Subaru Of America Announces Pricing For 2021 WRX And WRX STI

[banyan]

• WRX starting price remains $27,495 for 2021 model year
• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start now standard on WRX Premium
• Rally-bred WRX STI starts at $37,245

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2021 WRX and WRX STI, the brand***8217;s iconic all-wheel drive performance vehicles. The WRX starts at an MSRP of $27,495 while the WRX STI, which features an exclusive 310-horsepower engine and advanced Driver Controlled Center Differential all-wheel drive, starts at $37,245. Both models begin arriving into Subaru retailers in March 2021.

For 2021, the WRX adds Keyless Access with Push-Button Start on the Premium model (the system was already standard on the WRX Limited). With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the WRX remains a performance and value standout among sport compacts. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance
automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual shift modes.

The base WRX is well equipped with standard summer performance tires; remote keyless entry; automatic climate control; Incline Start Assist; 5.9-in. multi-function LCD; Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control; aluminum alloy pedal covers (including driver***8217;s foot rest); dual USB ports; rear vision camera; and power door locks, side mirrors, and windows. For greater versatility, the WRX features roof rack mounting brackets.

The standard SUBARU STARLINK***8482; 6.5-inch Multimedia system features a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay***8482;, Android***8482; Auto and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; AM/FM stereo; single-disc CD player, and SiriusXM® All Access Radio and Travel Link® (subscriptions required).

Priced from $30,045, the WRX Premium is designed to enrich the performance-driving experience, adding 18-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray finish; All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer; fog lights; power moonroof; Welcome Lighting, and headlight auto on/off linked with windshield wiper operation. The Premium also features the SUBARU STARLINK***8482; 7-inch Multimedia Plus system which adds a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen and voice activated controls for phone.

Both the 2021 WRX Premium and Limited with the optional Sport Lineartronic CVT feature SI-DRIVE and Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle***8217;s driving characteristics by choosing from among three modes ***8211; Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp ***8211; using a switch on the steering wheel.

The award-winning Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes Pre-Collision Brake Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert (vehicle in front), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Prevention.

The WRX Limited trim builds on the Premium trim***8217;s content, adding a 10-way power driver***8217;s seat with power lumbar adjustment, Steering Responsive LED headlights (low and high beam) and LED fog lights. Pricing on the WRX Limited starts at $32,095.

The WRX Limited offers an option package for $2,100 that adds the STARLINK 7-inch Multimedia Navigation system that includes the Harman Kardon® speaker system and also adds Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. When ordered in conjunction with the Sport Lineartronic CVT, the option package also adds Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist and is priced at $2,400.

2021 Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru WRX STI remains the brand***8217;s ultimate performance model, powered by an exclusive 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine producing 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The WRX STI brings rally-bred performance technology to the road with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control.

At $37,245, the 2021 WRX STI pricing begins at just $250 more than last year***8217;s model.

For 2021, the WRX STI again offers base and Limited trims. The base WRX STI model comes very well equipped with the All-Weather Package; Welcome Lighting; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; SUBARU STARLINK***8482; 7-inch Multimedia Plus system; Steering Responsive LED headlights (low and high beam) with height adjustment controls; dual-zone automatic climate control, and dual USB ports. Like the WRX, the WRX STI also features roof rack mounting brackets.

The chassis performance hardware for WRX STI also includes 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels in black with machine finish; 245/35 R19 89W summer performance tires; and Brembo performance brakes using 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers.

Black Ultrasuede® upholstery is featured throughout the WRX STI***8217;s cabin, accented by red and black leather bolsters with red stitching for front and rear seats. The pedal covers are aluminum alloy, and the carpeted floor mats are embroidered with the STI logo. The flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel integrates control switches for audio, cruise control and Bluetooth. Recaro® performance design front seats with 8-way power driver***8217;s seat can be added as an option for $2,250.

The STI Limited is priced at $41,945 and adds an extensive suite of standard equipment including the Recaro front seats with 8-way power driver***8217;s seat; 7-inch STARLINK Multimedia Navigation system with Harman Kardon amplifier and speakers; Blind-Spot Detection with Lane-Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; leather trimmed upholstery, and power moonroof. A low-profile lip spoiler for the trunk, replacing the high-profile wing, is also available at no cost on the STI Limited.

https://media.subaru.com/pressreleas...ti-performance

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[VarmintCong]

Looks like the Moonroof delete and Recaro option is gone for WRX?

Amazing that the $33k WRX Premium doesn't have LEDs. Wake up, Subaru.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

Looks like the Moonroof delete and Recaro option is gone for WRX?

Amazing that the $33k WRX Premium doesn't have LEDs. Wake up, Subaru.

I just test drove a wrx premium with the performance pack and it was so mediocre and old feeling. That’s really saying something because I drive an 8th gen SI.

The wrx doesn’t feel like a good car that’s long in the tooth. It feels like a not very good car that’s really long in the tooth.

[Straight6]

The WRX is just so, so much more rewarding to drive than the competition. LEDs or not. Full time AWD absolutely owns everything else remotely close to this price range.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Straight6

The WRX is just so, so much more rewarding to drive than the competition. LEDs or not. Full time AWD absolutely owns everything else remotely close to this price range.

The gear shifter felt like a stick shoved in a bag of ****. There’s a lot more to a car than a mediocre open diff awd system.

At least the STI is rough and exciting. The WRX is pure meh.

[Straight6]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

The gear shifter felt like a stick shoved in a bag of ****. There’s a lot more to a car than a mediocre open diff awd system.

You must be confusing it with those FWD based ****box systems. The gearbox is just fine, hey at the very least the clutch can handle stock power levels, unlike the competition .

[neg_matnik]

Originally Posted by Straight6

You must be confusing it with those FWD based ****box systems. The gearbox is just fine, hey at the very least the clutch can handle stock power levels, unlike the competition .

Even when the WRX shifter was using rods instead of cables, it was just OK.
Same with the AWD system, even when it used a viscous rear diff, it was just OK.
It is reliable and trouble free, but, on the *dry*, it doesn't really improve handling, IMO.
Sure, it provides lots of traction, and it will shoot the car out of corners *after* the apex.
But, from corner entry to the apex, it doesn't really help, basically no better than a FWD setup from corner entry to apex.
That being said, the VA WRX/STI use selective braking on the front wheels to help turn the car in, but so does almost everything else on the market today.

[fredzy]

Originally Posted by Straight6

You must be confusing it with those FWD based ****box systems. The gearbox is just fine, hey at the very least the clutch can handle stock power levels, unlike the competition .

Yeah I wonder about these shifters. I was very worried about it as I had become quite the snob for a good shifter. Never drove a WRX (non STI) whose shifter I remotely liked the feel of. Got into my 15 and loved the shifter from day 1. I honestly think it's gotten better with age somehow. Meanwhile everyone pukes their guts out about how much they hate them.

And that's not me just getting used to it, not recognizing crap anymore. Going back and forth between some pretty nice cars, really confirms it for me. Same with how the car drives. The tacky rattle trap just doesn't leave me wanting. From the last 6 years, only car I can think of that made me sad to get back into the WRX was an 81 911.

But yeah seeing this thing on sale new is strange, like a living fossil it feels.

[subyski]

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

Looks like the Moonroof delete and Recaro option is gone for WRX?

Amazing that the $33k WRX Premium doesn't have LEDs. Wake up, Subaru.

If the WRX Premium Performance Package is gone, then I think they will be releasing a special edition as a send of to the VA's. I think the series.white WRX had it right where you could get the recaros, brembos, and LED steering response headlights.

[Angelus911]

Meh.

I’ve always wanted to own a WRX. Test drove a 2012, but decided to get an Impreza instead. Recently test drove a 2020 limited, it was fine.

I feel like I’m outgrowing Subaru, or there isn’t much they offer any more that I’m interested in. A lot of my past purchases were based on knowing the brand and knowing what I was getting more than anything else.

[vladd]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I just test drove a wrx premium with the performance pack and it was so mediocre and old feeling. That’s really saying something because I drive an 8th gen SI.

The wrx doesn’t feel like a good car that’s long in the tooth. It feels like a not very good car that’s really long in the tooth.

I actually had an 8th gen Si before my 17 WRX. I love the WRX and feel like it’s an upgrade in all ways besides the ****ty stereo. After 4 years of the stock stereo, I think I’m ready to upgrade to one with CarPlay and decent speakers.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by subyski

If the WRX Premium Performance Package is gone, then I think they will be releasing a special edition as a send of to the VA's. I think the series.white WRX had it right where you could get the recaros, brembos, and LED steering response headlights.

Cool, didn't know the series white had LEDs.

Hard to get excited about the fat-ass Recaros, give us the bottom half of the Recaros as well, moonroof delete and LEDs, and you have a winner.

Yeah the stick shift isn't great, the one in my Si is awesome, but I thought it was fine. An improvement on our 2002 WRX shifter, which I hated. But the rear LSD was great on the 2002, snow drifting was magical.

[VarmintCong]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I just test drove a wrx premium with the performance pack and it was so mediocre and old feeling. That’s really saying something because I drive an 8th gen SI.

The wrx doesn’t feel like a good car that’s long in the tooth. It feels like a not very good car that’s really long in the tooth.

I think the ancient interior makes it feel old, more than the way it drives. I loved my 2004 330i ZHP, it drove amazing, but after 11 years you want a more modern car in a daily no matter how nice it drives.

I still like the way the WRX drives, except for the drop off at higher RPMs. The car feels mechanical and sounds nice, not over-refined like most of the competition.

[oichan]

Prices look fair to me. Not sure what you folks are expecting out of a econo $37K car, but my 19 WRX Limited is fine the way it is. It's an oldish platform now, but I think it's a great package. Brakes could use more capacity though on the WRX.

[paycer]

Originally Posted by Angelus911

Meh.

I feel like I’m outgrowing Subaru, or there isn’t much they offer any more that I’m interested in. A lot of my past purchases were based on knowing the brand and knowing what I was getting more than anything else.

This 100%. My wife had on 05 FXT stick and an 08 spec.B and defected to Alfa Romeo a few years ago. I've had an 02 WRX and still have my 05 STi. All of the aforementioned were purchased new. I'm seriously getting tired of waiting on STi. Mine has 142K miles and I want to move on so I'm getting an M2 Competition next summer if the revamped STi isn't at least announced and impressive as he77. I'm so disappointed in Subaru dragging this out...

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by vladd

I actually had an 8th gen Si before my 17 WRX. I love the WRX and feel like it’s an upgrade in all ways besides the ****ty stereo.

I'd say it's at least a slight upgrade in most ways besides the shifter, clutch, and interior build quality -- all of which are inferior. However, I paid around $20,000 for my SI new in 2009, so it's both a very old car AND a very cheap car. The fact that an 11 year newer nearly/over $30,000 WRX isn't leagues better in every way says a lot and none of it is good. Before anyone claims that $20,000 in 2009 is some astronomical amount today it's not. It's slightly over $24,000 in 2020 dollars.

The only thing that makes the WRX compelling is the lack of alternatives. Even so, I'd compromise on the AWD (which I need) in order to drive a car that's legitimately good.

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by paycer

This 100%. My wife had on 05 FXT stick and an 08 spec.B and defected to Alfa Romeo a few years ago. I've had an 02 WRX and still have my 05 STi. All of the aforementioned were purchased new. I'm seriously getting tired of waiting on STi. Mine has 142K miles and I want to move on so I'm getting an M2 Competition next summer if the revamped STi isn't at least announced and impressive as he77. I'm so disappointed in Subaru dragging this out...

You're not gonna hear anything on the new STI by next summer. Probably nothing until Spring 2022.

[Blktrax]

Well Crap, was looking to get a WRX performance pack in the spring... Not paying the super special reach-around hand shake pricing for a limited edition like the White

Also - Here's the New (you know its going to be a sedan) 2022 STi/WRX - Sorry not digging the not round chevy Silverado wheel arches, or the Outback Infotainment , and fully digital gauge cluster.

Current JDM Base 2020 STi 39892 Yen = $37858 *** - Get ready for technology price hikes.

Base GT 1.8 DIT 3102000 = $29819 ***Manufacturer's suggested retail price 3,102,000 Yen (10% consumption tax included) Price excluding consumption tax 2,820,000 yen***
Sti Sport 1.8 DIT 3711483 Yen = $35687 ***
Sti Sport EX 1.8 DIT 4091998 Yen = $39336 ***

Link to the JP Site
https://www.subaru.jp/levorg/levorg/stisport/index
Link to US Spy Shots
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...aru-wrx-spied/

[heavyD]

I don't mind the interior as it looks more modern than most Subaru interiors. The SUV wheel arches are because the Crosstrek is now the focal point of design of this platform so the Impreza has to make due with SUV styling cues. It's going to be hard to unsee an STI with SUV wheel arches but here we are.

[Blktrax]

Originally Posted by heavyD

I don't mind the interior as it looks more modern than most Subaru interiors. The SUV wheel arches are because the Crosstrek is now the focal point of design of this platform so the Impreza has to make due with SUV styling cues. It's going to be hard to unsee an STI with SUV wheel arches but here we are.

Witch would be fine if they gave it a WRC stance or at least the option (see Porsche 911 Safari)

[heavyD]

Originally Posted by Blktrax

Witch would be fine if they gave it a WRC stance or at least the option (see Porsche 911 Safari)

It's going to look odd on a lower stance vehicle as the fender arches are not going to be flush all around the wheels. Look at the white Levorg above and imagine it lowered. There will be four angled gaps all around the wheel that are just going to look unsightly.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by heavyD

It's going to look odd on a lower stance vehicle as the fender arches are not going to be flush all around the wheels. Look at the white Levorg above and imagine it lowered. There will be four angled gaps all around the wheel that are just going to look unsightly.

That Levorg simultaneously looks like an awesome alternative to an Outback and a terrible base for a STI.

[heavyD]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

That Levorg simultaneously looks like an awesome alternative to an Outback and a terrible base for a STI.

Very good point. I agree.