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2021 Subaru WRX STI

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$37,245

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

18

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

180.9” x 58.1”

Dimensions

All-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Comfortable seats
  • Visibility
  • Handling and acceleration
  • Relatively affordable (WRX)
  • Highway poise

The bad:

  • CVT operation in most situations
  • Small trunk
  • Sound quality of standard stereo

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Subaru WRX STI trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • Five-seat compact performance sedan
  • All-wheel drive standard
  • Manual or CVT (WRX)
  • High-output WRX STI model available
  • EyeSight active safety system available

2021 Subaru WRX STI review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The Subaru WRX and WRX STI are compact performance sedans with room for up to five people. They have turbocharged engines, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive systems and special bodywork. 

The WRX has a 268-horsepower, turbocharged horizontally opposed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the high-output WRX STI has a 310-hp, turbocharged horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both versions come with a standard six-speed manual transmission, and a continuously variable automatic is available for the WRX. The STI also includes other high-performance hardware like Brembo brakes and a driver-controlled center differential. 

The WRX faces competition from the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI, while the WRX STI goes up against the Honda Civic Type R

What’s New on the 2021 Subaru WRX?

The mid-level Premium trim of the WRX gains keyless access with push-button start. 

 What Features in the 2021 Subaru WRX Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Summer performance tires
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Aluminum pedal covers
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity

Available features include: 

  • Power moonroof
  • Heated front seats
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Reverse automatic braking

Should I Buy the 2021 Subaru WRX?

If you’re looking for entertaining performance and four-season usability in one car, the WRX and WRX STI are worth a look. That said, we’re not impressed with the automatic transmission, and trunk space is limited.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.3
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Most recent consumer reviews

When practicality meets performance.

I’ve owned for 3 years already, and being honest it’s a painful, wallet draining car. Such a blast to drive and own but will make you spend money if you abuse it too much. A good car for someone to change to spare on maintenance. Excellent car for a 4 cylinder turbo and very practical for someone like me (father of two with friends)

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Last year for this kind of WRX STI

Amazing car performance and handling not to mention easy on the eyes. Built to be punished but my guess is that you won't want to do much punishment.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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a great sedan and sporty

i love this car its roomy it sit five have trunk space and it looks great , and it very fast you can take it any where

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
15 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 3 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Subaru
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Coverage available for purchase
Powertrain
7 years/100,000
Dealer certification required
152-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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