Topic: 2022 Subaru WRX Review

[AutoTrader.ca]

Despite its changes, the WRX uses the same formula that made this nameplate shine for decades.
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[JohnnyMac]

One of my wife’s coworkers just order one, black with a manual, should be here in a few months.  Just a young girl but her boyfriend is a mechanic at the local Subaru dealership.  Her current vehicle is just starting to get holes in the frame and her BF told her it’s time for a new vehicle.  She tried to find something used but prices are still too crazy so might as well go used.

[BWII]

Quote: "...but an alternative is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which might do a better job of keeping the motor in its sweet spot."

  Sacri-bleu!! Heretic!! Man card deleted!!  How could you!!


Also...
"The fully loaded Sport-tech model is tempting at $41,020"

And then an ad on the same page (on mine anyway):
2022 Subaru WRX Sport-tech Manual with 6400 km and
Damages:
- NO ACCIDENTS
- very small scratch on driver door from parking lot
- damage to rear right bumper. Cost to repair is $1,100 and I can have this done for sale or take that amount off price.
$52,000 (that's not a fake ad is it AT?? Because holy ship)

L.m.F.A.O 

[Layne]

This car is growing on me.  A Sport in manual would be a great buy.  I just wish there was an option for Brembos.

[PJungnitsch]

Base manual seems like a smokin' value. I should have test drove one just for the hell of it

[HeliDriver]

Base manual seems like a smokin' value. I should have test drove one just for the hell of it

Yeah, me too. I’m not crazy about not having power seats, but otherwise there’s nothing that would tempt me to move up any trim levels.

If it was a hatchback, I’m sure I’d have bought one. But I’m also kind of done with spending half the year crashing over icy, rutted winter roads in a car with a stiffer suspension. Really looking forward to the Crosstrek for that.

[rrocket]

. But I’m also kind of done with spending half the year crashing over icy, rutted winter roads in a car with a stiffer suspension.

I hear you and agree!!

Amplifying the harshness is the fact it's a small car. I've been in larger cars with "stiff" suspension and they feel downright luxurious compared to smaller cars.

As much as I LOVE these pocket rockets, they just aren't a serious consideration for me as a daily these days.

[PJungnitsch]

Yeah, the higher ground clearance of the Crossie is nice too, coming from trucks I appreciate not having to worry much about ruts/unplowed snow, driveway approach angles, etc.

The seating height is appreciated as well as it is basically neutral, you don't fall down into it, or boost yourself up at all either

Still, could see how the WRX would appeal. A used Legacy XT like Blueprint found for the same price would be an interesting comparison too, although CVT only

[Layne]

Base manual seems like a smokin' value. I should have test drove one just for the hell of it

Yeah, me too. I’m not crazy about not having power seats, but otherwise there’s nothing that would tempt me to move up any trim levels.

If it was a hatchback, I’m sure I’d have bought one. But I’m also kind of done with spending half the year crashing over icy, rutted winter roads in a car with a stiffer suspension. Really looking forward to the Crosstrek for that.

Yeah - the Crosstrek will be very nice.

[JohnnyMac]

You guys are right, the Crosstrek is perfect height for women and the elderly.   

[DriverJeff]

Base manual seems like a smokin' value. I should have test drove one just for the hell of it

Yeah, me too. I’m not crazy about not having power seats, but otherwise there’s nothing that would tempt me to move up any trim levels.

If it was a hatchback, I’m sure I’d have bought one. But I’m also kind of done with spending half the year crashing over icy, rutted winter roads in a car with a stiffer suspension. Really looking forward to the Crosstrek for that.

Damned Subaru just won't throw the few of us weirdo enthusiasts a bone, eh?  We want a WRX hatchback, no dice.  Okay, how about a Crosstrek with the WRX engine?  Still no, but we'll put the Crosstrek fender flares on it for you.  Does that help?   

Even still, I really, really like the WRX.  Compared to the Elantra N and presumably the new Civic Type R, the suspension is compliant. I beat the hell out of that thing on the press launch earlier this year on some seriously rutted / pot-holed / puddle-filled gravel roads and it was an absolute blast.  It's such a fun car for real world Canadian life.

[Layne]

Base manual seems like a smokin' value. I should have test drove one just for the hell of it

Yeah, me too. I’m not crazy about not having power seats, but otherwise there’s nothing that would tempt me to move up any trim levels.

If it was a hatchback, I’m sure I’d have bought one. But I’m also kind of done with spending half the year crashing over icy, rutted winter roads in a car with a stiffer suspension. Really looking forward to the Crosstrek for that.

Damned Subaru just won't throw the few of us weirdo enthusiasts a bone, eh?  We want a WRX hatchback, no dice.  Okay, how about a Crosstrek with the WRX engine?  Still no, but we'll put the Crosstrek fender flares on it for you.  Does that help?   

Even still, I really, really like the WRX.  Compared to the Elantra N and presumably the new Civic Type R, the suspension is compliant. I beat the hell out of that thing on the press launch earlier this year on some seriously rutted / pot-holed / puddle-filled gravel roads and it was an absolute blast.  It's such a fun car for real world Canadian life.

Compared to the Civic Si, this has to be the better drive.  My son and I recently test drove the Si and the rev hang is absolutely horrendous.  From what I have read, this is a non issue with the new WRX.  Is this the case when you drove it?

[Blueprint]

Previous gen was too rough riding for our roads, so looking forward to some seat time in the new model. And yes, a Crosstrek XT (with mandatory giant red mudflaps) would be a very fun dirt road buggy!

[Layne]

Previous gen was too rough riding for our roads, so looking forward to some seat time in the new model. And yes, a Crosstrek XT (with mandatory giant red mudflaps) would be a very fun dirt road buggy!

Definitely looking forward to your review of the new WRX.

[Blueprint]

Previous gen was too rough riding for our roads, so looking forward to some seat time in the new model. And yes, a Crosstrek XT (with mandatory giant red mudflaps) would be a very fun dirt road buggy!

Definitely looking forward to your review of the new WRX.

Colleagues got it in 2022, so I call dibs on the 2023  The young mom I bought my oem winter mats from had traded her Impreza Sport-tech on a new WRX (in proper metallic blue - cool mom), and she said the WRX had a smoother ride than her old car!

[tpl]

Has Subaru given up on their cvt yet and gone back to proper gearboxes.    Maybe they need a tuning company like AMg  to supply manuals, slushboxes and even dsgs that can be fitted to their cars reasonably easily.  I have a friend  who would be back to his 3rd Subie if the Impreza had a manual transmission and a hatchback.

[Blueprint]

Has Subaru given up on their cvt yet and gone back to proper gearboxes.    Maybe they need a tuning company like AMg  to supply manuals, slushboxes and even dsgs that can be fitted to their cars reasonably easily.  I have a friend  who would be back to his 3rd Subie if the Impreza had a manual transmission and a hatchback.

Subaru dranked the CVT Kool-Aid awhile ago and its engineers complain about residual demand for manuals. The best slushies out there are actually made by ZF - their 8-speed is a gem. The Impreza had a manual and a hatchback, but the 3-pedal option is gone on the new generation that will be in stores during 2023.

[DriverJeff]

Base manual seems like a smokin' value. I should have test drove one just for the hell of it

Yeah, me too. I’m not crazy about not having power seats, but otherwise there’s nothing that would tempt me to move up any trim levels.

If it was a hatchback, I’m sure I’d have bought one. But I’m also kind of done with spending half the year crashing over icy, rutted winter roads in a car with a stiffer suspension. Really looking forward to the Crosstrek for that.

Damned Subaru just won't throw the few of us weirdo enthusiasts a bone, eh?  We want a WRX hatchback, no dice.  Okay, how about a Crosstrek with the WRX engine?  Still no, but we'll put the Crosstrek fender flares on it for you.  Does that help?   

Even still, I really, really like the WRX.  Compared to the Elantra N and presumably the new Civic Type R, the suspension is compliant. I beat the hell out of that thing on the press launch earlier this year on some seriously rutted / pot-holed / puddle-filled gravel roads and it was an absolute blast.  It's such a fun car for real world Canadian life.

Compared to the Civic Si, this has to be the better drive.  My son and I recently test drove the Si and the rev hang is absolutely horrendous.  From what I have read, this is a non issue with the new WRX.  Is this the case when you drove it?

100%.  I had a 2015 WRX (the last generation when they first came out), and the rev-hang made the ownership experience miserable. It was somewhat engineered out as the generation aged, but I'm happy to report the new car has none, or at least so little it's not bothersome at all.

The new Civic Si on the other hand, does have some rev hang still.  It just doesn't seem like anywhere near as good a value either.