Call or text Kevin Fortson at (706)717-8669 for any of your new or used car needs #Kevinzwheelzanddealz

I test drove both the Premium and the Base WRX before I purchased my Base WRX. The difference in the unsprung weight of the 17" wheels vs the 18" wheels could be felt as well as the extra bit of sidewall the smooth things out a bit. I did want fog lights, so I purchased a $300 OEM kit and installed them. Comes with everything you need including the switch. All the wiring is already there. Just plug and play. I didn't notice any difference between the shifters, but I did put a shift stop in mine and I don't notice any issues with shifting. I didn't want a sunroof or the big screen. In fact, I'd have preferred an old school DIN style radio to anything. I have a smartphone that I can use for everything else. The Base speakers are pretty bad, and I upgraded them with some low end factory replacement speakers. I also got the windows tinted as you mentioned. There is a lot of glass in this car which gives great viability, but the sun will cook you. The lack of push button start is really stupid on Subaru's part. They have to manufacture two steering column trims and two dash trims for the car because they wanted to punish the Base buyers. It's really the only thing missing from the Base model that I remotely miss. But I've gotten used to using a key again. Started driving in 1987 and never had push button start on a car until 2014. So it's not something that's a deal breaker. There is one thing Subaru dropped the ball on, and that's the armrest. It's basically useless. Luckily Subaru sells an aftermarket "extended" armrest that I put on and it works great. The other glaring omission is the brakes. They should have at least offered better brakes as an option. The stock brakes are basically what you get on a Crosstrek. They suck...bad. Like really bad. They are fine for daily driving, but if you have any thoughts of doing any sort of performance driving, even on the street, you better get some aftermarket pads and change to DOT4 fluid at a minimum. I also went with aftermarket rotors. The calipers themselves do fine, it's mostly just the pad compound and cheap DOT3 fluid. Come on Subaru...do better! Brakes are SAFETY equipment. Finally, there is the suspension. The CVT equipped only GT model gets adjustable suspension. All other models make do with the same suspension...which is very stiff and very punishing. Some have said they like it, but I found it so stiff that when I hit a bump in the road it would trigger my dash cam to think I'd been in an accident. I put some nice comfort coilovers on the car that give it a MUCH better ride as well as improved handling. The Base model is the best value in a performance sedan on the market. Even after my mods (which also include a tune), I'm still less expensive that the Premium model as I paid $30k for my base model. The premium would have cost me $5000 more. The push button start wasn't worth $5k to me. It's a great "blank canvas" for those folks like me who enjoy personalizing and modding their cars.

@13louif

Жыл бұрын

Interesting reading this. And what tune did you go for?

Picked up my 2023 for $28750 :) loving it. I own a 2002 bugeye wagon, 09 wrx hatch, totaled a 2017 wrx and i have to say this new chassis and motor drive so wellllll. Apart from appearance subaru knocked it out of the park. Stock for stock i beat my friends 2020 sti in a dig and roll race. The power is so linear all throughout

@gummoonamerica

10 ай бұрын

How and where did you get it for under 28k? Plz share your story, I would like it get one. Thx

Love my key and the split screen base model so damn much

@diallo1347

Жыл бұрын

Your love of the vehicle is all that matters, and you saved some money

I’m about a decade and a half older than the stereotypical WRX driver. Years ago, I fell in love with the STi and my last one was the 2015. As my body falls apart, I can’t shift like I used to and the “I’m a douche” spoiler on the trunk-lid doesn’t fit my lifestyle anymore. This year I decided to “downgrade” to the new WRX with the GT trim, and I am glad I did. The ride is better, the CVT shifts like a champ in the Sport modes, and it’s only a couple 1/10’s of a second slower than my STi.

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Good assessment. I took a full car of people for a ride in my WRX and they were shocked at how planted it is

@bkhavityoway23

Жыл бұрын

Wait, your CVT shifts?

@jimmyglea

Жыл бұрын

@@bkhavityoway23 “shifts”

@wrx77

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I don't get the hate for the cvt. I'm older also and like having a quick daily driver and having a stick for a daily gets old, been there done that. I think the 2022 wrx is one of the best all around cars out there right now for the price.

@BahhJustaLamb

Жыл бұрын

@@wrx77 to be fair, I don't think most of the hate is directed at having an automatic option; I think that most of it is directed at Subaru for their absolute refusal to either develop or borrow a true 6-8 speed automatic transmission. Their partner, Toyota, could easily retool and fit an auto to the WRX. ZF does it for many brands. There are so many options for a real auto to find its way to the WRX. And with a real auto, the WRX would be significantly faster than the manual, whereas the CVT is a couple ticks slower. With 271HP and a GOOD auto, this car could be getting 4.7 - 4.9 0-60 times and mid-13 quarter mile times. As it stands, it gets like 5.5 to 60 and 14.5 to the quarter on the MANUAL, and more like 6.1 to 60 and 14.8 in CVT form... which is... not what this car should be doing in 2022. To Subaru's credit, this "SPT" is better than any other CVT I've driven. However, it's still far from the experience or performance of a real automatic. If this car had the option for a true auto, I woud've bought one. But as Subaru is steadfast in its love affair with CVTs, I'm sticking with manual, squeaky knees be damned.

Noticed when you entered the car that the pedals are different

My brother bought the base model. He preferred the traditional key and didn't want any extras. Though he admits he would have liked the sunroof. I think the base is the one to get if you want to mod the hell out of it and race. The 17" rims will be better with better tires in the dirt. One of the reasons I bought the Forester Wilderness and not the Outback was that I prefer the regular screen with physical controls. Subaru employees and online reviewers had issues with the iPad/Tesla-style screen too.

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

I can’t stand my screen. Both my Subarus have consistent issues with their screens. 2022 and 2019

@jeffortman6395

7 ай бұрын

The split screen has problems too

@Holtenstein

7 ай бұрын

@@jeffortman6395 Yes it does. I've had both the WRX base and Forester's screen glitch

@nawmean

9 күн бұрын

​@@jeffortman6395 Care to elaborate on spit screen issues? I hear its better than the giant screen on the premium and up models

i got the 22 premium with sapphire blue and the sti shifter and the sti mufflers and its awesome! the mufflers are a $1200 option though but i didnt want to screw up my warranty

Considering the base model. Is there aftermarket’s radios for this model?

Is there any difference in ride quality with the smaller tires and wheels of the base model?

Dealership told me 630 with 1500 down on premium and base 385 with 2600 down. 250 difference a month is insane on the calculator on premium with 1500 down says 514 where is the extra 116 a month coming from

My car is a 2021, so the specification list might be a little different, but not significantly so. My main criteria was a) I wanted cloth seats and b) no sunroof, so I bought a Base model. The only drawbacks to that were the ugly base model wheels and the lack of foglights. I fixed both those shortcomings with aftermarket 18-inch Enkei wheels and genuine Subaru foglights from the parts department. Car is just right now.

@WIDEBODYNATION

Ай бұрын

Nice!

I have a 23 red limited brz that I put 7000miles on....looking to just go base wrx 6mt should be almost a straight trade. You get a chance to drive a brz? Curious on how much more cumbersome the new wrx is than the brz and the difference in shifter feel. Thanks

What’s the difference between the a premium and limited?

base seems better for me. keyless entry+push to start is how modern cars are being stolen.

What are the addon options for the base?

Are the only standard differences between the premium and limited that the limited has alacantara seats???

brothe a question the sound of music that the car brings is good or not?

That center piece should have the texture of the wheel arches

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

That would be pretty funny if they didn’t that. It just looks odd to me in the base

The base also doesn’t get the wind deflector on the roof by the antenna

Picked up my Base '22 for $30,460, which for this market I feel like is a good bang for your buck. Ordered the Subaru fog light kit for $300, as the car needs fogs. Another difference on Base is the trunk has no physical release button on it. Only way to open trunk is with the key remote or cabin button. Keep the videos coming. I'm enjoying watching what you're doing with your VB. 👍

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the thoughtful comment and enjoy your new VB! Good call on the fog lights

@bkhavityoway23

Жыл бұрын

I’m thinking of getting a base too but with the keyless entry, push to start and other features on the premium makes me wonder if I should spend the extra money. Do you think the base is too stripped down or does it still feel like a nice ride for 2022?

@icemantuck2638

Жыл бұрын

@@bkhavityoway23 I've had mine since June and am glad I got the Base. I'm fine with what it is, but I did order the factory fog light kit to add myself. I actually like the keyed ignition. Only thing I think I feel like I'm missing out on is not having heated seats, but that wasn't a deal breaker for me.

@BahhJustaLamb

Жыл бұрын

@@bkhavityoway23 GET THE PREMIUMMM!!!! I had a 2019 base. I got a 2022 Premium. I would never get a base again. I've on numerous occasions gone to the back and opened the trunk with the release, and appreciated that it's there. I don't ever have to fish in my pockets for keys. I have a nice big screen and Apple Carplay shows fullscreen (android still only half screen though). I have dual zone auto climate control I don't feel the need to buy new wheels because the stock 18s look pretty good. It has the mounting holes already for a ducktail, since the premium has the spoiler. Overall, I think the premium is just that: PREMIUM. You feel like you're in something much nicer because it has all the convenience features that make driving home after a shitty day at work just a little less frustrating from the little interactions which otherwise add TINY increments to your stress. To me, the premium is the best trim. Not crazy expensive like limited or GT, but significantly fuller featured than the base.

@bkhavityoway23

Жыл бұрын

@@BahhJustaLamb you’re totally right man, the premium is suchhhhh a Step. Up. from the base. So many more features for what like, $3k more? The infotainment/dash, heated seats and fog likes alone are worth that. And i completely agree with the key fob push to start. Underrated feature I have now in my 2022 Honda Civic. And it has keyless entry on the premium right? That’s what my civic has and that’s the MOST underrated feature along with the push to start. Truly don’t even have to touch my keys at all. It’s amazing lol. So i’m like “man, i know it’s a WRX, but am i really going to be happy with a base?” So unfortunately i’ll have to wait for more funds for a premium but totally will be worth it

Is the audio system the same in the base as in the premium?

What kind of wheels are you running and are you on stock suspension? Car looks good

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Stock suspension. Cobb titan7 wheels 18x9.5. 265/40r18 tire size.

Premium also has Homelink garage opener under the mirror. Some comes with optional sunroof and upgraded audio. Did you lower your car? What springs, and lowered by how much?

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Good points and no my car isn’t lowered and it is on the stock suspension

@mistamaog

Жыл бұрын

The home link garage opener is one of those accessory options, doesn't come standard with the premium. It's a $375 option that can be had with any trim.

@rcstreet

Жыл бұрын

@@mistamaog that’s right. I just checked the paper. I was lucky to run into a dealer, and found a premium in stock with what they called option 11 which included short shift, homelink, and some dome lights.

@mistamaog

Жыл бұрын

@@rcstreet Oh nice! I think for me I'd want those, plus the upgraded sound system.

@BahhJustaLamb

Жыл бұрын

@@rcstreet Dang, I wish I got the homelink. Mine has the STI short shifter but no homelink. Does your mirror also have the compass? Mine is auto dimming but no digital compass

I would get one if they made a wagon version wrx premium.

That's funny I have a base model with fog lights and the same mirror you do and it also came with the spoiler lol the only thing I don't have the seats and the radio

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Hmm must be able to add the fog lights from the factory

Auto start costs money, a key does not.

im glad they retained the key version .....

So the mirror on the base is a self dimming mirror with a compass and a garage door opener. It's an accessory. I have it on my premium, and it's actually way better.

I was going to do the Base, but couldn’t do that key lol, bad enough I gave up electric seats!

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

The key surprised me for sure

@ianholmquist8492

Жыл бұрын

The base 22 wrx has a key? That's odd. My base 21 sti is keyless

I prefer the base model having the key instead of push button start

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Interesting

@ianholmquist8492

Жыл бұрын

Any particular reason why?

@Touji_ko

Жыл бұрын

same. wrx is a new old car and I like to have it feel that way. Im not a fan of the touch screen climate and such which is why I went for a 21'

Does yours make a ticking sound after it's been ran and drove awhile. Almost sounds like a quite diesel? Also noticed what could possibly be a belt noise. I've had it in for oil change and fog light repair at dealer and nothing was said, so I'm not sure if its normal sound or if it was even making the sound when I had it in there.

@ianholmquist8492

Жыл бұрын

Direct injected engines make a pretty loud ticking noise just due to the injectors. Could be that

@headreddedstepchild6177

Жыл бұрын

@@ianholmquist8492 its normal I found out. The a/c compressor noise isn't though

You missed heated seats the base doesn't have them

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

True! It’s hot so I haven’t been using my heated seats

@gustavogo2915

Жыл бұрын

@@WIDEBODYNATION no excuses

What color is that base?

This video says it was made 4 months ago, I was at a Subaru dealer about a month ago and the WRX cost a lot more in New Jersey than the prices mentioned here, I saw one in that Pumpkin color that was 42k

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

the new WRX can be as low as 30k and as high as high 40s due to options. These are the two lower models, hence the price

@jeffb5785

Жыл бұрын

@@WIDEBODYNATION I'm 62 and retired, a sporty and fast car has been on my bucket list for my entire adult life. I have a leased 2021 Crosstrek, and when the lease is up the WRX will be on my short list to scratch off my bucket list.

Does the premium have the leather insert bit on dash or hard plastic? (On passenger side)

@Augie..

Жыл бұрын

No leather

I like how you strategically didn't show their price for the base (almost $36k) 😂 - That salesman fired off like 15 different brands they sell. Typical large conglomerate rip-off dealer.

@WIDEBODYNATION

5 ай бұрын

Yeah WYATT JOHNSON IN CLARKSVILLE TN does have garbage mark up and mandatory add on packages.

I went base model which saved me $4k for mods. Only thing I hate is the keyed ignition!

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Nice! What mods are you doing?

@hahaadventures4838

Жыл бұрын

@@WIDEBODYNATION paint matched STI wing, wheels and tires and maybe an exhaust. Oh and I’m adding a powered sub to the trunk.

@Augie..

Жыл бұрын

You should paint match the fender cladding or flare things, aeroflow does them.super sick

@hahaadventures4838

Жыл бұрын

@@Augie.. I prefer the white paint with black contrast.

@SVXtasy_

Жыл бұрын

Honestly i love the keyed ignition. Its more satisfying to turn a key than press a button. Maybe thats just me

It's still a $30,000 car. It's just ridiculous to not have keyless starting on that base model

@VBwrex

Жыл бұрын

I prefer it that way specially in the age of EV where cars just keep losing their fun bits. I like the feel of turning the ignition.

@NoobZword

Жыл бұрын

I prefer the key over push button start for a base model s well.

I’ve seen a few review wrx reviews why do the clusters lights flicker?

@WIDEBODYNATION

9 ай бұрын

Becuse of the refresh rate of the person fillings camera and the screens. It only looks like that on video

The base is lighter ? Should win in a roll race?

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

It’s lighter by a few pounds, so perhaps, but probably negligible and would come down to driver error.

@ianholmquist8492

Жыл бұрын

Sunroof adds 20-30lbs, cvt adds 100 or so. Stuff like that

That’s funny, pointing out the window switches but talking about mirrors & turning the car off so you don’t run out of battery 😂 Your mind is going 100mph…

45? My base and every other comes with 40 side wall. The dunlops are very good stock. Oops also almost 300lbs less weight is always a plus. Good old standard key is better $ later down the road. Oh you did miss something, you didn't take it into a turn. The 17s out shine the 18 mush. Go kart 4lyfe

I got a premium for $35k after the additional moon roof + audio package and delivery. I didn’t think that was too bad

@bkhavityoway23

Жыл бұрын

where did you buy from? Did you have to order and wait 3-4 months for build? Did the dealership honor the invoice in which you received when you placed your deposit?

@SunSunSunn

Жыл бұрын

I'm debating between buying that for 32k msrp vs limited for 34k msrp, any thoughts?

$35,849 sheesh!

I live like 10 min from that dealership.

@WIDEBODYNATION

Жыл бұрын

Wyatt Johnson or Gary Mathews?

@chrisdevlin4146

Жыл бұрын

@@WIDEBODYNATION WJ Mazda / Hyundai

*Run out of battery*?

Why don’t you review the differences before you make a video. Thanks anyways.

@WIDEBODYNATION

6 ай бұрын

The differences are in the video