Summary

• With 218 currently listed for sale and an average price of $20,999.00, 31.7% of 2016 Subaru WRX STIs for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• Favorably reviewed: Owners rated the 2016 Subaru WRX STI 5 / 5 stars.

• 54.6% of 2016 WRX STI models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI stands out as a focused performance sedan that blends serious speed with everyday usability. Its rally-bred identity is central to its appeal, and the car’s standard all-wheel drive gives it the kind of all-weather confidence that helped make the name famous. It is also described as a good blend of serious performance and day-to-day practicality, which helps explain why it has long attracted enthusiasts who want something exciting without giving up usefulness.

For this generation, the WRX STI’s appeal comes from its hardware and driver involvement. It uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and Subaru’s Driver Controlled Center Differential, which lets drivers adjust traction settings. The car also features Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control and Subaru Intelligent Drive, and its performance-focused setup is paired with Brembo brakes and Super Sport ABS. At the same time, the STI is not trying to be plush: the ride is stiff, the back seat is tight, the trunk is nothing remarkable, and the sound system is underwhelming.

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI also benefits from the broader strengths of the later GR and GV cars, which are described as more reliable and better to drive than the earlier hatchback models. That makes it especially appealing to buyers who want the sharper-driving, more sorted version of this performance formula. Even so, it remains a car that asks for compromise, with a firm suspension and a cabin that uses cheap materials, but for enthusiasts who value grip, control, and rally-inspired character, those tradeoffs are part of the package.

Other model years to consider

• 2020 Subaru WRX STI

  • Average price: $30,634.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 30.4%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 352

• 2019 Subaru WRX STI

  • Average price: $26,698.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 30.8%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 295

• 2017 Subaru WRX STI

  • Average price: $22,030.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 31.7%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 230

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.