Why The NEW 2023 WRX Isn't THAT Bad 

Are you actually a fan of the new WRX? Do you think the hype is there?

I’ve had 3 Si’s over the years. Never seriously considered a WRX. Sat in it and drove it and bought. Probably my favorite car yet.

The VB WRX drives like a dream and of course the FA24 is whopping the EJ with bolt on and a tune. I honestly do not buy used Subarus and much less an STI. The choice was simple when I drove the VB WRX it handles VERY WELL. Also, I don’t buy performance cars for looks if I did I’d be driving a German car.

People will start loving the car once it's discontinued. Although I've noticed most of the hate is mostly on the Internet, in real life they're selling well, and actually get compliments.

Wrx is the best value for performance and it's a jack of all trades. Win/win. Fun fact: every time a new WRX generation was released, the general consensus was/is that it's ugly, every single time since 2002 when the Bug eye came to the US

I owned a VA and absolutely hated it. Drove one of these and bought it the same day. Leaps and bounds above the VA.

I just bought a 2023 WRX ignition red and I couldn’t be happier. It came with an off road package all oem parts. It’s lifted 2” and came with all terrain tires. It looks like a rally car and handles great! For me this car gives me everything I need.

Owned an Infiniti G37. Was "fast" but the V6 meant that it felt smooth, but without much "in your stomach" acceleration feel. Switched to a Focus ST because I wanted the BOOOST life. Absolutely adored that car. The way it turned, the way it accelerated, everything about that car was fantastic... Except the FWD. Rain, flooring from turns, or trying to get out the gate first at a stoplight were exercises in frustration. Couldn't handle the FWD anymore after a while. Got a C55 AMG. Fantastically, brutally fast car. Horrible on gas, maintenance, insurance, and basically everything else. It also did not handle anywhere near as well as the Focus. Felt heavier and definitely missed the tossable nature of the Focus. Got a 2019 VA WRX expecting it to be like an AWD Focus ST. It was not. Horribly tuned, lurchy at low speeds, peaky power, constantly pulling timing. To add insult to injury, it had more body roll and handled WORSE than the Focus ST in stock form. It took $2,000 of mods to make it drive decently (Accessport, protune, coilovers). When the 2022 came out, I was skeptical. On one hand, it was ugly as heck. On the other hand, everyone thought the VA was ugly when it came out too. Subaru has a tradition of releasing WRXs that everyone hates for the first two years. So I pulled the trigger, thinking perhaps the 2.4 and stiffer chassis would make a difference. .... Boy did I make a great decision. The VB WRX drives like the Focus ST did, except with AWD. It builds power evenly and with enough force to feel it in your stomache. It grips under all scenarios, has less body roll than the VA, and feels tossable the way that a sport compact should. It has a very satisfying dynamic and throttle feel that was missing in the last car. It drives like a B8.5 Audi S4 (albeit with less power). People have been reliably getting 350WHP out of these cars with just an intake, intercooler, and a tune. These cars are making the same amount of power on $1000 of mods that would've taken $6,000 on the VA. It's ridiculous, and it has been my favorite car that I've ever owned. I like it SO much, in fact, that the looks don't bother me one bit now.

It’s a good looking ride, I’m glad they improved the CVT to be more performance focused

I just got my 23 WRX 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I'm looking into a Cobb Stage 1 right now. I got mine in the Sapphire Blue and I get compliments daily when getting in/out of it while out and about. I hated the fender flares at first but they're starting to grow on me now. I definitely recommend the 23 WRX EDIT: I didn't get the CVT of course

I just brought my third WRX. I've owned a 2003, 2011 and now, I drivd the 2022. This is my first WRX with a non-manual transmission. The new SPT is actually pretty fun to drive.

At first I didn't like the black fender flares but I'll be honest they have really grown on me. It looks so much better in person.

Lots of info crammed into this vid with great presentation! I thought from the thumbnail that there was gonna be a 2023 with 400hp! LOL

Your hyundai EV video showed up in my recomended. Now im watching the rest of your videos. Great content!

I had a 17 wrx before this. It got totalled by a moron making an illegal u turn. I planned to buy another VA but honestly a brand new VB was cheaper so I did. Naturally I got a stick. Aside from all the plastics it's better than my VA was in every way. I'm at 18k miles already and not a single problem. It's been a great car, especially in the winter with a set of snows. It's quicker than my VA was with the intake and tune and in another 10k miles or so I'll probably start modding it

I bout a 22 premium in January with the 6 speed. The car is so smooth and fun to drive... I put in an ETS cat back exhaust that gave me a much greater sound and I get about 29mpg cruising at 75 on the highway... it's my first wrx I was never big on them but I fell in love with it when I test drove it.. and I can still have a someone around my size fit behind me if we're traveling 🤷‍♂️

I have one lol. I never really considered buying or even really looked at any wrx before this one and I drove it and I loved it. I came from a base ford focus. This is my first turbo charged and stick shift car. It’s not perfect but from a driving standpoint it goes above and beyond. I don’t have any sort of reference to compare this car to sooooo it’s a 10/10 for me 😂 everyone that’s seen and drove my car say they really like it. Most of the hate seems to be from online. Idk.

Subarus are an acquired taste like Guinness. Not for everyone but some people just love them and I love the new model too. Not cheap to get to 400hp though. It will set you back about 10k to get there.

What's up? How's your throat doing? Anways i love this video this addresses so many questions i had about it WRX thank you.

A 300HP four cylinder engine is INSANE. Also, I don't think the head gasket is a problem post-2015/16. Then again, at 300HP who knows?

Head gaskets is an ej issue. But you start adding power, that thing will pop. They have known issues with oil leaks where the cam carrier bolts to the head.

To date my favorite car I've ever owned. I've owned a few at 55. Inexpensive coming in at low $30k and solid fun right off the dealership lot. Plenty of room to grow with just bolt ons and a good tune with E85 bringing it to the mid 300 hp range up to 400hp. Makes for a perfect yet hugely fun daily. A few more mods and I can see this making over 400 hp especially if you want to take it to a stage 3 tune and really do some upgrades to the turbo, transmission and down the line. I traded my modded 2015 2D Gti for this and don't regret it one bit.

as a long time STI owner I had an inkling of care for the sti version of the VB but after their announcement and the new Impreza “RS” as they call it, I have lost all hope

It's awesome for the money. Bought for the handling not straight-line speed, and damn it's tight and sticky. Fender flares look pretty good against white, though the bumper needs work. Lots of fun and yeah, something about the geometry just doesn't translate to 2d media. "Nice car, so clean!" have said several perfect strangers.

another amazing jgarage video

I've picked the CVT. And its amazing, no matter what the JDM purists say. Ofc if you're a street racer, and you want a 350hp car, its a different story. You can get a manual and build your own STI. But for ordinary people like me, who want a capable car, while going to the office and take your family on road trips, you have the CVT/SPT. The car handles really well, and accelerates without delay. It has all the necessary features like heated rear seats, a good audio system, a very reliable interior and its really fun to drive. This CVT takes the best out of the technology, and allows you to enjoy the ride. So if you're having second thoughts about the CVT, don't. Just take it for a test drive and you'll see for yourself. I personally like the design, it's very practical. Those black wheel arches are functional and will not be a problem. Also some small details I've discovered: - the seat heating will remember how you left it, and if you install a remote engine start feature to preheat your car, say in a cold climate, you will have your seats warm when you open it. I live in a cold climate area, and it gets to -30C here, so this is a great perk to have; - the warning lights signal is on a separate plastic button, unlike some modern ones made on a touch screen. So are the window heating and temperature controls. I've learned to appreciate those things; - the car has a autohold function; - the eyesight system is actually helpful, its very well tuned and only works when you actually might need it, without annoying the driver. Overall it is a very comfortable yet capable car that needs no tuning right from the start. Perfect if you're looking for a petrol car in this EV/hybrid era. I just loved it from day one.

wrx looks awesome to me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks of the car took me a while to get use to. It has to be the right color for the observer. The top colors are black, grey, white, and silver IMO. And considering I can pick one up for 3 grand below MSRP, this car is a good deal over the GR Corolla. I also had the chance to test drive both the VA and the VB, but I enjoyed the VB more. Power delivery was linear, nice shifter, smooth clutch, good handling. And now that I'm use to the looks, I can't wait to own one. It's gonna be a premium trim in Silver.

My favorite normal STi is still the GC8, lightest, nimblest, with the hydraulic steering and has edgiest and most useful oriented design. 22B is absolutely the most desired one as a special model.

RIP Ken Block.

In terms of styling, I don’t hate it. There is a good amount of after market parts that you can switch the cladding out for, if your not into that. That really helps changes people minds in the looks from what I’ve seen. In terms of internals, I like the direction the new TR trim is taking the platform, I just wish they made a better trans available with that trim as well. If they could have stuck the STI trans in that package, I think that would have made 90% percent of the STi community happy. Even with about improving the stock power.

what does VB means? I have a 2017 wrx and when I lift the hood up its stated VB in very small letters on each side of the engine

I wish they kept the STI. These new wrx pretty much looks like a new camry now. Weak ass power from the factory and if you want real power out of a STI you have to put tons of money into it. Im over having a Subaru so got rid of it

Subaru will be successful, because they fill a winter driven dd car enthusiast niche. No other company can offer symmetrical awd and a turbo, with good tuning potential, low center of gravity, and a giant aftermarket. Especially for an entry price under $30,000 in 2023.

I have an Ignition Red GT and it is an amazing car. The CVT is super fun to play around with and feels surprisingly sturdy. It also handles like a total dream, great car all around for daily driving. and spirited daily driving.

I’ve got a 2022 Base MT and have been driving it for a month or two now. It’s my first ever WRX and honestly I can’t complain, maybe it’s just because I’m rather new to the enthusiast scene, however I cannot find anything wrong that makes me hate the car. It’s perfect to me.

YOOOOOOO 2K SUBS CONGRATS

nice vid bro

I think people will catch on to how dope the VB at some point. But for now I'm enjoying every minute with mine! Haha

Never driven the new rex. But from what I’ve heard and read, it’s been a great performer. The deal breaker for me is there’s no hatch. I need the cargo space. My blob eye wagon was special but also from a different time. And the last hatch (14) did not handle as well as the 15+ sedan-only chassis. I’ll never buy an RS and cannot get over the 45k+ tag for a GR corolla. Subie, just give us another WRX hatch. It doesn’t even need to be an STI!

fastest car in a confused maze track

This generation is my favorite looking generation they’re ever made. I’ve always been a Honda fan and never wanted to go to a WRX but now the new one is so good looking that it’s tempting.

Got the VB in World Rally Blue and GT trim since August last year and have noticed more and more of the VB on the road lately. The fenders do bother me but there are already aftermarket fenders carbon fiber so excited to see different options as time goes on as that is one part I really want to change out. Something I have noticed with the VB I see around in SoCal is a few girls driving and modifying theirs. Seems like the mass market approach and discounts on it is allowing more and more folks to access this car. Plus seems like Subaru really is churning these out or demand isn't super high on them so my local dealer just had them readily available on the lot even back when cars were harder to get last year. Still seeing all the discounts folks are getting on them makes me think we should be seeing more soon. I was originally aiming for the GR Corolla but have been quoted such crazy prices for markup going to $30k over last year it's killed my enthusiasm for it. I do know my CVT is fragile but seen folks online saying they been using few tunes to get theirs to 300 whp stock and been running that fine for few months without blowing the transmission makes me kinda tempted. Really enjoy my car and hope the community does come around to it eventually. Even had a VA driver at a light come up to my window and say he test drove one and the VB handled lot better than his VA but just the looks held him back on pulling trigger on one.

It's not ugly once you see it in person. And seen it more than once.

I actually like the way it looks. The cladding doesn’t bother me either. No top GT trim with a manual and no Eyesight with manuals is the only thing that annoys me.

Bought my first WRX a few months ago -- a 2023 Limited in Sapphire Blue with the 6-speed. I would have gotten the GT if it weren't for the mandatory CVT. It's a lot of fun to drive stock. I'm doing the cosmetic upgrades I want now and plan to look into increasing performance later. I'd just like to get it up around 350 hp. The aftermarket options on these is great.

everyone hyping up the new wrx but ive heard stories of sparkly oil and im not surprised. to say these are better than the last gen is crazy we havent even seen what happens long term

I just got a 2008 hatch subaru impreza and i legit love it iv never owned a subaru but how they handle and drive is amazing ill never be able to afford a 2023 or anything but this is my second car! and ik there known for oil leaks which mine has. its getting fixe thank god but is there anything i need to know or watch out for with this year and make? asides from that like i said it ran great! told me its a headgasket leak which im hoping can be fixed... idk much about subaru but im learning :)

The ra was more than just cosmetic, it essentially made the EJ the most reliable it’s been and made it what it should have been years before. The new 2022 wrx just doesn’t drive as raw as the EJ did. I got an offer to trade my STI for one and get some cash back and couldn’t do it. I’m sure it will make more power but I’m not a fan of the look, and the amount of money u need to put into it to make it look good and upgrade it defeats the purpose. Also we have no long term information about the car, the engine came from the Subaru ascent which is the worst Subaru ever released. At this point I’d rather bite the bullet and trade towards a Corolla gr or just stick with the sti. Subaru has moved on and now makes cars for retirees

I got the car today. Ima a happy customer

Note, the previous WRX also had a CVT gearbox, which is something that no one seems to realize. Making it seem like only today's one has. Hypocrisy much?

I have a 23 wrx gt, and its fun to drive. No issues so far. CVT feels fine. It rips too.

They need to put the STi 6-speed in the car, with the DCCD and LSDs. Then I'd consider buying one.

I think if you pair the new fa24 with the STI drivetrain you could create a great street car but as you stated subaru kept the crappy cable driven split case transmission in this new WRX personally I have a VA WRX with a full STI drivetrain swap n I’ll never get rid of it It’s the car Subaru SHOULD of came out with anyway great video!!!

I think you are being a little too harsh on the car. Remember every wrx/impreza that came out has been met with criticism on their looks, but now for no reason at all, everyone says the older ones look good all of a sudden. I think its a bit unfair that subaru is trying to change a look that was previously criticised while needing to be within their development budget to make the car drive better, update interior, meet new legislative guidelines, and when they finally think they've done it, the community turns around and shits on the new car look, and for no reason start to trophie the previous gen's look. On the topic of head gasket, I heard they fixed the newer gen's, and if you buy em new, they are fairly reliable. And for power, like the stock honestly gives you more than you'll need for a little fun on the weekend. As for putting in a bigger turbo and concern on the extra horsepower require you to put in a new transmission. From what I've heard, the new wrx stock can handle quite a bit of extra horsepower. like around 350ish hp and around that area too for torque. But like honestly if you want a bigger turbo in a car, the transmission would be one of the many many many things that you should consider on changing and thats for all cars, not just the wrx.

2k subs real quick. Congrats. If you get big and stop responding your channel's fan comments you will make us sad. Don't make us sad.

I'm under the impression that this is actually a great daily driver to have fun in. I'll never tune my car, so I'm happy it exists.

Immediately get the plastics painted body color and this car would be good. Black would be my choice. Honestly though I’d just look for a 22’ STI.

Just bought one. Love the car.

They said the bugeye was ugly. Still kinda ugly compared to others but today they are the rarest GD version and loved worldwide

I just got mine and to be honest , I love it , I used to have a Tsuru so I think that’s why I like it so much lol

Its funny how many people are throwing a tantrum over this car when everything is better than the VA STI minus the Trans/Diffs & Brakes. Seriously, we got 87% of an STI for $30k. Why are people whining about this? Do the upgrades with the money you save and enjoy if you really care that much. This car is so underrated it hurts. Sure the plastic sucks but just get it painted or buy the Grey one? Test drive one, seriously...

Gotta disagree! The way it drives and the tune-ability makes it a dope enthusiast car. The looks definitely grown on me too.

This is my 4th subaru. Ive had almost every gen lol. An 02 bugeye wagon, 09 wrx hatch, and a 2017 wrx. Now a 2023 wrx. By far this new gen corrected everything wrong with the 2016-2021 wrx’s. May not be the prettiest but, in terms of performance, interior, it’s better in every way. Plus the reliability of the FA24 motor which is putting down 350awhp on a stock motor. Kind of crazy tbh. Good power for a daily tbh while still maintaining decent MPG. For the flat 30k market there is no better car at this price point. I got mine at msrp for 28.5k out the door with a 5k down.

I love my WRX 2019 next year I can buy the new one

the only thing i hate is the look of it

I like the new look, I know not everyone does. I drove a 2022 model and it’s quick and handles really well.

The wife and I are almost 50 and love our ‘22 WRX GT. I wouldn’t drive my ‘15 STi any faster than the ‘22 and I don’t feel like I’ve been in a fight after 250 miles. My kids will have to sell the STi when I’m dead, but shes nowhere near the car overall that the ‘22 is.

I wanted to get 2016-2020 wrx but I'm running out of time to make a decision. So I'm really leaning towards the newer model with manual, but Idk if it's a good choice

I'm wondering how that plastic cladding will look after a few years of the sun beating the sh*t out of it. On my Kia Sorento, the black plastic trim faded over time.

I'm actually ok with the flares, as the amount of gravel where I live KILLS paint around wheel arches. I might price one of these out here in Canada. Go blue, and put a 555 livery on it.

I believe it was the old EJ engine, which the STi kept but the WRX ditched for the FA motor in 2014, that had head gasket issues.

Damn, while disappointed the GT is not a manual, and theres no sti, this is the first WRX i’ve ever wanted due primarily to its looks. For me it looks like how i envision an on/off road car. And also love how it doesnt look like any other sedan currently out there. Does need better brakes though. But all other enthusiast driving attributes about it are pretty awesome. I ended up with a Limited in ceramic white (wish i could ditch the sunroof though)

Went from owning a Bugeye (engine blew), to the 2022 WRX. I love it. I got MGM, and atm its just stock minus the tip swap for Remark... Paint matching the plastic is the way to go imo, and the power/handling is Wildly different compared to most other cars i've driven... Understanding that having the highest class in automatic (cvt), the CVT is really not that horrible compared to the previous generations and even other cars... I understand its a turn off to 80% of the community - but for someone whos married to someone who can't drive stick to save their life - this is a clutch car to own. (As the owner, I do miss stick, hoping one day subie decides to give it to us and i'll snag a model and give the wife the 2022).

Everyone talks about the head gasket issue, you know that’s only really applies to the N/A EJ engines from the early 2000’s 🙄 The turbo EJ’s didn’t have a head gasket problem… The internet saw Subaru head gasket issue and just ran with it….

I’ve got one and love it 😊

Just bought a 22 WRX (VB) and it's actually a great car. I purchased a 2016 WRX brand new off the truck (unwrapped it myself and bought it after the test drive). The handling out of the box for the 22' is super impressive. Can't comment on the tuning potential as I'm enjoying it stock for now. My biggest gripe is the sound system. Dogshit.

ya deserve more likes

My girlfriend just picked a 2022 up for 34k with 4k miles on it at first totally hated the look especially on pictures and then I drove it and saw it in person, it’s taking me a little but it’s most definitely growing on me especially since for 1k u can pick up paint matched fenders and it makes the car look a million times better in my opinion

I love and will always love the WRX. It is a bargain and this latest version does not disappoint. What versions have you owned?

Not a bad car tbh but if I had a suitcase full of money it's not the car I'd buy.

Turbo EJ’s never had serious headgasket issues like the NAs, come on now that’s just misinformation

I love you jgarage please sign my biceps

okay lets see where the inaccuracies are in this. N/A ej’s ate headgaskets, sti’s had ringland failure problems. also the wrx does not have the diver controlled center diff that the sti has. The cvt was definitely shit in the VA wrx, it actually mimics a dct fairly well in the VB (still wouldn’t buy one due to it likely not holding much power over stock) but it does feel SIGNIFICANTLY better, especially in “manual” mode. this is just a bunch of regurgitated internet hatred. That being said the fa24 does deserve to be mated to the much beefier sti 6 speed though along with the driver controlled center diff.

Seems fine overall, despite the weird black plastic bits typical from a wannabe off-roader. But the side and rear profile make it seem like a 4-door BRZ, lol

Gotta swap that fa24 into my VA

Not a Subie guy and never owned one, but always liked these rally type cars, and personally I don't agree with your assessment of this new one being "ugly." Looks pretty cool to me. But to each their own.

I own a 2012 Dodge Challenger and bought a 2024 Legacy for my mother in law (because Honda and Toyotas are overpriced and not available). After driving it I am shocked how nice of a car it is. I am heading to the dealership to test drive a 6-speed WRX. I just got to know for myself.

Confirmed the fa24 is legit. Its worth buying a vb and sti trans swapping it over buying an actual sti.

I'm happy with my 2013. I feel like that was the last best generation of the real soul and feeling of a WRX. The sound, the feeling, the widest body of any rivaling the 22B.

I got 22 no complaints

Subaru went from a 2L to a 2.4L engine, and gained 3HP. Anyone that knows cars, knows that vehicles are severely detuned from factory. Those numbers tell me this is even more of an extreme example (to meet emissions and EPA guidelines). Once tuners have this platform on lock, I wouldn't be surprised if 350-375 is rock stable and cheap

I come from 2 VAs and they were inferior in every fiber of existence vs the VB. I was never a fan of the VA chasis as it looked like a very plain car. My initial reaction from seeing the VB for the first time in video was very neutral but I did see it was unique from everything out there. Perception of beauty is really a personal thing and it is sad to see a lot of haters hating the cladding for no reason…maybe to gain the attention of those who were upset at the fact that there will be no STI variation but that doesn’t take the fact away that the production of the VB is really a good one. After 8 months of owning one, I’m blown away of how superior the FA24 is. Overall, the car feels incredibly strong. I’ve only done 2 bolt on and a 93 tune and boy this car is fast and makes great turbo noises. Anyway, only VB owners or those who have test driven one knows how great this car is. I’m not going to paint match the clad but would love to put on the Seibon carbon fiber cladding 😎

For me, the Outback with a(n) wrx engine is awesome - Hey Subie instead of 260hp how bout 300hp for the 25 model year (the wrx 2)

CVTs can be actually good If u can decide with a lever what ratio u want

Imo, the Elantra N is the ugliest performance car on the market.

I agree with this message.

They need to bring back the hatchback and get rid of all the plastic cladding

Yeah, you're right! Who needs modern stuff, let's go back to Leaf Springs just like we had for our covered wagons, nothing wrong with leaf Springs, they did what they were designed to do! Just a little bit of knowledge for you, why, if CVT's are No Bl00dy Good (NBG), why oh why did F1 ban them? Because they worked so well and were deemed to be an unfair advantage but I'll kow Tow to your superior knowledge! CVT's have been used for decades in industry, increasing and decreasing machines speed as huge as Printing Presses, add to that, modern technology and neanderthal, knuckle dragging, gear crunching is now a thing of the past! I've had four Scoobies and never had a problem and with no gear changes equals no lose of power. My wife's Lexus is a powerful motor and has a planetary CVT, three years and no problems. Don't tell the missus but when I go out in her Lexus, I totally abuse it!

Strange that you’d make a video about how the car isn’t that bad when you’ve never even driven it. It drives amazing btw.