As noted by nearly everyone else, it depends on your point of reference. I left a Boxster S for my 2018 Impreza Sport Hatchback when I moved from SoCal to Colombia. My driving is definitely different here. With CVT, the car is generally more than quick enough in my world. The roads here are filled with Dacia's, VW Gol's, Nissan Micros and by comparison, the Subie is a large, fast and luxo type of ride. I'm in Medellín we're like Denver altitude-wise. The car never really feels slow on most occasions.
I would have opted for a manual but the Subaru distributor only commissions automatics for the marketplace. As such the vague behavior inherent in most CVT boxes is part of the experience. From a standing stop, its adequate to about 100kph and then there's not enough air and torque to be nimble in the mountain roads. I think the CVT is definitely the area that requires the most improvement in the car.
As stated by other members, you have to work the motor/CVT to get the maximum performance, that's for sure. But, if you were expecting a non WRX Subaru to be a sports car killer, you will be disappointed. In my environment, I can drive competitively with most cars. And yes, I definitely have learned how to plan my moves in advance to compensate for the powertrain.
I am surprised how much I am enjoying my car and expect that you will, too. Good luck.
JRO