Skip to main content

2016
Subaru WRX STI

Starts at:
$39,995
Shop options
New 2016 Subaru WRX STI
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $34,695
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Series.HyperBlue
    Starts at
    $38,995
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Limited w/Lip Spoiler
    Starts at
    $39,995
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Limited w/Wing Spoiler
    Starts at
    $39,995
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI 2016 Subaru WRX STI

Notable features

Touch-screen multimedia system now standard
Low-profile rear spoiler now available
All-wheel drive
Driver-adjustable center differential

The good & the bad

The good

Steering
Handling
Turbo power
Livable ride quality
Visibility, even with large rear wing

The bad

Gas mileage
Steep price versus regular WRX
Smallish trunk

Expert 2016 Subaru WRX STI review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Subaru’s racing-inspired WRX STI features a 305-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It also includes other high-performance hardware like Brembo-brand brakes and a driver-controlled center differential that’s part of the standard all-wheel-drive system.
What’s Special

  • Limited trim level now offers low-profile rear spoiler
  • Active torque vectoring
  • Six-speed manual transmission only
  • Flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Alcantara simulated suede and leather upholstery

Here’s info on the regular WRX:

The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are performance cars based on the company’s Impreza compact sedan. They have turbocharged engines, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive systems and racy bodywork. Both models were redesigned last year.
New for 2016
The EyeSight active safety system, which includes adaptive cruise control, precollision braking, and lane departure warning and prevention, is now available. A blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. A 6.2-inch touch-screen stereo with Pandora integration, Bluetooth audio streaming and iPod connectivity is now standard.
Significant Standard Features

  • 268-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • LED taillights
  • Automatic climate control
  • 60/40-split folding backseat
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Power moonroof
  • Harman Kardon premium audio system
  • 7-inch touch-screen navigation system with multitouch gesture controls, iTunes tagging capability and two USB ports
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

2016 Subaru WRX STI review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Subaru’s racing-inspired WRX STI features a 305-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It also includes other high-performance hardware like Brembo-brand brakes and a driver-controlled center differential that’s part of the standard all-wheel-drive system.
What’s Special

  • Limited trim level now offers low-profile rear spoiler
  • Active torque vectoring
  • Six-speed manual transmission only
  • Flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Alcantara simulated suede and leather upholstery

Here’s info on the regular WRX:

The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are performance cars based on the company’s Impreza compact sedan. They have turbocharged engines, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive systems and racy bodywork. Both models were redesigned last year.
New for 2016
The EyeSight active safety system, which includes adaptive cruise control, precollision braking, and lane departure warning and prevention, is now available. A blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. A 6.2-inch touch-screen stereo with Pandora integration, Bluetooth audio streaming and iPod connectivity is now standard.
Significant Standard Features

  • 268-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • LED taillights
  • Automatic climate control
  • 60/40-split folding backseat
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Power moonroof
  • Harman Kardon premium audio system
  • 7-inch touch-screen navigation system with multitouch gesture controls, iTunes tagging capability and two USB ports
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2016
    4.8
    Subaru WRX STI
    Starts at
    $34,695
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.8
    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
    Starts at
    $34,995
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.7
    Subaru WRX
    Starts at
    $26,595
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.8
    Ford Shelby GT350
    Starts at
    $54,845
    14 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.9
    Ford Focus RS
    Starts at
    $36,120
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    4.9
    Lexus IS 300
    Starts at
    $29,435
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.7
    Subaru WRX STI
    Starts at
    $36,595
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.9
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Most fun year round car

    Very good power, fantastic AWD system, goes very well in snow. Keeps up with V8 cars and can go threw snow like a truck. Only downside is fuel economy is poor for a 4 Cylinder and loud road noise.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun yet reliable and could hold the whole family.

    This car is a lot of fun to drive and safe at the same time. I could use it for fun but also could fit all 3 of my kids in it as well. I’ve kept this car very well maintained and have done a few extras on it as well.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car for the money

    I love the car and was always a subaru fan. I was not looking for one when i bought it cause it was slightly out of my price range but i got a good deal on it. The car performance wise is everything i need as i daily it but still track the car from time to time. The exterior is not my favorite Subaru i prefer the older generations but its the same drive train just with some updates and a new body on top. If you are going for comfort this probably isn't the car for you, the seats are not comfortable for more that a hour or so and the suspension is stiff but that is to be expected of a performance car. there is alot of rattles and the speakers arent the best but get buy because they know their market. if you want a good daily this may not be the car for you, but if you want a performance car for a decent price this is it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This car makes every Day exciting and fun.

    This is my 4th STI and I have tried to buy other cars for daily driving like m3, m4 ,911, GTI yer none of them have the same feeling as an STI. I think most STI owners understand what I’m referring to. From the community, the drivability, the versatility, the safety all these thing but there is still some unexplainable feeling you get from driving these cars that I just don’t get from other manufacturers. I will always be an STI owner and can’t wait for the new generation to be unveiled!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fastest 4 cylinder I've ever drove

    This car has plenty of power, passes with no problem. Drives like a Cadillac, looks like a sports car.Sounds beefy. Love this car so far
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most responsive and agile car I?ve ever owned

    This is an awesome car that won?t stop asking you to push harder. An M3 killer for half the price. It puts quality where you need it and saves some money where you don?t. Excellent engine, manual transmission only (as it should be). Double wishbone suspension and all wheel drive gives you endless traction in any condition. Fair warning the ride is stiff and you will feel every bump in the road but the performance makes it worth it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Simple but has a kick

    It?s sturdy. I would want more electronic features for the age we live in but it?s about the speed not the extras. Love this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • WRX/STI?s are great all around vehicles!

    If you?re someone who wants a car that?s fun to drive and is practical for everyday driving, this car is for you. It works great in all weather conditions with its AWD, so no matter where you live it will work great. I lived in Fort Drum NY for a few years which has some of the worst winter weather in the country, and with snow tires it performed better than some trucks. This is a car you can take out for a fun mountain cruise, or just use as an everyday family car that has a little extra get up and go.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Hands down the best car I have ever owned

    I absolutely love this car. I get the performance of a sports car and the reliability and safety of a sedan, which makes me more than comfortable having my child in the back seat. It's a comfortable car for a tall person to drive and it's just absolutely fun to drive weather I'm playing around or just driving to work in the morning.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Awesome car

    I love everything about this car. How it looks, the speed, the handling. It?s got it all. It?s a good car for all ages of drivers.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Amazing performance and a blast to drive

    Car is amazing to drive. Only complaints are: the paint is thin and the interior materials are a little cheap. Other than that, the car is a blast and a great value.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My dream car

    This is the nicest car I have owned. It's my dream car and always knew I would get one. The 2016 dis not disappoint at all
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Subaru dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Subaru WRX STI?

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI is available in 3 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • Series.HyperBlue (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Subaru WRX STI?

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Subaru WRX STI?

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX STI reliable?

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Subaru WRX STI owners.

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX STI a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Subaru WRX STI. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.8

Subaru WRX STI history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"sedan_compact","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]