2018 Subaru WRX STI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For about a decade now, the Subaru WRX STI continues to surprise in that it’s a 4-cylinder 4-door sedan with Impreza commuter-car roots that strikes fear into the hearts of muscle cars and even some exotics. With a well-engineered all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, rally-bred underpinnings, and gobs of power on tap thanks to its large turbo, the 2018 WRX STI does it all and still manages to carry 4 people comfortably. The latest generation of this tuner favorite is still fairly fresh, but changes to the 2018 WRX STI and its WRX sibling include a new front bumper, a larger grille, and black exterior trim. To distinguish the WRX lineup from the normal Impreza, WRXs receive a unique hood, fenders, bumpers, and lights. Even the STI variant struggles to look like more than a hotted-up family car to the casual observer, however, which belies the brilliantly engineered track-day weapon underneath.
For 2018, the WRX STI gets new LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes, and a large rear wing. Unfortunately for fans of the old WRX hatchback, the 4-door sedan is still the only body style available, and it starts at $36,095. The arch rival of the WRX STI—the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution—is no longer in production, but it does face competition from the likes of the Ford Focus RS, the Volkswagen Golf R, and the upcoming Honda Civic Type R.
Under the hood of the STI is a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine (compared to the 2.0-liter powertrain from the standard WRX) paired with a 6-speed manual transmission for an output of 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. The STI is no lightweight, but its AWD system does wonders for acceleration and the latest version will reach 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds. With a larger, more high-strung engine than that of the standard WRX, the STI is naturally thirstier, and its fuel-economy figures are quite frankly terrible for a 4-cylinder car in this day and age. Expect numbers of 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 combined, and factor in the extra cost of premium fuel.
Compared to the normal WRX, the WRX STI has stiffer suspension (revised for 2018), more bracing, a different gearbox, better Brembo brakes, a quicker steering ratio, and a more advanced AWD system with a helical limited-slip differential up front and a Torsen limited-slip differential in rear.
For 2018, the WRX STI receives an updated version of Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system with a larger 7-inch screen, improved sound deadening, and higher-quality interior materials. The STI tries to justify its higher price with appointments like leather and faux-suede upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a better center console, but for a car that costs dangerously close to 40 grand, the interior just does not look or feel that luxurious. That said, nobody shells out the extra cash for the STI model for extra creature comforts, but to get their hands on one of the quickest cars in this or just about any price point—and for that reason, the car’s basic appearance and interior are forgivable. It’s still a heck of a lot of car for the money.
While Subaru’s camera-based EyeSight driver-assistance suite is available on the normal WRX, it can’t be ordered on the WRX STI. The important thing, though, is that the WRX STI still offers one of the highest performance-per-dollar ratios in the car world. It provides the tempting combination of near-supercar levels of performance, year-round driving capability thanks to AWD, enough space to haul plenty of passengers and luggage, and the kind of Subaru build quality that allows for worry-free daily driving. There simply aren’t many cars on the market that offer such sheer speed with this kind of practicality and dependability.
User reviews for 2018 Subaru WRX STI
Write a review2018 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: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 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: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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 · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · 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: voice recognition controls · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
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: Yelp · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated
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: 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 · 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: 13.0 · 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: vehicle location
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 · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio 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 · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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 · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · 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: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
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: Yelp · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
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: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
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: memory card navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: vehicle location
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: 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 · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD 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: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · 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: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
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: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering
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: Recaro · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
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: 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 · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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: suede
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Console Insert: organizer tray · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · 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: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · 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: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: carbon fiber · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
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: 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: 13.0 · 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 · 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
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
