Review: 2022 Subaru WRX (Manual)
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- I spend a day with the all-new 2022 Subaru WRX to see how it compares to the previous generation and its newest competitors. With slightly more power and handling that's better than ever, that 2022 WRX is still a blast to drive. And while there's a lot to like, there are a couple shortcomings as well. Overall though, I think the new WRX is a great improvement in most ways and I'm excited to see what they do for the WRX STI. What do you think of the WRX? Thanks to Subaru for providing me with this review opportunity!
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
3:45 Interior
10:05 Initial impressions
11:12 Handling and ride
14:05 New engine thoughts
17:04 Braking complaints
18:14 More handling thoughts
22:05 Acceleration and exhaust thoughts
25:06 Pricing thoughts
27:17 Fuel economy
27:42 Safety tech
28:14 Final thoughts
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wrx 2022 subaru wrx 2022 2022 subaru wrx interior - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I was hoping I would hear "What's up everybody, Subaruwrxfan here" just as a throwback... 😁
He will always be Subaruwrxfan to me
Come on..."Matt". You know everyone was... Waiting 😠
Me too
Seriously. For the 2022 Subaru WRX, it's time to bring SubaruWRX Fan back. Just for a second😅 "What's up guys, SubaruWRX Fan here!"
You know Matt really WANTED to say that - I kind of wonder if he did it just for fun....
I love the analog gauges! They don't need to go digital at all! Nice, clean, simple, easy to read, and will not get washed out in sunlight - that's how it should be done.
Matt, we driving enthusiasts, need you guys to start doing rev-hang/throttle lag testing/demonstrations between models and really hold these manufacturer's feet to the fire on this subject.
I honestly didn't notice any rev-hang to the point that I forgot to even talk about it on camera. Usually when it's bad it annoys me like crazy and I make those complaints well known (see my previous-gen Civic Si reviews, Elantra N-Line review and even the previous gen WRX reviews). I'm more than happy to give manufacturers crap for it when warranted but thankfully I think Subaru has virtually eliminated rev-hang for the 22s.
other journalists have said the rev hang has improved for this gen
@@ciello___8307 who
@@DoloVik literally on this video, redline reviews, and subaru on their press releases
This is a big point and thanks Matt for being on point
Putting the more performance oriented options only for the CVT when the manual take rate for the WRX is significantly higher than the CVT for the last gen.
Subaru 2022: “we don’t know why our WRX sales have gone down.”
True, but you'll prob be surprised how many people come out of the woodwork and now go for the cvt with it. I know a shitload of people vs car enthusiasts who actively look go buy cars for everyday driving convenience and being lazy as opposed to what we (the enthusiasts) like. I could be wrong and would be cool if I am, but I won't be shocked if the trim with the CVT sells well for them. Either way, cool to have a new WRX
Subaru’s product team has failed consistently since 2008, and intermittently before then
obviously they are saving the nice dampers and seats with a manual for the Sti. The WRX always was more budget frienddly- which the GT model is clearly not aimed at enthusiasts
@@shad3128 those people will probably buy a different subaru like they always have.
WRX sales? Where'd the Focus ST, EVO, Chevy Cobalt, and Dodge SRT-4 go? I think Subaru knows about how the market works in this category. The manual has limited version you know?
Thanks for the review, Matt! Knowing your honest takes, this was the first one I’ve watched.
I’ve also warmed up to the styling (except that rear bumper), and it’s definitely nice that it’s a bit more refined.
The previous gen actually does have a track mode also for the VDC, but it’ll be interesting to see how the under steer compares generation to generation.
All in all, lovely review. Merry Christmas, Matt!
Thanks man! Merry Christmas to you too!
The fact an upcoming 3cyl Corolla has me more excited than the brand new WRX generation is just sad. No power increase, no adaptive dampers for the manual, no hatchback... the STi better be incredible.
The GR Corolla will likely cost more than this.
@@mistamaog Shut up and take my money Toyota.
Corolla isn't all wheel drive and tbh I don't like the hatch looks. WRX owners tune and this new engine is bigger and has a lot of potential plus the handling of this car is already proving that its pretty amazing.
@@ks-bg5uk GR Corolla will be AWD.
adaptive dampers are for people who piss their pants.
I like it! There was a sheep like following against the cladding. I told them all to wait, it will grow on ya. Especially on any other colour than orange. And, so it has.
I have a 2018 and in the owners manual, Subaru actually states that you could drive the WRX at 40 mph in 5th gear for maximum fuel efficiency. It also states that you should go at 45 mph in 6th gear for maximum fuel efficiency. I personally don't really use 5th gear below 50 mph, but it's nice that the car has such short gearing.
Cladding, oversized plastic bumper, 3 more horsepower, Civic style rear lights, higher stance, heat/defrost only accessable on screen and an oversized screen limiting adding your own entertainment actually passed the first stages of development at Subaru. They have lost their way.
Subaru has to live in the real world and didn't want this to cost five grand more. Just be glad you get one more generation before it goes electric.
Didn't need more power at 30k, body structure is 30% stiffer, higher stance bc that's actually good for ride and handling (and rally). Compared to the GTI, Elantra N and Civic Si at same price I don't see anything wrong
@@papa_pt thats because you don't have functional eyeballs. Its a hideous final middle finger to Subaru enthusiasts before all the electric shite arrives.
Yeah that screen is fucked. Only thing you can probably replace it with an iPad or some other tablet.
The only thing I can defend about the power is the previous WRX made same HP with a 2.0 @ 20psi.. the new WRX with 2.4 makes the same @ 12psi. So much more potential to unlock. Still ugly though
You are the best car reviewer out there in all aspects, filming, items covered, honesty, non-bias, etc. Good job bro.
I think they are going to paint all the cladding body color for the STI, this way it really separates the two cars and really makes people want the STI for the extra money, better styling, and more performance. I feel like last gen the wrx performed extremely well and was very close to the halo car that almost seemed a mistake that they made it that good for that cheap. A lot of pros agreed road/track motor trend. So I think they are holding all the punches for the STI and they need to because the Type R and Nissan Z are going to being flexing hard too. Exciting times for car enthusiasts!
You’re probably right but that’s unfortunate because most people don’t need and can’t afford what the sti offers and I wouldn’t spend the extra money for one myself. Also if the Sti still have the flares at all whether they are painted or not will still be uglier than if it were just a smooth ROUND wheel arch.
@@Jay-bw3fl agreed for sure with overall design. I def like a more aggressive look and wide body it stands out i think 2008 is my favorite style.
LOL exciting times... Agenda 2030 is nearing in the next decade they will be all electric. It will be all power no fun
Yea but I heard that the STI might offer a CVT…
You might be right, with all that black plastic I bet they sell more black colored WRX’s, I have to see what the STI looks like but I have a feeling I won’t be getting rid of my 15 anytime soon 🤷🏻♂️
My favorite car review channel =) Keep up the great work!
Another great review from subaruwrxfan haha. I bought my civic si because of your brilliant review and absolutely loved it.
That's awesome, I'm so glad the videos helped you in the past and I'm happy to hear you liked this one too!
WRX Designers: Man… people really dislike this design.
BMW M4 Designers: Don’t worry they’ll forget soon.
Acura Integra Designers: Hold my beer fellas.
I hated all 3 at first and love them now. Same shit as the mk5
The front looks pretty decent but man the back looks awful. Not sure how I feel about the plastic side panels just yet. I'd saw it's a step down overall for me though.
I know how I feel about the side panels. Paint would help, better yet just expand the wheel arches without the plastic
It will get prettier as you drink more 🍻
@@mark344 For me I would need a XL bottle and I'm a WRX guy
Idk I thought it was ugly than it started growing on me and I bought one
Great job, Matt!
First, also it's "subaruwrxfan here"
Really love the review consider this is coming from Subaruwrxfan!
I told myself, when this came out, you were the first one I wanted an opinion on it from a reviewer standpoint, next to savagegeese. Hopefully they fixed that giant slab of infotainment. I used one in a legacy and it was horrendously slow
Does the screen look cheesy to you? Or is it just me. Just looks like it’s trying way to hard.
@@Xwisit exactly. I think they put it in for marketing purposes. There’s very little benefit, more cons than anything. Cold starts, it took 40ish seconds to turn my heated seats on - unacceptable
I love how the screen is actually integrated into the dash as well
very diplomatic review
I'm equally astonished about the weight. They added .4 liters to the displacement. It's longer and wider, and has more interior space. It has more tech. But you know what's even crazier?
It has the same or less weight than the last generation with all those additions, and it's ALSO STIFFER than the last car.
How?
HOW?
The chassis rigidity is HIGHER while having more empty space and the same or less weight! I'm telling you, this car is bonkers.
New to the channel, looking at ordering one of these limited wrxs. You did an amazing job explaining everything - out of like 10+ reviews I watched so far.
Thank you, I'm glad you liked the video! I give more thoughts in my "Week with" video on the 2022 WRX as well: czcams.com/video/Mpbnfqr1F1M/video.html
I thought he was going to say "Hey subaruwrxfan here" just like the old days 😆
The thumbnail is one of the best you've done, really draws the extra clicks I think
I was waiting for the homie to drop this video.
I can’t be the only one that think it looks good
No, you can't be.
Circle of life. From Subaru WRX fan and back.
Has a rugged rally car styling and people lose their minds, buy a brz if you want a sporty looking street car. I dig the cladding 🤷♂️
I'm fine with the cladding, I really just wish it would have been color matched to the car itself and the bumper is a bit too much, but I am hopeful on the STI once announced. Infotainment, unless improved not impressed with the new system, I had it on my 2020 Legacy and it was riddled with bugs and crashing and slow. Even the updated never fixed the issue and Subaru really needs to focus on this much more with the competition being ways ahead of them, though I am glad they didn't force temp into the head unit only, I loved having the buttons or using voice command to adjust the temperature. Love the Videos Matt, keep them going, always have a great outlook on reviews you do.
Thanks Matt!
Hey Matt, great review. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this compared to the Elantra N (manual). Which was more fun to drive? Better value for money? (albeit price hasn't been officially released for this model of WRX yet). I'm leaning more towards getting the Elantra so just curious.
I had no idea this was coming. Just started watching. So excited....and nervous.
Update after watching: Really liked the review, thanks for being thorough! Initial impressions are you were very underwhelmed by straight line speed and spoke so long on handling due to lack of other good things to say. I'm glad the handling is improved though. : )
The OG Subaru WRX fan
SO expecting and hoping for the original introduction for this one!
The way I look at it. The bigger engine means better aftermarket tuning performance.
Back to the roots
I remember when you started your channel with your original name
Time flies
When it comes to WRX I put more stock in your review than any other. I've always been curious about the WRX and cannot wait until you can spend a week with one and give a more detailed account of it. Thanks Matt!
Matt, I LOOOOVE this new WXR. The styling is Killer, distinctively squared off with rounded edges, great fender bulges, wide stance I LOVE the black cladding around the wheel feels. This is one BAD ASS car. I love every single thing about it. I want one. However, I think Subaru should of went higher on horsepower and torque,I mean, C'mon, this new engine is a big 2.4 liter 4 popper, with only 3 additional horsepower and no gains in torques at all. However, I do understand that the numbers do not tell the full story here. Though hardly any more power, but due to the increased displacement and Turbocharger retuning, and the waste gait changes to minimize lag have given the engine a far broader power curve, and this, makes a lot of difference. However, I would have like to have seen this new WRX 2.4 boxer engine making 280 horsepower, and 280 Lb Ft or torque. Then for the WRX STI, when it arrives could have 330 HP; 350 Lb Ft of torque. That would be a substantial increase in power to set the WXR and the WRX STI apart. C'Mon, Subaru, what you say ? Thanks Matt, as always great review.
Excellent reveiw is the clutch easier than previous ?
10 thru 14’s are the best years
Matt YOU saved the manual!
This is going to be an epic review. Putting on my seat belt. 😅
Haha thanks for stopping by!
Great review Matt. I like the new car but it definitely looks best in dark grey or black.
The outgoing VA chassis has always had three VDC modes as well. One touch puts you in TRAC mode which leaves the brake torque vectoring on but deactivates traction control and a long press turns everything off. FYI
Great review. I think the base model in a dark color ( black, grey or dark blue) will mitigate the plasticy exterior pieces AND be a performance bargain. I also prefer the two screens on the base model vs the humongous center screen on the higher trims.
I like it the more I see it especially in darker colors probably gonna get one in WRB, metallic gray, or black
The day we have been waiting for! Its only 10:30am but time to grab the whiskey lol!
Thank you for being honest and keeping this review real. Everyone else that reviews cars retracted on what they said and are saying that they love the cheap plastic cladding and it grew in them..
ty for standing your ground and staying true!
The more I look at it, I agree, a splash of body color in that rear bumper would make quite a huge difference.
Was really hoping to hear “What’s up everybody, SubaruWRXFan here!” in the intro lol
As far as performance, I will wait and see how well it responds to mods. Most of these and their competition will wind up being moded and I understand that manufactures have tame versions when they release to the public
Civic-esque styling in front and back, front and rear fenders look good on film.. good review wrxfan
Oh what a day, what a LOVELY Day.
great review !
this or the elantra n ??
You actually made me like It a bit, but I’ll keep my 18 for now.
The perfect review for the OG "subaruwrxfan!"
I don't see how they can remove the cladding for the STI. It'll be as if they are saying we made a mistake with the WRX, and now you gotta pay an extra 10-15k to get a nice looking WRX.
I might be one of those people who don’t care about that body cladding, the first thing I said to my friend when he said he hated the cladding was “meh, it won’t be that bad on deeper colors”. The only issue I have is the power output, hopefully the sti will get a lot more than this, if it gets 350+ hp I’m definitely buying one, if not I’ll probably look more into gr Corolla , or maybe even consider getting a golf r again
What about an Elantra N?
I was a die hard Subaru fan got a f30 340 never looked back
@@eternallogic6394 no front wheel drive for me lol
@@Justanothercarguynyc my first car was a base model civic and I always wanted an Si or WRX, ended up getting a 328i F30 LCI and I feel the same as you. Looking to get a G20 M340i eventually or the new 2 series
@@eternallogic6394 you think I’m gonna let you roll in a Hyundai
Man, this rear end looks like it’s been rear-ended and the paint for the other half is still on backorder. Front looks cool tho.
In agreement about the rear. Poor taste. Not going to grow on me
Bringing back the old school “WRX Fan” intro just for this one would have been fun.
OG SubaruWRXfan subscribers have been waiting for Subaru to come out with a new one so that you could review it and we could get your thoughts on the new vehicle.
Definitely doesn't look like you are around Pittsburgh with this one. They definitely gave you some fun back roads to play with. 😎
There's been a WRX in my driveway since '02. I was very excited about the debut, not so much after I saw the car & 3 hp increase. Overall styling isn't bad but so much plastic is over the top for me. Painting will help but you still end up with painted plastic. We'll see what the STI brings. Not optimistic about the "395 HP" rumors. Looks like Subaru wants me to buy a Hyundai N
I was waiting for this next-gen WRX…and tbh they probably lost me on this car. How they go from a 2.0L to 2.4L and only gained 3hp is beyond me. I’m more interested in a 2022 BRZ now. With the same engine jump from 2.0L to 2.4L it gained 23 hp and 28 lb-ft..I guess they actually wanna sell those cars.
@@moldyrefrigerator the engine only is on 12psi of boost. clearly they are not pushing it at all. Plus the handling seems to have gotten much better out of the box- which the previous gen was only so so with
Go for the N you'll never regret it.
Ain’t no one better to do a review on this car than subaruwrxfan himself. Thanks.
I like the styling too
I will still never understand subarus decision to lock the most premium and sporty version of the wrx behind an automatic-only. Like what possible logical explanation even is there behind that 🤦♂️
The only thing I can think of is to upsell the WRX premium to regular older customers, and save the Recaro seats to again upsell the STI over the WRX, to the manual transmission enthusiasts.
@@fhblake04 i agree with you bro, it's most likely to let people know look if you want these seats and manual you automatically have to go for the sti since the fully loaded version is only auto!
They did it to capture market share from automatic Golf GTI and Veloster N buyers
@@fups1 it's not compelling enough lol
They've put a ton of rnd into upgrading their CVT
While the new body style/cladding is growing on me a bit I prefer my 2020 in WRB. I don't understand the restriction of performance upgrades to the higher trim/auto version. I've always felt Subaru should make variable dampers, performance pack Recartos and Brembo brakes available on a base version since you have to ditch the sunroof anyway. I would have bought one equipped that way- didn't want a sunroof so am happy with my base version. Glad to hear the driving dynamics may be a bit better-something to look forward to.
Thank you for another great review. Hopefully Subaru is saving they dynamic dampers and more power for the STi version. I know all of us want more power but I think the automakers have finally realized that to just keep upping the power isn't always a good thing. Honda made a better Civic Si without going crazy with horsepower. Looks like the trend is to make the cars more fun within a range of power and take care of overall driving dynamics and fun. Also, nice meeting you at the checkpoint at SFO.
It was great meeting you Steven, thanks for saying hi! I was impressed you recognized me haha. I agree about the power, and I'm just thankful these fun cars still exist. I'm excited to try out the new Civic Si next week. I hope you can find a good deal on a Bullitt someday if you still want one!
@@MattMaranMotoring Discovered your site years ago when you started doing reviews on your BRZ. It actually helped me make the decision to get one back then. Would have liked to have chatted a little bit more at SFO, but duty calls and I have to keep people safe. I'm lucky to have a few cars in the stable. The pride and joy is an M2. I think what makes your site so good is that it is a personal opinion of what you like and not like in a vehicle. Also your news updates is now my primary source for keeping up to date. Keep it all coming. All of us viewers appreciate the info!
@@sfoonsfo That's awesome, thanks for all the support over the years and I'm glad you still enjoy the videos! I love the M2 as well, great choice! Thanks for keeping us all safe! I'm sure it's probably a thankless job a lot of the time, but I appreciate what you do!
Matt, do you know if a trailer hitch will be available on the new WRX? Gotta have one for my MTB rack.
I have wanted a wrx for many years, drove a friends a couple.of times. I just purchased the 2022 sport model with extra short throw shifter added. This car is amazing. It is better looking in person than any picture does it justice. Its incredibly fun to drive. I keep seeing previous generation owners talking real bad about this car, but i think they should not judge until they drive it. Love this car! This was a great review. Thank you for not talking about the cladding for 30 minutes. So nice to hear you talk more about the performance of the car.
Test drove one and you're right. Also heavy emphasis, pictures do not give this car justice. Gotta see it in person.
I don’t mind the cladding on the front and sides but yeah the back is a bit too much. I’m sure they’ll tweak it for future model years.
Matt.... Based on this review, I'd say you are a SubaruWRXFan!!! 🤭🤷🏼♂️🤫🤣
(this is an inside joke for the LOOOONG time fans of the channel.) 👍🏼🤟🏼💯
Man when he used to say “superduperxfan” 🤣
It would be cool if on the WRX reviews, you did a throwback and did your subaruwrxfan intro
Can’t wait to see the all painted STI version
Come on Matt... you really couldn't have said, "What's up everybody, it's SUBARUWRXFAN here..." for us OGs/for old time's sake? It's new WRX too man.
It was clear in the acceleration reaction that it’s lost a bit of its fun factor. Good review though. I guess if you look at it as a rally car, the classing isn’t that bad. But most of us just want fun and speed so that cladding really is obtrusive to styling.
Yea going backwards on power doesn’t sit well with me
I’ve talked about this in most comments but, the cladding will fade over time and restoration will make it crack faster those plastics are the worst
Totally agree that Matt's reaction was less than a ringing endorsement..!
@@davidy932 he normally giggles with whatever car he’s driving. He was genuinely unimpressed
@@vntamed700 Yes. I have been watching his reviews for years.
Dude WOLF 🥺😕 That rear end
I feel like not many are very excited about this wrx. I usually love the wrx but I gotta say I’m more amped about the new gti and golf R
Great review, always love your enthusiasm. I would never buy the first release of a new car. Sounds like there's too many trim options for this release. As an owner of a 2019 STi, (lightly modified for track use; if only subaru would sell me the s209 flares) I'm excited to see what subaru bring with the new STi. The wrx is a great car for the real world and for back mountain roads. Can really get up it and make the most of the performance. Even the STi is too much, it punishes any little driver error. In the real world, this is all the car you need. Also worth noting, nothing gives me more fizz than my base model 2007 impreza. It's so raw compared to new cars
They discontinued the STI, it will no longer be made after 2021. Their top trim is now the "GT" with a CVT Auto motor.
I think it looks good. Only thing I would do to this is paint the fenders cladding and lower it a bit
Some engineering has improved which is always a good sign. It’ll have some growing pains with the enthusiasts, but for the most part, people will purchase/lease it because it’s the last of the manual transmissions. In 5 years, it will probably be hybrid/electric but with odd styling of a wanna be rally car…..
Did they address the rev hang? My 2019 WRX had it. It wasn't until I got a OTS tune that I could properly enjoy it.
CVT gang reporting for duty
They got Fiji water bottles in the cup holder. Talk about a flex!
I feel like the texture on the cladding will help it hold dust easy making it get dirty very fast.
THE GOAT!
Hmm interior noise seems really bad. Does it offer a heated steering wheel?
“Perhaps I treated you too harshly”
YOU saved the manual subaruwrxFAN! Probably saved the wrx itself
Hey Matt! Silly question but does the wrx have a tire pressure gauge where it actually shows what the psi is on each tire? My 23si doesn’t have that and it drives me crazy lol
I would have to go with either black or dark gray to minimize the cladding.
Might as well bring back the old intro when you review a wrx lol
I dont mind the plastics though especially the bumpers reminds me of the old functional bumpers where you can literally bump other cars a bit when parallel parking is tight without worrying about guffs or scratches
Great review as always Matt. I can’t look past the styling on the 2022’s. I pulled the trigger on Pure Red 2021 last week. Couldn’t be more excited to take delivery next week!
Congrats!
Love the car can’t wait for the new sti.
I wanted the throwback intro 😭
I am really starting to see what Subaru is doing with going with an all new body style. It all makes sense. The STI is going to look even better. A great video. Stay safe brother .
Best looking wrx in 20 years imo. Can't believe it's been that long.
You're kidding right
@@dannyd7714 Nope. I stand behind my comment 100%
Good review, if I was in the market today I’d probably go with the Elantra N, if only it was RWD/AWD… I’ll stick with my 2016 wrx for now, maybe the STI will change my mind
We still remember you as "whatsup guys, Subaru WRX Fan over here... "
Happy they did not go with digital gauges, and were is the boost gauge at, always have my wrx on the boost cluster..fun to watch it . Hope the sti has less cladding