I'm in a CVT WRX Facebook page and there are tons of people who have bought the 2022 model and they love it. Case in point: if you want one, buy one. Simple. Fuck everyone who says shit about the SPT. Yes it's an automatic. Big deal. Get over yourselves. I plan on getting this hopefully after I pay off my Civic.

His face was so unimpressed off the line 😂. But for real another great vid! It was cool to see someone experience the “auto” version as I have never driven one nor has anyone I know.

Joe’s face @ 18:26 is the same disappointed face my dad had that one time I brought home a report card full of C and D’s. I’m sorry I let you down Joe!

The plastic rear bumper is inexcusable and a crime against humanity.

The whole car is a zonk Joe! Love to binge ur vids. Merry Christmas!

The look on your face when you first accelerated told the full story on the new duller WRX

At $45k, that's a tough sell for me. I have owned about 15 Subarus, I got tired of the oil leaks. I used to think I needed awd here in Ohio, but then I found Michelin winter tires.

The STI will forever be missed.

"gone are the days of that raw raw feeling" truer words couldnt be said.

Hey Joe, first off I love your videos my man. Secondly I have to correct you on always zonking front fake vents for not being functional, in fact they are quite functional…….at decreasing aero 😂. But yeah I don’t know why these manufacturers always put in fake vents.

Hey joe, I got a Veloster n a couple months ago and your reviews helped me make my choice! I couldn’t be happier with the car.

This seems like it was geared for people who loved their previous WRX or STIs but are now older and no longer want to deal with a manual. Still rocking my older GR Hatch and I'm convinced that the 08-14 model was the last best WRX/STI we're gonna get before things go electric. Great review as always, hope y'all had a good New Years!

They're smart using the Recaro seats and Alcantara in only the automatic GT model as a selling point. I actually don't mind the fender trim but the rear bumper looks a mess when not color matched.

Been waiting for this one Joe!!!! I hope you still have the Type Ra, loved all those videos!

I have a 2022 wrx base with the cvt. I have never driven another car with a cvt but ive driven go karts and rzrs with them so I can asume how a cvt car would feel and the wrxs cvt is really interesting. Everyone clowned on the "Subaru Performance Transmission" but it really is cool as it imitates the feel of a manual in sport# mode complete with engine braking. It automatically turns off the fake shifting when your flooring it, but the fake gears really shine with the paddle shifters.

Would be cool to see some "on-throttle" dragy numbers in future videos 🤔

Love your reviews man!! You got a unique style and a good sense of humor!

Got a black VB and came from my VA. would do it again 1000 times over. Most people thinking this car isn't as good as the last gen haven't spent time with one. This car is as fast as my buddys stock 2020 STI and the tuning potential is great.

Great review joe! I have seen these with the black panels painted body color and they look awesome! Two things have gotten out of control with this car: the weight and the price. They are asking CTR money

That a group of professional designers sat down in multiple meetings, went through multiple sketches, designs, and models, and ultimately came up with this, is beyond me. It's like Subaru hired an outside design team who had absolutely no idea what a WRX used to be. It's like they hired the Family Dollar to design an Italian suit. And then, to make matters even worse, Subaru's OWN PEOPLE decided to finally put adaptive suspension technology in a vehicle and then made it CVT only! This car was built by accountants, not engineers, and certainly not Subaru enthusiasts.

Would like to see you test it on a bumpier road with those different adoptive suspension settings...

Until Subaru stops try to make CVT's happen on their entire lineup. You basically either buy the manual gearbox, or go grab any other performance sedan on the market. There is one thing to have the "peppy-ness". It's another thing if there is no emotion in putting rubber to road. Great review as always Joe!

I have a Subaru BRZ 2013 and Skoda Octavia RS wagon, both great cars in their own right. I test drove an Elantra N DCT Premium. The Elantra N is a very impressive bit of kit. I test drove the last generation WRX with the CVT. It was pretty good, but not good enough to best the Skoda at the time. Haven’t had a chance to drive the latest, but can’t imagine it’s going to be better than that weapon from Hyundai.

Thanks for reviewing the official car of Duluth, MN. I see a lot of these there. Combination of low center gravity, awd, and snow tires is the answer to a winter in a city that slopes steeply towards the lake.

Hey Joe nice review on the Subaru it's in my favorite color, however I wish it came in a 6 cylinder model happy holidays to you and your family and your viewers.

For the fenders and the rear bumper you can purchase aftermarket painted fender flares and there are painted pieces you can purchase for the back bumper or take it to your local body shop and they'll hook you up.

This was a dream car for me in my 20’s. Now I can finally afford it…and I’ve moved on to not being able to afford Porsches.

Happy Holidays Joe, Lori and Steven! Thanks for all you do.

And great job you three!

Hey Joe, What color do you like best on the 2022 WRX with its’ excessive black cladding? I love the WRX GT, but I am not so happy about the excessive black cladding. Another great ree ER view 👍 Thanks Joe.

The Recaro seats are nice but what happens to 4 port brake calipers?

Surprising that dealerships in the Bay Area have the manual transmission base and premium for $3500 under msrp and still sitting

people just dont realize the sonata n line is way better. U get more tech, more hp, better mpg, and it runs on regular gas

CVT question. Subaru SPT or Hyundai Kia IVT? Which do you prefer? I haven't driven the new WRX, but i have driven an Outback Wilderness. I didn't like the transmission compared to the IVT.

Great review as always. I just couldn't do it because of the cvt. I really am not a fan of cvt transmissions.

You seemed way happier reviewing the EN. Like all smiles and feeling amazing. This car didn’t have the same reaction seeing you drive it lol. Hyundai did really good

I wish Subaru would hold a press conference and tell us what drugs they were on when they thought this was going to be a good idea. It’s actually almost a clean looking car If it wasn’t for the horrible fake vents. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

you said it best "what are you gonna do.." 🤣

I'd love a WRX (have had three Foresters: 2001, 2008 and 2007 -- one crashed, one flooded by a hurricane, one still have) but I have a right foot drop issue and currently use 2 feet to drive auto. So I need some version of auto. Really would want dual clutch with working paddle shifters. Not sure this does it.

I saw the jp STI and is not too different from the GT. Can you mention the differences?

Does the manual have rev match?

The vent is functional Joe. There is a opened section to the corner for air to pass through. Check it again.

Great review! I like this model because it is the only WRX that comes with Eyesight. Too bad it doesn't have a DCT instead of the SPT. Also, I wish the body cladding came color matched.

I love the Subaru WRX I feel like the fake vents and the flat black cladding as well as the incandescent bulbs on the rear turn signals are nice and they give it style as to a plain and boring blue bumper. I enjoy the flat black cladding Especially how it looks good and the Incandescent bulbs on rear turn signals look great also. They may not be the brightest but the car is a dandy.

well, I own a 2022 GT, I am disappointed in your review, I am not sure why you did it, if you are coming in biased against the SPT, I have been watching your reviews for years. You state the obvious facts about the speed at the beginning. I know you are biased to 6 speeds, but lets be honest, they are not as fast. I have owned a Veloster N and a Kona N, they are fast, but ride like crap, and are not as well put together as a Subaru. The 8speed DCT has been recalled by Hyundai. The material is NOT Alcantara, its Ultra Suede and Real Leather. You ignore the Eyesight system, the blind spot monitoring, Rear cross traffic alert, and other safety features. This vehicle is good for those of us that may be older, have owned our share of manuals in the past. I can tell you didn't do much research on the vehicle before testing it. Your comments on lagging are basically ridiculous, it does not lag, The Elantra N is not even available with all wheel drive, and is worthless in snowy weather. In the future, if you already have a bias on a vehicle, don't do a review on it. You don't give a complete review of all the modes that are available. Sorry to vent, but I enjoy my GT so much, and you don't give a fair review on this one.

I would prefer a manual previous gen STI over this. Does look like a nice sporty daily driver with great seats.

43k?!!! Holy shit man. This doesn't have the luxury or performance to be asking for 43k dear god.

I know the car im about to ask about is very different to this but im asking because the prices are around the same. If someone was picking between the new 25 model camry xse hybrid and a wrx gt, which one would be best. Here in canada, the prices are close together, so im looking at the best value for money. Thanks in advance

Does this have the same engine as the Subaru Outback wilderness?

His face @ 25:25 after "launching" says it all. lol

Elantra N unless you really needa that AWD. I personally have no issues with Elantra N fwd. Pop a cheap set of winters from my previous ride on the EN. Drove 40km to work on a snowy day and back in 1 piece. It's all about how you drive

I Like How You Talk About Food And Cars Two of My Three Favorite Things 🤣

No launch control? I've seen many KZfaqrs pull off that cladding & rear bumper and paint match it, looks way better!

Just curious if you drove a non GT? As the base does not have a mode sport mode I was curious if sport mode makes a nice difference or not.

RIP STi. Happy holidays, Joe and Lori!

i like how they don’t refresh it ever 2 years. A WRX keeps its style for years.

Awesome video like always Joe. But does the GT have remote start?

Great job Joe!!! Can't wait for EV6 Gt

Lovely video Joe Raitia s usual. Best regards for the Holidays to you and your family.

Subaru got cheap with their wide body by just placing stickers on the side of the wheels. Honda did it the right way with the Type R, a totally different body panel. I'm assuming they will be doing this to the Acura Integra Type S also.

to be honest i got my 22 wrx and paint matched it the day i got it. car looks great now😂😂

It’s a nice car but the cladding on the wheel openings reminds me of an ‘90’s Pontiac Aztek🎉

CVT = major zonk. Happy holidays Joe!

That first on throttle reaction was certainly an anticlimax...

I have a slight feeling that it's really a 2016 Corolla with different interior which would explain the CVT and the oddly similar body and shifter.

Thanks Joe... don't mean to sound harsh ... but the wheel cladding is really lame (note to Subaru ... "it's not an offroad vehicle but rather a sports car") ... I just don't understand why Sub only offers the Recaro seats in the auto flavor .. remember the last gen WRX the Recaros were available in the non-STI but 6MT variety...the WRX 6MT is still on my list but it's no longer a shoo-in ...Civic SI / Integra A-Spec / Camaro LT-1 are putting downward pressure on the WRX ... Keith Chicago IL

Govern to 130mph ... only has 270 hp ... why would you need to ? Lol. Love the video

I love it Joe and Lori and keep up the good work and I love the video 👍

Happy Friday and Happy Holidays Joe! WRX Time!

Can't stand all that matte black cladding especially on the Mazdas, Some cars like the BWM X1 have a small amount around the wheel arches however you can spray them with vinyl shine spray. VW I think started this on the GTI many years ago. I had the 2015 Subaru Impreza Sport Hatch in charcoal metallic with really nice wheels. Ir was so much fun to drive especially in empty parking lots with snow and a bit of ice. They should make a hatch version of this car. Nice videos Joe. You do know your stuff. Merry Christmas!

A CVT WRX is like playing baseball without a glove

I love it and now I want it!

The Elantra N needs an aluminum hood and some LeMans style GT dog lamps... Then we'd be cooking. Maybe some subtle fender/hood vents and that'll complete it. The next one (next gen Elantra N) I hear will have the 2.5L turbo from the Sonata N line. Maybe a fender vent... At least?

This? Or a Hyundai Lantra N 6spd manual?

I can see the head gasket crumbling from here.

As an avid watcher you should incorporate the ‘walk up to the camera info’ as you do your walk around because I’m sure I’m not the only one that skips until you get to the business side of things.

A GT trim with the manual (and a few grand off) would be great! Also I'm shocked that it doesn't have rear heated seats, I thought it was the only trim with them.

How does the driving position of the 2022 WRX with the Recaros compare to the previous gen STI? My biggest gripe with my 2019 is how high I sit in the car.

It is slightly less faster but definitely overall better car especially in colder weathers in Canada. Easy choice over Elantra N. But in Tampa Florida people might consider Elantra N.

I wish they would've dropped the CVT and went for a 9-speed auto instead. Of course the 6-speed manual can still be standard. Also, can they kill the plastic black fenders?

Awesome review as always you guys, to many black trims for me and should bring back the STi

I love these new wrx’s

Very good review Joe I am a fan of this car have to check it out in person Merry Christmas to you and Lori and family

Great review Joe! WRX is not for me. I’d go Elantra N instead. Thanks for bringing it to us.

thanks for your honesty great review

Happy with my 2020 wrx no regrets

Remember the Legacy GT ? That was a good car , turbo with factory limited slip in the rear . Anything with a cvt is DOA . Subaru isn’t a performance car company anymore , it’s a crossover company

6k RPM shift in a 43k sports car… not very fun to me especially while having that turbo. Was hoping it would be around that 6.5k-6.8k. Would also have much more fun instantly back in boost even shifting

Totally unrelated to this review, but thanks to convincing me on getting a 2018 Mustang Ecoboost in Royal Crimson, Premium. I love it, she’s enough, I named her Remy.

Hey Joe, do you know what the 0-60 is on this car?

I think it is a nice option for folks who want to own a WRX, but don't want to deal with a manual transmission on a daily basis. I've owned manual transmission cars as a daily drivers, and dealing with bumper to bumper traffic is a chore with one.

Joe, I woke up today in Ohio & it was -5 with 4 inches of snow. I own a Premium Ignition Red with the SPT. I had to be at work at 8AM. I hit the remote start, de-iced, off to work I went. I felt like Chris Kringle in my Red Sleigh! I have Pilot Sport All Season 4's; they did amazing. The real world, real morning traffic, high way traffic, snow/rain this is why I have this machine. It's phenomenal! Love your videos. I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to see a new video of you in your Type RA ! Merry Christmas!

Excellent review Joe 🎄🇺🇲

I never liked the last gen wrx. Hate the fender looks like a outback. But i admit this is the nicest looking one

I don’t know about the cladding. I still couldn’t get it over with. I get it though. It is a rally car. But cmon, it just doesn’t sit right in these cars. Even with the rally guys, no one even uses that. I like the black claddings in my Subaru ascent or outback. But a sports sedan? I can’t.

The balance in your reviews between comedy and information has to be studied by a university or something lmao. Definitely my favorite car reviewer on KZfaq!😂😂

thanks, joe and merry christmas to you and your family

Just for a fun series, review military vehicles. Especially those used in WW2, Korea etc. Jeeps, half tracks, duces etc. Use the same format you use now.

A redeeming factor could have been putting some unequal length headers for the Subie rumble

The trench of every new wrx, Subaru rolls out a new model, the group criticizes it and mod it to their own likings, Subaru gathers this likings and puts them into the face-lift model. If Subaru paints the fenders and lowers the rear bumper, then this is golden.