Price
The 2019 Subaru WRX STI starts at $36,595. The next level up is the WRX STI Series.Gray, which has the same MSRP as the base STI. The STI Limited stands one level above the Series.Gray and starts at $41,395. Subaru will also offer a limited-edition S209 (more on this vehicle later), which Subaru calls “the most powerful, best handling, and most exciting” STI vehicle to date.
Though pricing has not yet been announced for the S209, expect a sizable premium over the Limited model. And given only 200 will be built, there's the possibility of dealer markups. If all this is a bit steep for your budget, there’s a non-STI-branded Subaru WRX. It makes a little less power, isn’t as raw, and starts at a very affordable $27,195.
Powertrain
STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, and is the Japanese automaker’s motorsports division. STI-badged passenger vehicles represent decades of Subaru rally racing experience applied to road cars.
Subaru engines are arranged in a flat-H pattern, also known as a “Boxer” engine. This provides a lower center of gravity, which is ideal for racing and performance driving. The WRX STI’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine makes 310 horsepower (a 5-horsepower bump from last year) and 290 pound-feet of torque.
The S209 takes the STI’s engine and ramps up the turbocharger’s boost pressure, resulting in an estimated output of 341 horsepower. Torque is said to increase by 10 percent, so about 319 pound-feet.
Both vehicles send power through a six-speed manual transmission to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The WRX STI also features SI-Drive, which can tweak the power profile of the engine, with Sport, Sport Sharp, and Intelligent drive modes.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy for the 2019 Subaru WRX STI is 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The STI S209’s gas mileage estimates haven’t been released yet. The WRX STI requires premium fuel.
Ride and Handling
Some enthusiasts measure fun by straight-line power, but with the WRX, acceleration is just a means to achieve the appropriate velocity to tackle corners with aggression. A taut suspension and well-weighted steering work together to make the WRX a true driver’s car, and the STI is even more dialed-in.
The WRX STI comes standard with Brembo performance brakes and a Driver Controlled Center Differential, or DCCD. Operated via a toggle in the center console down by the shifter, DCCD can tune the power delivery with incremental adjustments.
The downside of this performance-first approach is that daily drivability suffers. The ride is quite firm, and can be harsh over rough roads. Factor in the manual-only transmission, and driving the WRX STI in stop-and-go traffic can be a bit of a chore.
Interior Design
The cabin of the WRX STI places function over form, and leaves concerns over cabin materials to the wayside. Yes, some rivals have higher quality materials, but the STI’s controls are well organized, and there are plenty of well-sized compartments, cubbies, and cup holders.
The WRX STI provides 12 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s less than many other similarly sized sedans, but it features standard split-folding rear seats, which can open up more usable space at the expense of the rear seats.
Interior Features
The WRX STI has a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system (compared to the non-STI WRX’s 6.5-inch screen) that runs the latest version of Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system. The screen features bright icons and easy-to-read fonts and graphics. This system also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The WRX also comes standard with two USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. It can be optioned up with with features like navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Seating
In performance vehicles, seat bolstering is crucial, and the WRX STI is no different. Seat bolsters like the ones in the STI’s sport seats help keep occupants in place in hard cornering. Despite the extra padding, the front seats are still comfortable and provide adequate space for drivers of all sizes.
The WRX STI can also be outfitted with available Recaro performance bucket seats (standard on the STI Limited). While firm, these seats offer even more side bolstering, and are a must for any owner looking to take their STI to a track day.
Compact sedans often force owners to make sacrifices in areas such as rear seat space. Surprisingly then, the WRX STI provides adequate space, even for taller adults. More impressive, this can be accomplished even when taller drivers are occupying the front seats.
Both front and rear seats have a racy two-tone black-and-red interior. They come standard with cloth upholstery, and are available with leather and suede.
Safety Features
Standard safety features on the WRX STI include a rearview camera, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, and steering-responsive headlights. Moving up to the WRX STI Limited adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
What you won’t find on the WRX STI (standard or optional) is Subaru’s fantastic EyeSight suite of driver assistance systems. Many EyeSight features, such as forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control require an automatic transmission to ensure safe computer-initiated braking. The STI’s manual-only setup prevents EyeSight availability on the STI.
WRX STI
The ideal turnkey daily drivable sports car, the WRX STI turns heads with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, summer performance tires, a high trunk spoiler and a functional hood scoop. Inside, the STI comes with dual-zone climate control, STI-specific gauges, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.
An all-weather package adds heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer – an incredibly helpful feature for drivers in colder climates. The WRX STI can also be upgraded with a Kicker audio system.
WRX STI Limited
The STI Limited adds a power moonroof, Recaro performance bucket seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, remote keyless access, push-button start, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
If you’d prefer your WRX STI to be more of a sleeper, the Limited is available with the more low-profile lip spoiler found on the non-STI WRX model. Of course, if you want to go in the other direction, Subaru offers plenty of STI-branded upgrades, like a performance exhaust, a front lip spoiler, and a vortex generator, which is a strip of small finlets across the top of the rear window.
WRX STI S209
The S209 is the most hardcore road car ever developed for Subaru. It features an upgraded HKS turbocharger, as well as forged pistons, a high-flow fuel pump, larger injectors, and a revised exhaust system. It also features an intercooler water sprayer, operated via a button on the steering wheel.
This model offers more than just a heavily upgraded engine. It’s also lower and wider, with heavily revised body work. It comes with 9-inch BBS wheels, Bilstein performance shocks, and upgraded Brembo brakes.
This exclusive, more powerful version of the STI S209 is technically not a Subaru. Due to the extensive revisions and upgrades made, it will actually be sold as an STI-branded model. The run of about 200 is required for homologation (the practice of building enough to be considered a production car). Pricing will become available closer to launch in late 2019.
Competition
As compact cars with 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive go, there’s the Volkswagen Golf R, and the Ford Focus RS (the latter of which has been discontinued following the 2018 model year). The Golf R has a more refined interior, understated styling, and feels a bit more adult than the WRX STI does with its race-ready looks.
Another logical competitor is the Honda Civic Type R. At $35,700, it costs about the same as the STI, and provides a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It also features styling seemingly designed to one-up the WRX STI.
Branching out of the hot-hatch segment, what other vehicles deliver the same combination of around 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and cost around $35,000-$40,000? One option is the Ford Fusion Sport. It has a twin-turbocharged V6, making 325 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Like the Golf R, the Fusion Sport has more refined styling and acts as something of a sleeper.
Finally, there’s the Kia Stinger GT and its twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6, making 365 horsepower. The Stinger GT starts at $39,100, and all-wheel drive adds $2,200.
Click on to see more photos of the Subaru WRX STI.
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 vent above the front wheel
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 rear badge
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
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2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 exhaust
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
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2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
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2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
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2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 engine
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 side badge
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
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2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 carbon fiber roof
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 wheel and cross-drilled brake
2019 Subaru WRX STI: Additional Photos
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209
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A Rally Car You Can Daily Drive
For most drivers, one vehicle will satisfy most of your needs. The typical sedan or crossover is ideal for the daily driver – they do a lot of things well, namely they’re usually comfortable and easy to drive. But if you are a performance enthusiast, your priorities shift.
If you crave a hard-driving car, but also need a practical vehicle for daily commuting, the Subaru WRX is a fantastic solution. It has all-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged engine, but if you want an even more hardcore ride, the WRX STI dials the performance to 11. It looks aggressive, and can carve up winding back streets and gravel roads. The WRX STI can also be a hoot in the snow, all while providing four doors and seating for five.
Read on to find out more about the WRX STI lineup.