Top 10 Facts You Need To Know About The Subaru WRX STI Before Buying

The STI division was incorporated by Subaru in 1988 and it has been consistent in what it does best. Coming to the WRX STI is the tuned version of the “regular” WRX sedan and before 2014, the STI was based on the Impreza sedan. The WRX STI was the most powerful iteration of the sedan and came with some magical touches from the STI as well. Even though Subaru did retire from rally races, the WRX STI reminds every bit of rallying with its exceptional handling, performance, and iconic standard AWD layout. Moreover, the exterior styling and the color options made its owners quite close to a rally car. Even though the WRX STI has been discontinued after the 2022 model year, the sedan still refuses to get old but loses out to its rivals when it comes to fuel economy.

 10. “World Rally eXperimental”

Yep, that’s what the WRX stands for. Even though the brand did not make it clear exactly what it means, an educated guess can be taken though. The WRX badge first appeared in 1995 on the Impreza while the WRX STI here is the most powerful and extreme version. With the WRX badge, Subaru made the vehicles carrying them sportier than their regular models such as giving the engines a higher state of tune, sportier steering setup, and a stiffer suspension setup.

9. A unique AWD setup

One of the iconic parts of not only the WRX STI, but a majority of Subaru vehicles out there, is the standard Symmetrical AWD layout. On the STI though, the system is more capable. Subaru has given the driver the liberty to control the central differential where the power from the motor is delivered first. Unlike other optional AWD layouts in its class, about 70 percent of the power is sent to the rear wheels which makes driving on slippery roads, snowy roads, and dirt tracks a breeze.

 8. Robust build

Dirt tracks and almost unpaved roads are what the WRX STI calls home. While carrying both the WRX and the STI badge, it is the most robust version of the sedan, and can happily take on beaten paths. Even while driving in the urban jungle, you need not worry about potholes and rough patches of tarmac, the car can take it all.

7. Excellent aftermarket support

The WRX STI has been discontinued quite recently and hasn’t become obsolete yet. Moreover, if you choose to get an older model of the car, the aftermarket support for them is still impressive. Furthermore, the WRX STI also offers plenty of tunability too.

 6. Still has a hydraulic steering system

While almost all the modern cars out there have moved to an electrically assisted power steering setup, the WRX STI went out in style with a hydraulic unit. While EPS is easier to drive, it surely lacks the pin-point precision and direct feel of a hydraulic unit. And that’s the reason, you’ll love piloting the STI as well.

5. Fuel economy isn’t its strongest point

To stay true to its strengths, Subaru did not upgrade the turbocharged flat-4 on the STI. Yes, it does make plenty of power but fuel economy is where it lacks. However, the 15.9-gallon gas tank helps squeeze out some decent driving range figures though.

4. Isn’t offered anymore

And this is the most disheartening part. The WRX STI bid us adieu after the 2021 model year and Subaru doesn’t plan to bring it in its usual form in the future. However, it might make a comeback with a hybrid powertrain. In the used car market though, plenty of well-maintained examples are available, and get yourself one while you still can.

3. The 6-speed manual bliss!

Manual transmission is something we have already started to miss badly. And the manual WRX STI has also left us too. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to own a 6-speed manual transmission-equipped WRX STI though and the gearbox is truly a gem to drive as well.

2. Still an affordable performance sedan

As we mentioned before, the WRX STI is still one of the last sports cars with a stick shift. And it is affordable too. Before it was discontinued, the WRX STI retailed for $37,245 but was able to take on a few cars above its weight.

 1. Still beats its rivals in plenty of areas

When it comes to returning fuel economy figures, the WRX STI takes the back seat at first. And with the standard AWD and the turbocharged H-4, we cannot expect it to be commendable either. However, it beats most of its rivals like the Honda Civic Type-R or VW Golf GTR in plenty of areas such as AWD utility, robust build, and a minimalist yet comfortable interior.