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Still a Rally Car at Heart: 2024 Subaru WRX TR Review

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The 2024 Subaru WRX TR is the hottest version of the Subaru WRX. For now, that is. Because the TR is a 1-year-only special that is biding time until an even hotter one arrives.

That doesn’t mean you should wait, though, because the basics of the last remaining rally sedan are better than ever, and the Rex is still equally happy to head for twisty pavement or a gravel road.

In short: The 2024 Subaru WRX gives stick-shift drivers the driver assists CVT users already enjoyed. The TR gets upgraded brakes, a new suspension, and stickier tires for on-road performance enhancements, but the basic AWD turbo sedan is unchanged.

2024 Subaru WRX

• Engine 2.4L turbocharged boxer-four
• Horsepower 271 hp
• Torque 258 lb.-ft.
• Mileage EPA est. 19/26, 26 mpg observed
• Cargo capacity 12.5 cu.-ft.
• MSRP $41,655
• Subaru light aircraft exhaust
• Rally-ready suspension
• Grippy Recaros
• Instant steering response
• Feels slower than it should
• High cabin noise
• Engine needs rpm to be happy
• Idle exhaust noise
• Heavily bolstered Recaro seats

Is WRX TR Still Tuner Ready?

The TR in this WRX’s name stands for Tuner Ready. Or at least it did when Subaru first used the badge on a no-frills version of the WRX way back in 2006. That one came with a basic steering wheel and a budget stereo but lost the body kit because in 2006, every self-respecting fan would be throwing those in the trash in favor of a Momo wheel, a Pioneer AVIC deck (they have Bluetooth now!), and an AAS body kit.

Today, TR is for a different type of tuner — the kind that wants the factory to do everything for them. Maybe that’s not really a tuner at all, but the idea works pretty well for Mercedes via AMG and BMW through Alpina, so why can’t Scooby do it?

Big Brakes, Tight Seats, No Moonroof

This TR comes with mostly more stuff, not less. It has Brembo six-piston front calipers and twin pots in the rear, both clamping larger pads and rotors and using a larger master cylinder.

The 19-inch wheels are shod with dated (they were designed for the 2013 Ferrari F12) but still ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires. The stiffer springs and new dampers are designed to improve steering response, with tweaked steering for more road feel.

There is one thing missing: The moonroof has been deleted.

Subaru says binning the glass saves weight and lowers the center of gravity. I say it means more room for tall drivers and drivers wearing a helmet for track days , autocross, or rallycross events.

2024 Subaru WRX TR Has Gravel-Ready Suspension

Rallycross events? The WRX TR has a stiffer suspension, 19-inch wheels, and 35-series rubber-band tires. It can’t drive on gravel, can it?

I wasn’t sure either, but as a WRX owner (2012 hatch in blue, thanks for asking), I felt a duty to find out. So, I headed straight to my favorite gravel road.

Somehow, despite these ultra-thin tires, the WRX is still extremely compliant on not just paved roads but on gravel. The first few miles of my pretend rally stage are fresh, graded, and generally smooth, so it’s no surprise the TR eats that up.

After those first few miles, though, the road slowly begins to deteriorate. Go far enough, and it turns into a 4×4 track, but the degradation is in sections — gradual.

Once the potholes show up, I’m expecting a quick turnaround and return to the smooth parts, but the WRX keeps just eating up the terrain. This WRX still has the long travel suspension Subaru does so well, meaning it does not bottom out or leave a tire dangling in the air as the terrain changes underneath.

Firm, but Never Jarring

It’s clearly firmer than a standard WRX, but there are different levels of firm. There’s the kind where your teeth chatter and fillings start to come loose, and there’s the kind of firm where you’re comfortable as long as you’re not trying to drink a cup of hot coffee.

The WRX is in the latter camp. Firm enough to cut body roll to nearly nothing and able to control virtually all up-and-down movement — with damping that’s done just right so every orifice isn’t clamping shut when you see a pothole. That applies on pavement, too, where expansion joints won’t have you slamming on the brakes afraid of a burst sidewall or bent wheel.

No Steering Feel, but Quick Responses

I know Subaru said that it worked to improve road feel, but the WRX still doesn’t really have any. The steering response is tremendous, with barely a turn of the meaty steering wheel needed to have the nose dive into a corner.

The steering effort is light, maybe too light for paved back roads. But, it’s perfect for the small-twitch corrections you need when you’re trying to throw the WRX sideways through a left six over jump, don’t cut on a gravel road.

The steering is also very self-centering, which makes it feel more secure and more stable on paved roads. Especially on the highway.

In short, the latest WRX feels a whole lot like my 2012 WRX. But with all of the updates that things like modern (and fresh) bushings, new strut mounts, and a much more rigid chassis allow.

It encourages you to toss it around and to blast from corner to corner. If only the latest WRX had a little bit more power.

2.4L Turbo Four Gets No Changes, Needs Some

The WRX’s 2.4L boxer turbo engine is a version of the engine you’ll find in the Ascent or Outback XT models. For the WRX it’s tuned to use premium unleaded, and that means it makes 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque instead of the 260 and 277 it makes in its more boring siblings.

But 271 horsepower isn’t all that much these days. It’s not that much more than a Golf GTI, and that car doesn’t have the extra weight and drag of all-wheel drive. It’s basically the same amount of power that the WRX has made since 2009, and though it is a healthy on-paper figure, no WRX has ever seemed to feel like they’ve really delivered that much.

Like the pre-2022 EJ engines, the FA-code engine in the WRX does nothing below 3,000 rpm. Turbo lag down there can be measured in seconds, and if you drop below around 2,000 rpm, it will never build boost. Instead, the engine bogs down and shakes the whole car.

Needs More Revs — Is That a Good Thing?

There are two ways to look at that, of course. The first is that it’s not exactly OK for a 2.4L turbo-four in a sports sedan to have less low-end power and driveability than a 1.5L turbo-four in a Honda Civic . The other is that by having to keep the car in a lower gear and keep the revs up, the WRX is encouraging you to drive it in a way that’s more fun more of the time.

If you’re a glass-half-full person who spends lots of time on open roads, it’s great. Glass half empty and driving around in the city? You might not be as much of a fan.

Subaru WRX Puts Focus on Price, Fun — Not Noise

The cabin is typical Subaru. It’s not identical to the rest of the company’s lineup, but it might as well be. The differences are in the dimensions and some of the trim. The old pair of 7.0-inch base-model screens are gone, and every WRX gets the 11.6-inch system for 2024.

Subaru doesn’t put a lot of sound-damping material in this car either, so you can hear plenty of wind, road, and tire noise. Plus, you’ll hear lots of the exhaust. It’s not loud when you’re driving, and it’s not loud from outside the car, but when you fire it up in the morning, it sounds like the quad pipes are exiting unmuffled directly into the cabin. At least it quiets down when the engine temperatures come up and the idle settles.

Features exclusive to the TR include massively bolstered Recaro seats that are wrapped in ultrasuede and wear huge Recaro logo embossing. The seats are tight, too tight for my frame. But if you fit in them instead of on them, they look quite comfy and supportive.

EyeSight Now on Stick Shifts

New for this year, Subaru has added EyeSight to its stick-shift models. The driver assist system includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warnings, and, most usefully, adaptive cruise.

Adding those goodies should make it easier for buyers who were on the fence about getting a stick. It might actually win new buyers, too, since Subaru’s automatic is a CVT, and that’s an immediate no for some performance car buyers who aren’t willing to give it a try. You should, however, as the CVT is good in the WRX.

WRX TR 1 Year Only, WRX TS Coming for 2025

About the TS. Right around the same time the 2024 WRX TR went on sale, Subaru announced a 2025 WRX TS. The TS takes the TR idea and runs with it. The Brembo brakes get gold calipers, for a start, and Subaru is adding blue accents all over the cabin.

There are some other big performance upgrades coming. The TS (for Tuned by STI) will get new suspension tuning including three-position electronically controlled dampers like the luxury-grade WRX GT.

The changes mean that the WRX TR will be a 1-year special. The TS will replace it in 2025. If you’re a WRX shopper, though, you might not want to wait. The TS has more stuff, but that means it’s probably going to be more expensive. And in a car like the WRX, keeping the price down matters.

2024 Subaru WRX Review: Conclusion

Subaru has kept the starting price of a 2024 WRX down to $32,735 despite the extra standard tech. That’s, frankly, astonishing.

It’s more than $10,000 less than a VW Golf R and less than a grand more than the front-drive GTI. For $3k more than a Civic Si, you get AWD and 60 or so more horses.

A WRX TR is quite a bit more cash, coming in at $41,655. But in 2024, that’s still reasonable for what you get.

Especially for how good this car is at what it does. The 2024 WRX is wonderful to steer and encourages you to go for that longer drive. It can even still tackle rough road and gravel rally stages. If only Subaru would add a bit more sound deadening and do something about that exhaust. Is there an aftermarket performance company that offers mufflers to make a car quieter?

2024 Subaru Impreza Review: RS Returns After a Quarter Century

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS gets a 2.5L engine, but the suspension tuning needs some work to make this a real Rally Sport. Read more…

Evan Williams has been drooling over cars since the time he learned to walk. He went to school for engineering, but transitioned into a more satisfying career in automotive and outdoor media, and has been at it for nearly a decade now. Evan is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and is the Motors News Lead at GearJunkie. He spends his non-automotive time walking his dog, hiking, cycling, jogging, and trying not to be too much of a hack mechanic.

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How To Build A Lifted 2017 WRX: Kevin's Daily Driven Rally Car

How he built it, plus 4 things to look out for when lifting a WRX

By Ben Boxer

• October 26, 2019

I initially saw Kevin’s red 2017 WRX on Instagram ( @heritagelivery ) and was blown away by his attention to detail and his brazen decision to take an essentially brand new WRX and lift it. I decided to reach out and ask if he would be interested in letting me share his build info on the site to encourage others who might be considering this route. He agreed and we had a great conversation about the process he went through and things that he wanted to help others look out for.

Take a minute to read through his build process and the helpful insights that he has for anyone thinking about lifting their WRX. If you’ve been contemplating the idea of making your WRX more capable off-road, Kevin’s experience will help you figure out your next steps.

Quick Parts List For The WRX Build:

• Lift springs
• 1″ top hat spacers
• Adjustable endlinks
• Yokohama Geolandar AT Tires In 205/70/R15

He Considered 3 Other Cars For The Build, But Chose The WRX:

I’ve been following your build for quite some time and it’s one of my favorite off road Subaru’s. What caused you to do something so crazy and rally a brand new WRX? Some people may be debating going the same route as you and just haven’t seen enough info on it to decide to pull the trigger. 

“Well, this one’s a bit of an interesting answer! When I was in the market for cars, I was considering a Ford Focus RS, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR, and Subaru WRX STI, and my order of interest was that same order. I knew whichever car I got, I was going to turn it into a lifted car with all terrains and make it into a pseudo rally car for the road. The RS was too expensive because it was brand new, then the Evo X became too expensive when I got an insurance quote, and I disqualified the STI for the same reason as the Evo. So then I decided that a WRX might not be the worst contender. I knew at the time that if I went with an STI, I’d have to ditch the brakes and the suspension, and I much preferred the FA20DIT motor. So I decided to just buy a WRX and knew I’d be upgrading and swapping things left and right, but at least it started at a cheaper price point than the STI. I wanted it to be a car that still maintained its performance and handling, but I wanted to increase its capability to a reasonable amount off road while not giving up too much on road. While I wanted the car to not get beat up off road, I still wanted it to be able to put a smile on my face when I floored it on a freeway entrance ramp! So with that, I began my journey to transform the car into a fun off road performance machine!”

“Yup! This was actually the first Subaru I’ve ever owned or worked on! I had never lifted any vehicle before, so it was all new to me!”

Suspension Parts Used To Lift The 2017 WRX:

“I personally used King raised springs (~1.3” of lift) and Subtle Solutions 1” aluminum top hat spacers. Those were the only components that affected the ride height, but I also upgraded to GTWorx Cup Sport shocks and struts and went with Rallitek adjustable end links for the front and rear.”

“Well, this is the tricky one! No other parts truly “need” to be changed out to work. It is possible to run this setup with just those springs and the top hat spacers parts and be just fine. If you are concerned about the angles that your sway bars will be at, then you can replace the end links with some adjustable ones and you’ll be able to keep that angle the same as the stock one. If you are concerned about the camber changing in the rear when you lift it, you can replace the OEM lower control arm with an adjustable one. Another solution to this is to add subframe spacers, as by lowering the subframe your suspension geometry will be closer to the stock angles, meaning the camber will be closer to stock. If you are running much larger tires, it may be worth considering getting adjustable trailing arms for the rear suspension, as these will control how far forward the wheels are in the wheelwell.”

All-Terrain Wheels And Tires On The WRX

Your current wheel setup looks awesome. i’m a huge fan of the method mr502’s. they’re pretty lightweight and tough. what kind of tires are you running on them.

“I am running Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 205/70R15 tires . They are a slightly less aggressive all terrain, although they still do just fine off road and in snow, but don’t have the excessive on road noise that is common for all terrains.”

“These tires required no trimming at all to fit. The only thing that needed to be modified was the Rally Armor front mud flap bracket, as the innermost arm of it needed to be bent back just a tad more than it is originally.”

Benefits Of Owning A Lifted Subaru:

“The main adventuring I do with the car is to go to rallies and spectate them, as I’m a huge rally fan! I’ve taken the WRX to LSPR four times, NEFR one time, and Sno Drift one time! While at NEFR, I drove my car to the top of Mt Washington! While at Sno Drift, I had to take a lot of pretty interesting back roads to get to the stages while they were covered in a ton of snow! While at LSPR over the years, I’ve crossed streams, 3 wheeled the car, driven down trails that are only a couple inches wider than the car, and gone through mud pits! I’ve also taken the car on actual rally stages (not during the event) to see how much fun it would be! Other than that, it’s been there as I’ve gone camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and will be there when I do more of that next summer!”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin (@heritagelivery)

4 Crucial Things To Consider Before Lifting Your WRX:

• Camber Issues
• Drive Train Angle
• CV Axle Angles
• Rear Wheel Caster

What were some initial concerns with the lift and how did you get around them?

Camber problems and drive train angles:.

Some of the big concerns with lifting a ‘15+ Subaru are camber correction, CV shaft angles, and rear wheel location in the wheel arch.   The first issue, camber correction, is an issue which can be addressed a couple ways. The front of the 2015+ WRX and STI allows for camber correction no problem, but the rear on the other hand, does not. You can remedy this by getting rear subframe spacers of equal size to the lift of the car, which will just maintain stock geometry for camber. The second option is to get adjustable lower control arms, which will allow you to keep your rear subframe tucked up and out of the way, but also able to adjust the length of the control arm so that you can correct the camber. I personally did neither, as I am not a fan of how much negative camber these cars come with from the factory. I believe I may eventually upgrade the lower control arms though, as I’m not that fond of how they feel and I think I want to do a little more negative camber but not the stock amount.

CV Shaft Angle Solutions:

The second issue, the CV shaft angles, has always been a concern, although there’s no real way around it. The rear can be corrected by doing the subframe spacers to get the angle back down to stock. The front cannot be modified, as it would require lowering the engine and transmission. I’ve just kept and eye on the CV shafts as I’ve kept the car, and haven’t had any issues. When I did the STI transmission swap, I chose to use the STI CV shafts instead of the WRX ones, and this gave me a chance to really inspect the WRX ones, which had been used for about 20k miles with the lift. They showed no signs of extra wear, and seemed to be fine. Other companies, such as Rallitek, have expressed a similar opinion, with stating that 2.5” is pretty safe in regards to the CV shafts, and anything more can work but may wear out the joints sooner.

Additional WRX Reading Material...

Get inspiration from real people as you build your Subaru

How To Overland In A 2014 WRX Hatchback (Build List Included)

2013 Lifted WRX: Rallies Dirt Roads & Pavement With Ease

Choose The Proper Lift For Your Needs:

“I think the one thing that people should know is to figure out their intended use before lifting the car, as that should play a huge role in deciding HOW to lift the car. For instance, if someone just wants to run larger tires or just wants a little extra ground clearance, then they only need to use top hat spacers, as these effectively just move the top limit of the suspension down. If you have 1” spacers, then tires with a 1” larger radius would go to the same point at the top of the wheel well. This scenario also means that the center of gravity is taller without having anything to counter it, so body roll will increase. If someone wants to just get a little extra suspension travel but is going to use the same tires as stock, then really they only need new springs or taller coilovers. If they do this though, it is important to note that the tires will go up to about the same point as stock when the suspension is fully compressed. This also has the added benefit of being able to actually counteract the higher center of gravity because the springs will be stiffer than stock. If you want to run larger tires and have more suspension travel, then the best choice is to do both springs and spacers, albeit at the tradeoff of being the most expensive option.   I guess a couple other little pointers would be to not neglect the other little changes and costs. When most people lift their cars, they usually go with larger tires. As we all know with AWD cars, the tires need to be the same diameter. It would be a wise investment to run a full size spare, so that you won’t damage your car if you need to swap on a spare. I usually just rotate all of the tires every other oil change so that I’m wearing down 5 tires instead of just 4. Another thing is that a ton of people run mud flaps on their cars. If they lift their car 2” or whatever, those same mud flaps are no longer very effective. That’s why I bought a sheet of urethane and cut out new mud flaps that were longer and installed those to my old Rally Armor brackets!”

Performance Mods On Kevin's WRX:

Transmission and drive train mods:.

First of all, we have the STI transmission swap! That one may have been the biggest hassle of anything I’ve done to the car, but it’s an awesome upgrade! I bought an STI trans swap kit from EBay, and it took me a long weekend to install it. While I had it out, I upgraded the clutch and flywheel to Exedy units, went with IAG transmission and pitch stop mounts, and replaced like everything on the shifter with new stuff from Kartboy. Once I finished that, I had no way to control the DCCD, so I bought a MapDCCD controller and had Understeer R&D install that. The MapDCCD allows for manual mode, automatic mode, and 4 different terrain maps for the center differential. So I went with gravel, autocross, wet, and snow.

Engine Mods:

Secondly, I have the engine mods! I’ve done a Grimmspeed intake, EBCS, charge pipe, TMIC with thermal dispersant coating, and catted downpipe. I also have IAG EGR delete, TGV deletes, and AOS. Lastly, I have the Killer B headers with the Swaintech coating. I have a Nameless catback with muffler deletes. The tune was done at Boost Controlled Performance in Livonia, MI, on 93 octane. I made 301whp/301wtq on a fairly conservative tune.

Aero And Safety Mods:

Lastly, there’s a couple more unique things I’ve done! I had issue with my first light rack in the front, and designed my own one that is MUCH stiffer, and had a shop fabricate it off of detail prints that I made. Since that became a more permanent piece, I cut apart the front fascia, just below the lower grille, so that I could remove the front fascia while still keeping the light rack installed. I also cut apart my rear fascia to get rid of the plastic fake diffuser where the F1 style brake lights are usually installed. I’ve also added quite a few lights to the car! I added 4 Vision X 6.7” Light Cannons to the light rack, replaced my high and low beams with PIAA LED bulbs , and replaced my fog lights with BajaDesigns Squadron Pros ! And I don’t think anyone would look at my car and not immediately notice the aero upgrades! These were done with a purpose in mind, as I was trying to improve the grip and handling of the car after switching to all terrains. I had a lot of grip issues in the back end especially, since the car is so light in the rear. I added the Seibon carbon fiber STI wing and lip spoiler first, then added my own homemade carbon fiber wing stabilizers, then the Subispeed carbon fiber gurney flap, and lastly the Verus Engineering front dive plane kit and the rear diffuser. These all may look excessive, but they’ve drastically improved the feeling and handling of the car on road!

What's Next For The WRX?

Next, I think I plan on fine tuning the suspension and drivetrain. I think I will be upgrading the rear suspension a lot, as it could use being tightened down a bit. I am planning on adding adjustable lower control arms, adjustable rear trailing arm, and new rear toe links. I may also replace the rear differential carrier and some of the bushings in that, so that I can get the back end a little more firm.   Other than that, it’s mostly just little odds and ends! I may upgrade the rear brakes, but I won’t do that until the rear brakes need to be changed. I’m also going to add front brake ducts, but the backer plate for it may make it interesting since I have smaller brakes in the front. I may also invest in a different seat in the car so that I don’t move around quite as much. I’m also thinking about flocking the dashboard so that I can cut a little extra glare off this car.   I’ve got big plans down the road with it, but that’s mostly dependent on life and how much I want to throw at this car! I’ve always dreamt of doing a built block with a big turbo kit and letting this thing go completely crazy, but it all comes down to money!

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Other Articles You May My Find Helpful With Your WRX:

Rugged, Affordable Wheels For Your Off-Road Subaru Build

Lift Kits For Subaru WRX | Best Options We’ve Found So Far (All Years Included)

From A Non-Runner To An Off-Road Beast | Noah’s 6″ Lifted Bugeye WRX

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Should I Buy a Truck or Lift My Subaru?

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LP Aventure lift kit - WRX & STI 2008 - 2021

• Regular price $715.00

Improve the look and the ground clearance of your 2008-2021 Subaru WRX / STI with the LP Aventure lift kit. The lift kit is designed by our team that has over 20 years of experience in off-road.

ADVANTAGES:

• Manufactured in stainless steel. The top plate spacers are designed with 304 stainless steel and they are TIG welded. They are tough, durable and resistant to corrosion. 
• Offset design. The offset design keeps the original camber specifications to facilitate the alignment of the car.
• Multi links spacers These spacers lowers the rear subframe of the car to keep the original alignment specifications and optimizes the vehicle's handling. In addition they help to maintain the original positioning of the rear wheels. Which is very useful to prevent rubbing when using larger diameter tires.
• Lengthened brake lines spacers The lift kit includes elongated brake line spacers that allow easy installation which does not require to replace original brake lines.
• Longer exhaust hangers They are provided with the kit, for single and / or dual exhaust. 
• Complete hardware. All hardware required for installation is included.

- - - Installation guide / Guide d'installation: Click here / Cliquez ici

Warning:  This product may contain a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Learn More:   www.p65warnings.ca.gov

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2" Suspension Lift Kit - Fits 2015-2021 Subaru WRX & STI

SKU: RTEK-100252

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• LIFETIME GUARANTEE

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Ride Height:  +2" LIFT 

• 1 x RalliTEK Subframe Drop Spacer Kit
• 1 x RalliTEK Front Lift Kit Spacers 1" Lift
• 1 x RalliTEK Rear Lift Kit Spacers 1" Lift
• 1 x RalliTEK Front Adjustable Endlinks
• 1 x RalliTEK Rear Adjustable Endlinks
• 1 x RalliTEK Front Raised Springs 1" Lift
• 1 x RalliTEK Rear Raised Springs 1" Lift 

The RalliTEK 2” lift kit for the 2015+ STI features RalliTEK Subframe Drop Spacers for camber, caster, and toe correction after the lift. Factory front arms are adjustable from the factory and do not need to be replaced. When lifting any car over an inch it’s also important to consider sway bar geometry. With RalliTEK adjustable endlinks the factory bar geometry can be retained. In order to keep body roll under control RalliTEK pairs this kit with RalliTEK springs. The spring rates are slightly stiffer than the factory spring rates to counteract the elevated center of gravity due to the lift.

Install Difficulty

See Install Difficulty Guide for more info

Est. Install Time -

Collapsible content

What's in the box.

x2 RalliTEK Front Lift Springs x2 RalliTEK Rear Lift Springs x1 RalliTEK Rear Subframe Drop x2 RalliTEK Rear Strut Extensions x2 RalliTEK Front Lift Spacers x2 RalliTEK Rear Lift Spacers x2 RalliTEK Rear Endlinks x2 RalliTEK Front Endlinks

Warranty Information

Rallitek branded products lifetime warranty.

RalliTEK branded products are warranted to the original owner against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.

If a RalliTEK branded product covered by this warranty fails due to a manufacturing defect we will repair the product, without charge, or replace it at our discretion. This policy covers only original, unaltered, and unmodified materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage caused by incorrect installation, accident, improper care, negligence, normal wear and tear, or the natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use. Damage not covered under warranty may be repaired for a reasonable rate and a fee will be charged for return shipping.

No payment or reimbursement shall be made for installation, removal, transportation, or other charges. The remedies outlined in this instrument are exclusive and the liability of RalliTEK with respect to any sale shall not exceed the price of the product on which the liability is based.

For warranty evaluation, please contact RalliTEK Customer Service at (503) 619.0055  or [email protected]  to obtain a return authorization. Once this step has been completed, your product must be returned directly to the   RalliTEK Warranty Department, 13339 NE Airport Way, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97230 . All shipping to the Warranty Department must be pre-paid and insured. RalliTEK will not be liable for damaged or lost inbound packages.

      NOTE:  This warranty is only available within the United States or Canada

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
• This warranty does not cover products sold by RalliTEK that are not RalliTEK branded products.

The RalliTEK website sells discontinued, special markup, and slightly blemished products at significant discounts as 'factory seconds' products. This warranty does not automatically cover products purchased as factory seconds. RalliTEK reserves the right to determine if any warranty applies on a case-by-case basis for factory second parts. If approved, the RalliTEK Warranty Department may repair factory second products for a reasonable charge and applicable shipping charges.

MANUFACTURER WARRANTIES (FOR NON-RALLITEK BRANDED PRODUCTS)

Non-RalliTEK branded products do not have any written or implied warranties. Products on RalliTEK.com are sold with the warranty applied directly from the manufacturer. The customer must contact the product brand manufacturer for any warranty details. All products sold by RalliTEK are intended for off-road and/or race use only, as suggested by the manufacturer, and should be installed and set up by professional service centers only.   RalliTEK is not responsible for any product failure or failure due to installation.  Should a warranty claim arise, the customer and the manufacturer will handle all warranty issues directly.

There is no warranty on high-performance or race-related parts due to the nature of usage.

EXCEPT AS STATED OTHERWISE IN THIS WARRANTY, RalliTEK MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. RalliTEK shall not, in any case, be liable for special, incidental, consequential, indirect, or other similar damages arising from any breach of these warranties even if RalliTEK or its agent has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon.

Installation Instructions

• Lift Spacers
• Strut Extensions
• Subframe Drop
• Adjustable Endlinks

Applications

Subaru Impreza WRX - 2015 Subaru Impreza WRX - 2016 Subaru Impreza WRX - 2017 Subaru Impreza WRX - 2018 Subaru Impreza WRX - 2019 Subaru Impreza WRX - 2020 Subaru Impreza WRX - 2021 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2015 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2016 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2017 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2018 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2019 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2020 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - 2021

Customer Reviews

Well I like the car way more now. Kit works perfect. Drives great.

I installed this on my 2015 STI and so far I'm pretty happy with this kit. The ride height is perfect now, it actually rides better than it did stock. Now for some pros and cons. Pros: -Ride height -Comfort -Ability to fit larger tires. I'm planning on 225/55/R17 Falken Wildpeaks -Well made hardware

Cons: -Lackluster installation instructions. The instructions are very generic and there's not a set of instructions for the whole kit, just most of the individual pieces of it. I was able to get it done but this could be a lot more DIY friendly with better vehicle specific instructions. -The subframe drop interferes with aftermarket exhaust. My car has a Cobb 3in turbo back kit on it and the exhaust hits the rear subframe and rear driver CV axle. I feel that this is something that should be called out on the product page as it's extremely common for a WRX/STI to have aftermarket exhaust. If you get this kit you will need 5 longer 60mm exhaust hangers which are not included in the kit. -You don't "need" adjustable lower rear control arms, but you should buy them anyway. The subframe drop kit pretty much puts everything in the right place but if you're doing this work already you should get the LCAs to ensure your alignment is correct. RalliTEK sells them, personally I went with a set from Whiteline though.

TLDR: Solid kit and I would recommend it. I think they should sell a kit that also includes longer exhaust hangers and rear lower control arms.

Hello Stephen,

We're glad to hear your happy with your lift kit. We appreciate the feedback on our install instructions and it's something we're working toward improving as we grow. All of our testing is based of a OEM vehicle as that's what the majority owns in which there is no clearance issues with the exhaust. We have taken your review into account and will be adding options to include the arms and hangers for the people that need or want them. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns for us.

The customer loved it! Drives great! Awesome product!

With this lift and bigger tires the ride quality has improved and the roads I can take has expanded, thanks rallitek

I love this lift kit. The suspension is great and goes over bumps with ease. I haven't noticed any issues and we'll see how it lasts in the long term.

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RaceWorksCoiloversbuilds long travel lift suspensions that are a great alternative to Subaru lift kits. Subaru lift kits only lift your car. Our long travel suspension lifts your car and increases its capabilities for offroad use and carrying load.

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Long travel suspension...

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So, after going offroading in my bro's prerunner truck, I've decided that a prerunner subaru would be awesome. Well, it wouldn't be a prerunner exactly, but long-travel suspension. I would like a decent amount of down travel, with more than the usual up travel. I know there are several "rally coilovers", but most of those would jar my teeth out on the kind of terrain I want to be covering. But I'm thinking that if I get softer spring ratings, and adjustable damper settings I'll be able to get it setup right. So my question is, does anybody knows where I can find the specs on up travel and down travel on rally coilovers? Or has anybody else has entertained the idea of designing and fabricating some custom control arms, trailing arms, etc around some sweet long travel fox shocks? Oh and btw, yes I used the search button. I also searched google, usmb, and nasioc. Maybe I didn't use the correct combination of words tho. If somebody has a link to a similar thread, please share.  

More articulation can be achieved by unbolting the sway bars, that and a good lift should get you over a lot more obstacles  

forester struts and coils, and remove sway bars?  

I've ridden in a car with outback springs and struts, and no sway bars. It was alright, but not exactly what I'm looking for. I want more articulation. A friend of mine owns a rock crawler buggy shop, so I'm hoping that he can shed some light on long travel suspension for me. I come from wanting to build a track car, to now wanting to build an extreme off road car lol. edit: forester/outback springs and struts provide me with more ground clearance, but not a whole lot more travel. And they aren't exactly the best for going 40+mph over whooops. which is kinda what I want to be able to do... lol  

The Macpherson strut design does a pretty good job of maximizing both. You're not going to get any more travel or droop really. At least not without extending the strut towers through the bonnet. If you were able to eek out another inch of travel/droop I'd be pretty surprised. You can get some rally suspension and just have it revalved. That might be the best option. But then they're sprung and valved for rally already so they wouldn't be very good for jumping over stuff if you revalved it for comfort. I think you're looking for a different car. Likely a truck really. If it were possible more people would be driving rally cars on the road. cheers poorman  

Thanks poorman. This is the kind of information I was looking for. buying a truck would be better suited for this job, but I'm gonna see how close to a trophy truck I can get with an old suby lol. Hopefully I'll be meeting up with my friend this week to discuss designs for possibly being able to fit some fox coilovers for a ranger in a suby... Extending the strut perches/towers is a possibility that I hadn't contemplated. extending those, and getting some control arms/lateral links fabbed up that would give the hub more travel movement would be next, and along with that comes longer axles. And unless it is absolutely necessary, I would keep the stock hubs. Custom fabrication is encouraged in this thread folks.  

what about putting outback lateral links and trailing arms? You'll have to change the hubs, I don't know about the subframe though, would imagine its the same for an impreza.  

Too much travel and you'll have CV & diff issues. Look up JVAB on Google or Rally Anarchy - Don't Panic He builds Bilstein suspenders and can give about as much travel as your diff will handle.  

It would probably be easier to put the body of your subaru on a truck than modify the subaru chassis like you're talking about  

If you want to get extreme with fabrication: Tubular front and rear subframe, that move inner suspension points closer to the centerline of the car. These subframes would be built to have upper mounts to fix upper control arms. You can probably figure out a way to connect the upper arm to the factory knuckles. From here you can either use either factory upper suspension points to the upper arm (closer to inner mounts), or figure out a cantilever strut system. and relocate the strut nearby. Really, the sky is the limit with enough experience and budget. This sounds great! I'd love to do something like this, but I don't plan to use a Subaru chassis.  

If you want a long travel subaru with bigger wheels/tires, I think the older 80's models would be the best place to start. From what I've seen, the Impreza's suspension setup doesn't do so hot when it gets raised too much. The trailing arm design in the rear results in the wheel touching the front of the wheel wells with too large a lift. There are a few older GL wagons? I think on here that are lifted pretty high with big tires. Maybe those guys could chime in.  

If you want to stick with your Impreza for dirt I'd get in contact with All Wheels Driven. I'm interested in this as well. I've had enough of the street car/race car thing. I miss the dirt.  

Now I think I understand this question a bit since i've been researching lift setups for Imprezas. Forester struts are like an inch taller than Impreza struts, PHYSICALLY taller not actual taller travel. So, if there were some sort of "Off-road" Coilover that could take advantate of that extra inch of length as actual shock travel and not a physically taller strut, then forseably you could both lift the car AND get an inch more travel in the suspension. Is that the jist of what you were trying to ask? Cause thats what I want, is an off-road coilover like that...  

I really hate to add fuel to the fire. Because I'm not quite sure you understand how big of a project that is. However.... $500 E30 Based Rally Car Goes to The Baja 1000 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com Baja Racing With a BMW, a Dream and Not Much Else | Autopia | Wired.com It looks rather horrible and slow actually. There is soo much unsprung weight vs sprung weight. I bet it handles like crap. cheers poorman  

poormansporsche said: I really hate to add fuel to the fire. Because I'm not quite sure you understand how big of a project that is. However.... $500 E30 Based Rally Car Goes to The Baja 1000 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com Baja Racing With a BMW, a Dream and Not Much Else | Autopia | Wired.com It looks rather horrible and slow actually. There is soo much unsprung weight vs sprung weight. I bet it handles like crap. cheers poorman Click to expand...

I think you will have issues if you extend the lower control arm and not relocate the upper spring mount on the chassis. The camber would be horrible. And I imagine if you were to extend the lower strut mounting point as well, it'd cause interference with the axle. I honestly don't see how significantly longer arms can be functional without making a double wishbone setup. I love the idea though! There must be a feasible solution to accomplish your goals.  

I really hope you see this through, because I'm quite interested in it. Kostamojen, any more info on that leggy?  

Tim.Flat4 said: Kostamojen, any more info on that leggy? Click to expand...

• First option; If you plan to keep the stock knuckles, the upper spring perch would need to either be relocated outwards as well. I personally believe this to be a bad idea as travel is still limited to the length of the stroke of the strut. (in the picture imagine the only change is longer lower control arms.)
• So, other option again with stock knuckles; If you made longer lower arms and angled the strut and tilted the upper spring perch to compensate for longer lower control arms, you will encounter several things. (picture the upper strut is leaning more towards the lower control arm)
• First in extreme cases is binding as the arc that the lower control arm travels will only be partially able to use the strut. Possible remedy is to have the upper perch (tophat) to be on a pivot.
• Camber issues as the strut will still control camber. So when the suspension compresses/extends, camber will drastically change (I'm thinking +/- 10 degrees?)
• Axle interference will most likely remain a serious issue with longer suspension travel.
• When the strut is angled, spring rates tend to be more progressive. I'm not sure a progressive spring will be best for this type of application.

Holy crap it's kosta!  

^ That is not a bad idea, but wouldn't the steering axis of inclination (king pin inclination) as well as the scrub radius change undesirably?  

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Silverback Coilover Suspension (long travel) - Subaru

Regular price $3,215.00

We've been working with several people, took our customer feedback and now bring the Subaru Community the highest quality, highest performing long travel coilover you can find. The specs speak for themselves: -  Linear Rate Springs - Taller Springs for plenty of preload (as needed) -20 way rebound adjustable -40mm insert -10” travel (front) -12” travel (rear) -Spherical offset top mount (front) -Rear camber on strut/spherical bearing on a-arm -SBC 14mm eccentric bolts (front) -Inverted shock -Electroplated bodies -Brackets for lines/sensors -Urethane bumpstop -Suited for daily drivers

Spring Rates: - Soft = generally 10% softer than OEM - Medium = within 5 % of OEM spec (most popular) - Firm = generally 20% stiffer than OEM

Available for: - Baja - BRZ - Crosstrek (XV) - Forester フォレスター - Impreza インプレッサ - Outback/Legacy - WRX/STi - Ascent - Tribeca

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2024 Subaru WRX TR Review: The More Things Change...

Like clockwork, every new Subaru WRX generation is met with criticism, only for Subaru to respond by adding subsequent trim(s) that supposedly make good on the newest vehicle’s disappointments. The introduction of the VB-gen WRX for the 2022 model year brought waves of hatred over the acres of cladding, negligible power increase, complaints that it wasn’t involving enough, and the demise of the beloved STI variant. The result is the WRX TR, a car in which Subaru claims to have tightened up the driving dynamics while maintaining the all-wheel-drive capability and fun-fused everyday drivability the sedan is known for.

It’s no secret that the VB generation Subaru WRX has had difficulty making friends since its launch, and I’m guilty of not feeling fondly towards the 2022 car . The way it looks isn’t doing it any favors, yet, as is usually the case with Subarus, time has somehow been kind towards the VB WRX and it looks less ungainly now than it did when it debuted. Maybe the shock has worn off, or maybe Subaru was onto something with all the cladding; overlanding and off-roadiness is all the rage in the design centers these days, after all. Or maybe it’s the TR trim’s gorgeous new 19” wheels and red Brembo brakes that are just tricking us into thinking it looks decent. We can’t deny it: Our Ignition Red test car wasn’t what we could call particularly good looking, but maybe the backdrop of bland-colored crossovers that blanket the Northeast has blinded us to what a sporty sedan painted in a bright color should evoke emotionally.

Visual appeal aside, performance still matters to buyers. Subaru has reworked the WRX for a new-for-2024 TR trim that marks the return of a long-forgotten WRX nameplate, one which was designated for a car supposedly geared more towards driving enthusiasts seeking out an all-wheel-drive sedan and less towards those who wandered into a Subaru dealership to buy an Outback and fell in love with the so-called performance family car that was sitting across the lot.

There’s notable improvements here, starting with the aforementioned all-new 19-inch wheels that are wrapped in 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. The brakes are now Brembo 6-piston units up front and 2-piston out back, and the new stoppers come with larger pads and rotors and a larger master cylinder to go along with it. Subaru states the system helps resist fade while improving pedal feel and stopping power.

The revisions go further. Subaru updated the steering rack and revised the suspension with stiffer springs with improved dampers. Inside the TR are Recaro seats, a refined shifter, and the EyeSight safety suite, which for 2024 is available with the manual gearbox for the first time. The big-screen SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus is standard, and all TRs come sans-sunroof to lower the center of gravity (COG) and maximize headroom for helmets.

Unfortunately, that’s where the changes end, and that’s especially sad when it comes to the powertrain. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine is still turbocharged, it still makes 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the manual transmission still has six speeds (and the stick is the only trans the TR gets), and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is still standard (with Active Torque Vectoring, Subaru will proudly add). We need to discuss the engine further: Other than the bodywork, the drivetrain is the other major elephant in the VB WRX room. Versus the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine it replaced, the 2.4 brings only a marginal improvement in power (3 horsepower and 0 torque) without any improvements in efficiency.

Fuel Economy

About the disappointing gas mileage: The TR is rated for 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway (as are all 2024 WRX models except the GT, which is rated at an even worse 18/25 city/highway), which is poor for a four-cylinder car in 2024, performance-focused or not. For reference, VW’s Golf R does roughly the same on gas with 40 more horsepower and 35 extra lb-ft of torque on tap, while the Honda Civic Type R does better with even more torque than the VW (with two fewer driven wheels). Even the Audi S3, which starts at only $3,000 more than the WRX GT, gets 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. We’ve always found WRXs’ gas mileage to be better in the real world than on paper (the TR averaged a computer-indicated 23 MPG in our care, and the 2017 WRX Limited that I owned once upon a time regularly pulled 30 MPG on the highway), but it’s still middling at best, all while requiring premium fuel to boot.

Then again, owners will be quick to point out that the WRX isn’t a car you purchase for fuel economy. This is the car you buy because you want it, not because you need it-- there’s a clear difference-- and there’s a wide parameter of tasks your sole vehicle needs to do. Fun, safety, people-hauling ability, and all-weather capability all sit about level on the WRX equalizer, and it takes stepping up to the TR trim, which starts at $41,655 USD, to get into one that raises the fun factor to something skewed the way more hardcore driving enthusiasts crave.

Handling and drivability

So, how does the TR drive? Truthfully, it drives exactly as you’d expect a WRX to drive. The funny thing about WRXs is that regardless of how much power or suspension trickery or modernized tires and/or interior bits you throw at one, it always comes back feeling like a slight variant of the same thing. This is good in some cases; take, for example, planting your foot mid-corner in second gear on a windy backroad. The WRX TR simply eats it up, no fuss, no drama, just digging in and pulling you out the other side, just as every other WRX has and will. Forget lane keep assist and the likes; The Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive really is the driving aid of driving aids, an omnipresent helping hand of traction that perpetually makes driving the WRX easy, regardless of how hard you push it. Thankfully, it’s easy to notice the TR’s upgrades when not doing so.

Whatever Subaru did to retune the steering worked, albeit to an extent. Initial bite and turn-in is truly immediate, so much so that you have to recalibrate your brain a bit from what prior (and other modern) WRXs do when you start to turn the steering wheel off-center. It’s great for carving corners but almost acts to the vehicle’s detriment when on the highway, as the steering barely settles down at cruising speed and one tiny move of the wheel can mean it looks like you’re going for a lane change. As for steering feel, there may be marginally more feedback from the front end, but you’d have to drive another, non-TR version of the WRX back-to-back with one to notice. Still, the change in the steering is appreciated.

Like the steering feel, it’s hard to say if the changes in springs and damping have resulted in better cornering. The TR certainly gets around turns more flat (i.e., with less body roll) than did the last WRX that I tested (which was a 2022 Limited), but that takes away some of the rally theater that used to come with hucking a somewhat “loose” feeling WRX into and around a corner. The TR feels planted and grippy, though in a way that a modified entry-level sports sedan usually feels; that is to say, stiff. It’s sufferable over potholes and the likes, but barely so. The 19” wheels and thin tires don’t help the cause.

The other aspects of the WRX are fine, if not unremarkable. The six-speed manual transmission’s clutch is relatively effortless, and the shifter is remarkably easy to engage with, if not a bit numb when going through the gates. We do wish the Recaro seats had adjustable lumbar support; as-is, our ~1,500 mile loaner felt like it needed a few weeks of continuous driving to have the backrest broken in before the chairs would be properly suitable for assessment (this reminds us of the Recaros in the long-dead Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST). Equally frustrating is the infotainment suite, partially for its general lack of intuitiveness and partially because many crucial controls are incorporated into a touchscreen that takes longer than desired to load. Want to adjust the HVAC fan speed upon startup? Better start counting sheep. At least wireless Apple CarPlay works seamlessly.

Back to that Boxer engine-sized elephant in the room. The thing about the WRX TR’s performance in the acceleration and speed departments is that there isn’t a huge sense of urgency. The 2.4-liter Boxer engine makes its peak horsepower at 5,600 RPM and the powerband falls on its face before getting there. This, plus a peak torque curve that Subaru says is delivered from 2,000-5,600 RPM, almost makes the WRX’s engine tedious to engage with. It feels like it’s dragging its own anchor, partially because of the 3,430 pound curb weight and partially because there is zero spectacle when going full throttle in the AWD WRX. Accordingly, the WRX TR will do 0-60 MPH in 5.5-6.0 seconds when driven rationally (i.e., not dumping the clutch from high RPM). Stat sheets don’t mean diddly squat in the real world, but the WRX feels its speed, if not slower. You want it to be the opposite version of this equation.

Meanwhile, much of the Subaru’s competition feels slightly unhinged, or at least less restrained, which means fun for many. Trying to best manage a car’s power is part of the excitement of driving, and while in some cases that means wrangling a front-wheel-drive car’s occasional unwillingness to maintain traction, this can at least enhance the experience of the car as a whole. In the WRX, the engine-drivetrain combination is simply a means to an end, and it must be understood that some of the lack of urgency is due to how safe and solid the WRX feels. This is an asset to those who want to daily drive these cars with their families in tow, but on the sporting side it makes for an underwhelming experience that’s desperate for an extra 50 horsepower to keep up with the lighter and more powerful cars that it would be cross-shopped with and, at the minimum, make the blasts between shifts something more thrilling.

Value, dollars, and sense

And so, we get to the WRX’s price, which is another issue (as it is with many things these days). The base 2024 WRX starts at a very palatable $32,735 USD, and the MSRP steps up to $34,635 for the Premium trim, $39,015 for the Limited, $41,655 for the TR, and $44,215 for the automatic-only and adaptive-suspension-bearing GT. The $40k realm is a tough one, as enthusiasts seeking tools for specific jobs can get a quite fun yet still very practical daily driver and supplement it with a weekend toy, but we recognize that’s not something everyone can swing or wants to deal with.

This leaves cars like the WRX TR square in the crosshairs of the target purchase for those seeking one car to cover practicality, fun, safety, and so on, all within a reasonable budget. But the WRX’s pricing has increased as of late, and sales have been faltering since 2016 (Editor Note: Subaru has clarified that it used to bucket together the WRX and STI sales numbers but that is no longer the case. Take this paragraph with a grain of salt) . While market trends rarely correlate with the quality of a single vehicle, maybe it is indicative of something: After all this time, even with everything Subaru changed to make the TR trim more fun, better to drive, and more exciting than non-TR models, it’s still a WRX, and it still marches to the beat of its own drum-- for better and worse-- fully embodying “The more things change, the more they stay the same” as its own unofficial slogan.

Yet that tune has gone stale, and enthusiasts know other options exist to tickle their hoon-seeking fancy, and while we’re weary of being too harsh towards the WRX-- we recognize this might be the last iteration of the car as we know it, and we’ll likely look back on this one and think about how good we had it (as is usually done with Subaru WRX models)-- the sting of thinking the WRX TR could be even better than it is still hurts.

Don’t get us wrong, the 2024 Subaru WRX TR is a good and very competent car, it’s just not one as exciting or enjoyable to spend time in as it could be. It’s the safe option in a class of vehicles trying to dance the line between sensible and dangerous. We’re glad the WRX TR exists and hope to see it refined further before the VB bows out in a few years, and in a vacuum the TR is enjoyable enough, but we’d recommend taking a close look at the competition before plunking down the cash on the WRX TR.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here .

2024 Subaru WRX TR FAQs

• Q. What's special about the 2024 Subaru WRX TR?
• A. The TR features an updated, stiffer suspension, revised steering, and grippier tires.
• Q. What does TR stand for on the WRX?
• A. Previously it stood for "Tuner Ready" as it was a very basic package ready for modifications. This new WRX TR is unofficially referred to as "Track Ready".
• Q. Will there be a 2025 Subaru WRX.
• A. Currently, all signs point ot yes, there will.

Ross hosts The Off the Road Again Podcast. He has been in the off-road world since he was a kid riding in the back of his dad’s YJ Wrangler. He works in marketing by day and in his free time contributes to Hooniverse, AutoGuide, and ATV.com, and in the past has contributed to UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Everyday Driver. Ross drives a 2018 Lexus GX460 that is an ongoing build project featured on multiple websites and the podcast.

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By Justin Pritchard on June 27, 2024 Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Best used sports cars in Canada

If an affordable used sports car is your heart’s desire, consider a second-hand Subaru WRX or a pre-owned Ford Mustang.

Shoppers looking for used sports cars have plenty of options, which can make choosing one a daunting task. 

Buying a used sports car can come with a unique set of considerations and caveats you should know about. Based on years of real-world testing and research, here are the two sports cars I most often recommend to readers, friends and family—plus a few pointers to help you find the best used sports car you can for your dollar.

The year-round option: Subaru WRX

Few affordable sports cars can match the recognition and clout of the WRX. For decades, this speedy version of Subaru’s small sedan, the Impreza, has been built around a high-performing engine and the latest Subaru all-wheel drive (AWD) tech. 

The result is a highly proven sports car whose driving experience is intended to excite and inspire confidence, regardless of the weather and road conditions. This sports car is designed for year-round use, and it isn’t afraid of snow and ice.

With standard AWD for SUV-like traction, as well as sharper handling in fair weather, the WRX is a sports car that can spend more time on the road and less time in storage—and that means a better return on your investment.

What to look for in a used Subaru WRX

The last-generation Subaru WRX covered model-years 2015 to 2021. Point your search towards a 2018 or newer model to take advantage of various updates and enhancements applied mid-cycle, including updated interiors, updated exteriors, a new instrument cluster, new lighting safety features, and retuned steering, clutch, suspension and shifter to improve overall feel.

Considering a used WRX for year-round performance motoring? Steer clear of any model that’s been modified using non-factory parts and software, even if those have been removed. Some modifications can cause wear or damage that’s not covered by the remaining warranty and could result in unpleasant surprises for your wallet.

Assume the used WRX you’re considering needs new tires and brakes, until you’ve got proof to the contrary.

Both manual and automatic (CVT) options were available in this generation WRX, and while most owners haven’t reported powertrain trouble, test-driving shoppers should be on the lookout for unwanted sounds or vibrations from the clutch on manual-equipped models, which can be a sign of trouble.

If you’re going with an automatic, be triple-sure all transmission servicing and maintenance is up to date. Skipped or stretched servicing and inspection intervals can shorten the life of this component and cost you money.

You’ll pay more for fuel and insurance with a WRX than the more conventional Impreza model on which it’s based, but dollar-for-dollar, the WRX’s year-round capability and eye-widening traction make it tough to beat. 

Example: 2020 Subaru WRX 6-MT specifications

• Price (new): From $29,995
• Body type: Sedan
• Powertrain layout: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo flat-four
• Horsepower: 268
• Torque (lb-ft): 258
• Transmission: CVT / 6MT
• Curb weight: 1,567 kg (3,454 lb)
• NRCan fuel economy (combined): 10.4 L/100 km
• EPA fuel economy (combined): 19 MPG

The seasonal option: Ford Mustang

For some, driving a sports car is best left for special occasions, on nice days, and after hours of meticulous detailing and waxing beneath the summer sun. 

If you’re looking for a used sports car that you can pamper, fuss over and store indoors when the weather isn’t sports-car-friendly, then chances are you’ve heard of the Ford Mustang.

The sixth-generation Mustang marked a significant leap forward from its predecessors. It arrived for model-year 2015 and remained on sale through 2023. It was replaced by an all-new, seventh-generation Mustang for model-year 2024. 

If you’re a former owner feeling the itch to take the wheel again years later, you’ll find that the sixth-generation Mustang offers this car’s best-yet performance. If a sixth-generation Mustang will be your first sports car, you’ll find a selection of models from mild to wild, and options to perfectly match your desired blend of performance, efficiency and even top-down motoring.

Both coupe and convertible options are available, as well as powerful EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engines with a high-efficiency punch. The Coyote 5-litre V8 is a gem, with four variable cams and a free-breathing exhaust that keeps the party going to 7,000 RPM when you keep your foot down.

The slick, quick, six-speed stick and heavy-but-precise clutch pedal action help draw enthusiast drivers into the experience, roof optional.

Manual or automatic? Coupe or convertible? Four cylinders or eight? Shoppers love choices, and the sixth-generation Mustang offers plenty.

It’s also backed by one of the widest-reaching dealer networks in the country for servicing and support. This generation Mustang comes with the backing of previous Motor Trend Car of the Year awards, as well as the 2023 Best Value in America award in the sports car segment from Vincentric, which reports that the Mustang outperformed a half-dozen competitors by coming in below expected operating costs by over 7%.

What to look for in a used Ford Mustang

For the best possible experience with your new-to-you Mustang, seek out a factory-stock model that’s never been modified with non-factory software or parts, which could void remaining warranty. 

Have a professional determine where the tires, brakes, battery and fluids (including engine oil and filter) lie within their useful life, budgeting for replacements if necessary. 

Carefully inspect the top on convertible models for signs of rips, tears, abrasion, wear or rubbing. If you notice any, the roof assembly and hinges may require adjustment in a dealer setting. Open and close the motorized roof several times on your test drive, checking the owner’s manual for instructions. If the roof fails to complete its range of motion, or if you notice any error messages or unwanted sounds, have a professional investigate.

Be sure to maintain the battery in your used Mustang with a trickle charger if you won’t be driving it for extended periods, as this can prevent headaches and extend the lifespan of the battery, saving you money.

A healthy used Ford Mustang from later in this generation will put some of the industry’s most desirable performance technologies at your fingertips, as well as a high-performance, high-efficiency  punch for a package that returns maximum excitement for both your purchase dollars and your fuel dollars.

Example: 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost specifications

• Price (new): From $31,080
• Body type: Coupe/convertible
• Powertrain layout: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 2.3-litre turbo i-4
• Horsepower: 310
• Torque (lb-ft): 350
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / 10-speed automatic
• Curb weight: 1,681 kg (3,706 lb)
• NRCan fuel economy (combined): 9.4 L/100 km 
• EPA fuel economy (combined): 25 MPG

More about autos :

• Best used cars in Canada
• Best EVs in Canada
• Why car insurance premiums are rising and what to do about it
• Buying your first car in Canada: Insider tips from a salesperson
• How do car repair shops bill for services?

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The 10 Best Budget Carriers for Long-Haul Flights

By Rachel Chang

“Low-cost” and “ long-haul ” can feel like oxymorons when it comes to airlines, with seat comfort often sacrificed for affordable fares. But with several new budget international airlines launching around the world in recent years, it’s possible to snag perfectly-bearable long-haul flights for under $500 roundtrip.

This week, UK-based consulting firm Skytrax released their annual World Airline Awards , known within the aviation industry as the “Oscars of aviation.” Among this year’s winners are lesser-known airlines going the distance to provide affordable flight options in the long-haul low-cost airline category. Launched in 1999, the awards are based on passenger surveys completed by travelers representing over 100 different nationalities who make “their own, personal choices as to which airlines they consider to be the best, underlining the brand as the Passenger’s Choice Awards,” according to Skytrax’s methodology. A total of 21 million entries including 350 different airlines were submitted between September 2023 and May 2024 (airlines pay no entry fees and all survey costs are paid for by Skytrax).

Below, see the 10 top low-cost carriers in the long-haul category, according to the 2024 World Airline Awards, organized in descending order.

Toronto-based Air Canada launched its low-cost affiliate Air Canada rouge in 2013.

The top 10 budget international airlines in 2024

1. Scoot Scoot is the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines—which earned the No. 2 spot in the overall world’s top airlines category. The carrier serves 67 destinations in 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe. Launched in 2012, the airline has won several accolades since then, including membership to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2022 for its high safety standards. It holds the No. 1 spot in this Skytrax category for the fourth consecutive year.

We found roundtrip flights from Singapore to Phuket from $71, Kuala Lumpur to Taipei from $79, and Chennai to Sydney for $239.

2. Jetstar Airways This Qantas Group subsidiary is a part of the Jetstar Group, which had its first flight take off in 2004. Technically speaking, Jetstar Airways serves Australia and New Zealand, while its affiliates Jetstar Asia Airways and Jetstar Japan serve Asia. Together, they have 5,000 flights a day to more than 58 destinations in 18 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Having been voted the best low-cost airline in Australasia for the second time in three years, the airline has also been honored for its cabin crew and operational excellence.

We found roundtrip flights from from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City starting at $227, Sydney to Honolulu from $373, and Gold Coast to ChristChurch from $322.

3. Norse Atlantic Airways Celebrating the two-year anniversary of its inaugural flight from Oslo to New York this month, Norse Atlantic Airways has quickly made a name for itself, specializing in trans-Atlantic flights between the US and Europe. It snagged the No. 4 spot for best Northern European airline in the World Airline Awards as well. The carried, based in Arendal, Norway, has a fleet of 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and goes to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and Orlando in the United States; as well as Bangkok, Cape Town, Oslo, Athens, Berlin, London, Paris, and Rome.

We found roundtrip flights in economy light class (without any extras) from Los Angeles to London for $417 and New York to Oslo for $494.

4. Air Canada rouge Toronto-based Air Canada launched its low-cost affiliate Air Canada rouge in 2013 branding itself as a “leisure airline,” with flights in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America. Now fully integrated into the Air Canada network, passengers will simply see the rouge flights pop up in their searches when available on that route. Free checked bags are included on long-haul flights, and high-speed Wi-Fi is available for purchase. There's also a Premium Rouge class with priority check-in and boarding; wider seats with more leg room; free Wi-Fi, and meals on flights longer than two hours.

We found roundtrip flights from Montreal to Tulum for $278 and Toronto to Punta Cana at $280.

5. Zipair Japan Airlines began operations of its low-cost carrier Zipair in 2018. Based in Tokyo Narita (NRT), the subsidiary flies to four Asian destinations (Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, and Seoul) and five North American ones (Honolulu, Los Angeles, San José, San Francisco, and Vancouver). Wi-Fi is complimentary to all passengers of its 290-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. Also innovative: a contactless in-flight experience to order meals and goods from personal phones and tablets.

We found standard-class roundtrip flights from Honolulu to Tokyo for $519 and San Jose, California to Tokyo for $697.

6. AirAsia X While Malaysian company AirAsia took the overall best low-cost airline award for 2024 , its longer-haul affiliate AirAsia X snagged the No. 6 spot in this long-haul category. With three Asian hubs in ​​Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Denpasar in Bali, the subsidiary serves 29 destinations in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and one US destination, Hawaii (it was the first airline from Southeast Asia to receive Federal Aviation Administration approval to fly into the US). Booking is integrated into AirAsia’s greater network.

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We found roundtrip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul for $214 to Kuala Lumpur to Osaka for $278.

7. LEVEL Barcelona-based LEVEL specializes in connecting the Spanish hub with the Americas, with direct flights to five US cities—San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Miami—as well as Buenos Aires in Argentina and Santiago in Chile. Launched in 2017 by International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus, the brand is known for its simple and clean style and is one of the cheapest ways to get from the US to Spain.

We found $434 roundtrip flights from New York to Barcelona and $495 from San Francisco to Barcelona.

8. Cebu Pacific One of the longer running airlines to make the list, Philippines -based Cebu Pacific made its first flight from Manila to Cebu back in 1996, and has continued to serve destinations popular for Filipinos to travel, like Hong Kong and Dubai. The carrier has been switching to more eco-friendly Airbus A321neo and A330neo, and aims to run only neo aircraft by 2027. Not only did it welcome its 200 millionth passenger in 2022, it’s also been a leader in giving back, in particular to the UNICEF Change for Good program.

We found Cebu to Seoul flights starting at $66 and Manila to Dubai for $86 as part of Cebu Pacific's current seat sale .

9. French Bee Based in Paris’ Orly airport (ORY), French Bee has been offering its trademark à la carte flight experience since launching in 2016. With an all-Airbus fleet, the aircraft boast high ceilings, effective ambient lighting, and improved temperature control. French Bee flies from Paris to Punta Cana, Reunion Island, Tahiti, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Bora Bora.

We found roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Paris starting at $685 and Miami to Paris for $552.

10. Discover Airlines Lufthansa Group’s low-cost affiliate Discover operates out of Munich and its headquarters in Frankfurt. Running since 2021, the fleet of 27 aircraft is focused on leisure destinations in North America, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Some searches are integrated into the Lufthansa search engine.

Current flight deals include Frankfurt to Split, Croatia, from $159 and Frankfurt to Mauritius from $793.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

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The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

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KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

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Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

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Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

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It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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As with all X-1 coilovers Geoff’s Choice coilover sets feature some of the most advanced, most thoroughly R&D’d valving profiles money can buy. Our European style digressive valving provides damping force in all the right places. Stiff low speed gives you incredible handling and driver feedback with minimal body roll. High speed tapers off as shaft velocity increases which provides exceptionally smooth ride quality and keeps handling composed on a bad road. Particularly in this price range most coilover sets have to compromise between smooth ride quality and excellent handling. With the X-1 you truly get the best of both worlds. Aside from having one of the best digressive valving profiles at any price point these coilovers feature a wide rebound adjustment range. This allows you to dramatically change the characteristics of the coilovers simply by clicking the damping adjustment knobs (contrary to popular belief the number of clicks is not important. It’s what these clicks do that is important, and the range you find on the X-1 is larger than anything else in this price range). This range also makes the coilovers extremely modular because it allows you to modify spring rates in the future if your goals with handling or ride quality ever change.

The components we use are the best that money can buy. Pistons are both developed and CND’d in the United States. Shims are imported from Sweden and are made from some of the best quality steel in the world. Oil is either sourced from the United States or France depending on the application and valving profile. We use a high viscosity index group 5 synthetic ester based oil for long shock life and the ultimate consistency. Whether you are pulling out of your driveway on a cold January morning in Alaska or turning fast laps in mid July in Arizona our coilovers are exceptionally consistent. Bearings, shafts and seals are sourced from Japan. Every component has been selected specifically for long life and consistency.

This Geoff’s Choice coilover set comes standard with Swift springs. We developed these springs by working closely with Swift. We are very proud of them. They are the highest quality, smoothest riding spring in the world. They are considerably better quality than the springs other coilovers in the X-1’s price range are typically equipped with. These Cygnus Spec Swift Springs are made in Japan. They are extremely accurate and have almost no rate distortion. A spring that does not distort much (increasing rate upon compression) rides noticeably smoother. A very accurate spring provides noticeably more consistent handling. The car feels the same at the beginning of the corner as it does at the middle and end of the corner. It feels the same turning left and turning right. A spring may seem like a simple part, but high quality accurate springs are mission critical when it comes to getting the most out of your suspension. Every Cygnus Performance Swift spring is fully cycled and blocked at the factory to avoid any potential sag or settling. These springs are the lightest weight springs we have ever offered saving almost 1 lb per spring when compared to our previous version.

7k front and rear spring rates. After selling tens of thousands of coilover sets for these platforms we have found these rates to be a great option for customers who want to prioritize smooth ride quality while still improving handling.

The ride height range on this long travel set of coilovers is 0.3 inches higher than stock at the highest setting to 1.8 inches lower than stock at the lowest setting. These longer than typical coilover shocks offer many functional advantages including increased stroke, increased droop travel, increased oil capacity and increased heat dissipation surface area. These are all good things when it comes to consistency, handling, ride quality and shock longevity.

All Geoff’s Choice coilover sets come standard with Cygnus Performance High Caster Camber Plates. These are the best camber plates on the market for your Subaru. They feature a best in the industry 1.2° of positive caster which has many benefits including better dynamic camber characteristics, more front end grip, less understeer, better tire wear characteristics, better on center steering feel, better overall steering feel, better straight line stability and better high-speed stability. Improving straight line stability is particularly beneficial when you lower ride height since this throws off factory steering geometry.

Cygnus Performance High Caster Camber Plates are also an extremely well made plate. They are very thick with fully recessed hardware and dual camber adjustment channels for more rigidity and strength than anything else on the market. Zero flex even with hard hits means a better connection to the pillow ball housing. No issues with hairline cracks or catastrophic failures like you may have seen with other brands. Zero flex also means incredible driver feedback and handling. They are 100% made in the United States using US sourced raw materials.

This set includes the Motorsport Shock Upgrade* which consists of heavy duty triple bolt spherical housings with 50% more clamping force as well as clamping style ride height adjustment locking. This is an excellent upgrade with no downside. It will ensure years of easy adjustment, and it nearly eliminate any chance of these adjustments moving or slipping. *This upgrade has no effect on ride quality.

Our business model is very different from most of the competition. We don’t spend a single dime on advertising. We put everything we have into making the product as good as it can possibly be, and we sell coilovers directly to the consumer without any unnecessary middle men or distribution channels. We rely on happy customers spreading the word for most of our sales. That only works because we offer truly quality suspension that gets customers the best possible results for their money. We are here for a lifetime of support both before and after the sale, and we will do everything we can to ensure that your coilovers exceed your expectations. If you have any questions about this product or any of our products please click here to contact us and we will be glad to help.

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