Subaru WRX STI

Overview: Is the Subaru WRX STI a Good Car?

The terms “sports car,” “all-weather capability,” and “everyday use” don’t often go together, but that’s the idea behind the Subaru WRX. Developed initially as a performance variant of the venerable Subaru Impreza, the WRX was spun off as a separate model in 2015. This effort included the base WRX and a more powerful WRX STI edition. Although Subaru launched a second-generation WRX in 2022, the company has yet to add an STI version to the latest model. So, you’ll only find the Subaru WRX STI among the 2015-2021 model years. These vehicles are treasured by Subari fans and readily available as second-hand vehicles. They are praised for their high-power engines, all-wheel drive, and day-to-day practicality.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Subaru WRX STI cars for sale.

Find a used Subaru WRX STI for sale.

Key Features

The Subaru WRX STI has:

• Sedan body style
• Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Manual transmission
• All-wheel drive

Trims

While the regular Subaru WRX has three trims (base, Premium, and Limited), only two versions of the WRX STI (base and Limited) exist. Subaru also offered a limited-run Launch Edition for the WRX STI’s debut year (2015).

Learn More: 2022 Subaru WRX Reliability: What To Know Before Investing In Your Purchase

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

First and foremost, the WRX STI is a compact sedan. So, the front seats offer comfortable accommodations while the back seat has less generous legroom. The second row can also be tight with three passengers. The 12 cubic-foot trunk works well for grocery runs and weekend getaways but is smaller than other vehicles in this class. A touchscreen infotainment system with navigation has been available or standard throughout the WRX STI’s six-year production run. However, driver-assist technologies have been restricted to blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert (and only on the Limited trim). At the time, Subaru’s well-regarded EyeSight system wasn’t compatible with a manual transmission vehicle.

How It Drives

Subaru tuned the WRX STI’s suspension for performance, resulting in a firm and composed ride. Rough surfaces can be more noticeable, but the trade-off is confident cornering. Meanwhile, a potent turbocharged engine provides thrilling acceleration. Smiling and commuting aren’t mutually exclusive with the WRX STI.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) didn’t conduct safety testing of the Subaru WRX until 2020. The 2021 edition was also evaluated, and both years received five-star scores in most of NHTSA’s assessments. The front driver-side crash test resulted in a still-acceptable four-star rating. The WRX also received a perfect five-star score for rollover resistance.

Reviews

Kelley Blue Book doesn’t break out separate owner reviews for the STI, but the WRX from 2015-2021 has a high owner rating, 4.5 out of 5.0. Consumers praised this Subaru model’s performance and reliability.

Related: Are Subarus Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

FAQS

Is WRX STI fast?

While not as quick as a pure sports car like a Ford Mustang GT or Chevrolet Corvette, the WRX STI is still plenty fast. Car and Driver reports that a 2021 Subaru WRX STI only needs 5.3 seconds to go from a standstill to 60 MPH.

Is a WRX and an STI the same?

Yes and no. An STI is a WRX, but not all WRXs are STIs. The WRX is a performance-oriented Subaru model, while the STI is a WRX variant offering even more capabilities.

How much horsepower does the STI have?

The WRX STI has 305-310 horsepower, depending on the model year.

Check out used Subaru WRX sales.