This is a run-through of the base model interior of the 2022 WRX, highlighting differences between it and the other trim levels of the car. If you have any specific questions about the base model WRX, ask below.
I just picked up my white base model, no regrets, I like the smaller wheels and not having the spoiler. Also, the cladding is growing on me. I feel like it looks good in white.
I was legit searching for videos today for differences between the base and the premium, and then your video shows up with a full in-depth view of it. Lol
The Premium is a good deal. I went with the base model mainly because I preferred the dual screens and did not want a lip spoiler on the trunk. It was just a nice bonus that the Base was cheaper.
@@icemantuck2638 valid points. I think the same. Only gripe with base model is the seats. Down the line I can always find a wrecked higher model, and buy the seats. Lol
@@robob221 This one is huge for me!!! The Smaller wheel tire combo actually looks better than the 18 inch which has the rubber band look going on which on a rally car is not what you want!!!
Thanks for making this video. I reviewed all four packages, and I went with the base model. I wanted the lightest simplest WRX they had, price had nothing to do with it (this is my play vehicle, I already own an Ascent). With a sports car I go against the grain of "more is better" with technology, I want less technology in the cabin. Less distraction from the driving experience. I was much happier driving the base model than the upper editions, and that to me is what the WRX experience is all about. It has plenty of standard equipment (quite a lot of tech actually), and sets you up to modify the "important" parts better than the premium or GT editions later on. Less is more in this case, for me. Sports cars are for driving, they are a better experience if they aren't trying to be a luxury car. Manual transmission only please, a back to basics experience as much as possible! Oh and I should add, it looks MUCH better in person (the internet is a toilet of repetition), including the 17" wheels which I prefer because I have more options to add all weather tires etc. which is really what this car was designed for (all weather all track sports car).
I special ordered my WRX last week. I added a short throw shifter package, and some very basic bits like all weather floor mats, vortex generator for the roof, nothing expensive just little things that added up to less than $1,000.00 on top of the base price. Btw, the base stereo doesn't suck if you take the time to tune the EQ, it's actually better than my 2014 WRX that had a Harmon Kardon set up!
Great point about the matte bezel advantages. I hadn’t considered that. I will say the glossy bezel around my wife’s Impreza Sport’s 8” display is a total dust magnet as well.
Thank you for a direct and down to earth look at the base model. Please do a few follow ups during the upcoming months and share the good and the bad with those of us who are planning ahead for the day when we can bring one home!
Thanks for the vid. I just reserved a base model in sapphire blue. The dealer added splash guards, led dome light kit, and lighted door sills. My wish list would be for it to include fog lights, Harmon Kardon Audio, and push to start or at least a foldable style key so that it’s more comfortable to carry in a pocket.
I think you aren't even aware of how lucky you are. I live in Mexico and we have no base trim; you have to spend close to $40,000 if you want a WRX. Sure, the base model is quite stripped down, but for us, practical minded folks, not having many "luxuries" is actually a plus. I do not live in a cold part of the world so no having heated seats, wheel and mirrors is irrevelant to me. I don't adjust my seat that often so why do I need electric seats? Not having a sunroof is a pure blessing! And smaller wheels are BETTER if you're a rational user (they are far more comfortable, pothole resistant and the car probably accelerates quicker). I also prefer the keyed start switch; I guess not a lot of people are aware that most cars with start buttons do not have wheel locks, so they are easier to steal. Only stupid choices are the lack of an rear armrest and and not having integrated turning lights into the mirriors, which are features even entry level cars now have. The rest you can add on your own later, if you really must have it, with the probable exception of the dual zone AC, which is really not a true neccesity to be honest.
I just drove a rally blue base with a stick. I personally would go with the base model. Cloth seats are fine as in the summer they are superior to vinyl and leather. I do not want a sunroof, weight, could leak rattle and I never use it anyways. I also really want the larger tire of the 17 inch wheel for visual as well as comfort reasons. The dual screen does not bother me either for infotainment and in some ways may be better that the giant screen like glare. All in all this is top of my list and I may even consider the CVT as if you watch actual reviews of this it is a top notch auto in many ways... I am also considering Mazda 3 Sedan/Hatch base models... as possibly Integra so short lists.... Subaru in Lead!!!
Since we own a 2023 Touring XT Outback with all the bells and whistles, I think going basic when I purchase a WRX is the way to go. I'm more interested in its performance and just driving it.
Less tech means more affordability and cheaper maintenance costs. I also love how you can view two apps at the same time on the base model with the duel screens.
How does having less tech equate to maintenance costs? The vehicle still has the same maintenance for the vehicle. You just have zero options. The base model is a joke
I did not. I may add one down the road, but I will have to drive one with it first to see if it's something I really want. Honestly, after driving mine and having driven a 6-speed with stock shifter before this, I'm not especially itching to add one. Congrats on your '22, btw! ✌
I much prefer the 2021 layout…. I wannnttt the buttons for everything to do with AC etc. nice shortcuts…. Vs pressing two things in the screen before you get to what you want to get to. Imagine you turn on the car in a very frigid day and you can’t get the heater going till two clicks later vs just the buttonnnn😭. I hate car manufactures nowadays for this bs.
I was nervous about losing physical climate controls. That said, the physical up/down climate buttons are super easy to adjust without looking, and have the same end result as adjusting the fan and temp controls on my old WRX. Now, if Subaru hadn't put those physical buttons there, I'd be unhappy, but I'm content with what they gave us.
If you adjust the settings and aren't wanting to crank it up real loud, it sounds good enough. My wife has the HK system in her Forester, and it's better of course. This setup is weak on bass. It'll have good bass on some songs if you adjust for bass, but then others the bass is trying too hard and not succeeding at those same settings. People listening at normal volume levels will be content, though. Honestly, even with better speakers, the system needs speakers on the rear package tray. No matter how you adjust balance, the sound is always very front speaker biased. All said, I'm not messing with the sound system anytime soon. As is works good enough for me.
It does. I'm an Android user, and Android Auto works well. My wife is Apple, though. If ya'll want, I'll do a video on both platforms plugged into the 22.
Some of us like shifting our transmissions AND cranking our starters manually. The Base model key is much less noticeable in my pocket than the thicker key fob for the push button start cars.
Nothing wrong with liking the VA better. People who have bought and reviewed the 22 tend to say otherwise, however. From-the-factory driving experience is without question a noticeable improvement.
