What's New
Light changes are on the docket for the 2020 Subaru WRX STI, including now-standard keyless entry with push-button start. Redesigned engine bay cooling ducts in the front bumper, and a new wheel color round out the updates.
Choosing Your Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is offered in two trims: base WRX STI, and WRX STI Limited. Pricing starts at $37,895 including destination for the base model and hits $42,595 for the Limited.
Engine Choices
Subaru equips the WRX STI with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and makes 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. This all-wheel-drive model features active torque vectoring and multi-mode vehicle control. The STI achieves an EPA-estimated 16 miles per gallon city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
If you’re looking for a small family sedan, you can justify the Subaru WRX STI for that reason as it can seat five, although we doubt that’s your intention. The front bucket seats feature grippy, yet comfortable fabric with moderate bolstering, or you can upgrade to the Recaro seats which are thickly bolstered. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy with enough space for three, at least in a pinch.
The trunk is small for this class, measuring in at just 12 cubic feet. Subaru no longer offers a hatchback, which would alleviate this problem.
Safety Features
You won’t find the same high level of safety equipment with the WRX STI as you would on most other Subaru models. Namely, the company’s EyeSight suite of driver-assist safety features isn't available. We expect the next-generation model to change this when it arrives.
The Limited model does come with blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert standard.
Connectivity
The STI gets a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, two USB ports, and an app suite.
Upgrading to the Limited brings navigation and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
WRX STI - From $37,895
There's nothing basic about the standard WRX STI model. This one comes with LED steering responsive headlights, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a trunk spoiler, front and rear limited-slip differentials, a Brembo performance braking system, and a sport-tuned suspension.
Inside, leather upholstery with suede trim, heated front seats, a six-way manual driver seat, dual-zone climate control, a multi-function instrument panel display, and an STI-branded leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel come standard.
Recaro front seats designed for the enthusiast are available for $2,250, which also includes an eight-way power driver seat. Keep in mind that the side bolsters aren't adjustable.
WRX STI Limited - From $42,595
For an additional $4,700, the Limited brings in a moonroof, navigation, the Recaro front seats, the eight-way power driver seat, the Harman Kardon audio system, and the aforementioned active safety features.
For no cost, buyers can choose a lower profile trunk spoiler.
Compare WRX STI Trims Side-By-Side
If you want the Recaro seats but not all the other Limited trim upgrades, you can opt for the package on the standard 2020 Subaru WRX STI model. However, the Limited is worth it in our eyes, considering the modest price premium and the desirability of the moonroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio system.