2021 Subaru WRX STI

MSRP range: $37,245

Subaru WRX STI Limited w/Wing Sedan Exterior

6.9/10 Expert Rating

+28

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MSRP	$38,170
Edmunds suggests you pay	$36,736

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2021

Subaru WRX for Sale

2021 Subaru WRX Review

Reese Counts

Pros

Spacious cabin with excellent visibility
Entertaining handling
Standard all-wheel drive can enhance traction and performance

ConsWhat's new

The 2021 Subaru WRX is one of the more affordable performance cars on the market. It's got a relatively powerful turbocharged engine that sends power to the wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system. It handles well too, with responsive steering and plenty of grip. Subaru also offers the top-level STI trim with a more powerful engine and a variety of other performance upgrades.

The WRX is showing its age, though, especially inside. While it's had some small updates over the years, the basic design dates back to the previous-generation Subaru Impreza that debuted nearly a decade ago. As such, the WRX isn't as refined or fresh as rivals such as the Hyundai Veloster and Honda Civic. It's loud on the street, too, and not in the way we want a sports car to be. Are these deal-breakers? Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to help you decide.

Edmunds' Expert Rating
Rated for you by America’s best test team
Our verdict	6.9 / 10
The WRX's combination of a high-performance engine and standard all-wheel drive is rare for a small performance car. If you drive it hard, the WRX can be relatively quick in a straight line, and handling is entertaining. Unfortunately, unrefined or unavailable in-car tech, a bumpy ride, sluggish throttle response in town, and a high cost of entry are all major deterrents. We'd recommend taking a closer look at one of its many highly skilled rivals.
How does the WRX drive?	7.0
There was a time when the WRX was a class benchmark in terms of speed and driving. But that time has passed. Acceleration is a surprisingly jerky and unpleasant experience. Full-throttle shifts cause massive lurches forward, and leaving the line quickly requires a launch technique that we feel is mechanically abusive. Once you're up to speed, though, the WRX becomes more entertaining. Around corners, the WRX has decent grip and changes direction quickly. The steering wheel relates information the way you'd want it to. The Brembo brakes are easy to use in routine driving, and we didn't experience any fade in high-performance driving.
How comfortable is the WRX?	7.5
For a high-performance small car, the WRX is pretty competent in the comfort department. The optional Recaro seats are well bolstered and easy to adjust. Ride quality is less impressive. Small bumps aren't an issue, but large bumps and highway imperfections definitely upset the ride. There's also plenty of wind noise generated around the mirrors while on the highway. The WRX's climate control blows cold air fast even on a hot day. The automatic controls are easy to set and forget. Two-level heated seats up front are quick to warm up too.
How’s the interior?	8.0
One of the highlights of driving a WRX is the interior's spacious and airy feel. The cabin is roomy enough to fit four adults easily, with large door openings that make it easy to slide into or out of all four major seating positions. Visibility is excellent, with thin roof pillars and large windows as well as a big windshield to see through. The cabin is well laid out, with logically arranged and easy-to-learn controls. Unfortunately, the driving position is a bit funky because of the steering wheel's limited tilt adjustment. Also, the center armrest is located too far back to be useful.
How’s the tech?	6.0
The crisp-looking touchscreen in the WRX Premium is aesthetically pleasing, and it responds to commands quickly. Smartphone connection via USB is quick as well, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Once you start operating Subaru's Starlink system, however, things begin to fall apart. Audio quality is substandard and the options list is missing several features. Navigation isn't available, and the voice controls are difficult to use. Another issue: On manual transmission-equipped cars, you don't have access to Subaru's suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.
How’s the storage?	6.5
Whether you're comparing the WRX to its hatchback or sedan rivals, it falls behind class leaders in terms of cargo space and small-item storage. In both categories, it's got enough space to get by, but it doesn't offer any smart solutions in the interior. It also doesn't offer a particularly spacious trunk at 12 cubic feet. If you're buying a WRX with a child seat in mind, there's plenty of space in the back seat, with easily accessed anchor points and enough room for a large rear-facing seat. Load-in should be easy thanks to the wide-opening doors.
How economical is the WRX?	5.5
The WRX has some of the worst fuel economy in its class by EPA standards. With the manual transmission, the WRX gets an estimated 23 mpg combined, which is lower than even high-performance rivals such as the Civic Type R (25 mpg). Our test WRX averaged 24.1 mpg on our highway-biased 115-mile evaluation route, which indicates the EPA figures should be pretty accurate.
Is the WRX a good value?	6.0
You have to really want a WRX to buy a WRX. Fuel economy ratings are some of the worst in the class, interior quality is uninspiring, and the price can be hard to justify when you start considering the missing features. A loaded-up WRX can cost as much as a Civic Type R, which is simply a better car. For the class, the WRX's warranty is average: three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and corrosion coverage for five years/unlimited miles. Roadside assistance lasts the life of the basic warranty.
Wildcard	7.0
The WRX moves quickly between corners, but it does so with less poise than most of its competition. If you've driven a car that's been modified with go-fast aftermarket parts, it's sort of like that — an assortment of upgrades that don't quite play well together. If you're committed to getting a performance Impreza, we think the STI holds a bit more sway in this category, even if it's significantly less comfortable on the open road.

Which WRX does Edmunds recommend?

Get the WRX Limited trim. It's not as powerful or capable as the STI, but it offers more features at a lower price and is more comfortable in day-to-day driving.

Subaru WRX models

The 2021 Subaru WRX sedan is available in five trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, STI and STI Limited. The base, Premium and Limited trims use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. An automatic is available as an option on certain trims. Stepping up to the WRX STI gets you a turbocharged 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (310 hp, 290 lb-ft of torque) paired exclusively with a six-speed manual.

Base
A base WRX is somewhat of a performance bargain. It lacks some of the creature comforts you'll find on other trims, but it does offer the same level of performance as other non-STI models. Standard features include:

17-inch wheels with performance tires
Manually adjustable front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
Two USB ports
Automatic climate control
6.5-inch infotainment screen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Premium
The WRX Premium includes all of the base trim's features, adding:

Optional automatic transmission
Sunroof
18-inch wheels with performance tires
Foglights
Keyless entry with push-button start
Automatic headlights
7-inch infotainment display
All-Weather package

Windshield wiper de-icer
Heated front seats

Automatic-equipped models also include Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system that includes:

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

Limited
The Limited trim builds off the WRX Premium with:

LED headlights and foglights
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Leather upholstery

An option package for the Limited adds:

Navigation system
Harman Kardon audio system
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Reverse automatic emergency braking (CVT-equipped only; warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

STI
The WRX STI is the hottest and most powerful model in Subaru's lineup. It's only available with a six-speed manual transmission with shorter gearing than the WRX's manual, so EyeSight isn't available. Standard features generally mirror those on the WRX Limited. Changes and upgrades include:

19-inch wheels with performance tires
Adjustable drive modes
Adjustable center differential
Quicker-ratio steering
STI-tuned suspension
Brembo brakes
STI rear spoiler
Manually adjustable front seats
Leather and simulated suede upholstery
Dual-zone automatic climate control
No sunroof
No foglights
Optional Recaro front sport seats

STI Limited
The top-level WRX model features all of the STI's performance upgrades. Additional features include:

Sunroof
Front Recaro sport seats
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Navigation system and Harman Kardon audio system
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Optional low-profile spoiler

Save as much as $1,434 with Edmunds

2021 Subaru WRX STI pricing

in Ashburn, VA

STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

STI

2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M

$36,736

4 for sale in 20147

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2021 Subaru WRX video

2019 Subaru WRX STI First Look | NY Auto Show

WILL KAUFMAN: Subaru fans rejoice. Subaru is finally bringing one of their limited run special edition STI models to the United States. And this one is a United States-only model. In recent years, it seems like the STI hasn't quite been getting the love it deserves. It's running an older engine on an older platform. In order to keep the car fresh, Subaru Technica International, Subaru's skunkworks, has gone over the car from nose to tail, making a bunch of changes to make it faster, more aggressive, better handling, and more desirable. From the outside, some of the changes are pretty obvious. Fender flares have been added, widening the car's track by about 1.7 inches. That means that this STI wears the widest tires on any Subaru yet. You'll also notice the carbon fiber roof to reduce weight, and the carbon fiber wing to increase downforce. Under the hood, you'll still find an EJ motor, but in S209, Subaru has added a larger HKS turbo charger. They've upgraded the intercooler. They've upgraded the pistons. They've done a lot of work to bring the power in this motor up to 341 horsepower. STI has also done a lot of work on this STI's suspension. They've overhauled a lot of the components under there. They've added bigger brakes for better stopping power as well. The only transmission you're going to find on an S209 is the six speed manual, which is the way things should be. Inside the, cabin along with some minor visual updates, you'll also find a little paddle on the steering wheel that lets you spray water onto the turbo intercooler, a nod to older STIs. Subaru is only going to be making 200 of the 2019 WRX STI S209. So if you want one, you should get in line now. For more information about the 2019 Subaru WRS STI S209, sure to check out our full first look on edmunds.com/roadnoise. And for more videos like this, stay tuned right here to YouTube. Make sure to like and subscribe.

2019 Subaru WRX STI First Look | NY Auto Show

NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Subaru WRX, but since the 2021 Subaru WRX is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Subaru has finally brought one of its limited-edition, super-hot S cars to the U.S.: the 2019 WRX STI S209. Subaru says this is the fastest STI it has ever made. But with only 200 being produced, you may never get the chance to find out. Edmunds News Editor Will Kaufman gets up close

Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: $37,245

MPG & Fuel: 16 City / 22 Hwy / 18 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: all wheel drive; Transmission: 6-speed manual

Engine: Flat 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 310 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Basic Warranty: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 180.9 in. / Height: 58.1 in. / Width: 70.7 in.; Curb Weight: 3450 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 12.0 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite WRX safety features:

EyeSight Assist Monitor: Projects alerts and warnings (about pedestrians, potential collisions) into a head-up display on the windshield.
Reverse Automatic Braking System: Automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond to alerts and obstacles while backing up.
EyeSight Lane Keep Assist: Recognizes lane markings on both sides of the car and will guide you back to the middle if you drift too far from the center.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	10.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	Good

Subaru WRX vs. the competition

2021 Subaru WRX

2021 Subaru WRX

2021 Honda Civic

2021 Honda Civic

Subaru WRX vs. Honda Civic

Honda's hot hatch packs a powerful turbocharged engine paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. It doesn't have all-wheel drive, but we think it's one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever produced. The interior and tech are a step up from the Subaru's too. In the WRX's favor: its lower pricing.

Compare Subaru WRX & Honda Civic features

Subaru WRX vs. Hyundai Veloster

One of the newest entries into the hot hatch segment, the Veloster N has quickly become one of our favorite small performance cars. It is definitely small, though, with less rear passenger space than the WRX. We like the Veloster N's turbocharged four-cylinder engine and athletic handling, but all-wheel drive isn't available.

Compare Subaru WRX & Hyundai Veloster features

Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI

The original hot hatch is an icon of affordable performance. The GTI uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine like the WRX, but it can't match the WRX's superior performance and lacks the Subaru's all-wheel drive. The VW has the edge on the Subaru in interior quality and overall refinement, and its hatch design makes it somewhat more practical.

Compare Subaru WRX & Volkswagen Golf GTI features

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2021 Subaru WRX First Impressions

by the Edmunds Experts

•05/14/2020

What is the WRX?

The WRX is Subaru's high-performance compact sedan. It offers the practicality of a four-door sedan along with the utility of all-wheel drive and way more power than your average four-door Subie. Typically, the WRX is available in two performance levels: the standard WRX and the pumped-up STI.

While other Subaru models such as the Crosstrek, Forester and Impreza already ride on the Subaru Global Platform, the 2020 WRX didn't make the jump yet — we expect that will change for 2021. With the move to the new platform, the WRX will probably get an updated infotainment system, added driver aids and new interior touches. The platform is also slightly larger, meaning the WRX will get a longer wheelbase and a wider stance. And a bigger footprint will bring bigger power — likely in the form of Subaru's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (also known as the FA24).

Subaru's 2.4-liter engine already provides power for the Ascent and versions of the Legacy and Outback. In those applications, the 2.4-liter engine produces 260 horsepower, but in the WRX and WRX STI, it will likely make much more. With the current WRX putting out 268 hp and the STI producing 310 hp, we expect the next-generation models to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 to 350 hp. When you consider modern rivals like the Honda Civic Type R, the Hyundai Veloster and the Volkswagen Golf R, a 400-horsepower WRX would certainly have a leg up on the competition.

Edmunds says

The WRX is a fast, fun, practical option, especially if you need all-wheel-drive for winter weather — and the redesign coming for 2021 is likely to make it even faster and more capable. With such a big change in the offing, we'd certainly understand the temptation to hold off on buying a current-gen WRX. We don't expect full details on the next-gen WRX to be announced until late 2020.

Check back soon for more information on the WRX including photos, specs, and a complete look.

FAQ

Is the Subaru WRX a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 WRX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.9 out of 10. You probably care about Subaru WRX fuel economy, so it's important to know that the WRX gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the WRX has 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru WRX. Learn more

What's new in the 2021 Subaru WRX?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Subaru WRX:

Keyless entry and push-button start now standard on the Premium trim
Based on the fourth Subaru Impreza generation introduced for 2012

Is the Subaru WRX reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru WRX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the WRX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the WRX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Subaru WRX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 WRX and gave it a 6.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 WRX is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2021 Subaru WRX?

The least-expensive 2021 Subaru WRX is the 2021 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,245.

Other versions include:

STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $37,245

What are the different models of Subaru WRX?

If you're interested in the Subaru WRX, the next question is, which WRX model is right for you? WRX variants include STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). For a full list of WRX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2021 Subaru WRX

2021 Subaru WRX STI Overview

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI is offered in the following styles: STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). The 2021 Subaru WRX STI comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual. The 2021 Subaru WRX STI comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.

What do people think of the 2021 Subaru WRX STI?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 WRX STI.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 WRX STI featuring deep dives into trim levels including STI, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2021 Subaru WRX STI here.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2021 Subaru WRX STI?

2021 Subaru WRX STI STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

The 2021 Subaru WRX STI STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $38,170. The average price paid for a new 2021 Subaru WRX STI STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1,434 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,434 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $36,736.

The average savings for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 3.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 7 2021 Subaru WRX STI STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburn area.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2021 Subaru WRX STIS are available in my area?

2021 Subaru WRX STI Listings and Inventory

There are currently 7 new 2021 Subaru WRX STIS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $38,772 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $1,200 on a new, used or CPO 2021 Subaru WRX STI available from a dealership near you.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Subaru WRX STI for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2021 Subaru WRX WRX STI you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Subaru for sale - 12 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $9,063.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2021 Subaru WRX STI and all available trim types: STI. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2021 Subaru WRX STI include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

What is the MPG of a 2021 Subaru WRX STI?

2021 Subaru WRX STI STI 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 6-speed manual, premium unleaded (required)
18 compined MPG,
16 city MPG/22 highway MPG

EPA Est. MPG	18
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drive Train	all wheel drive
Displacement	2.5 L
Passenger Volume	108.6 cu.ft.

Wheelbase	104.3 in.
Length	180.9 in.
Width	70.7 in.
Height	58.1 in.
Curb Weight	3450 lbs.

Should I lease or buy a 2021 Subaru WRX?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Subaru lease specials

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