Is The 2022 Subaru WRX A Worthy Successor? 

"The styling... is a subjective measure." Words that are never said about things that look good.

This is the first '22 WRX review I've watched that mentions changes to steering, brakes, the reduction of "rev-hang," the significant reduction of turbo boost, improved throttle response, and that the manual weighs 130 pounds less than the CVT. Thanks. I like that the newer engine, although making virtually the same power as the 2.0T, is lower-stressed and no longer *requires* premium fuel. 'Glad you saved your very brief comment about styling for last - it's purely subjective (I'm bothered by reviewers assuming I value their opinions regarding styling - I can see for myself).

Thanks Jason for explaining to us the advantage of the larger engine with minimal increase in HP. While I enjoy the reviews of the other auto reviewers, your reviews are on another level.

5th benefit of the larger engine with lower boost: the engine is less stressed, which improves reliability over the engine's lifetime, if the engine is left stock. This obviously won't matter to engine modders.

I’ve seen several other reviews by so called “experts” for this model vehicle. This review is by far the most concise, well organized, and eloquently prepared. I had to pause at 4:25 to write this. 👏🏼 keep up the outstanding work! With graphs and PowerPoint slides this was like an undergrad lecture at school again haha. Let’s hope the STI is going to be announced soon. I think Subaru is planning to gauge the market (WRX/STI market I mean) to see where they need to allocate their resources for profit maximization. There are so many global challenges (raw materials/parts/labor/semi conductor shortages etc) hopefully this won’t be delayed till mid 2022.

Best review of this vehicle so far. I love how you objectively break down all the performance variables. Well done 👍

This has been the best (most objective) review of the wrx I’ve seen. No talk about the controversies or irrelevant subjective topics. Well done.

There is a difference in real power to the wheels and how the torque is delivered. The torque comes on really early. The drivability of the VB is miles better than the VA

Two things I'd like Subaru to make: 1. Bring back the hatchback model. 2. Give a lower engine speed at top gear so that highway cruising is more relaxed.

Great review and it's right on point. I was a newcomer to subaru and I bought the 22 WRX. I couldn't be happier. The steering could feel a bit more rigid but it's quick. Shifter could be better but when has a stock wrx shifter been good? In terms of styling, I love it, except for the back side lol. I got the manual but would totally have considered auto if it was dual clutch, not cvt. Sad the STI got dropped but honestly I wouldn't have been able to afford it. Especially with the cost of living going up. I wanted an AWD car that can go on un-paved roads a bit, handle better in crappy weather, and higher than average herspers for some vroom vrooms. This one checks all the boxes

So much more informative and full of thoughtful perspective than other car reviewers. Thank you for always taking the time to create such high-quality videos, Jason.

Jason is my favourite person to go to when I want to learn something useful about motor vehicles. The diversity of videos are the best. My car is in great shape because of the variety of information. Great job!

Great breakdown as always! That footnote at the end though. Essentially stating that styling is in the eye of the beholder but simultaneously saying "nope, not touching that topic with a 10 foot pole" 😂🤣😂🤣😂. Brilliant.

I love that you say “what does it mean is:” explaining the words that I had no idea. Engineer explain indeed.

This helped me feel like I made the right choice ordering my 2023 sport tech. Awesome video with great attention to detail without getting to into-the-weeds on any single topic. New subscriber!

Subaru still hasn’t convinced me to part ways with my 2007 STi. This is definitely an improvement, but not worth getting rid of my 14+ year old garage queen

The newer engines do not have Head gasket issues, the main reason EJ engines even had HG issues was because they used Single layer composite HG and not Multi Layered steel HG. This FA engine does not have Head gaskets issues. People need to get that idea out that all newer Subaru's have head gasket issues.

Looks heavier yet since 2002 it’s been around 3300lbs. Subaru has a good way to pack room in larger looking cars and keep it hovering about this weight.

Just got my 2023 and I absolutely love it!!!

Jason is the best and explains the details so well.

I'm so glad to see the manual outselling the auto/cvt. I despise auto and especially the cvt's. Im so happy that certain auto makers are hearing the people who want to keep the manual alive

Jokes aside I truly thought this was a crosstrek review from the thumbnail

This is the best video breakdown I have seen so far on the new 2022 WRX. I own a base model WRX 2017. I want the new STI so I'm in a sweet spot. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family brother.

Get it tuned, I tried the COBB and was blown away not just by more power but better drivability in stop and go.

The styling is excellent.

seems like a nice car, just cant get over those terrible fake fender flares. As a total package though, its no question that it's a legitimate upgrade over the 2021!

I’m saving up my money for the next sti… Coming from a family that only ever had old used cars I felt so good buying the 2016 wrx back in 2018. Now I’m ready to buy my first car brand new, I want it to be the next gen STI, subie don’t let us down!!

Jason, great job at pointing out why the new 2.4 engine is better despite having almost the same power. I have to agree with Vitor, your reviews are on another (higher) level. You must be an engineer. Keep up the great work its much appreciated!

i disagree, i traded my 2020 that i had for 3 years to upgrade to the 2023. after one test drive i was sold. the 15-21 motor really felt awful. even after modding it and fixing all the issues from rev hang to power, i just kept feeling like it lacked sorely, especially in the higher rpms. the only thing i miss from my 2020 is the steering rack. but the new ones growing on me.

I appreciate the relatively objective evaluation. The fact that I cannot even fathom affording a $30K vehicle doesn't stop be from being addicted to watching well done videos of those who choose to share good AND BAD evaluation data. Thanks, Jason, well done IMHO

The new WRX is a prime example of when auto makers have no competition in a market.

Y’all need to look at the bright side. This is the sleeper car you’ve wanted all along. Looks like a Crosstrek, drives better than previous gen WRX. 😜

Casuals: +3 HP over previous. Meh! Tuners: Engine capable of big power. Yes!

That 2.4 boxer seems promising.. if you can safely squeeze 350whp with light mods, it would be sick.. awd, Manual sub 3300lbs with 350whp would be a ton of fun.

People also need to consider the increase in reliability due to the lower turbo pressure and reduced chance of Low Speed Pre Ignition. The bigger bore size lets the same amount of pressure to push harder during the power stroke. Opens up some really great possibilities from a tunability standpoint!

Legacy spec B was last Subaru I ever owned, nothing since then has made me want one, and the power has been the same whole time.

I just wish the back end didn't look like a civic

I believe the FA20 in forester XT was at 15psi, but the wrx makes 18-20 depending on the weather. When my car was completely stock i would regularly see consistent 18-20lbs with spikes of 21 using an analog boost gauge as well as the reading from the oem sensor.

Just got a 23 base. Very impressive so far and I've owned every generation. 👍

l am loving my 2023 WRX 6 speed. 2.4 and chassis is better as expected, styling not bad , cladding protects the body

Oh in regards to the cladding fenders, Subaru engineers claim that the unpainted fenders fared substantially better in wind tunnel testing as compared to the painted versions. "Just changing the structure from paint to the hexagonal texture has a big improvement on the aerodynamics of the vehicle,"🤔

I got a chuckle out of the "since this is a sports car, everyone wants to know about the fuel economy" line 😁 I'm surprised the manual is rated higher than the CVT, since in the very few cars that offer both (including the Crosstrek), it's usually the other way around. I bought a '21 Crosstrek with the stick, which is rated 29mpg on the highway (I think the CVT was 33), but I'm actually getting 32-33 in mixed driving, and without really trying for economy. I'm glad the looming all-electric future isn't ruining the possibility of fun, dinosaur-powered cars like this coming out the next few years.

If I was going to upgrade from the current gen I would definitely wait til we see a mid-cycle refresh. I really like all the improvements, especially the new platform., but maybe a little different styling + any other advantages that come with a refresh would then make it worth it. My buddies 18" premium and my 16" premium are very different things.

Great review. I've watched a bunch on this car, and this is one of the better ones. You seem much more knowledgeable about wrx's in general.

Awesome review! And I’ll say finally seeing the ‘22 in person changed my mind about the looks. It does show way better in person.

I have a 2021 WRX. I'm not the least bit enticed to upgrade to this new one. The looks inside and out have a lot to do with it. And even though under the skin, there's a completely different car and a lot of changes made, it doesn't seem to translate to a worthy upgrade. That new BRZ though, that is something that I really want to check out

Thing is online when I saw this I didn’t like the looks but when I saw this in person it looks good in a good color tho

The mpg difference could just come down to the +.5in ride height

Feel like I learned more about this car from this video then all the others I have watched combined. Thanks for the great content!

I love the way you explain everything like its a conversation. Very unbiased. Great video as always

Thank you for touching upon the super critical details like the rev hang issue, the throttle tuning, and updated gearing. Fantastic objective review.

I have a 2019 Impreza and a 2021 Ascent. The CVTs are different. The linear mapping in the base Impreza is so much better than the simulated gearing in the Ascent.

Jason, thanks for sharing the video. 7:50 That take-up rate of manual vs CVT should be an indication of how much people hate CVTs 🙂👍 They have had durability issues and feel horrible to drive, hard to convince people otherwise now.

I bought my 2010 WRX new and still love it. Has less than 35k miles- a five speed that gets me over 60 MPH in 2nd gear and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. This 2022 model has nothing on my 2010.

Jason knocks it out of the park again. Great in-depth review w/ points others aren't even mentioning.

I'd like to hear more about how the 2022 can handle 87 octane? I've been trying to find out about but no one seems to talk about it.

I wonder what the manual take rate would be if the WRX offered a good automatic, like a DCT, instead of a totally uninspiring CVT.

Have a manual 2016 Ive had since new. Too say these FA cars are solid platforms would be an understatement for the price to performance.

As someone that usually buys older cars and works on them myself I can see another benefit of this generation of WRX for people like me in the future. Once these start getting 5-10 years old and hitting the used market there will be a ton of places to pull parts for these engines because the same engines are being used in other Subaru models.

I've owned mine for 2 days now, 100 or so miles of mostly PA mountain driving, and my god it is so good. They need to put together a factory brake upgrade option, because while they're effective when you really dig in, they do not inspire confidence or feel appropriate for how quick the car is. Otherwise, wow, I'm impressed with it so far. Yeah, it feels like an economy sedan with an amazing powertrain, because that's still what it is. I'm not a fan of the feel of the electric steering, but it's very responsive and surprisingly quick around center. The stock summer Dunlops are trash, I drove them for a day before grabbing A/S 4's which massively improved the ride quality and road feel. I drive a lot of tight, wooded backroads and the suspension and engine tuning are phenomenal. It feels like it holds something back when launching from a stop, probably to keep 1st gear from exploding, but once you hit 2K in 2nd gear it feels like a rocketship. The acceleration in basically any gear from low RPM's is pretty impressive for a Rex. No issues in traffic with the clutch or torque response. Intake/exhaust aren't going to wake your neighbors up, but it still makes nice boxer sounds and you can feel the rumble in your seat. I can only assume everyone saying they're hitting the redline and don't realize it are deaf because it's still louder than a typical economy 4-banger (it's louder than my SX-4 hatch was when it had a broken weld just before the muffler, and that thing sounds like it's going to blow up above 4k as it is). Shifting from 2nd/3rd I get a nice subtle popoff woosh. Rev hang is basically nonexistent, I had completely forgotten it used to be an issue until I rewatched some reviews comparing it to the last model. Styling is subjective, but the Subie kids I've shown it to seem to like it. I could take or leave the infotainment, I may end up driving around with the screen switched off most of the time and the climate control set to full auto since you can still manually switch on the defrosters and adjust the interior temp. Not a fan of tons of electronics, but being able to log in and see my car's health telemetry/maintenance data from my web browser or phone is a game changer for someone like me who is super paranoid about the condition of his cars. Seats in the Premium are surprisingly good, comfortable with solid bolstering. I dunno how they managed to fit so much interior space into it, I'm still getting used to how it feels like a bigger car than it actually is. Parked next to a co-worker's Lancer, I realized they're almost exactly the same size, and that's not a car I would consider large. Visibility is amazing except for the rear because of the headrests/rear body line, thinnest A pillars I've seen on a new car. With the seats down I was able to easily stuff my old tires in the trunk with room for at least 2 more had I stacked them in the rear seating area. It's good. I wanted a new daily that put a smile on my face driving to work, and it does that. Maybe I'll feel differently if I ever get to test drive a GR Corolla (god knows I won't be able to buy one), but it's good. It's what it needs to be, in my opinion, even if it means disappointing the street racer bros. I know everyone wants more power, but it's properly quick in the tight twisty stuff and still fast enough when I get to open it up that I feel like I'm endangering my driving privilege just by being in it. If the new drivetrain/chassis shares the reliability of the rest of their fleet, I think this is a severely underrated all-season performance car. I'm looking forward to seeing some snow this winter.

I sold these cars. The 2.0 Boxer was known to be pretty bullet proof based on what my Subie mechanics said at meetings. They weren't too impressed with the 2.5L. But this is a 2.4L. We'll find out soon how good it is. I would stay away for two years.

I don't think there has ever been a newly introduced model of Subaru, that wasn't met with criticism about how they look. At the end of the day though they've all grown on us and we appreciate the great engineering that goes into them. And the best part is that you don't have to sell body parts to afford them.

Subjective comments on styling aside, I think they've set up the platform well for the upcoming STI. I still feel like Subaru is sandbagging the new WRX, but for those looking for a fun daily sports sedan it's a pretty compelling package.

I almost went with the new WRX but after test driving Elantra N, I fell in love. My N will come in 5 more days!

Thank you for the best review out there with emphasis on the oily bits. As a 2020 WRX owner with the 6spd in WRB, I wanted to know how the car drives in comparison to mine and would an upgrade be worthwhile- you have answered that question for me. Looks are subjective and I dont need the visual assessment that all the other reviews deem necessary. I usually keep my cars for many years so i think I will be more interested with what happens to the STI and consider an upgrade when the time comes-thanks.

I like the styling, it is more of an offroad look. Which means it is less likely to end up being a stancy boi at local car meets.

I’d hardly put the SI and WRX as competitors. AWD vs FWD, Civic has a much smaller engine as well. If you want to try comparing it to the Civic Type R, that might be a bit more fair. Just because they cost the same doesn’t say much. Fit and finish on a Honda is superior to a Subaru as is the reliability and longevity of all the parts. I do like the look of the WRX more and it is a better sporty car, but you pay for it in less gas mileage and a stiffer ride. If it’s me and I have to pick between the two, the Civic SI is the one to get.

Great review with the details that matter. The styling is subjective for sure, but it still says WRX in its form. That center screen OTOH.... I have used that in the Outback and what a PITA for touch based adjustments of HVAC as compared to the '15 - '21 WRX / STI with that nifty split screen and wonderfully large control dials. The wide-spread implementation of software and touch-screen based features which require an eyes-off-the-road glance with every single use is a huge safety hazard, especially since most versions of the WRX do not have Eye Sight and automatic braking. I daily a '20 STI and greatly appreciate the physical controls. Please bring them back in some form, Subaru. Screens are not always the right answer.

This was really nice work. While I'm not in the market, I did wrench for a living, and race and crew for fun here and there. Not used to seeing such superbly develloped and delivered car evaluations here. Thanks bunches. Subscribing.

Nothing compares to a stock 07 sti.... hands down the best year... 👌

I think longevity is a positive as well. A larger engine with lower boost will survive longer than a smaller displacement engine with higher boost, even at the same power output. I had a 2002 bug eye Impreza and that style just stuck with me as my favorite. Subaru hasnt made anything that has caught my eye since then.

As an owner of a '21 WRX, I can't say that I'm interested in the new one. However, if the new STI ends up producing 400hp like the rumors say it might, then we can talk..

Id love to see what comes out for aftermarket fender flares! I do like the plastic fenders for rust protection more so for cold places with road salt.

No car is perfect.This car sure comes close!!!!!!!!It's all about the driving experience,and this car delivers much beyond the big 3.The big 3 will never understand.Theres more to a sports sedan than a space shuttle engine!!! If you drive a Subaru,you will buy a subaru!!!! That's so true.I love my 2023.Its one of the few cars I have owned that I look forward to driving.The WRX is what a car should be.Sure, it's not perfect,however,it's perfect for me !!!

I have a 2020 Outback Onyx with that same engine. It makes an astonishing amount of power.

Video does this car no justice. In person it actually looks pretty sharp

"Subaru Performance Transmission" is a CVT that's heavier and slower. This company is going downhill. Thank you for breaking down a lot of the details that actually matter like gearing changes and steering mechanics changes. You really have the best reviews.

Great review like always. One thing tho while mentioning the peak boost is fine, thats only helpful if they are the same size turbo with same flow rates. Eg, old WRX. TD05 Turbo @ 10psi makes much more power than TD04 @ 18psi (as the 05 is bigger flows more CFM and dont heat the charge air as much = more power with less boost) 2.5L @ 10psi is running "more" boost than a 2.0L @ 15psi.

I actually love the new styling. It’s unique and handsome..

I’ve been waiting 6 years for Subaru to bring a WRX/STI hatch back to the North American market. I was hopeful that 22 would finally be the year. But between the cheap plastic cladding, and the lack of a hatch... I’ll be moving on.

The take rate of the automatic would probably be higher if they offered a dual clutch.

and now 1 year later the 2.4 WRX is making 400hp 400tq at the wheels with a cai, exhaust and tune 😱

The styling is great. You can actually rip down a dirt road now, or through a season of salty ski resort mountain passes, and not worry about the paint or rust. If you don’t like that, you’re probably a GTI or a Si person anyway. Nice to see the WRX return to something closer to its intended purpose.

Sounds like a car MADE for aftermarket tuners and performance junkies. Great value for below $30K

Great new car, reliable, incredible to drive, comfortable and quality built in Japan.

Cool bro, but how many car seats can you get in it? I think that's the primary concern of potential WRX buyers in 2022.

It sucks they went in the direction to make it look like a normal “sport” Sedan. I still think the 2015-2021 WRX stock has that look that turns heads on the roads. But I guess they got to appeal to everyone for the business with the sacrifice of looking less special.

Car looks way better in darker tones, especially dark grey. The rear end however is pretty nasty and not easy to deal with. Otherwise it has great lines.

As an experienced tuner, who owned a few WRXs and everything every of sports cars (FWD, RWD, AWD, NA, single turbo, twin turbo, 4 cyl, 6 cyl, 8cyl) and has tuned nearly every one of them. Seeing the larger engine displacement and lower boost with what looks like the same turbocharger which is capable of 20psi and beyond with a few simple bolt ons, this WRX will be able to put down 350++ HP/TQ to the wheels for about $1000 or less.. A tune and a drop in KnN filter should do the trick.

As someone who lives in the snowy north, a downside I see with the plastic cladding, no matter if you like the look or not, is that it gives more places for moisture, dirt and salt to collect, which will lead to more rust issues.

I think this would be the best looking WRX in a while if not for those wheel arches and gap.

The 2.0L turbo engine used in the 2015-2021 WRX that you mentioned at 3:30 was also used in the 2014-2018 SJ Forester XT, not just the VA WRX

I hate small turbo engines. Theyre always laggy. Test drove an accord 1.5t cvt. It was always turbo lagging if you wernt in sport mode cuz the cvt wanted to hold the rpms as low as possible. I got a used v6 accord instead.

Full-time all-wheel-drive is really interesting. Usually cars are front wheel drive with the rear wheels kicking in now and then.

i like how the black grill opens, up more air flow on this, 2022 Subaru Impreza WRX model

Great Comparisons between engines. Love the nerdiness of it. How about electric motors? Why do some cars get 4 miles per Kwh and some only get 2? Would love to understand electric motor tech.

I've yet to find a reviewer who's been able to get this thing to 60 in under 6 seconds, which is really a shame. The VA would hit around 5.2 and on a perfect launch could sneak just under 5. With almost the same weight, shorter gearing and refined differentials you'd think it would match or beat it, which has me concerned. I've watched several launch videos and it looks like, for some reason, it bogs hard on initial take off every time. I certainly won't be trading in my '21 WRX anytime soon for this new gen.

Thanks for this review. It was very informative, as usual. I just wanted to make a quick mention of what was said at 5:54 "...you're able to get away with a *lower quality* gasoline as far as the octane rating..." As you know and have explained in the past, octane rating has nothing to do with quality, but rather with the ability to resist detonation depending on the engine's compression. I'm afraid this kind of statement will continue to propagate the myth of octane/quality. A given fuel manufacturer uses the same additives in various grades of fuel. The price differences between octanes comes from the refining process (more refining for higher octanes equals more expensive). "Quality" may differ from one brand to the next because of the additives given to their fuels. Otherwise, a well composed review. 👍 I wish I had room in my garage for a new WRX. Merry Christmas! 🎅

Bone stock with e85 and a tune and that engine puts down some serious increase.

I’ve never owned an STI/WRX but your older blue 5 door has to be one of my favorite aesthetically. Always loved that body style.