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Article Highlights:

  • The 2022 Subaru WRX isn’t doing so hot
  • Subaru allegedly hid a video of the new car after its release
  • Why does everyone hate the new WRX?

Automakers are no strangers to some bad press, Subaru included. Heck, Tesla practically exists amid a never-ending storm of PR. However, Subaru was recently accused of hiding the YouTube video release of the 2022 Subaru WRX amid some bad press on Reddit, and in the video’s comments. Now, the brand faces more negative PR as the story unfolds.

Did Subaru try to hide negative press?

A blue WRX shot on a dry lake bed from the 3/4 angle
Dark colors hide the body cladding better | Subaru

First, we should note that this particular bit of controversy has been resolved for the 2022 Subaru WRX. But that doesn’t stop it from being relevant. Yesterday, a Reddit post over on r/cars stated that the Japanese brand had removed the launch video for the new ‘Rex from YouTube. And, as things tend to go on the internet, speculation immediately ran wild.

By the time I saw the thread late last night, the post had over 2,000 upvotes (they’re like Facebook Likes for those of you who don’t use Reddit). As of this morning, that number was up north of 3,000. Reddit users speculated that the video was removed due to criticism of the 2022 Subaru WRX. One user pointed out that the top comment on the YT video was a joke about the values of the previous generation WRX and STI spiking.

People aren’t happy with a WRX they haven’t even driven yet

The new Subaru WRX in orange shot from the 3/4 in motion on a desert road
The new Subaru WRX is all updates and upgrades | Subaru

As of right now, the video is back up again, and you can watch it above. Clearly, this whole fiasco is an echo of current public opinion on the new model. We haven’t seen criticism of a new model like this since the BMW M3 and its big ol’ nose rolled onto the scene a while back. Generally, the source of most complaints is the black body cladding. Visually, it tricks your eyes into thinking the 2022 Subaru WRX rides much higher than it really does.

In fact, the ride height between the 2021 ‘Rex and the new one is almost identical. Users on Reddit and other social media sites feel the new cladding looks cheap and will age poorly. However, others feel it leans into the tough rally aesthetic, something previous models never did.

The 2022 Subaru WRX is still on its way

An orange 2022 Subaru WRX shot in the foreground from the 3/4 angle with a blue model behind
The 2022 Subaru WRX has been heavily criticized for its looks | Subaru

Regardless, the new WRX is on its way, body cladding and all. Models will be hitting showroom floors in early 2022, with pricing expected to end up right around $30,000 for the 2022 Subaru WRX and the STI variant carrying an estimated $10,000 premium. Whether Subaru decides to change up the looks before then is unlikely, but if you aren’t a fan of the styling, the massive Subaru aftermarket has your back.

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MotorBiscuit Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Chase Bierenkoven

Chase Bierenkoven has been obsessed with cars his whole life and now finds joy in sharing what he’s learned from his own daily drivers. Chase earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a focus on legal studies from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and quickly became an automotive journalist. When he isn’t writing, Chase is either driving his passion project, a 2004 BMW M3 in Carbon Schwartz Metallic, or playing around Colorado’s terrain, mainly mountain biking and skiing.