2022 Subaru WRX Full Review

[ricochet]

YouTube (Short URL)

YouTube (Short URL)

2022 Subaru WRX Full Review
The new 2022 Subaru WRX features a new engine, new chassis and... well, it's pretty much all new. In this video we check out the features then take it on a test drive in Northern California.

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[Pete Holt]

The front end is growing on me and I am sure the handling has to see some improvement on the new chassis.

I wish Ryan went into that a bit more because there are a lot of things I am not a fan of- the tail lights, the suv-like cheap plastic fender garnishes, the oddly shaped info screen on the dash with a display that has all the clarity of a car that "looks like it came from 2005," and the large horn button that looks like it came off of a bumper car at the state fair.

I am glad to see the addition of adaptive suspension to make the car more flexible for track days and daily driving. But why is it only available with the CVT?? This is maddening for enthusiasts when Subaru seems to be one of the last to bring an AWD turbo car here with a manual transmission.

I see Ryan is still hopeful that the new STI will have 400hp. I really hope he is right, but I doubt it. With the new Solterra, maybe the old rumor about the new STI being a hybrid will be right for better performance and a much needed bump in mpg. I am sure there is a way to make wider bulging fenders for the STI to ditch the cheap plastic fender flares on the WRX, but I am doubtful Subaru will spend the time and money to do that.

Subaru has a great opportunity to bring to the U.S. the last true great rally car before everything goes electric. With record sales for Subaru for a long time they definitely have the capital to make an absolutely great car. I certainly hope they deliver, but if they don't my Type RA will suffice.

[Power6]

I wish there was more talk about the chassis and what/how it's improved over the previous. Stiffer unibody as usual, dual pinion steering rack, body mounted sway bar. That's all I've heard. More context probably needs to wait for the full reviews beyond press drive.

Doug Demuro did a good job on pressing past the BS with the Subaru peeps on why they done what they done:

The 2022 Subaru WRX Is Better Than I Expected - YouTube

The 2022 Subaru WRX Is Better Than I Expected - YouTube

TL;DW I learned watching all the reviews out:

The "not Impreza" status of this WRX as a model allowed Subaru to give it more unique styling. Focus groups indicated they wanted "bold" styling, Subaru thought the fender thingers was a way to do that. Subaru PR guy says every new generation WRX is panned, people will get over it, grow to like it. I disagree but only time will tell on that one. It's not like they're always right, they missed the mark on that roly poly bar of soap '08 WRX.

Subaru says competition (e.g. GTI) sells majority automatic so they see an opportunity to increase sales overall with the "SPT"/CVT GT model. I guess that is alright, does smack a little bit of "those manual drivers will take whatever we give them". Maybe the exclusiveness of the GT and it's features is meant to be short lived to create some interest, force press reviews of the SPT, avoid the "we prefer the manual" comparisons on launch. Then they open it up later after all the buzz has been controlled.

Competition didn't demand an increase in HP so that was not a goal. They did hint at the tunability of the 2.4 being of interest.

The adaptive suspension is primarily for increased comfort, they indicated the normal WRX is equivalent to the "sport" setting on the GT, and it goes softer from there down to normal and comfort settings.

[Power6]

I wish there was more talk about the chassis and what/how it's improved over the previous. Stiffer unibody as usual, dual pinion steering rack, body mounted sway bar. That's all I've heard. More context probably needs to wait for the full reviews beyond press drive.

Doug Demuro did a good job on pressing past the BS with the Subaru peeps on why they done what they done:

The 2022 Subaru WRX Is Better Than I Expected - YouTube

The 2022 Subaru WRX Is Better Than I Expected - YouTube

TL;DW I learned watching all the reviews out:

The "not Impreza" status of this WRX as a model allowed Subaru to give it more unique styling. Focus groups indicated they wanted "bold" styling, Subaru thought the fender thingers was a way to do that. Subaru PR guy says every new generation WRX is panned, people will get over it, grow to like it. I disagree but only time will tell on that one. It's not like they're always right, they missed the mark on that roly poly bar of soap '08 WRX.

Subaru says competition (e.g. GTI) sells majority automatic so they see an opportunity to increase sales overall with the "SPT"/CVT GT model. I guess that is alright, does smack a little bit of "those manual drivers will take whatever we give them". Maybe the exclusiveness of the GT and it's features is meant to be short lived to create some interest, force press reviews of the SPT, avoid the "we prefer the manual" comparisons on launch. Then they open it up later after all the buzz has been controlled.

Competition didn't demand an increase in HP so that was not a goal. They did hint at the tunability of the 2.4 being of interest.

The adaptive suspension is primarily for increased comfort, they indicated the normal WRX is equivalent to the "sport" setting on the GT, and it goes softer from there down to normal and comfort settings.

[SpicyPeaNut]

I mean I'm glad they continue to make the wrx but I really hate all this black plastic. In 3-4 years its going to fade and look like trash.

[kilfarsnar]

Originally Posted by Power6

I wish there was more talk about the chassis and what/how it's improved over the previous. Stiffer unibody as usual, dual pinion steering rack, body mounted sway bar. That's all I've heard. More context probably needs to wait for the full reviews beyond press drive.

Doug Demuro did a good job on pressing past the BS with the Subaru peeps on why they done what they done: The 2022 Subaru WRX Is Better Than I Expected - YouTube

TL;DW I learned watching all the reviews out:

The "not Impreza" status of this WRX as a model allowed Subaru to give it more unique styling. Focus groups indicated they wanted "bold" styling, Subaru thought the fender thingers was a way to do that. Subaru PR guy says every new generation WRX is panned, people will get over it, grow to like it. I disagree but only time will tell on that one. It's not like they're always right, they missed the mark on that roly poly bar of soap '08 WRX.

Subaru says competition (e.g. GTI) sells majority automatic so they see an opportunity to increase sales overall with the "SPT"/CVT GT model. I guess that is alright, does smack a little bit of "those manual drivers will take whatever we give them". Maybe the exclusiveness of the GT and it's features is meant to be short lived to create some interest, force press reviews of the SPT, avoid the "we prefer the manual" comparisons on launch. Then they open it up later after all the buzz has been controlled.

Competition didn't demand an increase in HP so that was not a goal. They did hint at the tunability of the 2.4 being of interest.

The adaptive suspension is primarily for increased comfort, they indicated the normal WRX is equivalent to the "sport" setting on the GT, and it goes softer from there down to normal and comfort settings.

That may be true, but it's apples and oranges. Drive a CVT and then drive the GTI's DSG. The DSG is quick and responsive. Any CVT I have driven is squishy and vague, even when it's using fake gears. Maybe Subaru has somehow made the CVT responsive, but I can't imagine it compares to the DSG.

Looks like I'm keeping my Golf R, with a manual and adaptive dampers.

[MJ26gaming]

For me, the fenders aren't a huge deal. I mean I'd prefer them to be body color, but eh.

My main concern is the rear diffuser. It looks like they ripped the face off a Michael Bay transformer. So overstyled.

[Tombusta]

the front isnt too bad..... the rest hasnt grown on me since i first saw it

[Tombusta]

does anyone own one thats also had a 2015-18? how does it compare?

[Gixhost]

Now that its the only option its starting to look...even worse...is that possible?

[RAV]

Do most people think that the car is painted the color of the car under he fender cladding and v=you go just take it off.

[Gixhost]

I can't imagine you'd want to remove the cladding. It appears that the body design is built around them and the metal is conformed to them. If you remove the cladding its probably painted the color of the body but it would be shaped like the cladding and probably indented to accommodate the cladding. There are probably holes as well. Painting the cladding body colored would probably go a long way towards improving the overall look of the car. I know I've seen some renderings.

[SlipNslide281]

I had a 2011 WRX and a 2015 STI. I just purchased a 2022 and have to agree. I don't like the fender cladding at all and the rear bumper should be the same color as the car. The rear bumper is hideous. The reason I bought it is I have always loved WRX's and during this chip shortage and all the dealer markups everywhere for any car, I was able to buy one at MSRP and no hassles. So I thought I would git it with the plans to either buy a body kit when they come out or just paint the fender cladding and bumper the same color as the car at some point.

[chanomatik]

Congrats. How does the car drive compared to the GV WRX and VA STI?

[SlipNslide281]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Congrats. How does the car drive compared to the GV WRX and VA STI?

Well for some reason the car seems bigger. After reading more it is a couple inches longer and a bit wider.



I have not gotten it out yet to be honest. Just picked it up last night. On the test drive though it does feel smoother. The steering doesn't seem as responsive in the new one. The car is severely lacking torque. but we all already know that. I can't wait til there is a turbo and tune for this car. I think as of now I am partial to my 2015 STI. It may change after I get it broke in and get it on some twisties.

[danmcd17]

My gawd I'm at 10.4L/100 KM (22.5MPG) this 2022 just drinks gas compared to my 2015.


I'm hoping this calms down after the first oil change or something because its really disappointing, other than that I do like the car a lot.
I find it holds the road way better, and has a much better power band, the interior is nice, larger and more confortable.
The car is way too high, though you wouldnt know it when you drive it.
Needs a drop badly.

Looking forward to seeing what COBB comes out with as per tunes.

[danmcd17]

My gawd I'm at 10.4L/100 KM (22.5MPG) this 2022 just drinks gas compared to my 2015 WRX. ( I also had a 09 STI and a 17 STI prior which I know are worse but still...)


I'm hoping this calms down after the first oil change or something because its really disappointing, other than that I do like the car a lot.
I find it holds the road way better, and has a much better power band, the interior is nice, larger and more confortable.
The car is way too high, though you wouldnt know it when you drive it.
Needs a drop badly.

Looking forward to seeing what COBB comes out with as per tunes.

[Pdownar]

Originally Posted by danmcd17

My gawd I'm at 10.4L/100 KM (22.5MPG) this 2022 just drinks gas compared to my 2015 WRX. ( I also had a 09 STI and a 17 STI prior which I know are worse but still...)


I'm hoping this calms down after the first oil change or something because its really disappointing, other than that I do like the car a lot.
I find it holds the road way better, and has a much better power band, the interior is nice, larger and more confortable.
The car is way too high, though you wouldnt know it when you drive it.
Needs a drop badly.

Looking forward to seeing what COBB comes out with as per tunes.

You're probably driving at the same rpm's that you're used to in your old wrx. This car gets into boost earlier and therefore will use more gas if driven the same way. Try turning on the gear shift indicator (GSI) that will tell you when to shift for optimal fuel economy.

[KillerBMotorsport]

Originally Posted by danmcd17

My gawd I'm at 10.4L/100 KM (22.5MPG) this 2022 just drinks gas compared to my 2015 WRX.

I'm getting ~26 MPGs and I have a short 6 mile commute with no highway.

On my 3rd tank of fuel and have not drained the factory fill yet. I would imagine it's only going to get better on the highway.

[FaithSarim]

I guess that is alright, does smack a little bit of "those manual drivers will take whatever we give them". Maybe the exclusiveness of the GT and it's features is meant to be short lived to create some interest, force press reviews of the SPT, avoid the "we prefer the manual" comparisons on launch. contact us

[blazenblitz]

ugh... when are they going to stop it with the black plastic? We detail so many Subarus at car detailing Richmond hill. Being in Canada, every other person has a Subaru for the all-wheel drive sport. None of us like the plastic! Older models look way better IMO! Also yes, manual drivers don't have many options over here.

[Jerrycheung1989]

I actually really like the black plastic. It makes sense here in Canada.
We see lots of them at our Auto detailing Scarborough shop.

[19stidriver81]

At least you have a option to have the black plastic painted match color.

[jasonrubio1955]

These kinds of posts actually make online reading worthwhile..
website

[Landomatic13]

ill always love the older models more haha but these new ones are definitely sweet