2017 Subaru WRX STI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Although Subaru does not usually come off as the most corporate of automakers, it’s worth noting that it is owned by a large multinational, in this case Fuji Heavy Industries, which is headquartered in Japan (along with Subaru itself). “Subaru” is the Japanese name for the Pleiades, a star cluster in which six stars are visible to the naked eye. These stars inspired the Subaru logo and refer to the six companies that originally merged to form FHJ. Also under the FHJ umbrella is Subaru Technica International, or STI, the motorsports division that specialized in vehicle development for the Subaru World Rally Team as it competed in successive World Rally Championships—competed and won, in many cases. Out of this racing heritage comes the WRX STI, a performance car marketed to driving enthusiasts who want to do a lot more than simply show off their car’s straight-line performance. Though the WRX STI (and its more conventional WRX sibling) is heavily based on the Subaru Impreza, it dropped the “Impreza” from its name after a big redesign in 2015 and now occupies an even clearer position in the rally-racing world.
That 2015 redesign was both recent and major, so the 2017 WRX STI doesn’t offer many improvements over the 2016 model beyond the few obligatory switches in standard and available equipment you see from one model year to the next with almost any vehicle. The base trim now offers blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and auto on/off headlights, and the interior features a new tricot cloth headliner. There’s also a slight bump in pricing on the base trim, which now starts at just over $35,000—the two Limited trims keep the same price from 2016.
All Subarus other than the WRX STI come standard with the automaker’s acclaimed Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, with slight adjustments made to accommodate differences between models. But the WRX STI features an exclusive driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) AWD system that basically affords a whole lot more flexibility in differential response and torque distribution than on other models. This means WRX STI drivers can expect their vehicle’s handling to better and more quickly adapt to a wide variety of traction scenarios and terrains, a must for anyone who plans to do anything serious in a rally race. The WRX STI also features handling technologies like active torque vectoring, multi-mode vehicle dynamics control, and a Brembo performance brake system.
Under the hood of the 2017 WRX STI is a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “boxer” engine, so named because of the horizontally opposed pistons, which also lower the car’s center of gravity for better overall balance. The engine, essentially an up-powered version of what's in the WRX, produces 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. A reinforced 6-speed manual transmission is the only transmission available in the WRX STI, a dead giveaway of the car’s intended purpose. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds, but remember: the WRX STI’s strength lies in its driving dynamics, not its sheer speed. The EPA has not rated the WRX STI for fuel economy, but even the less-powerful WRX’s mileage numbers aren’t all that great.
The WRX STI is distinguishable from the WRX by its signature rear wing spoiler, though a low-profile trunk spoiler is available on the Limited at no extra cost. Among its other racing-oriented (or simply hard-driving-ready) features are three selectable driving modes—Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp—that together comprise the Subaru Intelligent Drive system, allowing the driver to tweak engine and throttle control. The steering wheel incorporates the flat-bottom design you’ll find in many sport or performance models these days, though the design’s original purpose (helping drivers get in and out with minimal hassle) might no longer be clear.
The base WRX STI offers standard features like a rear-view camera and a basic audio setup with 6 speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. An audio/navigation package adds many of the features that come standard aboard the Limited, like a 9-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and Subaru’s Starlink infotainment and navigation system. The Limited also adds leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a power moonroof.
Subaru’s popular EyeSight forward-collision prevention system is not available on the WRX STI (though it is available on the WRX), so drivers looking for added safety technology will have to stick with the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on the base and standard on the Limited. Safety features that come standard on both trims include electronic stability and traction control and a full suite of airbags. The WRX STI has not been tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though its sibling WRX received top marks from both bodies, including a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS (though that rating did require EyeSight’s forward-collision technology).
Subaru has told customers to expect 2017 models of the WRX STI to show up at dealers sometime during the summer of 2016.
User reviews for 2017 Subaru WRX STI
Write a review2017 Subaru WRX STI Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: front
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: rear underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum alloy · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: inverted struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
