Skip to main content

If it ain’t broke: Subaru’s WRX and STI continue into 2017 with minor changes

2017 Subaru WRX STI
While the standard 2017 Subaru Impreza gets a complete redesign including an all-new platform, the WRX and WRX STI models will remain on the old Impreza platform for the new model year. In fact, Subaru’s rally rockets carry over with few changes.

For 2017, both models get new tricot headliners, as well as a reshuffling of options. The base WRX STI gets automatic headlights, which were previously available only on higher trim levels. Reverse automatic braking is now an option on WRX Limited models equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight safety system.

Added to the WRX and STI options list last model year, EyeSight uses onboard cameras to enable a suite of electronic driver aids, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system with forward automatic braking. These systems apply the brakes at low speeds without driver intervention, to help lessen the severity of collisions.

There are no technical changes, not that either model really needed any. The WRX uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four, which sends 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions. The STI has a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four, which pumps out 305 hp and 290 lb-ft. Unlike the base WRX, the STI is only offered with a six-speed manual.

Despite using the outgoing-generation Impreza platform, the current WRX and STI will probably stick around for a while. They were introduced fairly recently as 2015 models, even though the version of the Impreza they’re based on debuted for the 2012 model year. Consequently, expect Subaru to take its time in developing new versions based on the redesigned Impreza platform. Instead, Subaru may launch more variants of the current models as it seeks to increase the presence of its STI performance brand in the U.S.

The 2017 Subaru WRX and WRX STI go on sale this summer. Pricing starts at $27,515 for the WRX and $36,015 for the STI (both prices include destination).

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Subaru's WRX STI takes on an Olympic bobsled run, and the results aren't pretty
Subaru WRX STI on Olympic bobsled run

Subaru may have actually one upped Top Gear with this one.

Because while the British television show known for automotive hijinks raced cars against bobsleds on two occasions, Subaru decided to race a car on an Olympic bobsled track. The car in question was a WRX STI, piloted by Subaru rally driver Mark Higgins. Last year, he set a record for Subaru in the Isle of Man TT, but this stunt presented a completely different set of challenges.

Read more
For 2018, the biggest changes to the Subaru WRX STI are invisible to the naked eye
2018 Subaru WRX STI

Subaru released a brand-new Impreza late last year, but the WRX STI (and the less powerful WRX) won't be replaced until 2020 at the earliest. In the meantime, the Japanese brand has updated both models inside and out to keep them looking fresh.

Although exceedingly minor, the visual modifications help bring the WRX and the WRX STI in line with Subaru's newest design language. The front end receives a smaller grille, and a redesigned bumper with bigger air dams, while the rear end carries on all but unchanged. Select models benefit from pivoting headlights that illuminate curves, and the WRX STI is available with 19-inch alloy wheels for the first time in the nameplate's history.

Read more
Why a new version of Subaru’s WRX STI is at least three years away
2017 Subaru WRX STI

Subaru just launched a brand new Impreza, which signals that changes are coming to the hot-rodded WRX STI. A new report coming out of Australia sheds insight into what we can expect from the model.

The 2017 Impreza is built upon a new, modular platform that will ultimately be found under nearly every member of the Subaru lineup. However, Australian website Motoring has learned the refreshed WRX STI that's right around the corner won't make the shift to the new platform because it won't be entirely new.

Read more