2023 VW GTI vs Subaru WRX MT Comparison & 0-60 / Clear Winner, However… 

I bought a '22 WRX as much as for what it doesn't have as what it does. It lacks many electronic nannies and the few it does have can be turned off or ignored. It's just quick with a manual transmission- that's all I wanted. Didn't even shop the competition.

This channel production quality is now on par with the best of them. Way to adjust, I’m looking forward to watching many more videos!

Another fantastic review. Loving all of the MK8 content!

I think the GTI is in a class of it's own.

Hands down the gti is what I prefer. That said the mk7.5 is perfection imo. I love my mk7

Continually impressed by the comprehensive nature of your reviews. You touch on everything that needs covering. Whenever I watch one of your reviews, I come away feeling like I have a good idea of how the car will treat me in the real world. No forced gimmickry, either. You aren't overly dry to the point of boring me, the way an Alex on Autos often is, but you also don't go overboard with fake enthusiasm and obvious shtick. You simply talk and demonstrate, with a polished, clear, concise delivery. You get to the point, without belaboring it. Just very solid, start to finish. I want that GTI, in either S or 40th Anniversary trim. It's a shame that we have to wait for the next model year to ditch some of the steering wheel garbage, and, supposedly, VW is going to increase the amount of piano black plastic in the center console, which aboslutely sucks. It'd also be good if VW would add port injection to their U.S. models, which, apparently, they have begun doing in some of their European-spec cars. Ditch the piano black, give us back normal (and illuminated) buttons and switches for the steering wheel and center stack, and eliminate the carbon-buildup issue for which VWs are notorious, and you have the perfect daily with this GTI.

Awesome comparison . The two cars I was looking at for my next car.

First time I’ve seen your channel. Good work!

Love the Mk8 GTi. I took delivery of mine and I love it!!!!

I had a 2014 Focus ST that I adored, but the wheel hopping, no acceleration in the rain or out of turns, and general lack of confidence shifted me into a WRX. I have had a WRX of some form now since 2019, and I don't think I could ever go FWD again. Even in California where there is no snow, there is just a certain feeling of, "Do whatever you want, the car will take care of you" to the WRX that no other car under $60K can match. It may not be as rowdy or exhilarating as the Focus ST or other, more modern sport compacts, but the WRX is still among the most capable, consistent, and best to own cars on the list.

Grabbed an Mk8 GTI autobahn and have been throwing money at mods and tunes since I’ve bought it and my god is it a fun and perfect car. Quick, nimble and all the goodies I would ever need.

Hardest working man in car reviews💯 another awesome, informative review

VW, Subaru & Honda are the only 3 that are really making cars for the younger generation. Thanks for the great review!!

Brilliant summation!

*whispers: I don't hate the look of the new WRX *Runs away ducking for cover and thinking up a new name and identity

Reliability and dealership services favor the wrx. Remember the vw dealerships who charged over msrp before you commit

GTI hands down. I have a truck, don’t need the all wheel drive. My MK 6 GTI was the most livable, fun car I have ever had. I agree with you, get the S have fun with it.

I just drove a wrx and it’s not as comfortable as my gti and having all wheel drive is great I sold Subarus years ago and the body feel is the same some 15 years later and the gti is a bit more luxury and refine drivability both are good 😊

Im 42 Years old and I have a 2019 stock WRX and really...everyone should have one:D

I bought my 2022 wrx in February, and have never loved a car so much. I dont like alot of the new tech on the vehicles, and there is plenty with the wrx. I have the premium sport model with short throw shifter and i have so much fun driving to work everyday. The wrx handles amazing, and is pretty comfortable also. Its Subie all the way for me. I also have wireless and i think you have to go past the base for that. I was gonna go with the base, then i came across a premium model with sti short throw shifter, sun roof, harmen karden system. My trim is between the limited and premium model. One thing i find weirdthat you say is that there is lag. Most previous wrx owners will tell you the lag is gone or much improved. I dont seem to notice any turbo lag. I will say the wrx loves it when you give it the beans.

Funny to watch reviews in 2023 gushing about the GTI's felt lined door pockets and adjustable center arm rest when my 12 year old Mark 6 gti has both. That said, great review and you have a voice for youtube. cheers

Two different cars, AWD sedan vs. a FWD hatchback. Of course the will feel and drive dramatically different. All WRX arrive at the dealer lot with summer tires (much to the chagrin of those living in snowy areas) while the GTI has all seasons, I love Audi/VW, I’ve owned five now. Current car is a ‘23 WRX with the manual, running an e30 tune, scary good fun.

VW hatch camera is best ever. Never gets dirty.

I disabled the hill hold on my 6mt crosstrek in the first 50 miles of ownership. 😄 its nice that they give you the option. Only downside is I'll get to look at an amber dummy light letting me know the feature is disabled.... that I took to the time to disable.... for the entire time I own the car. 🙄

I actually really like the cladding on the wrx. It's meant to be a "rally" car. The cladding helps protect the car from rocks.

Nice review…I ended up buying the poverty spec WRX over the VW GTI. Base to base in ON Canada the VW is $1,300 more and if financed 3.8% more than Subaru. The stock 17” tires on the VW are garbage and really take away from the car. We get snow for 5 months and plenty of rain and the AWD of the WRX means you will be capable all year round (large bonus for its TSC being able to be semi off and all off).

Good review, I now have the 2022 WRX auto Wagon which is amazing and now so quick. I also have a I Drive fitted to the throttle which cuts out any turbo lag. This just seems to be so safe and planted on the road with AWD. Always been a Vw man but the new Golf is ok but by far the 7.5 Gti is still the one to have, what did Vw think removing all the buttons on the latest one!

I had many cars in my life including a couple of Subs and VWs. My take on a Sub - never again. My take on VW - I’d like to have more. In my mind you cannot even compare the level of refinement in every aspect a VW provides, this borders on amazing when you consider how low the price is.

Two great daily drivers! Spot on analysis. I went 2022 WRX myself. One reason is everyone and their mom own a GTI. I wanted to be different. Also, the new FA24DIT engine on the WRX was expected to make huge numbers with a tune. This was proven now that the accessport is out. 400lb ft of torque is easy for the new WRX and with the AWD it can put that power down. The EA888 is also a tuning monster too but Subaru might have the leg up now. I also live in New England with a bit of snow, so give me that AWD. The piano black and all touch controls are some drawbacks of the GTI but that German fit and finish is definitely better.

I bought a 2022 GTI SE in July as a daily driver and so far I’ve had a pretty great experience with it. Everything about driving the car and it’s mechanicals has been top notch but can confirm that the tech can be a bit annoying at times. I’m getting used to it but would’ve liked at the very least to be able to change the fan speed without having to go into a screen menu. Also, XM doesn’t really work at all and so far there hasn’t been a fix for that but I’m sure a software update can make that right. Everyone complains about the haptic buttons on the steering wheel and that is one thing I’ve had zero issue with. I guess if I tracked it maybe but as a daily driver I’ve had zero problems and really like the wheel.

Man if you love a Subaru and get into the Subaru community you can't go back I don't love the WRX styling but aeroflow dynamics showed that with a bit of customizing it can be made into a killer looking car and the tuning potential with the fa24 is huge 400whp and 420wtq with just a few cheap bolt ons

I've watched this video twice now, have test driven both cars multiple times each, and I'm still completely torn on which one to buy. By all accounts, the GTI is the better daily. Better MPG, more comfortable, quieter, and has a hatchback. But the WRX has so much more personality and a uniqueness to it that makes it appealing in it's own way.

What VW did with the infotainment and capacitive touch controls on the mk8 is absolutely unforgivable (mk7.5 owner here).

I was convinced in your first minute of review, you leaned with GtI😂😂

The WRX in Canada comes with a full size spare. Not sure why they don't in the US

GTI looks elegant, balanced and stylish. The Sub looks like it came from the sketch book of my son when he was 4.

I bought the WRX (SPT) over the GTi because of the AWD -- drive in the snow. The WRX has full time AWD w/ 45/55 split. I could have gotten the R... but overpriced and not as good of AWD system. FA24 is a great engine -- stronger than the STi EJ25 2.5L. I'm doing 0 - 60 mph mid 4's with the JB4 running map 3 and E30 & charcoal filter removal... ~ 330 - 340 WHP... that's it. Honestly... the 2022 WRX feels like an AWD Civic Type R. It handles really well on the twistys. I would have gotten the 6 speed WRX... but the new and improved SPT is so much better than the its predecessor.

Take the WRX on a dirt road, take it on a DIRT road, and you will never want any another car.

I got a 22 GTI SE. I’m in Northern CA with no snow so I didn’t need AWD. Came from a 2015 GTI and 2017 Audi S3, so it was nice sticking with the MQB platform. Personally, I couldn’t get over the looks of the new WRX, or it may have been an option for me. Really pleased with the GTI so far(heated/cooled/memory seats, heated steering), the power is great as well. Makes for an amazing daily driver. Mine will be Stage 1 E85 tuned this week(034 Motorsports), excited to see how that will feel! Estimated to be 394HP(crank) with no other mods and stock fueling.

I live where there is a fair bit of snow in the winter time, and the WRX has been the only sporty car I have been able to enjoy year round. The AWD system lets you power drift and have confidence in deep snow, from low to higher speeds. For me, a front-wheel drive car can never be a true sports car, just a car that is compromised to save costs and is less likely to get average drivers into trouble.

I like that conclusion, buying a car is sometime more a emotional choice rather than a rational one.

Always was always will be wrx for the hardcore enthusiast nice reveiw

Now I need you to add in comparing these against the Civi Si!

Love my MK8 GTI!!!

I'm so happy to have this actual problem today. So tough though!

This is a great review/comparison. Feels very well balanced and unbiased. Thank you!

GTI all the way. Then again, I'm a hatchback guy. Now if they brought back the hatchback for the Subaru, it would be a different story.

First and happy holidays everyone!!!🎉

One thing to consider in canada is the lease rate on vw is SIGNIFICANTLY higher than vw which means your monthly payments, if you decide to lease either one are going to be much higher in the gti compared to wrx

Both cars are great. Here in AUS the WRX is about $4k US more then the GTI and has a lot of aftermarket potential. If your looking for a sister or mums car or daily hatch the the GTI is to go. If you want more punch and sporty route and a lot of mods to smack on then the WRX is a no brainer and the fact it will hold its value greater then any Euro car that is in the same class.

I've had mk6 and mk7 gti and i ordered a base wrx mt because of the awd. I still think the gti are the best car in is category but here in Canada the awd is a bigdeal. I hope not to regret renting the wrx over 2 years,

Best part about the wrx is it comes alive with a few bolt-ons, unlike any version before it. Intake, exhaust, and a little ethanol, and you're making over 350hp.

I have a ‘17 GTI and the lack of physical buttons on the infotainment is keeping me from getting a new one.

I don´t like both cars but i think overall the GTI is the better daily and sportscar. Thanks 😀

I've always been a VW fan boi. Whole family was and still is, but when i came to the 2022 GTI without a manual ebrake... my heart sank. 2022 elantra N was okay, 2022 WRX base was chosen for winter weather shenanigans.

Damnit, i cant make a decision and ive watched video after video

I’ve owned both cars. I had a 2009 GTI and a 2017 WRX. I like the WRX way better.

Since the wrx is a sedan, wouldn’t be a fairer comp to do it with GLI ?

After reviewing the pro‘s and cons‘s of the 2023 VW mk8 Golf GTI and the 2023 Subaru WRX, I come to the conclusion that you should get: The mk7 Golf GTI or even the R.

Best Performance cars for the money in no specefic order. Subaru WRX, VW GTI and the Honda Civic SI You can't go wrong with either one👍

We are a family that loves VW’s and Subarus. But Subarus have a standard AWD and for me, that’s all what I need.

For me it would be the wrx or the golf R I only rule out the gti due to owning a veloster N

Bought two WRXs. Sport w eyesight and a base. For Canadian winters and occasional off road conditions, nothing comes close.

LOVE LOVE LOVE GTI's!!!!

Right, but what protects the CLADDING?

Higher trim vs higher trim the VW wins. But the value of a base or premium WRX wins on fun and value. If im going to own a car for 10 years which is likely with both id rather own the Subaru for DIY maintenance.

the gtis infotainment is a no go for me regardless of how good the car is i could never deal with that

I hate the haptic touch screen nonsense utilized in the VW, but I also hate the cheap plastics used in the Subaru. I'd buy the last gen Golf.

Part 2: these two vs Honda Civic FL5 Type R and Toyota GR Corolla

I always love seeing these reviews and hearing people opinions but there’s always a little piece of me deep down that is horrified to see a brand new engine beat on so hard before the break in period 😭

what do you think about the RTV buid up in the oil pick up tube

For what VW is, an "entry" level car, the interior isn't bad. But most of us, including myself, have high expectations for them as they have aced the interior feel and quality for decades.

If the WRX could still come as a wagon, that'd be the choice for me. I have a 2015 GTI and would choose it again for its great mix of corner grip and excellent highway fuel economy. Best news is, both of these cars are very good.

Is the WRX good for 6'5" driver? You said the GTI is a little roomier? The specs show the WRX as having a tad more legroom and a hair more headroom.

I'm 6'5" and trying to decide between these two. On paper the WRX has more head and leg room but u r saying the GTI is better for tall people. Is it due to the steering wheel being able to telescope out further?

Which one is more reliable and cheaper to fix when it breaks?

I think a better comparison would have been: WRX vs GLI vs Civic Si (since all 3 are sedans) and maybe bring in the Elantra N as well to compare all 4 sedans

yeah dude but you forgot to mention that WRX is AWD and good for all season shenanigans. Of course it is going to be a little more expensive. That being said, I think I prefer the GTI. looks cooler.

My draggy time in my manual mk8 gti manual is 5.88 0-60 with 1ft roll that is with 200 tread wear tires tho

before buy the Subaru WRX? think about the Mazda 3 with the 2.5 L Turbo with 250 HP and AWD.

The WRX looks like it was designed by the creators of the Pontiac Aztec, after taking acid, washed down with mushroom tea.

VW went all in on extreme cost cutting on the infotainment climate steering wheel controls plastic quality compared to the 7th gen. You know I actually would prefer analogue gauges buttons knobs switches and would pay more for them you could still put a digital lcd in the middle of analogue gauges all i need is speed tach feul temperature trip and idiot lights.

The VW Golf GTI looks more like a japanese / korean car than german now, at least the WRX is unique looking. As a mk 7.5 owner, I'd be seriously considering the WRX as a replacement due to cost, interior dash, and AWD as opposed to a mk 8.

Gti 7.5 is my favorite 🤩 it’s feels more quality overall then the Subaru 😮

I would go git if we got manual in Australia market

Were you doing a 0-60 test with no Tachometer showing on the display? 😂

I didn't realize the act man had gotten into car reviews now

I had a 2015 WRX. You could hit 60 in 5 flat but it was extremely brutal. You have to dump the clutch at 6k RPM to get a gut punching launch. Not great for long term reliability.

Please compare a 2023 GTI to a BMW 230i

Wish I could get this engine in the Impreza hatchback. 😓

I may be alone here… but I think the Wrx looks better than the gti.

It sounds ridiculous but the lack of a handbrake in the GTI was a deal breaker for me. These cars exist to have fun and a GTI you can’t slide in is antithetical to that.

I actually like the look of the wrx. It looks better than last gen. N the grill n golf r don’t do anything for me. I hate boxer motors they suck. So I don’t know if would get a wrx either.

Weird here in Canada base Gti is like 7k more than base Wrx

I know it is not a 2022 but i bought my 2021 sti over the competition for the lack there of nannies and extra bull that isn't relivent to driving. I enjoy a more raw driving drivers car, with some features like heated seats and a nice radio being appreciated even though the car's sounds 👌 more than the tunes of my people! I will say Mpg is not me its SPG and smiles per gallon they be! All 37kmiles!

Since the WRX has rally haritage it's not really a rally wannabe Subaru no longer competes the WRC level but still has an American rally team that still competes in North America

I'd love to see one of the wrx vs the gli

I loved my 2019 wrx but wow did they fuck up the new wrx design.

Any chance of a WRX TR VS GOLF R coming soon? 🥹

YOU SHOULD PUT THE CIVIC SI/INTEGRA IN THERE LOL