Best CVT video on the 22 WRX I’ve seen yet. I hadn’t driven stick in about 5 years but previously owned a speed3 and 350z and was honestly contemplating an auto wrx. I test drove a manual 19 WRX and placed the order for a 22 Limited the next week and have had it for about a month now and couldn’t be happier. I would have been looking for that driving experience the manuals offer and would have been pretty disappointed

LMAO the CVT scene got me again. Awesome review Tyler!

A note on the VW option: I'm sure it's fantastic, having been an Audi owner. But reviews should address dealership proximity, as that alone would be a deal maker or breaker. Also, maintenance-wise, a Subaru is a much better choice...dependability, cost, ease to work on, ease of getting parts. These are car reviews by car guys for car guys but these things are just left out. There's a reason after 10 years 97% of Subarus are on the road. Because they're dependable and when things do go wrong, they're easy and affordable to work on yourself, or for your local trusty mechanic. Most private shops sneer at VW's and Audi's because parts availability and cost create problems. Of course, if you're a VW enthusiast, much of this doesn't matter...but the same can be said for Subaru enthusiasts. And I'm just going to assume that WRX and Golf reviews stay away from mentioning all-weather performance, especially snow, because it would mean having to admit the WRX has a significant advantage. As someone who lives in the snow belt, I'm happy to say my WRX GT, if tested in summer and winter, and a verdict rendered, would "win". If you want fun, safety, performance in any weather 365 days of the year, Subaru owns it.

What's weird to me is that the WRX with the premium trim is such a bargain of a car. But this GT trim seems like a really bad deal.

Love the *whispers" "cvt" Antics between the two videos. Freaking hilarious. Well done, and great reviews overall.

Great, informative and entertaining review Tyler! I’m in the market for a new car and while I’m a Subaru fanboy - I’ve been driving a bugeyes WRX wagon for over 22 years - I’m more of a sport wagon fan and those examples are increasingly rare. Most have been CUV’d in the last few years and while I really like the Mazda 3 sedan the hatch is cramped and I’m not a fan with the looks. Since the release of the upcoming Impreza RS I’ve been going over these WRX GT reviews to glean some impressions of reviewers of the powertrain and chassis of it since the RS has yet to be driven by reviewers. I just came back from renting a brand new Forester Wilderness for a week in New England and came back impressed with the powertrain, including the CVT. It was plenty quick enough and the paddles and mode settings were very responsive. And while the Forester handled great for the type of vehicle it is I also came back convinced that a top heavy crossover is not for me. I’ve test driven the Outback/XT and it’s a quick wagon but still a bit heavy and tall. I’m hoping, and it seems very likely, that the Impreza RS will be a competent handler and with 500 lbs less on the same/updated powertrain, a decently quick car as well. I was hoping for the Levorg/WRX wagon to be imported but it seems like this is Subaru’s answer to us (interestingly, I compared the passenger and cargo room of the Levorg and Impreza hatch and the latter is a tad bit larger) I’ll be looking forward to your test drive of it and with Subaru VIP pricing status and a loyalty coupon come spring I’m likely going to be ready to pull the trigger. It looks to be coming at just $30k for a real stiff and solid chassis with updated engine, transmission, suspension, steering and AWD looks to be competitive with what’s actually out there. Keep the awesome reviews coming!

I've driven the 2022 GT in World Rally Blue a couple of weeks ago on a test drive from the dealership. The car handles great. I totally enjoyed it. The looks on the outside, especially on the rear bumper, was not as bad as I thought it would be when you see it in person. You are correct about the high price tag for the GT. There is just not enough value to justify purchasing it when the lower priced trims would be a better value for the money including the base. I would be happy just buying the base trim. There's enough value from the base to enjoy the car for years plus many WRX owners mod their cars anyway.

Great info. My last wrx was a 2016 limited cvt, I drove it for 3 years and then traded it in for a 2019 Golf R which I drove for 3.5 years. Before all that I was a Volvo c30 guy that also modified a 2008 (and before that 1999 Mustang GT) mustang GT. Anyways, my Golf R was the best car I will ever own or drive. It was a blast. The problem is it's snow traction and ground clearance which no matter what tires/wheel combo you used was a big issue over the years. The WRX platform just gets me to work or wherever in whatever weather I am driving in. So yeah I traded in my 2019 Golf R for a 2022 WRX GT. I did this even after watching your review some weeks ago. I sure could have gotten a premium with a stick but I don't want to drive stick, I can, I just don't want to. The level of hate auto/cvt cars get is amusing, having driven both I can tell you that unless you are on a race track it's sorta pointless. My comparison against the cars I have test driven and owned: the 2022 WRX GT is better in all weather and condition driving then all of them. However it's no Golf R... then again it's a more confident and likely hardier driving car that won't end up on the side of the road with a destroyed wheel and tire or worse. I considered a Carolla GR but the 20 k marked was silly for what you got and ground clearance would be an issue. The wrx was all I could get to fit my needs and the GT trim was what I wanted. Is it overpriced? Well considering a new Golf R would end up on the side of the road 4 or 6 times a winter up here in NY I guess not.. sad though that to drive something I can deal with costs so much. These are the last days of non ev.. so we better enjoy ourselves. Evs will cost a bunch more the. Even the wrx GT...

I've learned to love the CVT *punch!* in my Impreza Sport hatchback. It's so much fun to row through the virtual "gears", keeping the wimpy FB20 in the 4k-6k rpm range on tight twisty roads. I'm sure the SPT in the new WRX makes it a better all-around grand-tourer and daily driver without the need for any modifications. Tuners should look at the base model as a better starting point. I really want the Recaro seats from the GT for my Impreza Sport, though.

The fact that subaru is still giving us sporty option is good to me considering they are not a big company in terms of sale volume they rank low making a 10th of what toyota and VW make a year

This video helped me monumentally.

I love how you talk about the Golf R while I've seen others mention the GTI, the R is a better performance comparison in my opinion since its also AWD. Anyhow, I didn't realize the R's had a DCT, that defiantly puts them ahead in my book. Its hard to beat a DCT.

Great review. Definitely a head scratcher of a trim. I really only wish these adaptive dampers were available on the limited trim w/ the manual making that trim more comfort oriented

Let's see the new cvt with some power mods. From what I understand it is the same as the past gen, however different. When in "manual" mode, if the "gears" hold under power, and don't move, this could in sense replicate a dct....I'll use standard cvt for commuting. I have GT. Sold on it because it's the newer version cvt, and they emphasize on its performance. After my testing I'll decide to keep it or trade it in. Hopes are high for now as I do take this car off road and plan to throw some dirt/rally wheels, and tires on it for winter.

What Color are you Guys thinking... I am liking the Blue's and base model trim. Why can't I have cross path and blind on the base? I hope the 2024 gives the base this. I want the smaller wheels and larger sidewall, the split screen is fine and I want Cloth and no Sunroof!

Honestly, if you want an auto, top of the line subaru sedan, why not the legacy? It makes ~11 hp less but more torque on regular. It also comes with more standard features (like ventilated seats) all while costing $4k less. I don't see the value proposition of the auto WRX GT (not like I can afford it anyway).

I still don't know what's up with the "issue" of the black cladding. AE86 Trueno, 280z with the famous black fender flares, Skyline R30, MKII Supra, Silvia S12? To each their own I guess, except most people really believe their opinion is objective lol

I plan to track this car with CVT, will I get the same engine braking as the manual?

im happy with my 15 110k no issues....one point....honda makes a side by side with a 1000cc and a dual clutch......i really liked driving it....we had one working at a wastewater treatment plant.....the thing would go

I got the limited with the SPT. Great daily driver, car is growing on me more and more

I have a 2014 cvt sentra any Subaru cvt is like driving a Ferrari compared to other cvt vehicles

I'd buy the base manual every day of the week over this!

I own the 2022 wrx GT. Everything he said is pretty much spot on. Nonetheless, it’s a great car and fun to drive! Def more refined than the 2021 wrx.

I literally have 40K laying around for when they move to DCT and move on from this styling.

This model would make sense with a dual clutch and 40 extra ponies at this price

I've been looking at this car for a while now but I having a tough time making a decision. I haven't ever driven a manual so that takes out the civic type R, and I have looked into the elantra N but I want to get something will all wheel drive as I have to deal with snow. But like another comment says "why not just get the legacy". The looks of this car in my opinion are far better than the legacy but again a CVT in a WRX feels wrong...

No longer a WRX, only in name. Just a nice inexpensive GT car for dads and moms. Yay!!!

I bought the WRX manual. I test drove the auto, but yes, it was too much like driving our Outback. If I had wanted an auto I would have bought a Golf or an i30N

The only thing I like about the new WRX is the quad exhaust. Classic.

Honestly the only reason why I would get the spt over the regular CVT in the cheap trim is because the spt most likely just has a higher torque rating and in general even if you drive your CVT softly having a higher torque rating is going to help it last longer. That's the reason why the CVT that is used in the Nissan Versa last less than the completely identical CVT in the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Nissan Versa has about 70% more power but they're the exact same transmission. But because it has a lot less power it makes the identical jatco in the mirage last longer.

I love Subaru and I'm buying another one soon, but I don't see the excitement for a mere 271 hp, and certainly not at that price.

Well done！

It's another great review! I saw a brand new WRX that was test driving by a potential buyer and noticed black smoke came out from tailpipe multiple times while it was slow down to the red light. How reliable is WRX compare to a Honda, Mazda, or Toyota?

I got my GT 5k under MSRP is pricing is a non issue for and is actually a bargain and feel like I got the best value of all trims.... but I know mine is a special case so this doesn't apply for everybody

interesting.. I just bought a 22 Wrx limited orange with every single option possible minus the exclusives to gt for under msrp. Best decision ever

My biggest takeaway is that the Outback XT got 0-60 in .1 second faster on regular fuel (that's why you sold me on the Outback XT originally). Which begs the question, why is Subaru's station wagon beating their sportscar? Love your excellent reviews, Tyler.

There is a launch mode for these cars, at least there was for the 16+ cvt. Put ur foot all the way down on the brake, other foot on the gas. Should rev to ~2500 rpm. Let off the brake and it will go to peak rpm and hold there until you let off the gas

So basically, instead of getting a WRX with the CVT, you might as well get a legacy V6?

Can you comment on Subaru's cracking windshields? this seems to be a big issue spanning all their models. Nice video!

Launch gear added should solve then CVT problem.

I own a previous gen wrx cvt and I will not be purchasing another one lbs. I'm not sure why Subaru decided to go with cvts accross all of their platforms when financially they've been doing pretty well, but it was a huge mistake to not engineer a robust automatic or DCT. Their cvts have been so bad they had to issue an extended 100k mile warranty on most of their models.

This is a much better deal than the Honda and it's smaller (narrower) which is good. I think when the Honda Civic hybrid comes, that might be competition for this. Overall, I think for the price, this is a great car. If I had to buy an automatic fun/fast car right now, this would probably be it although in a lower priced model.

This car is the car version of my scotter particle,fun,goes anywhere,easy to drive,ok looking,comfy, but my scotter is slow

No one shits you for driving an automatic unless it's a WRX... quite funny really

8:56 Gotta love Bloomington

Can you disable the fake shift???

The WRX GT or Legacy XT. What your opinion?

Waiting for the accord 1.5vs sonata 1.6T comparison

What about a 0-60 in manual mode? I'd be interested to see what it can do then. Even if not faster, it would definitely sound better and be more fun.

I am sure that there is an audience that wants a WRX name plate but don’t drive manual and don’t care about those geek car characteristics: this car is for them, and I think it represents the majority of car buyers.

With the dollar so strong why aren't foreign cars cheaper?

I have a premium SPT in ignition Red; S# mode is fun!

if you threw anybody in the car and told them it was a DCT transmission they wouldnt question it. Its always next to impossible to change someones mindset. once they have it in their heads that its a cvt then it must be shit and they ignore the rest. A marketing issue I'm sure Subaru are aware of. And unfortunately most press reviewers dont want to alienate their viewers, and get more clicks, so they give the manual die hards a nice backrub in their reviews. THere are thankfully a couple of reviews out there where the reviewer has made it quite clear that the cvt is awesome. This car only has an "identity crisis" if you yourself give it one.

So the 2021 model WRX could do 0-60mph. in 3.9 seconds. But this newer one that every car reviewer on YT is hailing as being better in every way from the previous one.... is significantly slower at 5.9 seconds?? I'm sooo glad I subbed to your channel. No wonder those other channels refuse to post 0-60 times for the 2022 WRX.

I just do not understand why they “choose” aggressive racing seats but keep the power plant exactly the same. So you gave me racing seats but not the power plant. Thanks Subaru 😅

It seems like Subaru could smoke the competition if they wanted to. That car is a little pricey. Especially when you get a beloved CVT. One more thing I would like to see it... Wait you spent $75 for dinner?

Worst part is the GT trim is offered with manual trans on other markets (canada for example)

New camera otw ??👀

I think Subaru just simply gave up when the Evo left the market. What do you do when your main competitor throws in the towel. It would be the equivalent of the protagonist in the story getting to the final boss, and the Arch rival simply just walks away into the sunset. How do you continue the story?

I mean at that price point you can get the 2023 Civic Type R… I know it’s not apples to apples but at least with the Type R your getting the performance and pedigree to justify the price point.

you can make easy 300 HP with a new modern 2.4 L Turbo engine without any issues or problems in reliability but why Subaru why you can´t do that?

Next year I’m getting a fun daily as a self gift when I graduate. I want to be in the mid $30k’s. It’s down to: * GR Corolla * WRX * Mazda3 Turbo I feel like the Corolla will be hard to find and get marked up by dealers because of how rare it is. The mazda3 turbo is a bit more adult, which I like, I don’t care for a car that looks like a damn running sneaker. The WRX is the last word in turbo AWD small cars, but it’s not a hatchback. Which would you go with??

H pattern has been played out for decades. All the top racing 🏁 have sequential or paddle. I enjoy the GT five driving modes.

Most of reviewer bring up golf - that is not for wrx, wrx is still focused capability of driving on dirt / off road, totally different car vs thin rubber boys racers cannot go thru bumps

40k plus would get you so much more else where, new and used

Manual cars are just not selling except for civic type r. Even Toyota is probably going to put an automatic in the next GR Corolla.

complain all you want, cvt is a much better set up than the manual transmission. Why do you think F1 cars as well as Lambos, Ferraris are all automatic?

LOL...now they are discounted down to $35000

My Outback Wilderness is just as fast, lol. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I just can't understand that unfinished rear bumper and flares. It just looks terrible.

Fake shifts is the dumbest idea on any car fitted with a CVT. Either learn to live with the sound and get the efficiency advantages to the fullest, or get the manual, or get another car altogether. What are these people going to do was we all turn to electric cars? Add fake shifts and sound as well?

CVT will NEVER be acceptable in a sports or performance based vehicle. Subaru really dropped the ball by killing off the STi from a branding and performance perspective, but also this new WRX is a joke. They've literally destroyed the used car market for WRX. I'm seeing high mile STi's going for $60k here in Canada.

That CVT is doing tricks and jumping through hoops and calling your mother just to convince you that it can do all of the things that a regular torque converter could do 25 years ago. Woof.

I would rather buy the Legacy XT.

😂 Ultra Instinct

"It sounds like I'm just complaining." Yes. Because this review was 50% complaining and 50% tepid attempts to say something nice. I have a shitload of experience with Subarus and various other AWD cars in turbo and NA form. The GT is phenomenal. I sold a 600 hp STI, so my POV is extremely relevant. In the real world the hating is never consistent. Too loud, not loud enough, too refined, not appointed well enough...non GT owners bitched for all of 2022 about great stuff we get, but then say they'd never pay for the seats, dampers, steering, Eyesight...so just WTF are they mad about? If Subaru fully optimized the CVT for speed, people would bitch MORE about the transmission (if that were possible??) Instead, Subaru built an ever-better CVT, and still, no one is happy. Personally, I'm left feeling like it would have been best for Subaru to just cancel the WRX altogether. The sales are down pretty dramatically and the fact EVERY review sounds like it was written specifically to talk people out of buying it is likely playing a big role. Congrats.

99% of consumers do not care about 0-60 times. We care about passing power, comfort and economy. How is it on the track?

i did 0 to 6 in 4.2 my best and i was at 4200 rppm

The STI is the Golf R rival. WRX compares to the GTI

This bent steering wheel shouldn't be legal. How does it help when you need to make multiple turns while sliding the car. Its fucking ridiculous.

Just get a base with spt .

When I test drove the Crosstrek and saw paddles I felt insulted. Fake shifts are pandering to people who don’t understand the technology. Same energy as fake engine noises in some cars.

This guy 😂 he wants it to launch like if it’s a v8

I don’t understand why anyone would buy this trim 🤷🏻‍♂️

CVT is no bueno! 👎

Subaru lost its way.. for a certain important subset.

Autotragic

Ya. You have to be brain dead to get this over a golf r or even gti/gli if you’re going automatic.

Waste of time

Cheap bastards at Subaru , missed opportunity for a dual clutch gearbox... After 3 Subie cars I'm leaving the brand.

CVT = 💩🤮💩🤮💩

If you purchase a performance-orientated sedan and somehow still refuse to use at least 91 octane fuel, then perhaps you should NOT have purchased a performance vehicle. Stick to the Corolla.