There’s So Much Dislike For The New Subaru WRX - Where’s The Love?

The all new, all wheel drive, civic built by Subaru!!

I have to admit, I hated it at 1st glance. I still think it does not at all look as good as it could and should. It just doesnt look special or sporty at all. It really does just look like a sedan version or a Crosstrek. That is not Ok and not at all what enthusiasts wanted. If we wanted a rugged crossovery thing, we would get an outback. We want an AWD, manual performance sedan. Technically it meets those standards, but it certainly doesnt fit the part visually. We shouldnt have to "wait for the STI" like everyone keeps saying. I shouldnt have to spend $10k more for possibly less embarrassing looks.

In my opinion Subaru deserves the flaming it's copped. This WRX Trek they've offered is too big, too heavy and too tame to be deserving of the badge. This 2022 model is the size of a Liberty / Legacy only a generation or so ago. Subaru forces its die hard fans to toss away their warranty to get any sort of decent performance out of the car and then they go ahead and only offer the top trim with a pathetically fragile transmission. It's insulting.

They essentially slapped the new WRX on the global platform, claiming NVH and rigidity benefits but no one criticised the 15-21 WRX of having a sloppy chassis. No one asked for SUV style suspension. We wanted the understeer fixed. We wanted more power and torque or at least less weight for a better power to weight ratio.

So, to be quite honest, there's not much love left here. The fans are tired of being let down. Tired of finishing Subaru's cars off. Tired of waiting for the WRX DNA to finally return instead of being watered down each generation. It's time for Subaru to let the legend finally die because they clearly have no interest in actually building on it.

The direction that this WRX has taken does not bode well for the STI and the larger platform is really the opposite of what motorsport needs out of a WRX right now.

I belong to a large Subaru car group or two, I myself drive an Impreza Sport but many folks driving STIs and WRXs and even other models complain of the eye sight and Auto Transmissions being more common. On the new body, people hate it and it is compared to a Honda knock off everywhere you look. To me i feel they are happy with the horsepower give or take a few more for the money. But the body lines are gonna sell that car and they failed big time with the car community.

Not bad, but my 2019 is just fine.

I'm really excited for this one, I'm considering trading in my Impreza or just flat out buying the 2022 WRX and keeping them both. Most people that express dissatisfaction with the 2022 couldn't afford one anyway (beside the base model) and have to choose from what the used car dealerships have to offer. They'll probably end up with a Hyundai.

Subaru just doesn’t get it. The best looking, and most versatile BTW, is the hatchback WRX that they stopped making. If they reintroduced it they couldn’t make them fast enough. They continue to make the sedans when sedans are on there way out and crossovers dominate the market.

Either that or put the WRX engine in the Crosstrec

It just seems Subaru can’t see the forest for the trees when it comes to the WRX. The hatch was and should be the ultimate WRX.

Its not the styling, it's the lack of Horsepower.

They put a brand new engine in this car and we were expecting 300 HP. What we got was 271. The last generation had 268. THAT is what we are pissed about.

Put some m&s tires on it and call it the wilderness version... Dump the flat black clad wheel accents.up the bhp to 300+, put in a real dc auto trans and then sign me up.

Cant help the negative comments. Ive been a fan of the WRX since the first one. This new rendition is bad inside and out. The new exterior looks like a SUV with crosstrek themes. The new interior overloads you with a tesla inspired oversize touchscreen then downsizes the air vents. No mechanical HVAC controls. See toyota camry for another hideous touchscreen execution. I have a 2017 WRX and will not be trading it in until a proper WRX is available. Subaru should delay release to make changes and heed the words of their loyal customers.

Back in 2008 they released a total dud too, had to go back to the drawing board. This is junk in my eyes, 271 hp, plastic garbage wheel wells, Honda inspired styling. Nope.

OK, everyone needs to calm down, I think if the flares can be painted body color it makes them less noticeable. I personally am not upset about the suspension and higher ride height IF it handles better than other models. I am VERY disappointed in the lack of any power upgrades. I personally think the interior is a big step FORWARD. I think Subaru would be wise to offer performance upgrades available from the factory, similar to FORD. Getting a 30 HP tune under warranty would be nice. I hate the busy wheels they keep using on their cars. They separated the WRX from the Impreza and then left it looking like an Impreza. It makes no sense. The rear bumper is just awful though. I can live with the rest. I am the MOST upset about only getting the adjustable suspension on the AUTO! WTF!???????????

It's the ugliest looking car of the century. Our grandchildren will be laughing at this car, when they look back at automotive history.

The main let down was the measley 3 horsepower increase over the last WRX and no change to the torque number

Subaru’s “new” WRX is a huge disappointment because Subaru apparently doesn’t listen to its most loyal WRX base: HATCH, real HP improvement & make it attractive like previous concept/s. As such, many view the WRX as a hard pass. The evolutionary under-the-skin improvements is rigidity/suspension are always a given and cannot alone justify the new WRX being good enough, which it’s not.

I think there was a big expectation of a re-design. This is not like version 2.1 then 3.0 of that makes any sense. Very underwhelmed: styling, HP, interior. Take the new new Nissan z. They managed to bring a total refresh to their sports car while still utilizing previous platform. New WRX doesn’t feel that way

The 2022 Sti looks good with the wheel well cladding painted body colour. The black makes the car look like a crosstrek. Tried to buy last years model but... sold out.

I know I’m in the minority here but I really like the new design. I think Subaru finally gave us a model that resembles the concept - the Viziv Sport Concept. I remember people thought the design was striking at the time when it was released in 2017. I’m sure people just need to see this model in person to appreciate the character lines, aggressive features and details/venting found in the cladding. Our eyes may also need to adjust to Subaru’s decision to give the WRX contrasting features. That said, I own an Outback, so I’m not put off by contrasting black plastic cladding. I think the wider stance is exactly what the WRX needed, and the front fascia is definitely more aggressive with the sleeker headlights and wider hood scoop. The tail end actually has more character with the crazy styling of the bumper and quad exhaust tips. The taillights are a more aggressive evolution of the outgoing model’s ‘C’ shaped taillights and they mimic the Kono-Ji headlights upfront. They’re also placed in a way that really accentuates that wider profile from the rear fender flares. I’m a little disappointed that the rumours of more power weren’t realized, but I’m also intrigued by the new tuning. I wonder if Subaru was pressured by Toyota to keep the WRX horsepower numbers close to the outgoing model due to the eventual release of the GR Corolla? Conspiracy theories aside, I think the new WRX has the potential to be a game changer. The move to the Subaru Global Platform is long overdue, but the addition of the 2.4 motor and more aggressive styling makes the new WRX a very compelling product. Denis, thank you for sharing your passion for Subarus with us, and for creating content for us to enjoy. You take heat from some commenters but I think it’s important you know that I appreciate the time and effort you put into your work.

I know I’m in the minority here but I really like the new design. I think Subaru finally gave us a model that resembles the concept - the Viziv Sport Concept. I remember people thought the design was striking at the time when it was released in 2017. I’m sure people just need to see this model in person to appreciate the character lines, aggressive features and details/venting found in the cladding. Our eyes may also need to adjust to Subaru’s decision to give the WRX contrasting features. That said, I own an Outback, so I’m not put off by contrasting black plastic cladding. I think the wider stance is exactly what the WRX needed, and the front fascia is definitely more aggressive with the sleeker headlights and wider hood scoop. The tail end actually has more character with the crazy styling of the bumper and quad exhaust tips. The taillights are a more aggressive evolution of the outgoing model’s ‘C’ shaped taillights and they mimic the Kono-Ji headlights upfront. They’re also placed in a way that really accentuates that wider profile from the rear fender flares. I’m a little disappointed that the rumours of more power weren’t realized, but I’m also intrigued by the new tuning. I wonder if Subaru was pressured by Toyota to keep the WRX horsepower numbers close to the outgoing model due to the eventual release of the GR Corolla? Conspiracy theories aside, I think the new WRX has the potential to be a game changer. The move to the Subaru Global Platform is long overdue, but the addition of the 2.4 motor and more aggressive styling makes the new WRX a very compelling product. Denis, thank you for sharing your passion for Subarus with us, and for creating content for us to enjoy. You take heat from some commenters but I think it’s important you know that I appreciate the time and effort you put into your work.

It's really, really... REALLY bad.

When is an automotive brand going to stick close to their concepts? When that day comes, I'll have all the respect in the world for them. I mean, I literally thought Subaru was going to wow the automotive industry with the new WRX (even if they stuck to somewhat the same design as the amazing concept they had). After seeing the new WRX, it's easy to see that like most other automotive companies, Subaru is scared to step outside their comfort zone.

Disappointing to say the least. Treasure my WRX even more now.

Subaru has managed to ruin a legacy, pardon the pun.

I'll keep my current (previous-generation) WRX - it'll be my first and my last Subaru.

The real are just look horrible and I don't care if they are functional if they destroy the look of the car. The rear of the car are so looks bad at the bottom center splitter and the tail lights. The viziv concept was brilliant and you need to draw more pain that with STI. Get to CV tea and get a dual-clutch transmission in the STI. If it doesn't look much better and it doesn't have the option of a dual-clutch then I will not be buying one and I very much wanted to buy one.

I couldn't care less about the appearance of the 2022 WRX. I currently have a 2020 and bought it for its performance characteristics. Subaru must have made a concerted effort when they increased engine displacement by 20% without any meaningful gain in power...truly disappointing! I suggest those hoping for 400hp in the STi better get ready for a reality check.

I'll tell you why this car is so damn important, because it offers an enthusiast the opportunity to own a manual transmission sport sedan for around 30 grand. I started out with 2002s and had a 318is in the 90s. BMW has deserted us and I might be looking at a Japanese car for the first time in my life.