Subaru: our focus group told us they want more aggressive styling - so we gave them plastic wheel arches. Subaru: we know 80% of our buyers choose a manual transmission - so we focused most of our budget on developing a new automatic transmission Subaru: we have these cool recaro seats - but you can’t have them unless you buy the automatic.

Kudos to Doug for filming this despite being drenched in rain.

I hated it at first too, but then it slowly grew on me until it suddenly magically appeared in my driveway. I finally understand what subaru was doing when they made this car. The little improvements they’ve done to everything add up to a big difference. It’s an amazingly fun car and I got it for under MSRP I can’t wait to see what happens when it’s tuned.

I hated the arches until i seen them in person. They are not bad and for someone that lives in Western Pa they are actually pretty purposeful. The exposed rolled lip on the older WRX are good looking but they do suffer from chips pretty easily especially in the salt belt. Along with the wheel arches which are an improvement for winter use is the fact the that front bumper cover is roughly 6 different pieces (5 being unpainted plastic). So if you do hit a snow drift, dead animal or ice drift while parking and you crack the lower portion of the bumper cover you can replace the middle section for $65 dollars, the Side fog light area for $34 or the very lower corner area that extends into the wheel arch for $15 dollars. So a $15-$65 dollar part could be replacing an $800-1000 dollar job on the previous generation. It might not be as sporty but i actually think its an improvement for daily driving and especially daily driving in the winter/rust/salt belt areas.

The arches have one benefit: You can probably widebody this car without cutting the arches.

They should be body color. I’m sure aftermarket will make a killing on replacement fender flares

can we give our boy a round of applause, this man recorded himself in the rain while wearing shorts, only a Doug would do something this bold

In an older Subaru model on your birthday, when you turn on the car, the whole screen is taken up with a happy birthday, insert name here, message and a present with a bow. I felt very special. As I'm too old for some of this kind of stuff, I suppose this is how it feels to get a participation award.

Every year that passes automakers further reinforce my love for old ass cars.

WRX being just a trim of Impreza was never a problem to begin with, no one asked Subaru to make WRX a separate model, not only that, I think the WRX trim made the regular Impreza much cooler

An honest review by Doug as always. I've seen only one of these so far in Texas and it does look better in person rather than pictures. It wouldn't surprise me if the new WRX does well in sales.

the fact that this guy filmed this video in rain shows nothing can stop doug from doing his work

I think the remedy to making this car looking better with minimal effort on Subaru's end is to offer the cladding to be paint matched to the car. The black cladding just makes the wheels look tiny and emphasizes wheel gap

You know its Dougcember when Doug uploads on a monday, that probably means he has lots of more interesting car uploads for december

Doug is on the money with this review. The main weird thing is it's hard to brake. You have to mash the brake pedal to stop quickly; otherwise, it's just a gradual stop.

2 things I would change 1) remove exterior plastic 2) simplify and redesign the rear end. Previous Wrx all have simple rear ends which is a recognizable part between the generations.

Subaru is doing an amazing job maintaining the value of my '14 hatchback...

I own an orange 22 WRX and I personally love it. I love the wheel arches with the bright orange. I had a 13 STI I and I think this car is just as fast as my STI. Love it!

Just bought one of these and the first thing my friend said was that he hates the plastic 💀 BUT I live in a state with 8 month winters, all the salt, gravel and road dust absolutely tears up the paint on the wheel wells and trim up here, so my first thought upon seeing the plastic was "omg the pretty paints gonna survive!" My '99 eldorado is getting passed down to my brother and that poor paint has seen better days, I dont even wanna LOOK at the underside of the front bumper. My basic requirements for a car in Alaska were good awd, power and affordability, 30k for a sporty car? It's perfect 🥰

Doug: The screen is very responsive The screen: literally lagging behind half a second

Doug's sense of fashion style never ceases to amaze me, two t shirts, an sweater and shorts... on an rainy day 😄

As someone who can only drive automatic do to a disability, I am so glad they decided to really put some work and time into making the auto transmission better. It's basically the reason I decided to buy my 2023 wrx.

People who think this looks worse that previous years don't make sense. I'd say the opposite. It looks more refined.

I think not having the Evo as competition is the reason the car came out like this and with less power. I know it’s not an STi

It's really refreshing that the people at Subaru were willing to speak so candidly about things like having only a certain allocation of funds, and deciding to focus those funds on developing the sedan instead splitting the funds between developing a sedan and a hatchback.

This is by far, the best all seasons sport compact in the market and it's a very underated car considering the bone stock dyno of 245whp@250wtq on 91 octane... Imagine E85 biofuel now, maybe 300whp@300wtq if you delete the charcoal filter in the air box? In the basic version this car is a huge bargain and the resale value is probably the best in the industry right now! You cannot go wrong with this WRX... Can I said, BEST BANGS FOR THE BUCKS !!! About the exterior, I take a black one... lolll

As an automotive content writer I am always amazed by the amount of effort Dough put in the reasearch and scripting for each video. The amount details mentioned on each videos are just insane and work as a great reference for writing in-depth articles.

9:56AM... AND a Monday upload? Wow, Doug’s really going all out.

I think the plastic wheel arches are going to be an opportunity for tuning companies to come out with wide arch kits for the car without having to cut up the car's body panels.

I had my '23 WRX for 3 months before I got sideswiped and then rear ended on the highway. I had 9600 km on the car. Still waiting for a new one. Damn I miss my car...

an important note about the power on these is the torque curve is basically a flat line around 240 ft pounds from 2k to redline. that's the only real performance upgrade, but it's an underrated change

Lmao I remember when this came out and was on the hate train. Then I bought one 😂

Seeing Subaru still making the Impreza and sports cars makes me happy. So disappointed with how little regard Mitsubishi has for the legacy of the Evo, GTO ets

I think this would look cool with a one inch lift, off road tires and a roof rack. It looks like it’s stuck in between a performance sports car and a rally car, but it’s neither. I would make mine look more like a rally car.

guys the transmission feel on this car is AMAZING super notchy on par with the sti tranny. I'm a super impressed. Hats off to the japanese engineers Just get this car you wont regret it al all best I have owned And yes it looks good in person and unique

I find it funny that Subaru admitted that the new engine would be more receptive to "tuning", but Subaru has been more than well known for denying warranty claims for even the slightest modifications so I'm not sure why they'd use that as a "selling point". In a day and age where your average sport sedan has over 300hp from factory, why can't we get them to tune the car as such? This motor could have 300+hp in it without blinking. I do like those seats though!

I am so happy they released this car to the public, my 2019 STI has shot up in value since!

How is no-one talking about his dedication to keep filming while getting soaked? Respect.

Doug you would be a great voice over guy!! You well produced videos and this video concerning the 2022 WRX was really good.

Great review! Thanks Doug.

Overall some great improvements. However, this thing is an eyesore depending on your perspective - the rear wing looks like it was designed for a much smaller car, the taillights remind my of a Civic/Accord, and the wheel arches are just painful to look at. It's hard to pinpoint why it looks so "off". Great review, Doug.

One of the biggest issues with the "They always complain but then they come around" statement is that sooner or later, they DONT come around. I have shown the new WRX to people who aren't interested in subaru and even they thought it was ugly. So it's not just upset enthusiasts who don't like the design.

Doug's the type of guy to maintain a calm, genuine review while soaked in rain, as if it is just another normal day.

Doug, thank you for the awesome reviews of cool vehicles! Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you give every car/truck a fair shake.

I really can't believe how a company that makes cars like the BRZ and older WRX's dropped the ball this hard. The styling, unpainted body panels, power stagnation, and calling their CVT the "Subaru performance transmission". It just screams out of touch washed up and clueless.

The irregular shape of the wheel arches accentuate the colossal wheel gap on a sports car and it makes the tires and wheels look too small- it was a terrible idea because no matter how big or small the rims/tires are it will look like that because its not round. They misunderstood the assignment: people want aggressive wheel arches that go outward not upward- its like a cheap way out that may be problematic

Great review Doug. Here in Australia and New Zealand there is a WRX wagon. Used to be called Levorg, they still do in Japan but they get the all digital cluster. It still does have the same engine specks though.

It would look a lot better as a wagon in my opinion. Might help make the wheel arches make sense.

I own a '21 WRX, and I do occasionally take it off road. Not just taking it sideways on gravel roads, but I've also taken it on light Jeep trails just for the hell of it. I love taking this car where it probably shouldn't go. That said, I actually like the extra plastic protection - but I think it should have been apart of an off road package, not standard. Second, the rear end is what actually kills it for me. Rear diffuser is huge and the tail lights make it look like a Civic.

The fact that there was apparently an ‘enthusiast focus group’ and it still ended up looking like this reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Homer ruins his half brothers company.

It is no question why you’re so successful Doug, knocking out this review in the pouring rain man that’s what’s up

Hat off to Doug for doing a review for us under the rain. Take care buddy

Subaru sees 85% of WRX buyers get a manual.. and then restrict top options to the auto. Really smart move

Looks like a “Wilderness” model without the lift and off-road tires. CVT and performance in a car is out of touch with the buyers, the New Civic Si actually took what the customers were saying and changed those items.

I love how it looks

Bought a Red 2022 WRX yesterday. Was uncertain about those extra black pieces. Took it for a ride around a few loops with the salesguy. 1st loop I needed to adjust to the clutch and power. 2nd loop I was amazed how good the 6 speed manual was shifting. 3rd loop I decided to buy it. I also noticed the extra interior room, especially in the rear seats. SUBARU did a good job and I was certain I would not like it the new redesign because I loved the previous body. Heck, I had a deal pending on a red 2021 WRX (Base) with 5k miles. After driving the 2022 WRX Premium, it is the better car. Glad to have a HUGE screen because it helps with those icon buttons and while using WAZE.

A lot of Subarus are sold in the snowbelt and therefore often exposed to road salt. My bet is those plastic wheel arches are there to avoid rust problems in those areas which brings up another outstanding problem with Subaru namely the quality of their paint and rust proofing which has been historically sub-par over the years

Doug, I really like this format where you talk with the automaker and they provide answers to questions you, and us, may have. I hope to see more of this. It is very insightful and lays down part of the vehicle’s history, especially for people in the future.

Love that oil filter location. Sensible and helpful placement. 👍🏻

i just got a 2023 wrx and i love it. got in in the dark grey it looks good and it has hustle to it. first subaru and i love it

It could use a more aggressive rear spoiler to compliment the fender flares. That will prob be exclusively for the STI

I feel that this car represents a massive missed opportunity. They could've gone wagon or hatchback only, and the wheel arches would look better and more fitting. A sedan feels like a compromise between styling and practicality, even though Subaru is known for having form conform to function primarily.

this guy is the best despite the weather he's doing the review big respect Doug keep it up❤❤❤❤❤❤

ok, so ive been watching your vids from time to time, and the thing that mad me smash the sub button was you just getting SOAKED filming this with 0 hesitation, just Getting that shit done no matter what. thats dedication. im in.

There's no way an automotive enthusiast or passionate engineer designed the profile of this car. Clearly the suits are in charge now over at Subaru.

I used to own a 2011 STI, and I loved the look of the 2015-2021 WRX/STI. I still do, really. But sadly I have to agree that this new model is horrendously ugly.

I hated the look at first, but it kinda grew on me. The amount of aftermarket parts for the fenders are limitless.

Awesome review

I was expecting Subaru's reason for the hideous wheel arches is so that tuner can easily fix a widebody kit without cutting the panels by just removing the plastic wheel arches but no... so disappointed with the new design.

I don’t mind the wheel arches, but they should have gone all in and given it small rally wheels with fat tires

This review holds up pretty well. A year after going on sale people who are buying them love them. I don't even care about the wheel arches anymore.

I’m picking one up this week. I’m going to just wrap or doing the wheel arches and some parts of the rear and front

Let's just all appreciate Doug for making this review in the rain. Thank you for all your effort. It's appreciated

I love how Doug is explaining the responsiveness of the centre screen and then the map lags horribly. great humor

I imagine the drivability around town would be much better with extra .4L increase over the 2.0L.

Doug you are the man! 👍

The dedication to filming is crazy. It's pouring rain out and this man is still shooting👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿

I was waiting for the 2022 WRX, but after seeing this car, went to a dealer and bought the 2020 version. The new BRZ is a gorgeous-looking car, the new WRX is not, unfortunately. A nice looking car is a nice looking car. I shouldn't have to stare at it until I start accepting it, nor should I have to squint my eyes to try to look for beauty. Great review Doug, thank you for your investigations and stay dry!

Thanks for the inside information RE the development of the car.

This has a similar feel to the Civic hatchback in terms of styling. Like they tried really hard, overdid it, and also completely missed the mark. When tuner people say they want aggressive styling they rarely mean 'hey we want a lot of big chunky plastic parts all over the place'.

Gotta give it up to Doug for producing high-quality content on a controversial car in the rain! Bravo 👏🏻

Subaru: "Let's spend millions in engineering on making the automatic transmission better." Customer: "3 horsepower more, but we have a new CVT!"

I like the plastic arches on the car, mine is silver and it looks good. It looks aggressive. Love the cornering in this car, handles well.

A car famous for a color called "World Rally Blue" changing their aesthetic in a way that looks more "off-roady". I fucking love it. I live in the mountains in northern California and we get tons of rain and snow here, I'm constantly on rough and uncomfortable dirt roads and need the AWD to get around. As such, this is a perfect upgrade to the exterior for me. A note on the engine choice. Thinking about the vehicles it shares an engine with reminds me of the old school Civic B20 swaps. Great for tuning, lasted longer under abuse. Another upgrade imo.

It’s not an arch issue. The Crosstrek manages to be funky cool. It’s that the WRX has skinny low profile tires with a lifted, boxy plastic cladding lower trim. This makes it appear like those lifted trucks that run skinny tires and big wheels. It’s very unpleasant. Wagons/hatches also can pull off the plastic arches a lot better than a sedan shape. I would have no problems with a fatter sidewall and hatch body with this exact same styling.

Mitsubishi really need to bring back the Evo and give WRX competition. 2022 model is just horrendous.

Thank you Doug this will be my first car after this amazing video

I love the cut at 2:41. Just broke my serious face immediately 😂

I appreciate the fact Doug is willing to literally stand and film in the rain for probably hours

Subaru has the birthday feature to maintain brand loyalty. When changing to a new car, Subaru customer remember that time their Outback reminded them someone's birthday. Such a quirky feature yet so helpfull and low key enough for competitors not to adapt it. Brilliant.

This seems like a really good value as a base model. My local dealer wants $31k for one, which is also what they want for a Crosstrek 2.5.

I plan on getting a black one here in the next few months so the wheel arches won't be very noticeable. I'm hoping it'll keep the rock chips to a minimum being I live out in the country and it will be getting driven off-road a fair amount.

Front end looks decent. Side view looks kinda bad but I could live with it. The rear is unforgivable.

You nailed it when you said the wheel arches look "off roady". In a world where SUV's outsell everything else, they are sadly trying to make this look less carlike. 1:23 Sooo much better looking.

His knees are the real MVPs, I ain't kneeling on tarmac for you guys 😂

This is good content. Thank you.

The wheel arches look good in the Outback’s and Crosstreks but not too sure about them being in a sport sedan…🤔

9:26 Bring us more of this editing style it definitely helps with visualization of the two models

When I first seen it in orange and the wheel arches I thought what everyone else thought. Doesn't look so good. I actually really like the front end, and rear end lights, fenders. Unfortunately not a fan of the rear bumper but it's not a deal breaker for me. People complain about anything and everything in life. But after looking back and comparing to the previous gen, it's actually growing on me and looks pretty sick!. I think looks way better in the dark sapphire blue, dark grey and I bet black will look pretty damn good too with blending in the cladding. Then tinting the windows. I like the aggressive look. Looks more like a rally type car which I think is dope. The rear bubba Gump lower lip rear bumper is the worst part of the design for me. I've never liked orange cars in general, combined with the plastic, not my style. Will look bad on any car design IMO. What I think is awesome is that they stepped it up with the FA24 and fixed all of the issues the previous gen had from factory. Peaky in different gears, rev hang and internals only good up to 300hp for mods. This 2.4 is way more consistent with power up the RPM range and will be wayy better for different stage upgrades maybe up to 350 with out dicking with the internals?! I may just buy one in black. Will be a badass car regardless.

Doug DeMuro is professional. Even its raining he goes vlogging!