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2020 Subaru WRX STI Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$36,995 to $42,695

Original MSRP

7.7
of 10

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(3 reviews)

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Manual transmission available

  • Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Outdated technology

7.7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
2020 Subaru WRX STI Test Drive Review summaryImage

Subaru’s rally rocket parties like it’s 2004.

The Subaru WRX STI powerslid into the United States for the 2004 model year, sporting a turbocharged engine and a massive rear wing, and ready to take on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The STI and Evo defined a new type of performance car, offering more power than typical sport compacts of the era, along with rally-inspired tech and all-wheel drive.

A lot has changed since the STI first came to the U.S. The World Rally Championship battle between Subaru and Mitsubishi that birthed the STI and Evo ended years ago, and the Evo is gone. That doesn’t mean the STI is without competition, though; the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Veloster N, and Volkswagen Golf R offer similar performance.

The STI hasn’t changed much, however. It’s still a higher-performance version of the Subaru WRX, still has the big rear wing, and uses an updated version of the turbo engine from that original 2004 model. That means the STI can no longer claim to be a technology leader but, as a recent test drive showed, it remains a compelling performance car.

8/10

Like the base WRX, the STI (short for Subaru Tecnica International, the automaker’s performance division), is based on the Subaru Impreza compact sedan. However, the WRX and WRX STI still use the previous-generation Impreza platform. Because the performance models were introduced fairly late in the old Impreza’s life cycle, they haven’t migrated to the Subaru Global Platform used by the Impreza since the 2017 model year.

The basic compact-sedan bodyshell gets a thorough styling makeover. The hood, fenders, doors, quarter panels, bumpers, headlights, and taillights are all unique to the STI. The car sports box flares that have been a WRX and STI trademark since the early 2000s, and also help make room for wider tires. The hood is aluminum and has a functional scoop that feeds air into a top-mounted intercooler. The entire front end of the car is also different, with narrower headlights and a more pointed front fascia, giving the STI an intimidating scowl.

The boy-racer costume continues at the back, with quad exhaust tips, a rear diffuser, and the aforementioned big wing. It’s actually so tall that the top plane is about level with the top of the rear window, so it doesn’t impair visibility much.

Our test car was a Series.White limited edition, which is exclusive to the 2020 model year, with production capped at 500 units. The Series.White gets model-specific Ceramic White paint, matte bronze BBS 19-inch wheels, silver brake calipers, Crystal Black Silica exterior mirrors and side badging matte black rear badging, and a model-specific grille. Some performance upgrades are included as well (see the “Performance” section below).

The interior is still recognizably last-generation Impreza, meaning it’s fairly Spartan, but likely to hold up to long-term abuse. The STI tries to jazz things up a bit with a model-specific gauge cluster and Fast and Furious-style metallic pedal covers, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Our Series.White test car also had Recaro front seats (with eight-way power adjustment for the driver) and Ultrasuede upholstery with Carbon Black leather bolsters.

Some shoppers may see the STI’s sticker price and expect a more luxurious interior, but it works fine for this car’s intended purpose—making driving fun.

Stephen Edelstein
Published May 25, 2021 by Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering everything on four wheels. Whether it's a new EV or a full-size pickup truck, he's eager to drive it and tell you all about it in a CarGurus Test Drive Review. Besides contributing to CarGurus, Stephen currently has bylines at Digital Trends, Green Car Reports, and Motor Authority.

User reviews for 2020 Subaru WRX STI

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User rating:
by Kent V
Jun 14, 2023
Car was amazing. I do think this car is a bit overpriced in the market. But regardless the fun that comes when driving it is what you bought it for.Jun 14, 2023
by John G
Dec 20, 2021
The 2020 STI, with its all wheel drive, tight suspension and crisp steering is an excellent drivers car. 4 doors, sure; big wing, yes. And it drives great. That flat 4, boxer engines stock exhaust is soo satisfying. Before you choose something else, give this Suby a chance. At least youll know. Dec 20, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2020
Overall great car. Differential control feature really brings the car to life. Fun car to go on a cruise on a sunny day. The only thing about this car is it’s got summer tires on it, would be nice to have all season tires. Other than that, really have no complaints about this car. Nov 10, 2020

2020 Subaru WRX STI Pricing

Original MSRP
$36,995 to $42,695
Price range
$29,434 to $30,266
Average price on CG
$30,109
YoY price change
$30,266 to $30,109

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 · 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 · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · 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: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

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 · Rocker panel 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: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · 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: 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 manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

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 · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher 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 · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · 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 · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · 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: rear · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

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 · Rocker panel 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: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · 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

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature

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: height · Front seat type: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

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

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: diversity · 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 · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · 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 · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

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 · Rocker panel 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: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

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: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

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 status

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: aluminum · 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 · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

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: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel 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: Google POIs · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · 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

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 power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.3 · 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: lock operation

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)
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