2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Review: Prices, Trim Levels and Performance

The 2021 Subaru WRX performance sedan enters the new year with the same base price as before. On the other hand, the big daddy WRX STI costs $250 more, but Subaru gave it more standard equipment in return.

Looking back, the Subaru WRX and STI are a sure reminder of the brand's racial pedigree. I have always considered the second-generation "New Age" Impreza to be the best in class. Yes, I'm talking about the bug-eye model with round headlights and fog lights, since the second-generation car went through three facelifts, ending with the 2006 Hawkeye sedan.

In my opinion, the Impreza WRX STI combines quirky Japanese styling with rally performance. And then I was amazed, despite my long-standing passion for Mitsubishi in everything.

2021 Subaru WRX: engine and transmission

At the heart of the 2021 WRX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection Boxer engine that makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system with active torque vectoring. A six-speed manual transmission with multi-mode vehicle dynamics control is standard across the range, although an automatic CVT is available.

Subaru WRX 2021. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

2021 Subaru WRX: Pricing and Trim Level

The 2021 Subaru WRX comes in three trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited. The MSRP below includes $925 shipping and destination.

Base

The base model costs from $28,420 and richly equipped: remote keyless entry, summer tires, automatic climate control, 5.9-inch LCD multifunction screen, two USB ports, rear camera, aluminum. pedals and tilt start assist.

Additional standard equipment includes Subaru's STARLINK infotainment system with 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a single-disc CD player if you're not bothered by Spotify or digital audio files.

Premium

If you want a Subaru Sport Lineartronic CVT automatic, you'll have to opt for the WRX Premium option, which costs from $32,870 . For that money, Premium offers 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a power sunroof, fog lights, automatic on/off headlights, automatic wipers, and an all-weather package that includes heated front seats and windshield defroster.

The 2021 Subaru WRX Premium is also available with a six-speed manual transmission for $30,045 . But for unknown reasons, only the CVT variant gets the Subaru EyeSight as standard. This safety package includes lane departure warning, pre-collision braking assistance, pre-collision throttle control, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, and more. Automatic options also get Subaru SI-Drive with three driving modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

Limited

Meanwhile, the WRX Limited price starts at $33,020 (manual) and $34,920 (variable speed drive). It comes with all the standard features of the Premium trim, including steering-responsive LED headlights, LED fog lights and a 10-way power driver's seat.

The $2,100 option package adds a larger seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and other EyeSight safety features, including lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert. Paired with the Sport Lineartronic CVT, automatic reverse braking and high-beam assist are added to the package, although it's priced slightly higher at $2,400.

Subaru WRX STI 2021. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

2021 Subaru WRX STI: Engine and transmission

The new WRX STI remains Subaru's halo and is the brand's highest performing model. The 2021 Subaru WRX STI impresses with all its equipment. The STI has a powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine that puts out 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft. torque.

It still has symmetrical all-wheel drive, but with a multi-mode driver-controlled center differential (DCCD), active torque vectoring (great!) and multi-mode vehicle dynamics control. STIs are only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

2021 Subaru WRX STI: Pricing and Equipment

WRX STI price starts from $38,170 (with an appointment price of $925) and includes welcome lighting, push-button start, height-adjustable LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, two USB ports. , and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Subaru's latest WRX STI has 19-inch black-machined alloy wheels and 245/35 R19 summer tires. Brembo brakes with six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers are standard.

Inside, the WRX STI offers moderate sophistication with ultra-suede black upholstery (with red and black leather front and rear seat cushions), aluminum pedals, floor mats and a flat-bottomed leather tiller and integrated cruise control and audio switches. , and Bluetooth settings. For an additional $2,250, you can get eight-way power Recaro front seats.

WRX STI Limited

Last but not least is the WRX STI Limited. Beginning with $42,870 The STI Limited offers Recaro front seats, leather upholstery, a power moonroof and a seven-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. Interestingly, the STI Limited also has more safety features, including blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert.

And if you don't like the STI's big rear wing, Subaru will replace it with a low-profile trunk-mounted lip spoiler at no extra cost.

Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

2021 Subaru WRX Warranty

Every Subaru customer receives a three-year or 36,000-mile limited new vehicle warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. For more information on Subaru's factory warranty and to determine if additional coverage is needed, see this helpful guide. Owners have reported problems with the Subaru CVT automatic transmission in the past. This detailed guide covers this topic in more detail.

Subaru WRX availability in 2021

The new WRX and STI will hit U.S. dealerships in March 2021. Admittedly, the 2021 fifth-generation WRX and STI aren't as hardcore as their post-millennium brethren. But if you're itching to get your knobby paws on a rally-inspired, high-performance, practical, and relatively affordable family sedan (hello, Mitsu Lancer Evolution), the new Subaru WRX and STI are well worth a look.

Alvin Reyes, BlogAvto columnist, expert on sports cars and performance cars. In his younger years he studied civil aviation, aeronautics and accounting and is still very attached to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also loves fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

Photo and source: Subaru of America, Inc.