber will scare most drivers long before it lets go. Subaru opted for understeer at the limit, which is probably wise. I haven't pushed mine to that limit yet, but we'll see. Trunk and storage are fine. Only quibble is the center armrest is a joke. I think they cut back since most people get manuals and you don't want your elbow constantly bumping a big console. For the lack of rear ductwork, Subaru could have put some cupholders in back (other than the ones in the rear armrest). Subaru has a hit!!!
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Dont listen to the salty fanboys
This car drives great. BMW is not the only ultimate driving machine and this car proves that. The turbo sounds like a quiet vacuum when activated but the car goes and the turbo activates as low as 2500 RPM. The cladding looks good w darker colors (got mine in black) and not only that but it gives the car a rugged look. Only thing i dont like is that the stock radio on the base model doesnt play well w apple car play. The radio will randomly reset itself, even w a wireless carplay adapter. Outside of that i dont regret getting this car. At all.
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Best Rex to hit the Market!
The new WRX shows improvements in all categories over its predecessors. The new 2.4 liter boxer engine is great. It doesn't rely so much on the turbo to get up and going but when the turbo does kick in you're in for a treat. The car is spacious and comfortable during long drives and you can easily fit a small frailly with no issues. Cargo space is great too and foldable seats allows for larger items to fit as well. The manual is easy to drive and the clutch feels great as well. If you're looking for a sedan this is the one to get. If it's in the budget get at least a premium trim. For an additional 2k or so you do get some nice features.
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Love it!
This car is so fun to drive and the supposed rough drive feels great to me. I was certain my husband would love it but did not expect to love it more. We are very old people and can easily get in and out of the car. Love the design and fuel efficiency isn’t too bad…getting average 29 MPG.
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you need to drive it like you stole it
It took me several months to find a rhythm in this car, and after 14 months I'm still learning. At almost 5k either it's loosening up or I'm loosening up. Drive it normally and it does okay but doesn't inspire. There isn't that sense of joy, for lack of a better word, that other hi-perf cars I've owned imparted even in sedate driving. But flog it and, to its credit, it responds. A WRX has always been on my bucket list, and it mostly lives up to my expectations. It doesn't score as high on the thrill-o-meter as I'd hoped, but it's a better daily than I thought it would be, and in this price range maybe that's the best you can do. I think the previous gen was more visceral and maybe more what I was looking for. Driven with some consideration for the drivetrain, acceleration is brisk rather than fast. Power delivery is peaky, which I don't mind--it's turbo lag but reminds me of an engine coming on cam. You do run out of revs quickly, and it's easy to hit the rev limiter. I'd call the handling confident rather than Nürburgring. Bear in mind that I owned a 2008 Corvette Z06 a few years ago, and anything less extreme suffers in comparison. Also bear in mind that I started driving in 1970 and change cars frequently, so if you're a twenty-something, some of my criticisms may not apply. The interior is serviceable but reminds you it's based on an entry-level car. I'm getting 22 mpg, which is border-line acceptable, although the economy-car gas tank will have you visiting gas stations frequently. The ride on a smooth freeway is quite good, and with cruise control on it's a comfortable cruiser, but on any surface even slightly rough the car jolts so much that it's difficult to use the touch screen. It isn't much smaller than the BMW 330x it replaced, but the footwell isn't quite large enough for my size 13s to be comfortable. Wind and road noise are so prominent at speed that the Harmon Kardon is pretty much a waste on the freeway. The shifter is adequate, if occasionally balky (I may have the factory short shifter installed) and way way better than the 2018 BMW shifter I suffered with for three years. I get why so many WRX owners mod their car--it's a great base for creating something more overtly hi-perf. I think the chassis could handle significantly more power, and maybe mine will once the warranty expires. Given all my nitpicking, why do I give the WRX five stars? Because I'm grateful that a relatively affordable sports sedan with stick is still around and offers as much as the WRX does. And because I think it's a car that will wear well on me.
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It just drives better!
Bought the GT Model, fully loaded with the exhaust. The good news is it feels a LOT faster than last years model. The noise level is greatly reduced, and it goes over bumps like a champ. The Interior on our GT is better with soft-touch plastic and fake suedes. What we like the most is the dampening and the paddle shifting which feels real-ish. Not sure if anyone would call the upgraded stereo good - it's just okay. The trim under the windows in the rear looks incomplete, and the quarter window looks like it has some kind of shrink wrap at the top - looks super tacky. That seems strange because the rest of the car is put together nicely. On the highways and over ruts on the highways? WOW!. The car is great! The CVT turbo-lag is improved and made it up to Audi and VW GTi standards of "you-know-it's-there-but-whatever". The steering on the highway and while driving aggressively tightens up nicely, but may be a bit to slack for city driving. Turn-in in all situations is much improved. People who would insult the screen speed or user-friendliness are exaggerating, it's fine, has the right amount of AC and app inputs. But the rear-view camera is still BELOW par - but better. All the cladding looks funny, but works. The GT seats are extremely comfortable - even though they do not look like it. Never sat in the back - because I won't. The hood comes up without using a stick. Trunk closing is less tin-ny sounding. Not sure why Subaru still uses light bulbs for turn signals.
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Fun to drive!!!
This is my first Subaru WRX and I am enjoying it plenty. The sound system is just right for me, the comfort is great and the different drive modes come in handy for when me or my wife drive the vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone whether it is the manual or the CVT. Personally chose the CVT due to its many options included not available on other models. Overall I enjoy this vehicle and it is a fun car to drive.
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Best Bang for Your Buck
First time WRX owner here. I owned nothing but BMWs until I got this car. I like it a lot. It is everything you need and want in a car. Fun to drive, extremely comfortable seats, has just the right amount of room, has an aggressive off road type look. I live in New Hampshire, and I wanted something that is fast, fun yet practical for our brutal winters here. That being said it's an absolute monster in the snow. I don't think you could pick a better car for the money. I think Subaru did a great job at sticking to the Rally heritage that the WRX is known for. Gas milage is pretty good. Down sides are that the center armrest is pretty much useless for short drivers like myself. It is kind of loud, mind you I have the STI mufflers on it. But the drone can get a bit annoying at times. It may lack certain refinement like wind noise but again i am coming from BMWs so not sure that fit and finish is comparable. Overall, it's a great PRACTICAL sports car... especially if you live in a snowy climate.
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Practical sports car
This is my first time in a WRX. I bought it brand new and have owned it for 2 years so far. I intend on keeping it for much longer. Very sporty and extremely fun to drive. You get sport car yet has practical space with its 4 door sedan setup and deep trunk. The standard AWD is simply superb. I drive this thing year round living in the mountains of New Hampshire and it has snow incredibly well. I really don't see any reason to not like this car. It doesn't have as much luxury amenities as others, but that's not why you but this car anyway. This a PERFECT car for someone who wants a sports car but needs it to be practical, reliable and doesn't break the bank. Bonus if you live in a snowy/cold region like myself. This may be one of the very few modern cars with a manual transmission Pros: High performance, All wheel drive standard, manual transmission, comfortable, space, price, holds value, good mpg for a sports car. Cons: Wind noise Performance: 9/10 Looks: 9/10 Comfort: 8/10 Practicality: 9/10 MPG: 8/10 Reliability: 9/10 Cost: 10/10
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It had everything I wanted
I went into Subaru on a whim looking for a car I might like. I wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for, but it had to have good visibility, a sporty look and passibly practical. I've always had an interest in sportscars, but didn't know much at all about the WRX. I have driven base model BMWs, Porsche 944, 923, Mustang Cobra, various other roadsters and just plain jane grocery getters. I've put a few miles on the German Autobahn, so I figure I know what fast is. When they pulled their only base model out of the lot for my test drive, I saw through the rain spots and a little bird poo. I saw that wonderful Blue, and it was mine before I got in. I didn't need a second test drive. Yeah, no Ricardo seats yadayada, but the seats are quite comfortable. I felt what was under my foot while doing a little lap in the neighborhood and I knew I was going to like it. It has plenty, and although I am sad the STI isn't an option, there may be an aftermarket build of in the future one day when this old man needs a hobby. There is a lot of talk about dark colors look better with the cladding. I like it on my blue machine, and I thought it looked pretty sharp in the orange one too. I kindof dig the hexagon gimmick with the cladding, and it goes with its styling. The interior design triggers a sense of something out of a spaceship... thinking in terms of something crossed between H.R Geiger and Darth Veder's Tie Fighter. I like dark, so that's fine, and my daughter digs it too. Clutch is easy yet tight. I have a sense of the linkage and gearing happening, while feeling very smooth. I know where I am in the gears. Even after years of driving an automatic, it came back to me very quickly in this car. Electronic steering is responsive, and if you understand how it works, it's rack and pinion with a boost. I've driven a car with a broken steering motor, and when you are above 20 mph, the electronics are not doing much anyway. The steering is there, now, with no slop. The motor has an aesthetic presence with you at all times. It has a rumble, and the turbine winding up adds some music. It isn't an overwhelming presence on a stock machine, and that's cool if you have a worried kid to cart around. It is possible to have a conversation most of the time. It's only a bit loud when warming up like there is some reverberation. I may have missed the boat on the earlier mod enthusiasm for earlier model WRX, but I don't mind. It is good the way it is, and it feels solidly engineered. Daring things don't seem so daring in this machine. I have to pinch myself to drive responsibly every time I get on the road, because it is almost too easy to get into mischief. I think the 2023 is maintaining the legend, and I am now much more appreciative of its history. I know, I know, this car is not going to win a track race on an oval. But that's not why you drive a WRX. I feel no qualms adding a luggage rack to it or giving it some embellishments at some point. Maybe I'll write another review then. This car is about fun to its core. It has no feeling like it is something souped up and tacked onto a low-end economy car as per some critics. It is what it is made to do.
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Love my WRX!
This is my 4th Subaru, absolutely loving my WRX!
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The wrx GT !
I got the WRX GT , with all the polarizing reviews on the internet forget all of it and drive it / see it in person , I drove it oh my / the car was amazing in everyway , the tuning of the transmission and the electronic suspension you only get on the GT trim really delivers, and the recaro seats hugs you in place, the drive was so fun , AWD , reliability, resale value if you’re ready to give it up maybe , if you can find one with the supply now a days not a lot, mine is silver in color , the rims was matte finished gray exclusive on the GT , sporty yeah!
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Great improvements
2 year update. Still loving the car!! 18k miles and everything is good. Great Gas mileage and running fine. The 2022 is very different than the previous model and cannot be compared. If you really liked the previous model, then the 2022 will have good points and bad point. If you kinda liked the previous model, then you will like love the 2022. It is more tame but faster. It feels heavy but more comfortable. The STI exhaust and shifter are excellent upgrades
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A Car for the Enthusiast Within
Traded in a fully equipped '22 Forester Wilderness with 4k miles / 3 months ownership and picked up a new '22 WRX base trim in WR Blue and 6 speed manual plus a few accessory options ($31,632 msrp). Forester was a good car, however, I wanted to try something more exciting and engaging to drive without going too high on price and APR. The tech, safety, space, and convenience options were an advantage on the Forester Wilderness, however, I don't look at the WRX as too much of a downgrade even though it could be considered so in a way. 2.9% APR from Subaru is great compared to today's 5-6%+ rates. Saved $2,000 off msrp and fair trade-in for the Forester Wilderness (no dealer ads and no market adjustment). Car feels solid and well built. Suspension is definitely firm and tight, so some may find it uncomfortable compared to plush SUVs and trucks on the market. You can definitely feel all the bumps, cracks, potholes, and imperfections on the road. 6100 rpm redline is a bit low compared to other cars and sports cars... It just feels like the car runs out of turbo steam way too soon and boost should start earlier or stretch out with higher rpms and redline. By the time I try to get into the turbo boost sweet spot within the rpm range, I'm close to the speed limit on public roads - and this is frustrating. 1st to 2nd shift takes more finesse and practice with clutch to make sure shift is smooth and car is in balance, and the shift from 1st to 2nd can be rough at least half the time. Overall shifting and quality of the manual transmission is positive and satisfying. Heel-toe downshifting is a pleasant experience each and every time on this vehicle. The handling is sharp and precise with great reflexes. Steering feel is a bit numb as other reviewers have mentioned. I appreciate the standard AWD grip and traction. Real world fuel mpg is better than I expected and not as bad as suggested elsewhere - I'd say maybe 25 mpg average and that's pretty good for a turbocharged AWD performance car and spirited driving. Thank you Subaru for making this car, keeping the true manual, keeping it at a reasonable starting price point, building it in Japan, keeping it versatile with four doors and back seats. Another big plus is that the front end does not scrape easy like other sports cars because this has good ground clearance. WRX is a $30k car and I feel you get the most performance value at that price, especially with the manual transmission. Anything more than that should make you consider researching a different car for the money, although I feel this car is more of a rarity for what it is. It's crazy how fully equipped WRXs approach $45k - not worth it, in my opinion. I tend to switch and try out cars at a faster pace. Hopefully, I can keep this one a bit longer if I can get attached to it. I'm curious to see how the BRZ drives without the turbo but with the related 2.4 engine. I had a '06 Evo IX MR several years back, and that car was more visceral and raw compared to this WRX... This WRX brings back those memories, although this ride is more refined and a better all around vehicle with Subaru's experience on developing it. I may bump rating to 4 stars but will hang tight for at least a while so I can gather more time and mileage under my belt. I did get a trade in appraisal when looking at a brand new '23 M3 sedan base trim MSRP at about $75k, and the dealership only offered $26k, which is a big loss on this car despite resale value being on the better side for Subaru vehicles. I'm thinking the dealership just wasn't as motivated and wanted to preserve their profit margins, especially on selling a low volume specialty car. We will see what the future holds. Other vehicles I did consider were a '22 Dodge RAM TRX with level 1 package and $84k MSRP and a '22 Mustang Mach 1 with manual transmission and handling package w/Recaros and MSRP of about $66k plus dealer ads. WRX felt like a more exciting, capable, and versatile daily driver along with Subaru's promotional APR and lower cost of entry and value. I don't see myself upgrading to an STI if it ever comes out since it may only be a 25% increase in performance at a $45 - 50k price tag. If anything, I'll keep the WRX and add a base trim BRZ with 6MT down the line.
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Bargain STI
Faster than the 2021 WRX STI. Do yourself a favor and get the base trim. 300lbs lighter than higher trims. Smaller wheels make for a more razor like cornering experience. Muscle cars are in serious trouble if they think they can hang with the new WRX in the turns. These cars a PLANTED
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WRX TR - The one year only trim.
I traded in my 2023 WRX Premium for the 2024 WRX TR. First let me start by saying I really enjoyed my 2023 WRX Premium for 16K miles. However the premium had a few things that annoyed me. The stereo in the premium was awful. The bass was horrible and the majority of the music sounded garbled. Even my podcasts had to be turned up higher than my wife's liking so I could hear them speak clearly. The premium also felt a little harsh when going over bumps and dips it felt like a car that had been tuned for the track. I also felt the brakes could have been upgraded, but I never used anything except the stock fluid and pads. I also own a 2023 BRZ. While taking my vehicles to the dealership for complimentary maintenance, I noticed they had a 2024 WRX TR. I had the sale guy run the numbers a few different times but we couldn't get close to an acceptable number. Flash forward a few months and the dealership finally worked be a deal significantly below MSRP and my trade in was only a few grand less than what I paid for my car, so I pulled the trigger. The WRX TR is probably my ideal spec, minus the recaro seats. I have eventually found a pretty good seating position, but it is more upright than I normally sit. I still prefer the premium seats feel, but that material stains easily and I question the durability for longetivity. The WRX TR is an easy car to drive fast for a long length of time. It comfortably seats 4 adults and 1 child not in a car seat. The new engine has power throughout the rev band, but the gears are spaced closer together than previous sports cars I have owned. While most pro reviews say the engine "lacks character" I disagree it is just a really strong engine with almost nothing to complain about. The fact there is so little to complain about with the entire vehicle is why I believe many pro reviews say the car lacks character. There is really nothing you have to compensate for and nothing to complain about. The car is very subdued and that is why most reviewers say it lack character. There is no heavy understeer, no loud buzzy motor, no serious turbo lag, no rear end that breaks free, nothing to be weary of when driving at your limits. Sure you might be able to put down a faster lap in a Type R, Elanta N, or GR Corolla, but if your driving 500 laps I would wager the WRX ends up the fastest vehicle. You can simply drive it fast for a long time without much fatigue. Now for the TR specific items. The suspension while stiffer also offers better dampening, so the ride actually feels more compliant than my premium. The TR is actually quieter than my old Premium on cold starts. The Brembo brakes with the larger master cylinder is much better than my 23' premium stock brakes.The HK stereo systems is miles ahead of the premium stereo. The HK sounds amazing, and unless you are trying to win a sound competition most audiophiles will never feel a need to upgrade. The TR has no sunroof, which is what stopped me from buying the limited. No sunroof means less weight, more structural rigidity, no leaky seals, and no glass to break during Texas hail storms. Plus I never used a sunroof when I did own vehicles with them. The synthetic suede is a nice material for the seats and interior trim, and I believe it will last longer than my premium's cloth material. I don't do leather in Texas, because it doesn't age well in Texas heat. I like the bigger 19" wheels (some people dislike the style) vs the 18" premium. I really disliked the style of the 18" wheels. I thought both cars had tires that preformed well, but experts rave about the 19" tires, but I guess I never pushed the car to the point it is about to lose traction. The blinker on the 24' is so much better than the 23' which never clicked into an on position. So many times I tried to turn the blinker off on the 23' but end up signaling turning in the opposite direction. That was so annoying, I'm glad they fixed it for 24'. Finally the steering was retuned for the TR and it eliminate all of the very minor understeer, is slightly quicker, and provides more feedback. This will be I car I keep for 20+ years and that is why I was willing to upgrade to the TR trim. After the warranty ends I will be replacing the air inlet hose with an aluminum pipe, changing the air filter, and adding a tune. These minor upgrades will put the vehicle over 300HP and still keep it reliable. At 300+ HP the WRX will easily best it's competitors on hot lap times. Then I'll probably add the cobb titanium cat back exhaust which sounds better (not super loud) and saves weight. If you can find a comfortable seating position in the recaro seats this is the trim level to get.
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Smooth
First time 22 WRX Base owner here. The drive train is super silky smooth and the power train feels strong and dialed in, like it's going to last years to come. Harsh ride in parking lots but smooths out the faster you go. It doesn't matter how slow or fast I drive mpg stay at 24 and doesn't move.
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Woah the lows and highs and ample power
Whether I’m at low or high rpm’s this vehicle has the power to drive on out and put your passengers into their seats. I expected to enjoy the ride but I didn’t expect the 22 to overwhelm my perception from previous years. The car steering feel is fantastic and the acceleration is always there. It’s been dicey in the snow/ice but on open roads whether dry or wet this baby flies.
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WRX Glee
The vehicle is sporty and distinctive. The performance is exceptional. Features are easily understood. We are very happy with our “new” vehicle.
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New style rocks
I love new design of 2022 WRX, it looks so cool. I'm a new Subaru fan from now on.
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What a blast to drive
I decided to lease a 2024 WRX earlier this year because I live in an area with many winding, hilly roads. I have owned BMWs and Audis and I don't think any of those can keep up with this car in the curves. It has excellent handling and is so enjoyable to drive on the roads around East TN. Hard to believe that such a reasonably priced car can offer such awesome performance. No regrets regarding my decision to get a WRX.
Good car
Goid car but bad cvt transmission
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All good things come to an end
Love the wrx but it has serious very expensie engine issues!!!! I had 3 and the new ones do not hold up....do not buy..its all fun until the engine starts bleeding oil a d then every sensor goes a d you lose cruise control, abs rakes, hill assist...etc etc. I will miss my wrx 😥
What a riot
2023 premium manual. Last year without eyesight Definitely wouldn't want the nannies.Absolutely no complaints or problems with this vehicle. It's a driving experience like no other car I've driven. It's like raw mechanical freedom. In a world of CVTs I feel fortunate to be able to drive this. I average about 24 miles per gallon driving mostly around town. I let it warm up before jumping on it and change the oil every 2500 miles to keep the turbo happy .Really fun car!!
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2024 Subaru WRX (base)
First Subaru that I have ever owned. I will not get technical, but I love everything about this car. Handles amazingly and the take off....woohoo
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Best WRX I’ve owned
Bad ass racing car with all the goodies in it! Super fun to drive also have a smile on my face!
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New Daily Driver
After 2 gens of Golfs, it was time to replace Mk7 GTI after 8 years. I bought the GTI for its dual clutch transmission and premium interior. But dieselgate (6M TDI owner) and poor local dealership service really turned me off from owning another VW. Had planned on picking a Prius at the end of the year, if dealers no longer charge a markup. But out of the blue Subie sent me an email and offered 0%. Only catch is its a 2023 model. Would've love to have Eyesight feature, but at $3K price increase and likely smaller discount, I can use my own "eyesight" thank you. I spent extra for the Limited (6M) only because of lane change alert. Fun little "hatch". Would never have gotten the Golfs if Subie still made hatchbacks. No complains after 3K miles, except for the mpg. But I can live with it because I only need to report to office once a week. Would've stuck to Prius otherwise. Alternate was the BRZ. Would've been tough choice if 2024 could also be had at 0%.
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Awesome Car
Love the Subaru WRX, got the limited with short shifter. It’s a fun car, I love taking it to road trips especially the mountains.
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The best family friendly fun daily period.
For $32000 you cannot ask for more! all necessary stuff heated seats and what not. Gives me 25mpg in mixed driving. Very happy
Love it
Love it