Subaru WRX review: New 2022 sedan and wagon gain bigger engine, but is it still fun?
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- This isn’t the Subaru WRX you know and love. This is the new-generation model, which is more mature, predictable and easy to drive than ever before.In fact, the new 2022 Subaru WRX sedan and Sportswagon are more practical, high-tech and family-friendly than you might expect.But is that what people buy a WRX for? The Rex has long been known for its unapologetic character - a fast, noisy, at times hard to live with thing. Now it’s more comfortable and likeable, a better rival to a VW or Skoda than ever. But does that mean it has gone soft?In this review, Matt Campbell tells you what you need to know - including some stuff you probably wish wasn’t true - about the new-gen VN and VB WRX models. Stuff like the bigger engine which only adds 5kW, and the fact it has a CVT automatic gearbox. And there’s no manual wagon, either.Is it a hit? Or is it a miss? Watch the video, and tell us what you reckon in the comments below.
00:00 Intro
01:01 Pricing and features
02:57 Design
04:15 Practicality
10:30 Under the bonnet
11:52 Driving
19:37 Efficiency
20:21 Safety
21:14 Ownership
21:47 Verdict
Read Matt's full review: carsgui.de/3N8gtyb
Visit our Subaru WRX hub: carsgui.de/3w99v6d
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#CarsGuide #Subaru #SubaruWRX #Subaru2022 #SubaruWRX2022 #sedan #wagon - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Using the word “mature” does not inspire the feelings you long for, from a WRX. The golden age of the 90s to early 2000s. I’m sure after market additions will bring this too life. It should be brash, crazy, instantly recognisable as a WRX and a crazy wing. It’s a youth provoking desirable car that you would never allow you daughter to get into, yet you longed for a drive yourself.. Subaru please get back to the essence of what WRX was established as..
Just wear your hat backwards while driving it, and try and ambush the wife for a bit of slap and tickle while the kids are out. You will never be cool again, dad.
The guys driving them in the 90’s are a lot older. “Mature” fits the market.
The WRX has turned into what the turbo Liberty models used to be, with nothing to replace the position description of the old WRX unfortunately.
My 2022 WRX is hella fun. Got the solar pearl orange and have never had so many compliments on a car. The engine is rowdy and peppery as ever and has all the classic (and improved) driving dynamics of past WRX generations. My suggestion to those who are skeptical...give it a test drive first. Styling of course is on the eye of the beholder, but I like the black trim with the orange.
Shifts better then previous years. The suspension is better. For once the vehicle shares zero body panels as the Impreza. I personally love the protective cladding, i actually drive my car like a WRX and i live where it snows for half the year so i need that paint protection. The 2.4 litre will allow for more power and tuning then ever before and we are already seeing more body customizations come out in a matter of months then previous Gens have had in years.
I love that colour combo too. It's bold, and re-sale will prob suffer, but look at it! Would you just look at it!🙂
Subaru (Toyota) has officially lost the plot IMO. Plastic cladding on WRX, No STi version, CVT's, Discontinuation of the Forester XT, Outback H6 engine gone. Just call yourselves Toyota already!
Hi
Got my WRX Sportswagon 2 weeks ago,I'm 70 and I love it,had 4 Subaru's always wanted a Rex ,my boy's said Dad you are an old hoon.
Ha ha, go dad 😅
Just drove the new WRX Sports Wagon. Well done Subaru - a truly great piece of work. 😎👍
How was it on the country roads? Smooth enough?
I bought one came from a stage 2 gti and love the car it’s dope I got mine in grey and I think it looks dope in person
I still remember sitting in the backseat of my cousins wrx in the year 2000 whilst he put it through its paces... I fell in love in love instantly. The sound, the firm ride, the performance, the street cred... it had it all. Subaru has lost its way...
Not really, live in the past, dweeb
@@christianvalencia6224 who are you to call me a dweeb?? Especially with a name like Christian. D...head
Thanks for the review Matt.
RIP the traditional WRX.
RIP the STI 😢
Nice review, cheers.
Hi Matt Thanks for then great in-depth review of the new WRX.
I previously owned a 2919 WRX loved the power and handling and even though mine had some quality control issues ie paint, squeaks in the sunroof and a few rattles in the cabin etc and also I found the ride could be a little too harsh on occasions I very much enjoyed my ownership.
I have always had a fondness for the WRX look forward to driving the new generation especially the wagon to see how it feels and to see for myself how it stacks up from the previous model.
My new 2022 wrx rides like a buckboard, but I can live with it.
Can I ask you, how did you afford a WRX? I've always wanted one, and whilst I do have the cash to buy at least one WRX I feel like I just can't justify the cost with how expensive houses are now. I earn six figures in a major Australian city but feel like I can't justify a $54k-$60k WRX. Even if I was a millionaire it feels like a lot of cash! I feel like I need to be on $300k a year to be ok with splashing the cash on one.
i got my 22 premium in the orange and i love it only thing i am waiting for is an aftermarket rear bumper and a catback
I actually don't mind the look of the new models, but whoever is making the decisions on specs is really out of touch with their customers.
The rear bumper sticks out like a diaper. If this is the result of more than 1 hour work by a design professional I would be surprised. The dashboard shape is B grade to say the least. The grey wheel guards would be ok if implemented well... but they aren't.... and then the specs, as you mention, between auto and manual... are just ridiculous. The engine is just the bare minimum. But then they raise the price as well.. Incredible.
Give it a tune and exhaust and I bet it’s an amazing car to drive. At the end of the day you cannot beat the all wheel drive.
AWESOME REVIEW !
I'm getting one 😎👌😁
such a good point on the black plastic trim cladding on the sedan and not the wagon?
I've had my MY08 STI for 10 years now and Subaru have never given me a reason to "upgrade". Interesting how when that models was released it was also called the "more grown-up" version, but softer suspension, no flared guards on the WRX and a lack of ridiculous spoilers was pretty quickly rolled back when Subaru realised that is exactly what their customers wanted.
I have also never understood why Subaru (and other manufacturers) insist on putting electronic aides and CVTs on the higher up models of their performance cars, the exact things performance drivers don't want.
Meanwhile, my STI is almost back to the price I bought it for.
BMW are doing the same unfortunately
Damn they know each other 😆
Manual wagon, with cladding and rear seat air vents. And manual switches/fan speed dial for HVAC please.
A CVT in the highest spec model of a Subaru WRX?!?! Nah, I'm good.
well my grandma wants the wagon with a cvt haha
I don't want to drive a refined WRX, I want it bumpy, noisy and dynamic. You can keep this one.
Exactly how a WRX should feel!
That’s why I love my Sti, driving down a road feels like driving down a bumpy dirt road.
2 right. I had a fozzi gt 2001 and loved the aggressive nature of it. I miss my fozzi
Ive never seen so many people complaining about a CVT. Has anyone ever met a Subaru WRX owner who wasnt driving stick? I sure as hell havnt. This car is great for the price. Yeah, there are other good competitors but where i live in Northern Canada its competitors are all stuck in the snow for half the year here
"I just wish the wagon had the black cladding on the fenders"
Blink twice if Subaru has a gun to your head.
The only plus point for me was the CD player.
Don't know why lots of complains, given huge inflation, a performance car with great awd starts just over 50k driveaway, I think it's really a bargain. Even a 4wd yaris cross is over 35k now guys.
People will always complain about something. I just ordered one last week. I see comments on alot of videos how someone just ordered one, or it just arrived. This car is gonna sell just fine.
Will they bring out a higher-powered version?
WRX is based on the Impreza sedan but missed out on the hatch, Sportwagon is from the Levorg and then WRX need a 2 door coupe known as Type R and 22B.
Can someome explain to me why they don't sell the wagon model in the states?
I want this so much. Is this not coming to the UK 😭
Would be good to see a hot lap comparison to a Hyundai I30 N around somewhere like Winton 😊
wow is the hatch only in AUS and UK?
I imagine map updates will be delivered on CD for the Sat-Nav, which would explain why they are linked.
Exterior looks like just another facelift of the previous model, and the interior- well, 6-7y old Renault... and tech, CVT in the performance-oriented car?! No wonder they're not selling them in Europe anymore, outdated design combined with underwhelming tech, is a recipe for failure.
Seems Subaru have not found a way to increase the torque capability of their cvt transmission it’s been the same since 2015
I placed an order for the wrx wagon.
Given I’m a pre order customer I got to drive the test WRX Wagon yesterday.
Whilst it doesn’t have the performance of my current BMW M135i it was great to drive and can’t wait for it to arrive. Well done Subaru.
The wagon is a nice family car. My kids are now teen and beyond. Perfect for the occasional family trip and enables me to put the seats down for our sport.
What country is this in? Whts average salary in this county? Because in USA the average salary is 42k and a WRX is about 30k. 56k is BMW price here. So I am curious where this is at?
They missed the target audience
The fan boys have plenty of older WRX’s to keep rebuilding - the rest of us can move on and enjoy too 😎
Is there a tS manual?
Subaru are quickly becoming the experts in the "missionary position" for the car industry.
Subaru will regret not going ahead with the STI.
Not their bottom line obviously though lol. They weren't making enough money from it obviously. Just because enthusiasts like a certain car doesn't make it good business sense for the manufacturer in all cases. They just didn't sell enough to make it viable.
At least they're still making a WRX, with a 6-speed manual to boot!! Unlike Mitsubishi, which killed off not just the Evo, but the entire Lancer line and just do (baarfff) SUVs now. The STI will be back, but as a hybrid.
@@DEVILTAZ35 Well they had my business with the out going STI and they would have had my business again with a new STI but now they don't. I don't think this new WRX will sell well.
@maxalfa6289 Also the hideous 4wds and Ute's too
The wagon suspension is smoother simply because it is a Levorg which is rebadged to a WRX for Australia.
Thank you 👍
I am seriously considering getting one.
I actually like the look of the new car. Saw it in person and it looks cool. I don’t think it’s improved enough to justify the prices dealers are calling though. Some of them are listed at luxury sedan prices which is just delusional
A luxury car is now $80,000 mate c200 BMW 320i etc..
@@craigfleming8849 I live in Canada. A Lexus IS will run you about 50-55k and they’re asking up to 45+k for that wrx with options.
Base models are more reasonable but rather than buy an economy class car for 45k+ cad, just buy an actual luxury car for 3-5k more.
This will vary depending on where you live.
Needs unequal length headers for that sound
At the Subaru event did they give any indication on how they are tracking with that June 30 delivery date for the 1st 500 pre-orders?
I'm on the list for a WR blue RS sedan :) Getting that spoiler as an extra and debating over the sports grill.
You like those squarish wheel arches and plastic stuff>?
@@SmitherinesRacing yup! Also practical :) works well for dirt roads. I don't have to stress about stones and crap scratching up the fenders paint job. And if I have to replace them I won't have to colour match. If you don't like them but want the new WRX wait for aftermarket parts. Also there's a lot of people in the US already taking them to body shops, however they would be easy enough to diy if you have the time :)
Hey Gen, I’m collecting mine in Monday ( Perth)
Those headlights look weirdly small length-wise
I got my 21 sti limited serviced last week, and a sales man tried to sell me a 22 Wrx premium. They wanted 6 k less than I bought my Sti for 🤣.
What am i missing? i just test drove this car today, $62,000aud ($44,700usd) Subaru WRX Ts and it was pretty meh. A V6 Camry will def smoke you if you are in a WRX. It felt planted but speed-wise it drove like a bumpier version of a 4 cylinder Camry. This car felt a lot closer to my old 06 Camry Sportivo and not even close to my 2021 370Z.
Is LEVORG called WRX SPORT WAGON? Hahaha ... That's funny. It seems that neither the full digital meter nor EyeSight-X, which are the biggest selling points of this car, are installed in this export version ... Are they satisfied with that?
new levorg wrx wagon huge improvement on the last model
Would love to see the cvt auto vs an i30 sedan n dct to truly see the difference. Was tossing up between these 2 cars but ended up going with the n. Living in far north QLD and having cooled seats is a must.
I would like to see this aswell.
There’s a comparison out of the US but on the Elantra N Line v WRX. For the life of me I can’t remember the site? Just do a search. Having said that, even with the i30 I reckon you made the right choice!👍🏼😎
The dct will beat the cvt lol without a doubt
@@wax333 Ye for sure but still a diff kind of engine, AWD vs FWD, etc
I was looking in getting a Hyundai Elantra N, but now seeing this and Elantra's 47 litre tank compared to 63 liter of Subaru, puts me a bit off... >_< now thinking of this more especially for the base price of WRX manual of 45 000 $
They must have messed your wrx up in the factory the steering wheel is on the wrong side.
18:15 is when he talks about the CVT transmission
I wish we could get the wagon in the us.
Thank you Subaru for increasing the value of my 2019 WRX STi. 😀
LOL~
fr the 2022 wrx is just a bland boring car. i saw that some people are already painting the black plastic, but the rear still looks bad and all that work is costing thousands just to make it look decent.
the prices of 2nd hand 2018-2021 STI wrx's have all gone up about 20-30% in Australia, ever since Subaru said they would kill off the STI model. Most good condition ones are going for at least $70-75k AUD here, its so absurd!
@@eyecontrol4900 I have my 2019 STI listed for $55k US but I have $10k of mods in it.
The taillights remind me of the 10th gen honda civic’s
The way you guys have shot these cars they look great, especially the silver wagon. I am surprised there is no manual wagon as I reckon the crossover between wagon fanbois and manual enthusiasts would be pretty high. Gonna take a dig at the trend of putting ski-boxes on the roof of your wagon whilst having an empty boot though, stupid 'aesthetic' trend that needs to die
YOU NEED whait for the STI versión
I Love Subaru Cars❤️❤️❤️ looking forward to having one of the Sedan version.
I stopped paying attention at window surrounds, 15 something years ago.
I still have a 20 year old sti in the shed, that's a real subaru here's why
Ej207
6speed
No sound proofing
Cassette cd player combo
300 British horse purs
What the hell is happening to the ONCE awesome Suburu!!?? The front end lights inspired by Nissan, the front bumper by Civic, rear Ed lights inspired by civic again, the info console by Camry! The once daring and unconventional design from Subaru is long gone!
It’s great to see Subaru release a 2015 Civic in 2022.
This is quite interesting. I have the New Levorg (WRX WAGON) and it has a digital cluster instead of an analog. How odd Japan has all the new cars here with digital displays and other countries have analog. 😂 the New Levorg also have eyesight EX, however no other country or model has it. Weird.
Is WRX brother of Impreza? If not good enough (I've never driven it) buy the 340i/335i, that's a helluva sporty car
Hi,
I’m also in Japan and considering the Levorg. Any luck changing the menus to English?
@@nicolasemerson7973 yeah they have English in the menus. Voice control feature will deactivate as it’s only for Japanese speakers. Weird the didn’t add English for that part.
@@mike1207976 cool. Thx for the info. If you went with the 1.8 turbo, does it have enough power for you? There’s the new 2.4 on the top grade, but not sure I can justify to cost.
Is that a Pontiac Aztec?
Lol wow they really stuffed this up.
It's another box in life I just couldn't tick
Prices are not correct even though it states it on the screen with MSRP at time of film, the pricing on Subaru website out for a few weeks now is about $5000 more on each model and all of them.
Yep the prices on the Subaru website are based on drive away prices - our prices listed are the MSRP, so before on-road costs.
Sportswagon + cvt = wtaf?????
I hate the fact the US doesn't get the wagon.
That gear shifter is ridiculously big🤔🤔
Be interested to know how many people still learn to drive in manuals.
Suspect not many. Taught my son to drive in a manual. When he applied for his apprenticeship it was the difference that got him across the line. A useful skill to have. We have a lot of engineering students do work experience with us and not many in the last 10 years know how to drive manuals .
Comparing it to a VW Golf R that's nearly 2.5sec's quicker 0-100 and has a decent gear box not a CVT haha.. totally different machine...
Yaris GR is perhaps a better comparison for another AWD hot hatch/small sedan as the Golf R is significantly more expensive. Unfortunately it seems the Yaris GR and upcoming Corolla GR already do & will torch the poor old WRX for performance.
I test drove a manual yesterday. Can't even hear the engine, clutch and steering are absolutely lifeless. It's the softest WRX ever. With some major tuning it might be OK. But man! Have Subaru lost it.
Im keen to see how these actually sell. Since the early 2000s every wrx/sti model Subaru released got hate. Then a few months later there everywhere, even the outgoing VA copped hate. This is definitely a horrible looking car with absolutely no excitement or inspiration to make me want to buy one but I think alot of people will climb on board when they drive it.
They will sell out their allocation because the chips/parts shortage limits everything, and that won't end soon.
Seems like Subaru looked through their parts bin first and then designed the car. Then there’s the CVT for a performance vehicle???
Definitely no longer a “Scooby”
It is not a huge step above the previous model. Actually quite disappointed. I went with the 130n dct instead.
CVT why?
Fuel and emissions tax is brutal for all manufacturers
2021 WRX= 0-60 in 3.9 sec.
2022 WRX= 0-60 in 5.9 sec.
_No, the newest one is definitely not the best one._
Motoring journo: integrity.. naw. This is a fail by Subaru. Thats all you need to say
After owning 3 WRXs in the past, I'll definitely be keeping my N. WRX is now a joke.
RIP WRX.
I almost went with the N, but i live in Northern Canada where there is so much snow. Elantra N wouldnt even make it out of my driveway in the winter.
@@8JFJK8 yeah. I'd go AWD if l lived in Canada. That aside... the Ns are next level awesome.
Subaru having a laugh!! The price for a tS is now 63490 all around the country, how the hell have the prices gone up that much?!
really just wish it will have more power in the form of a facelift, if so then it would be great, competitive with others
Sounds like by this review you’d take the Golf R.
WRX does mean nothing to me and can’t wait to sell mine honestly.
Those wheel arch trims look amazing, NOT. What are they thinking in that design department ?? RIP to the mighty EJ powered STI's.
Imagine if they made this in some sort of enthusiast model with only two doors in a dedicated coupe body, and made it more affordable, perhaps lost the turbo. That would be incredible.
Literally the new BRZ just RWD
@@aryansondhi7021 wow, quite the perceptive one, aren’t you 🤔
@@rsoul7282 just stating facts so your imagination doesn’t need to work harder
@@aryansondhi7021 wow, what is this ‘BRZ’ you speak of? I had never heard of such a thing, and definitely wasn’t referencing it in my comment. What a clever person you are, I’m certain your parents are very proud.
@@rsoul7282 Sarcasm isn't some people's fortés
Accordong to PD drive test video today, New WRX sedan ts auto 0－100km/h , 7.5s, end of story.
The only thing may save Subaru today maybe the incoming Outback XT 2.4 turbo
All tests has confirmed that the new WRX is a tad slower then the last generation. Its larger and heavier due to all the extra comforts and screen etc and a shorter gear ratio forcing into another gear change for the 0-100.
that's ridiculous, both the manual and auto are slower than an Elantra SR
It's a toy 😄
This doesn't scream "take my money"
2022 Subaru WRX MSRP and Invoice Price
Trims MSRP Invoice Price Edmunds Suggested
Base $30,600 $28,866 $31,882
Premium Most Popular $33,100 $31,174 $34,540
Limited $37,490 $35,225 $39,147
GT $43,390 $40,659 $46,246
So the WRX wagon is back in all its glory without having to wear a Lavorg badge.
There's no doubt in my mind that car manufacturers are doing all they can to stop people buying manuals and then they can blame buyers for not buying them. "Yes you can have a manual but you can't have any decent features to go with it."
It's impossible
Manuals are the sportiest cars / bikes ever!! :)
Fact is Subaru has backed itself into a corner with CVT’s which might be ok for its other models but is never going to cut it in the wrx. Add to that their continual refusal to release a competitively powerful engine and you have a recipe for mediocrity. A real shame. Had to laugh when you say, try the CVT you might like it as it feels more like a traditional torque converter automatic transmission 😅 like that’s a good thing?
I’ll hang on to my VA STI. Thankyou to Subaru for increasing the resale value of all STI models
Good review. Thanks for turning me off a Subaru wrx . Not really much good in that review
Subaru has been left far behind in design, tech, interior quality and engine performance. Sad really. I’d still consider the Levorg if you could get the Japan only 300kW 2.0 DIT engine
What is this 300kw levorg? I haven't been able to find anything on that?
@@colhutchins sorry typo it’s a 300PS engine
It's a big no from me Subaru has lost their way and so far removed from what a Rex should be. Looks department a big no no reminiscent of a Honda from the rear. This space is very competitive and place the new rex last
WRX*
The main problem - it's not WRX. WRX is not about comfort and being mature. Taking into account performance, sound of the car, this car is one big disappointment
That was a pretty underwhelming review. Piloting a WRX at a leisurely pace along a freeway is hardly its natural habitat, you should have punted it up and over a mountain pass and commented on how the cvt actually held up, how the brakes performed and felt and how the steering and damping were. Subaru has wandered into no man’s land with this car, they’re now somewhere between a proper drivers car like an i30n and a proper sports sedan like a bmw 330i. The wrx unfortunately does neither well and is just boring.
I think the review is primarily meant to be about the WRX in its entirety, but I agree it would have been nice to zone in more on the performance aspects of the car, CVT form in particular. Seems to me Subaru are pitching to an older demographic by making it a more sophisticated product however its at the expense of outright performance and the visceral experience that brings (e.g. that exhaust note is shocking) which the i30N offers by comparison
Keep in mind, Subaru will ALWAYS under-deliver in terms of both power and equipment and have some bullshit justification. You shouldn't be surprised when you say "it should've had this and should've had that". Please people, don't give Subaru your business.
So you’re telling people to not buy a Subaru which are some of the best handling cars in the world because they don’t make their cars with 1983737229494382726147494 HP from the factory? Got it. Do me a favor and drive a Hyundai 😂😂
@@christianvalencia6224 A performance car with no upgrade in over 10 years? You keep rewarding that behaviour with your money. No one is comparing it to the likes of A45 S or RS3 with 400HP.
Took one of these for a drive recently and was wholly unimpressed. But i'd just come from also test driving a Cupra Formentor... Cupra cost about 20k more but naturally is better in every way.
Really? I took one out for a test drive too, Compared to my old forrester, this slaps hard, then again, im thankfully not a car person so I had very little to compare this with, beacause ion care about older models of this car, if I like how it looks, and how it drives, why should I care about older models 😂
No manual wagon. 🤦♂️
What a joke
The new Subaru WRX is dead .. not much power ... cvt ... high prices