Closer to an STI than you Think! | 2022 Subaru WRX Sport MANUAL 

Thank you very much! Honda & Mazda have just reached out this week to say they will put me on their press fleet schedules. This means I will be able to put content out along with larger shows and have opportunity at gaining better views that will hopefully produce more subscribers:) I’m really enjoying this and great comments like this is a huge boost!!

@@Neutralreviews looking forward to seeing those videos! Keep making these awesome videos and I’m sure you’ll do very well :) this is probably the best 2022 WRX I’ve seen and I’ve watched every single video out there haha

@@SF.Automotive Ha! Sounds like you have problems like me lol!!! Thanks again😊

It nice to know I’m not alone lol! I really did like the car and am still thinking about it but it’s just not the same as the old one. I’m sure you will get a lot of use out of it and like with my fake STi BRZ you can always modify lol. Thanks a million for your comment and congratulations on your new WRX!

@@Neutralreviews 100% not the old one. Still the fun dna, but slightly subdued and sophisticated. It’s easier to live day to day with than previous generations…until about 5000 rpm in a tight corner-Then, it’s all there. Easy mods would wake it up, or wait for the STI.

@@MrPeelzy Good to know!! I’d go mods lol because I hear (no idea if this is true) that Toyota killed the STI in their agreement with Subaru because they don’t want it to steal Corolla GR sales and if they do bring it back it will be an EV and like at Mach-e won’t really resemble what we know as the Sti. Not anti EV lol but the passion just isn’t there (at least at this point)

@@Neutralreviews haha yeah that makes sense. we’re very much on the EV bandwagon. my wife drives a Tesla. That’s a new kind of fun, not STI fun. :)

@@MrPeelzy Love it! Great description lol:)

Congratulations!! I know this is a new car so I can’t so long term, but from my brief experience I think you will be happy! It was really, really good!! Thanks for commenting:)

Love the half way through comment lol!! Thanks for saying that:)

Thanks!!! And no way! Cool! Also, good call. It’s all semantics really lol. I don’t care what they call it I just want “it” back lol

Don’t know how I missed this but thanks for saying that!

Thank you and I agree! I always wanted to drive a RSX Type S. Cool car.

What a change but both interesting and fun! I still think about my day with the WRX!

Amazing!! So happy. Nice to have a car you like:)

Thank you very much for saying that:) Much appreciated!!

Thank you very much for saying that!! I just started at the beginning of the year so hopefully amazing comments this will help! Trying to get better and get better equipment as I go:) I’m happy for you! This car is more exciting than any other WRX in years. It was just on a fantastic new episode of Hagerty. Congratulations!! (Now…how many more sleeps until August lol…)

@@Neutralreviews too many sleeps! LOL. Keep up the great reviews. You’ll grow in no time. I think RU-vid’s algorithm favors promoting videos that people watch entirely and it was very easy to watch the whole thing. Good content.

@@LootPinata Well let’s us know when August comes and how you like owning it! I’m still thinking about it. I’m glad cars like this still exist and why I bought my BRZ. I’m not anti EV but at least at present, they can’t compare with cars like ours. Have a great day and thanks again 🙂

I thought the same at the first minute of the video too!

Same. I thought this would have been one of the more popular channels due to the quality review. Great video.

It was a tone of fun and a great car! Thanks for your comment:)

Nice! I love it. I got to drive the previous generation back to back and agree! I think Subaru did a great job on this first version of their next generation WRX. Happy for you

Definitely one of my favourite cars and one I would switch to! Congratulations and enjoy

Nice!!! Good to know from someone who’s now had multiple generations! Thanks for posting that and congratulations:) Awesome car

You are welcome and it was a tone of fun to make! Great car:) Thanks for your comment!

Thank you!! And my apologies. It was one of my first videos and I didn’t realize at the time I had accidentally unmerged my channels.

Double nice!! Love 24mpg! And congratulations on the WRX! I keep commenting that I’m still thinking of my day with it. Not sure if you’ve seen any of our other recent reviews but I’ve got to do a couple cool cars and the Subaru is still my most memorable. Thanks for letting us know

Very welcome! Thanks for letting us know:)

Agreed! Definitely grown on me too. Hopefully you love it. I really really did.

Great and helpful comments!! Thanks and congrats on your midlife crisis lol. Mine was the BRZ and am so glad I got it!

How’s your mpg with mixed driving?

@@JaySizzle863 it’s terrible lol. I get around 20mpg combined (but to be fair I do more city than hwy and I do drive as fast as I can to the speed limit more often than not lol). I’ve taken it on a couple trips and it’s not much better (revs pretty high on the hwy).

Thank you!

Thanks for taking the time to say that! Blessed to be able to give this a go. Hoping for bigger things this year:)

Thanks a million for taking the time to say that:)

Thanks for sharing!

Nice!! Every time I see one on an advertisement I think of my day with it and how much I liked it!! I like the Type R and nearly bought one but at the end of the day I love AWD:) Thanks for your comments🙂

Thanks for taking the time to say that:)

Congratulations! Happy you got one and manual! Agreed! And I’m hoping as the channel grows to keep investing in better tools (0-60 measuring tool)😊 Thanks for watching/commenting

@@Neutralreviews I just susceibed to your channel. Great video. And you can measure the 0-60 with an app on your phone for free,..so there you go ..next video go and do it. Keep up the good job

@@victorherrero4790 great suggestion!! I’ll look after work today and download one:) Ps thanks for subscribing 😊

Thanks for saying that!! I drove the CVT in the Outback wilderness and it was really good. I think they market it as being beefed up for the Wilderness but I don’t know if it is the same one. Funny thing is, I usually despise CVT’s lol but I was super impressed with it, so that’s saying something. The paddles felt great and it really felt like the gears were changing (just is a weird ultra smooth way). I think you will love the car!

I just got the automatic premium trim in ceramic white almost 2 weeks ago and I have to say, it's been a joy to drive. Granted I'm coming from an 07 Camry, but I'm pretty satisfied. Wish they had a last gen CVT model so I could get a reference point of how much they improved this year's automatic. Paddles do feel super responsive for the little time I've used them but I'm holding out on trying it properly until after breaking the car in.

@@gotrice5 congratulations! And good for you….wish I had that patience to wait for the beak in period lol. Good for you/good idea:)

@@gotrice5 I just got the same car, I love it.

@@gotrice5 I’m glad you’re enjoying the car! Wrx has always been a dream car for me since hs. Can’t wait to test drive it and pick up the car next year

Great to hear! Since the video more people are owning, and I think in Subaru fashion they were conservative on their rating. Thanks for letting us know and congratulations on an amazing car!!!

Thank you! One of my favourite cars and a pleasure to make:)

NICE!!! Happy for you! I wish I had your patience lol when I got my BRZ I think I made it 500 and gave up;)

Thats the same day i wrecked my civic

@@Abaddon5850 crazy!

Good call!

In person it’s much better. I really like it now. It looks and drives like a serious machine!

Have almost 4,000kms on my poverty spec 2022 WRX. Loving it so far. Playful car. I am not understanding the turn signal thing…they turn off when the turn is completed like any other car…the just don’t stay indented, they have a two stage action: soft touch for 3 blinks and push to stop for continuous for a turn and resets afterwards.

CONGRATS!!! And that 100% would be the colour I’d choose!! I went with white for my BRZ, which I’m still happy with, but I also wish it was blue lol

@@Neutralreviews lol, white is the only other color I like on the BRZ’s and WRX’s. But blue is still my fav color. Subaru rep told me they had a Red GT being delivered but I said no, I wanna custom order mine and have it WRB 🤙🏽🤙🏽

@@christianvalencia6224 I like it!! My SRT4 was custom ordered blue (I copied the WRX I couldn’t afford lol) and when it finally got there it was red and I said no and waited again and it was so worth the wait!

Awesome! Sounds like a great build. Enjoy

Oh man!! Sorry!!! I still get motion sick… some times I even get sick using my PlaySeat setup for my Gran Turismo and feel for them. On a side note, good for you for buying a cool car! I’ve yet to see white but bet looks good (my BRZ is white). Thanks for letting me know

Very impressive in person despite whether you like the cladding or not lol. Definitely stands out as much in my opinion as a Type R (just in a different way). Thanks for commenting:)

@@Neutralreviews I really like the black cladding, I think it suits the car well, the rear bumper is a little exaggerated. The car has an identity, it's up there with the GC8 and Hawkeye, something the previous model lacked.

@@raymondhachmishvili2483 I don’t know if this is true but I heard the bumpers are in part due to regulations in NA…either way I like what they did in person. I think if the do what they did with my BRZ and make a fake STi (basically nicer brakes and tires I’d be in). Definitely a cool car!!

Well lol…I have now seen the orange, blue, white and black in person and I have to say I’m a sucker for the famous world rally blue! Thanks for your kind words:)

I got mine in magnetite grey, plays off all the black cladding and black trim the best in my opinion. Love it

Good to know!! Thank you:)

This is a fun comment so thank you:) It depends on what else you are regularly using the car for. Meaning, if it’s just you and your best dog pal no problem - if you don’t mind him in the front. I think he’d technically fit in the back but wouldn’t have much room. Dogs I’ve had like to turnaround a lot and go back and forth. I’ve always loved the WRX and when I drove my BRZ I fell in love with it right away. I wish I could afford both but chose the BRZ instead. Works for me because my son fits no problem but if I needed it for adults or big dogs I’d happily go WRX! I think about it more than any other car I’ve reviewed!!

Great question!! I have to say the clutch felt ok. I tried it on some small inclines to see if I could just use the clutch/engine power to go and it had enough torque. The feeling was good. Can’t remember anything weird or that stood out and I do remember feeling the bite so there is feedback. It was a nice weight (not too heavy to be irritating but still heavy enough to feel sporty. Pedal box good for heal toe. The shift knob looked good and felt nice in the hand. The only thing that I didn’t like was the actual shifting felt a little loose compared to that Type R or the new BRZ but I think based on the 2020 WRX I drove to compare against, it’s just a WRX thing. Long story short lol, I LOVE manuals and didn’t notice anything that I personally felt would drive me nuts if I was buying it. Congratulations if you get one!! I’m honestly still thinking about it and it was a couple weeks ago I drove it!!

@@Neutralreviews I like the clutch better than the Elantra N, which is way too light for my liking (I think it was Motor Trend or Car & Driver that laughed about how all their drivers stalled the N the first time they let out the clutch because it's so light; I did the same). The weight to me of the WRX is pretty good. Insofar as the shifter, I recommend the short-throw shifter. It's still not as precise as say the Civic Si, but tightens it up a bit (still notchy, but that's WRX, right?).

@@desertdriver7056 notchy for sure but I like it! And I will have to try and find those episodes. Too funny

@@desertdriver7056 sounds like that stupid featherweight clutch they had on the old Lancers. Took one on a test drive and I think I stalled it 3 times.

Just be sure and get the short shift linkage and always wear sneakers

It’s nice to have a car like this with so many options! Such a great car

Great question and my apologies for not mentioning. Yes. The Sport manual I had had it and I just double checked the website configurator and this is what it said for a Canadian 2022 WRX Sport manual: Speakers: Premium 11-speaker Harman Kardon® system with subwoofer and amplifier.

True. I’m seeing this trend in lots of vehicles. Really we just need a screen to hook the phone up to. I’d imagine in a few years it might be the norm. Love the manual!!

Thanks for that comment!! Figured! I wish they gave the option for a performance version of some sort or at least a big brake option.

@@Neutralreviews they do and its the previous gen sti calipers but for the price its well worth it to wait for an aftermarket option to come out

@@ryerci9618 nice call! Thanks for that:)

@@Neutralreviews no problem 😁

What is the braking mod?

Agreed lol! I say MPG because I found out from the analytics that like 94% of the viewers so far are American but being a Canadian I can happily do the L/100km! Thanks for the comments! And it does have the upgraded HK sound system with subwoofer and amplifier. I’m not a big stereo person but it sounded really good to me. A million times better than my 2020 BRZ RS!!! I think you will love the new one for sure as I’m still thinking about it and it’s been days since I drove it!!

@@Neutralreviews thanks for confirming about the subwoofer, my 2016 sport sound system was complete garbage. I'm definitely going to the dealership tomorrow. I just can't decide between blue or gun metal grey. The blue is beautiful but the grey will make the cladding less noticeable.

Good call! I haven’t seen any colours but the blue and orange, but aside from the cladding it was gorgeous in person! I never mentioned it in the video but on a side note, I personally feel that this WRX is close to the STI. I wish it had the theatre but it was impressive. It was not far of the experience I felt when driving the type R! Congratulations

@@Neutralreviews I'm super stoked about the 2.4l engine being in Rex since it supposedly can handle 2300kg of towing in our 20 Ascent, I'm just iffy about the CVT (normal so far, touch wood). I've heard you can't just vinyl wrap the cladding and bumper because of the honeycomb texture, Dang!

@@KW7818 Interesting on the wrap but makes sense and I drove the CVT in the Outback Wilderness and was actually impressed. It was still a CVT in that you could tell it wasn’t a conventional automatic but it was so close it wouldn’t deter me in that vehicle. I have no idea if it is reliable or not but it was interesting! Got to run for Mother’s Day but thanks for chatting. Congratulations again!

I’ve seen other reviewers get same 0-60 for the wrx and type r in the real world tests. Type R will only be faster to 60mph on a prepped surface or from a high speed roll.

@@gs98999 we all forgive you for thinking that 😂 people are out here trolling.

@@gs98999 the closest car to the Type R would be the Elantra N not the WRX. If the Elantra N whoops the WRX how do you expect it to keep up with a Type R which isn’t even in the same category and people are comparing the N to the Type R these days. Or course the type R is better but the N is the best for the price. Just can’t argue that, it’s the law of the land and that’s just how it is.

It is impressive. My guess it’s to pacify people wanting an STI. Either way, I’ve been lucky enough to drive some cool vehicles lately and this seems more on par with the big boys in the segment like the Type R. Not quite there but feels in the neighborhood!

Good question. They’re the same but different. Meaning, they’re both similarly priced “enthusiast” vehicles loved by many. They greatly differ in experience yet both provide similar big smiles for the money. The WRX is a more practical, year rounder that gives you a little less fun in my opinion but gives you it in more places due to its AWD system. Whereas, the BRZ will get you to less fun places but the places you it does get you to are way more fun due to its RWD setup. Both are serious, dedicated platforms at a decent price though. Really comes down to your preference and practical needs. I have a BRZ and make it work because I like more fun in less places I guess lol, but I do daydream about something a little bit more practical (especially in bad snowy weather).

I didn’t test it, but for someone like me that doesn’t listen to a lot while driving or isn’t passionate about music or sound, it seemed fine to me. My gut says it sounded better than the 2020 WRX I drove to get ready for the review. Nothing jumped out at me like my 2020 BRZ that even offends me with how terrible the sound is lol

I hated them at first but I don’t mind them as much. I’m sure they are heavy though… thanks for your comment!

Good call!! Thanks for commenting:)

In person those magna lights are really very cool. But yeah, Civic-shaped, to be sure.

@@desertdriver7056 oh ya!

Wow! Interesting comment! I did a review on an Outback Wilderness and was shocked at how much I liked it (not usually a wagon guy). And you are right it it is fast! Enjoy the ride and great choice:)

Great question! I don’t have experience driving the cars every one talks about that have rev hang to say for sure…but that said, it seemed like it did a bit. I mean compared to my BRZ it felt like it hung there for ever lol, but a lot of the shows I watch and respect haven’t really complained so I didn’t say anything in case this is just a WRX thing. All said, it didn’t bother me and I think I’d prefer the extra speed over my worlds slowest sports car’s quick crisp shifts lol

No rev hang

Already fixed:)

@@Neutralreviews lol thanks

Not sure if there is anyone with experience but I don’t think Subaru rates it or offers a tow package as an accessory. I’d check the forums maybe to be sure. I personally haven’t seen one with a hitch or towing anything

@@Neutralreviews I will check, thanks.

My mic didn’t blend the channels unfortunately. Other videos are ok:)

Hey! Thanks for commenting! This is an actual question and not meant to be rude, but I have no idea how to fix that. I bought the newest, most expensive (non commercial) mic’s and receivers and I didn’t see any settings about how to make it different…it is set to stereo sound…if it is my fault, my apologies as I know that’s super irritating:) I can keep Googling

Ok! Good news!! I think I figured it out and I just got done testing it out and it is finally in stereo. Thanks again for letting me know and your patience:)

Definitely better than the 2020 I drove right before to compare with but considering they got rid of the STI I’m really surprised they didn’t offer some “performance pack” to compensate.

@@Neutralreviews Honestly when I heard the numbers I shopped elsewhere. A 14 second car that gets 22mpg? Hard pass.

@@Toxie2725 🤣 never thought of it that way!! It’s one thing to get terrible fuel on a monster HP car but not with something so normal now a days. Good one

It was one of our first videos and the mic never got switched to dual channel recording. Thanks for watching:)

I’d want a ride in one! 4 comfortable seats (but obviously can technically seat 5). Not a tone of headroom in the back for people 6ft and above. Great car. Thanks for commenting!

Thanks for your support and comment:)

@@Neutralreviews oh sorry...i meant no trouble, but i guess you figured that out. Look forward to more reviews

Interesting and disappointing! My apologies…I just plugged my phone in so I could try Apple CarPlay and assumed a new gen 2022 would have it. After just reviewing the brochure again I see wireless but it is for Bluetooth pairing. Strange decision!

Ha! Never thought of that but you’re right, these are new Nike Air Elf lol

@@Neutralreviews I bet they are super comfortable! An elf has to have good footwear lol. Good video!

@@charlieb308 lol! Thanks again:)

HA! Disagree lol (secretly you might be right but still live mentally in the that era🙃)

I'm hoping to borrow a Mazda turbo this spring. Very curious. I have both a Japanese car (BRZ) and a German car (GTI). Definitely both going for "cheap" fun (not really anymore lol), but yes you are right, they definitely come at it from other directions.

Good news! I think I figured it out. I practiced today to make sure so I hope next video it records in stereo. Thanks for letting me know and your patience!

3573lbs. I realized during the brake test that I forgot to give the actual weight in the facts portion and mentioned there. Sorry:) Thanks for commenting!

Ontario Canada

Glad you like yours. Great car! My realistic dream car is an 04 Sti.

@@Neutralreviews have you seen the 2011 movie called Born to Race? Watch it, dude has an older STI, so cool and great movie! I love those old models. He has a 2004 STI

@@charlieb308 will do!! Thanks 🤜

@@Neutralreviews here is movie ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-a3Hx_r2Vruk.html

My apologies. I didn’t realize the channels weren’t merged anymore until after the shoot.

One million percent! Especially with the loss of the STi. Thanks for commenting!

Traded my 15 WRX with 100,000 miles on it for a 22. I had the 15 since new. I loved it til I had to drive people around. They would almost all complain about how bumpy/stiff and uncomfortable it was. I had the leather seats and for some reason they were super springy making the car that much more challenging to daily. I convinced myself I loved it til I drove the 22. It’s SO much more comfortable and fun to drive. It does have a different feel overall but it feels modern. I got my premium for 32k out the door which was a steal. Not to mention I got a decent amount for my trade. What I can’t believe is the WRX I traded the dealer posted it for 27k lol with 100,000 miles! Unreal. For a few thousand more I got a brand new car with an 8 year 100,000 mile warranty!!

@@Blue_Ghost-X amazing comments! Thank you! Great to hear more real world stuff, especially from a previous owner! I have a 2020 BRZ RS and when I drove the 2022 BRZ same thing! They kept what made it great but made it waaaay more high end. Meaning quieter, softer over bumps and just generally nicer design and materials. And used is nuts! I was told my 2020 was worth $1500 more than I paid for it a year and a half ago lol but at the time it was like an 18mn wait on the 22 and I needed a car…I know the smart thing would have to taken it and bought a beater until the new one came but I love driving my car and it would be too long. Congratulations!!

I had a 2020 sti, have the 2022 wrx now. , The 2022 wrx would smoke the STI hands down. What subaru has done with the powerband, torque curve is pretty awesome. This thing hauls butt. You should drive one. Night and day difference. Everything about the 2022 is 100% better than the VA, STI or WRX.

@@illyack5593 that’s good to know. I need to test drive one.

I was so mad when they made this look like this but I saw a black one on the weekend (colour matched) and from a distance it actually looked good. Thanks for the comment:)

Definitely wish they were faster!

I absolutely despised their decision to go in this direction as this has always been one of my favourite cars, but I didn’t mind it in person and after driving it it really has grown on me…I get it though lol! Thanks for commenting:)

@@Neutralreviews performance wise maybe good if its near type R. Just looking at it over and over feels like a hotwheels toy car. Couldnt grasp the direction of the design. Rear looks like its been cut like the Urus

@@MrRGM10 Normally I like when manufacturers use common design language to tie together the vehicles in their line up, and I appreciate this is a rally inspired car, but I can’t stop thinking this is the death of individual cars and this now is just a low riding CUV! Leave us who don’t want an SUV something lol!