2018 Subaru WRX STI Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

The Subaru WRX STI has been a mainstay on the sport-compact effectiveness scene for yrs. Accessible only in a sedan overall body design the STI is a severely quick street rocket with conventional all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a 305-hp turbocharged flat-4 engine. In just its course, having said that, this Subie lacks the Honda Civic Variety R’s flypaper-like grip, the Ford Concentrate RS’s heady thrust, and the Volkswagen Golf R’s in close proximity to-luxury refinement. For all its heightened responsiveness and rally-bred chutzpah, the STI can truly feel stiff on the highway, its motor is vulnerable to sizeable turbo lag, and its significant selling price does not consist of as lots of modern-day conveniences as you may well be expecting.

What’s New for 2018?

Tweaks for 2018 contain a resculpted front bumper with conventional adaptive LED headlights, dim-completed 19-inch wheels, and up-to-date Brembo brakes with shiny-yellow calipers. The finest mechanical improve is a new, fully digital heart differential, which Subaru promises will deliver enhanced handling and security. You can find also a modestly current cabin with sprinklings of nicer products, supplemental audio insulation, and a handful of up to date options. For dedicated fanatics, Subaru offers an even zestier WRX STI Sort RA product with a little bit more electricity and upgraded managing gear—but only 500 will be constructed.

Pricing

Primary MSRP:

  • Foundation: $36,955
  • Limited: $41,755
  • Style RA: $49,855

    Engine, Transmission, and Effectiveness

    Together with some preliminary lag from the STI’s huge turbo spooling up, the engine’s absence of reduced-conclude grunt manifests in a limited, punchy energy shipping and delivery that can be cumbersome close to town. The 2.5-liter flat-four’s output is a first rate 305 horsepower at 6000 rpm, however its complete 290 lb-ft of torque does not come on the web until a lofty 4000 revs. Thus, performing the STI’s standard six-pace manual gearbox is a need to to hold the vehicle pulling strongly. The extra radical RA product makes 310 hp and the same 290 lb-ft of torque. Like numerous tricky-main all-wheel-push activity-compacts, the STI is severely quick on a wide range of surfaces and is very best savored when driven aggressively. Regrettably, when it is time to cruise, it’s a bit tough edged. The firm suspension retains abnormal human body motion in check at the expense of experience comfort, but this most popular Subaru is nonetheless livable as a everyday driver—for fans.

    Fuel Overall economy

    EPA gasoline-economic system screening and reporting procedures have altered about time. For the hottest quantities on present-day and more mature autos, stop by the EPA’s internet site and pick Uncover & Assess Cars and trucks.

    Inside, Comfort, and Cargo

    The WRX STI’s cabin is really primary in high-quality, layout, and function count. In spite of the crimson seatbelts and purple accents on the optional Recaro seats, the ambiance is somewhat dark. The STI may not be high-class, but it is pleasantly functional, with properly-put controls, shiny gauges, and intuitive ergonomics. The optional Recaro seats are not inexpensive, but their additional supportiveness is appreciated when driving the STI tough, with minor tradeoff in ease and comfort. The STI is rather capacious, many thanks to a roomy trunk and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Even so, all of the Subaru’s competitors supply higher flexibility for swallowing cargo.

    Infotainment and Connectivity

    The WRX STI arrives common with a mid-stage edition of Subaru’s Starlink infotainment program. When not the most sophisticated or maximum-resolution setup on the industry, it operates intuitively and has a array of modern-day functions, even while Apple CarPlay and Android Car are not among them. STI products arrive with a 7.-inch touchscreen, which can then be upgraded—via the Restricted trim level—with navigation and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Together with two USB ports, all STIs attribute SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth smartphone integration with a host of apps.

    Security Features and Crash Exam Ratings

    For a lot more information and facts about the Subaru WRX STI’s crash-exam outcomes, take a look at the Nationwide Freeway Targeted traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance plan Institute for Highway Protection (IIHS) internet sites.

    Guarantee

    Some more mature automobiles are continue to qualified for protection underneath a manufacturer’s Qualified Pre-Owned (CPO) method. For much more information stop by our manual to every manufacturer’s CPO application.