Would you believe us if we told you there's a vehicle out there that combined the lauded safety and rugged durability of a Subaru with handling inspired by rally racing and power that will knock your socks off? It's not only true, but there are two of them on the road for you to choose from: the 2021 Subaru WRX and the 2021 Subaru WRX STI. Both of these exciting sports cars deliver impressive power and performance, but how much is up to which car you decide to take the wheel of. We know this is the hardest decision yet, so we've put together a comparison page below for you to see the similarities and differences between the WRX and the WRX STI. When you're ready to feel the ultimate in Subaru power, stop by our showroom at Byers Airport Subaru for a test drive or two.
2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI: Design
There's no denying the 2021 WRX and the WRX STI are extraordinary vehicles just from looking at them. The slick curves and the powerful, athletic stance beg you to take it on the track. Both the WRX and the WRX STI come with standard underspoilers in the front and the rear, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser, and an exhaust system with quad outlets in stainless steel. Both are available in seven striking body colors including Pure Red and Ice Silver Metallic but that's where the similarities end.
LED Steering Responsive Headlights are an innovative safety feature that swivel with the vehicle as it turns, giving you better vision while cornering at night and they come standard only on the WRX STI. The WRX offers standard halogen headlights but if you choose the WRX Limited, you get standard LED fog lights, an amenity not offered on the WRX STI. Power side-mirrors with integrated turn signals are standard on the WRX STI but only available on the WRX Limited trim level. The higher trims of both vehicles offer a standard power moonroof.
2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI: Interior
The 2021 WRX and WRX STI both offer a roomy cabin with seating for up to five and a large trunk to carry groceries home for the week or luggage for your next weekend adventure. The WRX Limited comes standard with a ten-way power-adjustable, performance-designed driver's seat so you're sure to find that comfortable sweet spot. The WRX STI Limited delivers a standard eight-way power-adjustable seat but you also get the performance-designed Recaro® front seats for better support on the track. Heated front seats are standard on the WRX STI but only available on the WRX's higher trim levels. The WRX STI also offers double the upholstery color options that the WRX does and offers a standard dual-zone climate control, a feature unavailable on the WRX.
2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI: Performance
Performance is what these two vehicles were made for. The 2021 WRX boasts a 2.0L turbocharged BOXER® engine that makes a thunderous 268 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, you have the power in your hands to feel every shift. Continuously variable automatic transmission is an available option on the Premium and Limited trim levels. The WRX comes standard with continuous All-Wheel Drive, a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.
The 2021 WRX STI was born track-ready with a 2.5L turbocharged BOXER® engine, generating a blistering 310 horsepower and 290 lb/ft of torque. This exhilarating vehicle is mated with a fully-synchronized, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and Driver Controlled Center Differential All-Wheel Drive, a feature that's exclusive to the STI. It also boasts a high-performance STI sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension and the Brembo® performance braking system.
2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI: TechnologyThe 2021 WRX comes with a standard STARLINK® multimedia system that includes Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming as well as Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capabilities, controlled on a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. The WRX STI comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen, which is also standard on the higher trim levels of the WRX. Navigation is an added standard feature on the WRX STI Limited model as well as the nine-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system but these features are only optionally available on the WRX Limited.2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI: SafetyThe 2021 Subaru WRX was awarded five stars in all crash safety tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was named a 2021 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, awards that extend to the WRX STI. Optionally available driver assist features for the WRX include High-Beam Assist and Reverse Automatic Braking, features that are unavailable on the WRX STI. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard features on the STI Limited model but only optionally available on the WRX.
2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI: Summary
It's obvious that both the 2021 WRX and the 2021 WRX STI are similar in many ways but it's the differences that will help you choose. If you're looking for a powerful car that doubles as a comfortable sedan on the weekdays, the Subaru WRX is the vehicle for you and with a starting MSRP of just $27,495, it won't break the bank. If a rally-track ready, high-performance car is more your speed, slip behind the wheel of the 2021 WRX STI. The higher MSRP of $37,245 is a small price to pay for the power you crave. When you're ready to feel the difference, contact Byers Airport Subaru to schedule a test drive.
| 2021 Subaru WRX |  | 2021 Subaru WRX STI |
| $27,495 | Starting MSRP* | $37,245 |
| 27 Highway / 21 City | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 22 Highway / 16 City |
| 268 | Horsepower | 305 |
| 258 lb-ft | Torque | 290 lb-ft |
| 4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes | Brakes | Brembo® Performance Braking System |
| Cloth | Standard Upholstery | Ultrasuede®/Leather |
| Not Available | Driver-Controlled Center Differential | Standard |
| Not Available | 19" Alloy Wheels | Standard |
| Not Available | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Standard |
| Available | LED Headlights | Standard (Steering Responsive) |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
