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The fact Subaru doesn’t even call it CVT is the proof that Subaru know people don’t want CVT in their sports car

I'm a fan of having a CVT as an option. But I still don't understand fake gears. Either have it set up for best fuel efficiency or best performance. Having "shifts" hurts both those goals.

“Worlds greatest cvt” seems like an oxymoron

When I first found you guys, about 4 years ago, the thing that got me was A you were Canadian and B you weren't afraid to criticize a car when it deserved it. Good on you for not towing the corporate line.

I bought a Premium with the CVT and it more than exceeded my expectations. Messed my knee up in the military so was forced off of 3 pedals until I do a bunch of physical therapy. I’ve had the car since April and it still hasn’t gotten boring. I think the main drawback of it outside of the typical engagement you lose vs a manual is there’s not much options for tuning more power into these compared to the 6sp.

8:59 It's ridiculous to hear that some manufacturers are "banning" you from reviewing their vehicles because you choose to remain honest in your reviews. I think in this day in age when a lot of the offerings in the mainstream consumer car market are so similar on paper, the importance of having reviewers like you becomes much more necessary to help shoppers nitpick and differentiate the various models from each other. Especially so in ways that the average buyer may not notice at first.

i had an early version of this CVT in my 2015 Legacy....it was VERY responsive, and while off the line it was a bit sluggish, passing on the highway and its midrange performance was impressive, the the 'shifts' Subaru engineered were on point....i'm still not sold on the abundance of plastic, especially the rear bumper and fenders, the 11" tablet for a center console, and the Civic tail-lights....i'll keep my '20 Rally Blue WRX Pandemic special LOL....thanks😁🍻

Thanks for this review. I've not seen anyone go into this transmission option in any real way at all before now. Well done.

I love my 2022 WRX so, so much - world rally blue, manual, factory STI front splitter and strut brace, paint-matched previous gen STI wing, xpel, tinted, on 18' Rotiform FLG's - I can't help myself 😄 Glad to hear the SPT's a hoot too! Hit me up if you'd ever like to borrow the car for a day or two - love the videos and happy 2023!

As someone who has bad knees and has been driving standard for awhile now, this is the review I needed. Thank you kindly gents.

I rode in one once, I forgot it was a subaru and I almost didn't realize it was cvt, they made it so quick and smooth.

I used to have a Suzuki kizashi with a cvt. It was surprisingly good. It didn't have any stimulated gear shifts.

We have a 21 Outback Turbo. Really like it, good balance of power & MPG’s. I don’t mind the CVT at all, nice & smooth. Our 4th Subie with a CVT. You just need to get the fluid changed every 40k miles. Don’t believe it’s “lifetime” if you plan on keeping the car a while.

I work for Subaru, and i will agree that the GT in America is so much fun to drive “what your driving” but it’s so much more fun in manual than in automatic! Also me and my man absolutely love watching each and every single one of your videos!! Also im a product specialist for Subaru!

being honest is the best gift of your channel!

Been a long time sub, and I don't comment often. But I wanted to give TheStraightPipes crew a big thank you for keeping things honest during your reviews! I don't always agree with your opinions, but the important part if that your opinions are real and genuine. This in turn makes your content that much more reliable and why I will continue being a subscriber. I respect you for shouldering the bans, and I think sooner or later you will become too big to fail. Manufacturers will have to wise-up and work with you again if your sub base gets any more massive.

"At least it currently still exists in this form" as an owner of the previous gen wrx, this version just seems like a consolation prize. "Be glad you get it at all" isn't exactly the vibe I want from a manufacturer when I'm cross shopping a GR Corolla (although I'll probably never get an allocation lol)

Got my son a 2022 WRX with the manual and he grins from ear to ear in that car. The CVT just can’t provide the right experience. Great review guys!

thanks for showing the capabilities of the CVT it's amazing how responsive it is

Thanks for covering this! I have the 2021 CVT and its doing quite well already, and I also have the TuxMat, they look so good and they are much better than other mats!

WRX wasn't quite unreliable enough, so they gave it a CVT. Smart

I had a 2020 WRX stage 2+ and a 2021 STI. I have some hip, back, and shoulder issues get worse where it started to hurt to drive. Traded in for a 2022 WRX GT Panda. I love the car!

What’s impressive about the Subaru CVT is the amount of torque it can handle, other manufacturers CVTs can be as quick & smooth but are known to break in that mid to high 200+ torque ballpark

Crazy how well they program this cvt... Might be fun

I have the 2023 WRX Sport Tech Limited CVT model. What I am noticing when I drive the car is that the turbo boost hits in 2 stages. The boost comes on fast from 2000 to 5000 RPM but only peaks around 8PSI. To get the car to accelerate using peak boost without falling out of peak boost you’ll need to launch the car in the CVT Launch Control Mode. You can’t accelerate in the manual transmission cars without falling out of boost because every time the transmission shifts to another gear or shift to a stepped ratio in the CVT, the boost drops back down to 8ish PSI and needs to build boost again to get back up to double digit Boost again. The only way to accelerate in full boost without the engine falling out of boost is to launch the car from a dig by turning off traction control fully, holding down the brake and throttle at the same time, building the boost, then releasing the brake pedal. CVT peak boost acceleration runs are noticeably faster than the other manual and automatic shifting modes. Car and Driver: Though the CVT-equipped car needed almost a second longer to reach 30 mph, its 5.4-second 60-mph time is 0.1 second quicker, largely due to the manual needing two shifts to reach that mark. The GT's rolling acceleration from 5 to 60 mph, 30 to 50 mph, and 50 to 70 mph also is significantly quicker. Also, if you drive the CVT in Intelligent Mode you can average 8.7L/100KM or 27 mpg combined city and highway driving. The car in this mode in stop and go traffic with the CVT manages fuel really well.

"the fake shifts are really quick" 😂

Great hat Jakub! 🦌

Look I hated this car until I saw one and test drove one. The CVT is like nothing else. Previous gen subarus had terrible CVTs, this new generation is actually pretty good. The SPT is actually surprising how decent it is. It’s a step below a DCT. I ended up with a GT after years of manual cars and it’s a good car with compromises. Just wish it had better gas mileage.

Getting smoother with those tuxmat transitions 😂

I'll keep saving up for my CTR allocation. Thanks subaru for making the choice easy

Had a cvt (profile photo), found metal shavings at 77,xxx miles. Traded it in for a mazda 3 with gears!

Was there a mode where the CVT just ran with the launch without fake shifts? Fake shifts are slower than holding power in the right spot. It seemed like in the launch it did that better? Was that right?

It's an impressive feat of engineering to increase the hp/torque by 6/14 respectively, over the 2011 wrx.

I've been hearing about this plastic face thing all over the message boards and been wondering who came up with that. HILARIOUS!!! You're a super clever trendsetter and the world is lucky to have you. Plastic face is everywhere man!

Great video, as per usual... but maybe it's different in the Great White North, but down in the States, the WRX GT CVT is thousands more than an Elantra N DCT, and thousands more than the GLI DSG. If you want to say "well it has awd" ...it is on the same price point as a Golf R DSG. (might not be a traditional sedan, but comparing an auto awd hatch is much closer than comparing a fwd manual sedan IMHO) No contest. (I have loved and owned ALL of these cars at one point or another, minus the Elantra) no fanboy bias here.

I really hope it’s an improvement on the previous generation CVT WRX. Mine had to be replaced twice under warranty in under 30k miles, on a completely stock car.

I get why some people may not like CVTs but on the whole, they’re perfectly fine and do exactly what they’re suppose to do. I think much of the hate is unwarranted and a majority of opinions comes across as knee-jerk reactions from fantasy, boy racer fans. They can work for more performance-oriented cars, as we see with this WRX, but they work perfectly well in everyday cars that everyday people drive. I’m sure Subaru knows exactly what they’re doing but seriously, people shouldn’t put it down. It’s fine if CVTs are not their thing but there’s a reason why these transmissions are common. Not liking CVTs does not mean they’re bad. I don’t know why that’s so hard to comprehend.

I wish you were my uncles. Great video! That subaru orange is pretty neat btw.

I like the exterior styling too. Hated it when it was announced but it looks fine in person.

Since I hurt my back and had to get rid of my BRZ, I'm very happy they made the CVT good in the WRX. Makes me want to get one for sure. Also wish they would put this on the sport version of the legacy XT.

I know the 2018 Impreza that I had really impressed me with its CVT. I went in really wary of it, but in a few months I just had fun driving a "pseudo-manual" car after driving my manual Outback Sport for a few years. It "shifted" fast enough but on typical highway driving, it was a great car. I miss it.

Not a a fan of cvt but i owned a 2019 accord 1.5 with the cvt and it was surprisingly fun

The previous generation CVT was also 'alright'...as far as CVTs go (because they are actually the same TR690 transmission with different programming). Doesn't make them are reliable or durable though

THANK YOU !!! I’ve been waiting so long to see a proper review of the automatic WRX. When it first came out I had read that the CVT had massive amounts of research behind it to actually make it more engaging, but due to the press run being only manuals I never got an impression of how good the transmission was now. Again, thanks for this !!

That looks like a fun ride. I love the manual side of the WRX, all of mine were manual. Would be willing to give this a shot.

😂The Eyesight is better than the Eye watching. Great stuff guys!

Having recently spun out on our wonderous Canadian highways I look at this and its AWD and safety, gib

Great video guys. Would you have any idea how the CVT in the WRX would handle an increase HP, via engine mods, or a tune, etc.? By the way, I've had WRX's in the past but am driving a 2021 Veloster n with the DCT. Very fun car.

I still don't get the fake gears. Its a CVT, it can hold the engine in the most efficient RPMs, just let it. People are already used to electric cars. Just watch the old video of Williams testing the CVT F1 car in the 90s, it just held the car at a screaming RPM the whole time. FIA knew it would be to fast and pre banned it.

I wanna tip my hats off to the guy who does the music on your videos or at least picks them. You sir have good taste. I shazam a lot of your opening music. Kuddos.

Sport sharp is how I would read that too lmao good job Yuri

I swear they’re gonna break a sun visor one day😂

My favorite part about getting a new WRX was it’s available **below MSRP and on the lot. $32K for my base. ($1.5k under MSRP) Turbo, AWD and fun. Civic Type R and GR Corolla are not double the car for almost double the price with crazy markups. I know they are a higher tier and compete with the STI (if it still existed)

We'll see how long they last. My wife's 2018 impreza has a CVT, and no where in the manual does it suggest ever changing the CVT fluid, which I think is a huge mistake. With how much metal flakes they can tear off the chain over time, never changing it is a recipe for disaster. I'd love to see a tear down of this particular one, Toyota went with a full first gear since those from zero launches produce the most wear on a CVT.

Herniated discs and I can't drive manual anymore. Sucks but this is the one I'd have to get

The problem with CVT transmission is that they we're never designed to handle high output which greatly reduces reliability! Will be interesting to see how they hold up after how they hold up after 70 or 80 plus thousand miles?

wish they would've tested a GT model to see their reaction to the Recaros and especially to get a review of the drive modes.

I like CVTs and kinda hate driving modes. I'd love "flappy paddles" where I just tell it "more performance/response" and "more efficiency", essentially shifting because I can anticipate as a driver. Cruising but it's about to go up-hill? Down-shift once so it doesn't first slow down and then react with higher rpm. About to overtake, just waiting for the opposite traffic? Double-tap the down-shift so it responds to the gas pedal right as you press it. Need max torque for whatever reason? 3 taps on the paddle for high rpm with the turbo spooling up. Done with overtaking? Just shift up again to return to optimal efficiency and slow throttle response unless I hit the gas quickly.

What is the 0-60 Time? And does it launch as hard as the Manual? (My guess would be No.)

I know it would sound weird but I can’t help wondering how much faster it would be without the fake shifts 😂

Meant to be a performance car not an economy car at least put a DCT in it

I Just went to Montreal auto Show yesterday, and the 2022 WRX had a manual handbrake ? Is the E-brake only on some models ? I can't find information on this ( I want a manual handbrake)

Can you compare the civic or integra cvt with the Subaru would be interesting to see which is better.

Thanks guys for a new video. This channel has lots of content

I have a VA (17 WRX Limited 6MT) and a VB (22 WRX GT). The GT is impressive for a CVT. I have the Recaros and they hold me in well. The 17 gets better mileage. I'm still in the break-in period in the 22. I haven't layed into it yet.

Hi, is that fast CVT only in US version with 2.4liter, or in EU models with smaller engine too?

I test drove one of these for the heck of it and was absolutely blown away. The SPT felt better than the 7AT in my old G37

If Subaru wants to make an Automatic WRX REALLY SELL, make it a DSG ATLEAST.

Hyundai/Kia call their CVT an IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) because it's chain-driven rather than belt-driven like a regular CVT. So what makes Subaru's CVT different to call it an SPT?

Years ago when the WRX come out was a 2 door coupe

Actually impressed with this CVT. Seems very responsive.

Gonna have to change that trans fluid often if you drive this car at all hard (e.g. regularly rev above 3k rpm). Otherwise these transmissions will have major problems. I don't understand why subaru went to a CVT. the cost of maintaining them properly is more expensive than a torque converter auto, thus negating any fuel savings. they are much less reliable, less fun, etc.

we cvt users needed a hero! now i want a subaru spt cvt on my 2010 renault koleos, hehe.

Love the intro music 👍

manual would still be my choice. only auto id ever get is DCT or ZF8

Guys, you need to try the GT. The addition of the adaptive dampers makes this almost a different car. The steering, power, suspension, eyesight sensitivity and climate control sensitivity can be configured 430 different ways! It can be much softer and smoother, and even a little sharper than the WRX without. From a previous owner of a 22 base wrx and current owner of a 22 gt. YOU GUYS ARE THEE BEST. Never stop 🧡

oh fudge, i subscribed after 2 years of watching

what I wanna know is if this transmission will cut into nanny mode/limp mode if you take it out to the track. think you guys can dig into that??

It very much seems they’ve dumbed the WRX down to appeal to a much broader market. My hope is that they go even more toward the extreme/enthusiast side for the special models/trims. Everybody wins!

I've said this for a while, sure, most CVTs drone on.. but the CVTs on a Subaru, they spring the car forward with a lot of torque and I'll take that over any fidgety automatics in most modern vehicles

@13:42 Yep, that's me. I had to get rid of my 2017 WRX LTD last week due to bad knees, but in the last 22 years I did spend 12 of them with a manual transmission (2000 Impreza 2.5RS x3 years with JC Sports turbo kit, then 2004 STi x3 years, and later a 2017 WRX x6 years). Now I'm watching videos to see if it's worth trading in my 2015 Forester XT with CVT for a WRX GT...

I've been driving manuals for 25 years and just bought an Elantra N with a manual last year (as a family car). Still fighting for the cause.

Honestly, I’d probably buy this with a manual over everything in the segment. Elantra N is arguably better, GLI is better rounded and the SI is always worth a look. But there’s just something about the WRX.

If Subaru isn’t gonna give us a new STI, they should consider giving us a proper dual clutch in the WRX (considering the “SPT” feels near identical to a dct).

Still not a fan of the rear. The plastic cladding didn't take long to not mind it and almost like the looks. The front looks good and have always felt that way about and the interior is great I'd like to have a manual but my left knee is having some issues on and off, though sometimes the pain / weakness can be months apart. Also, my wife can no longer drive manual more than a few miles at a time, unless on a highway of course.

Best Subie vid of the year boooyyyeeeeesss!!

Here's my two cents. Yes, a manual is more fun and engaging especially in a car like this. I own a 2019 WRX with the CVT. I know the CVT got a bunch of bad reviews when it was introduced back in 2016. I got mine at a huge discount since my local dealer only had 1 WRX CVT and they forced everyone to test drive the CVT model so my "new" CVT WRX had 500 miles but I got it for almost $10K below its expected value. Honestly now that I drive the CVT, I love it because I do most of my driving in the city and its extremely responsive for what I want it to do. I also do like the Subaru Eyesite for long road trips but that's pretty much the only use it gets.

I've got a 2017 Impreza and even from back then the CVT is really not offensive at all. Very smooth and refined. I really think the CVT hate is way overblown. It's much less jarring than the DSG on my Skoda Octavia Sport wagon.

My 2023 Crosstrek Limited also has pre-programmed fake shifts.

You guys are the only car review website that keeps it real.

In a world dominated by cute-utes and giant overpriced monstrosities, I'm really glad Subaru makes this. I get why people don't like it, I drive a manual myself, but sadly these days there are a LOT of people who cannot row their own gears, and wouldn't buy a WRX if it weren't for the CVT model. Kudos to Subaru

I had a 2018 forester XT. I loved the cvt because when I floored it it would just stay at around 5500rpm, but the speed would be rapidly increasing. 😂

That shifting speed is impressive tho

looks great in white, looks great in silver, looks great in red, orange, blue.... "thank" god its not available on my market, because i wouldnt able to chose the right colour for it.... also i dont mind a cm of plastic trim on this car.

4:00 go jake. You should win everything lol your talent is phenomenal. I’m proud of you bud Keep it going

You'd never know it was a CVT only for you mentioned it about 20 times in the video. I'm confused about the "fake shifts" though. When Yuri floored it, it sat on the red line. But when Jacob did it, it was like it actually shifted gears.

I own one and I’m happy with it. I’d prefer a regular performance-y transmission, but it’s way smoother than a dual clutch.

Snowmobile and jetski all have CVT and nobody complain about their performance. In car, they just program cvt to be fuel efficient. The cvt in this subaru is not program to sip fuel and you get something decent. I still would get the manual.

As long as the CVT does what its designed to do, is reliable, and has a little character built into it, its all good. Lets just hope this Subaru CVT proves itself worthwhile.