The WRX STI is a Subaru for buyers who love to drive. Its turbocharged engine will push it from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and the STI eats up the corners like a professional rally car. On top of all that performance is a sleek look, room for five, a roomy trunk, and lots of technology and safety features.
The 2017 WRX STI starts at $35,195 which is a $525 bump over last year’s price. The top-of-the-line STI Limited comes in at $39,995.
The one optional package that is available can jack up the price but it adds safety and navigation features. While not much has changed since last year’s model, the WRX STI is still a crazy-fun car to drive.
What's New for 2017
Little has changed for the 2017 model year. The STI gets a brand new tricot headliner as well as automatic headlights that now come standard. Blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert are now available on the base WRX STI.
The STI Limited with Eyesight now comes with reverse auto braking standard. This feature uses input from the rearview camera to stop the vehicle if it detects something behind it (think small child or bike laying on the ground) with no input from the driver.
Choosing Your Subaru WRX STI
The WRX STI has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood that produces 305 horsepower. It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that powers all four wheels. Despite being a speed demon, the WRX STI gets a respectable 23 mpg out on the highway and 17 in the city.
Two trims—Base and Limited—share the same engine and transmission, so the main differences are in equipment levels. There are a variety of dealer-installed accessories available for both the STI base and the Limited.
The WRX STI is a performance vehicle, and while it has many of the creature comforts that today’s drivers are used to, it will never be mistaken for a luxury vehicle. Cruise control and all of the usual power amenities grace the interior, as well as a leather wrapped steering wheel. Subaru’s seven-inch touchscreen serves as a multimedia center for voice activated controls, Bluetooth and satellite radio.
The base model starts at $35,195 but an optional package with blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, keyless start, a Harman Kardon sound system and navigation system pushes the price up by $2,600.
Accessories are also available and range from the performance upgrades to a $202 footwell illumination kit. The performance exhaust system costs $1,154, and adding carbon fiber trunk trim to your STI will set you back $225.
Upgrading to the STI Limited adds leather-trimmed seats, alloy wheels and a moonroof. It also adds keyless access with pushbutton start. Navigation, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are all standard on the Limited.
The STI Limited starts at $40,815—the only option is free and replaces the big wing with a low profile spoiler. A variety of accessories are available such as an auto-dimming mirror and Homelink, which cost $342 and door edge guards are a bargain at $147.
CarsDirect Tip
This is a performance car that tends to ride a bit rough so it can be a handful as a daily driver and commuter. While the Limited adds some nice features, the $40,000 sticker price may be more than most of us want to pay. The Base vehicle with the optional package delivers all of the performance and technology upgrades at a more affordable price point.
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