Supreme confidence to the core

The 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI feature sleek and refined styling while still maintaining an aggressive appearance overall. The wide, low stance is emphasized by the piercing headlights, menacing front grille and bold front fenders. The wide rear fenders, quad exhaust system, and LED-infused tail lights and brake lights complete the muscular look.

Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Wheels

The WRX and WRX Sport come standard with Dunlop summer performance tires mounted on lightweight, 17-inch, 15-spoke wheels with a dark gunmetal finish. The WRX Sport-tech features the same tires, but fitted to 18-inch wheels with straight spokes and a dark gunmetal finish. The WRX STI rides on Dunlop summer performance tires and lightweight, 18-inch wheels with a 10-spoke design. Meanwhile, the WRX STI Sport and Sport-tech feature 19-inch,10-spoke machined wheels and Yokohama summer performance tires.

LED Headlights

The WRX and WRX STI feature projector beams and parabolic reflectors that deliver optimal light direction and increased visibility overall. The inner lens design allows the low and high beams to share the same unique Subaru motif. The WRX Sport, WRX Sport-tech and all versions of the WRX STI feature LED Steering Responsive Headlights.

Integrated Crossbar Brackets

The 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI come equipped with integrated crossbar brackets as standard equipment. These handy brackets allow roof racks to be quickly and easily installed, bringing added everyday versatility and weekend capability to these performance sedans. The roof rack system can accommodate everything from bicycles to snowboards or even kayaks to cargo carriers.

Aerodynamic Rear Spoilers

In the development of the current generation Subaru WRX and WRX STI, increased attention was paid to improving aerodynamic performance. For the WRX Sport and Sport-tech, more downforce was achieved with a low-profile rear lip spoiler. Meanwhile, the WRX STI Sport, with a greater focus on driver-oriented performance, comes equipped with a high-profile rear wing spoiler. Splitting the difference, the WRX STI Sport-tech is available with either the low-profile rear lip spoiler or high-profile rear wing spoiler.

Custom-designed for higher performance

Serious enthusiasts call it the office, the place for getting down to business: the driver-focused cockpit of the 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI. With advanced technologies, intuitive controls and multimedia options galore, these passenger cabins scream high performance. Yet, with a surprising amount of refinement, sheer comfort and luxury features, the WRX and WRX STI represent the very best of both worlds.

6.5-inch Infotainment System

The standard AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA infotainment system for the base and Sport trim levels of both the WRX and WRX STI. This system utilizes a 6.5-inch, high-resolution, capacitive touchscreen and incorporates Subaru STARLINK^® smartphone integration, Aha radio^®, and Apple CarPlay^® and Android^® Auto functionality. Additional standard features include dual USB ports/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input, steering wheel-integrated controls and 6 speakers. A free 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio^† is included, along with SiriusXM^® Advanced Audio Services^†.

^† Subscription required

7-inch Infotainment System with Navigation

This upper-tier AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA infotainment system features a 7-inch, high-resolution, multi-gesture capacitive touchscreen, GPS navigation, SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio^† with Advanced Audio Features, SiriusXM^® Traffic^† and Travel Link^†. The premium system also features STARLINK^® smartphone integration, including Aha^® radio, and is Apple CarPlay^® and Android^® Auto compatible. For even greater on-the-fly functionality, there’s also dual USB port/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input, steering wheel-integrated controls and Bluetooth^® streaming audio. The icing on the cake: a Harman Kardon^® 9-speaker system with 320-watt amplifier.

^† Subscription required

Informative Multi-function LCD Colour Display

Track the performance of your car with this 5.9-inch LCD display showing turbo boost pressure, engine vacuum and peak boost value readouts, in both analog and digital format. The display also features an environmental efficiency minder to track fuel efficiency. There’s a wealth of other information available at a glance, including the time, temperature, anniversary reminders, and safety and maintenance announcements. Finally, when the VDC is operating, vehicle stability details are revealed.

Performance-designed Front Seats

The seat is the main point of contact between driver and car, so both the WRX and WRX STI feature performance-designed front seats that are purpose-built to deliver endless hours of support and driving pleasure. The WRX Sport, WRX Sport-tech and WRX STI Sport feature a 10-way power driver’s seat with added lumbar support, clad in either premium cloth, full leather or Ultrasuede^® with leather inserts. For even more performance-packed seating, the WRX STI Sport-tech gets 8-way power Recaro® sport seats with Ultrasuede^® and leather inserts. All front seats on all versions also feature heated seats and whiplash-reducing structures.

World-class standards, complete confidence

Over the past half-century, Subaru has forged a reputation for developing some of the most robust and technologically advanced active and passive safety systems in the business. These systems give drivers of the highest performing cars in the fleet, the 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI, the confidence to tackle all types of roads, under all sorts of conditions. Net result: the perfect balance between sheer excitement and absolute security.

Razor-sharp response mechanisms

A world-class all-wheel drive system. Striking agility. Superior visibility. And class-leading active safety systems such as EyeSight^®◊, multi-mode VDC, active torque vectoring and oversized brakes with high-performance ABS. These are the qualities that combine to give the Subaru WRX and WRX STI excellent evasive capabilities, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

EyeSight® Driver-Assist Technology

The CVT equipped WRX Sport and Sport-tech, utilizes two cameras to monitor activity on the road ahead, help identify potential danger and provide assistance to the driver when needed most. EyeSight^® features multiple advanced active safety systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning and Lane Keep Assist. All other Subaru models equipped with EyeSight^® have earned the highest possible front crash prevention rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Reverse Automatic Braking

Available on the Subaru WRX Sport and Sport-tech with CVT, this system detects obstructions behind the vehicle and automatically applies the brakes if it appears the risk of a collision is high. The system also incorporates a warning feature, which triggers different patterns of alarms according to the distance the car is away from an obstruction.

High Beam Assist (HBA)

Available on the CVT equipped Subaru WRX Sport and Sport-tech, this feature allows the driver to keep the high beams activated at all times. When the system detects an oncoming vehicle or the distance to the vehicle in front has reduced, the high beams automatically dim. When other vehicles are far enough away, the system switches the high beams on again.

Steering Responsive Headlights

These headlights automatically move to coincide with the movement of the car as it rounds corners, providing better illumination and increased levels of safety. Available on all versions of the WRX STI, the WRX Sport and WRX Sport-tech, the headlights also cast a brighter and whiter beam for improved visibility. In addition, the Sport and Sport-tech versions of both cars are available with wiper-activated headlights to ensure greater safety even in damp weather.

Ultra-powerful Anti-Lock Braking Systems(ABS)

The braking systems on the Subaru WRX and WRX STI incorporate the latest thinking on anti-skid prevention, as well as other features designed with superior safety in mind. Electronic Brake-force Distribution automatically adjusts front/rear brake pressure under different vehicle loads, while Brake Assist automatically provides added stopping power in panic-braking situations. The WRX Sport-tech (6MT) trim now comes equipped with Brembo^® high-performance rotors with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers, which reduce brake fade and increase stopping power. The WRX STI comes fitted with Brembo^® ventilated, cross-drilled rotors, 6-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers for even more control and superior braking performance.

Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD)

The available SRVD system represents a big step towards full-perimeter preventative safety and has three distinct functions: Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Blind Spot Detection identifies vehicles behind the C-pillars and in other blind spots, while Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles when changing lanes. Using a sensor in the back of the vehicle, Rear Cross Traffic Alert signals drivers of close vehicles while reversing, such as out of a parking space or driveway.

Rearview Camera

Being able to see what’s behind you is not only a great convenience, it’s a great safety feature. With Subaru’s rearview camera system, a crystal-clear image of what’s behind your vehicle is displayed onto the infotainment screen. This feature comes standard on the WRX and WRX STI for an even more confidence-inspiring ride.

Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

The WRX and WRX STI both feature multi-mode VDC^†, a highly advanced stability control system with three driver-selectable settings — normal mode, traction mode and off — that alter the amount of torque sent to the wheels. This system uses multiple sensors to predict when a loss of traction is likely to occur, giving the driver increased control over the situation and increased confidence for the road ahead.

^† VDC is also known as electronic stability control.

Corner-Hugging Active Torque Vectoring

Active torque vectoring is another layer of active safety — and another one that lets you play harder with increased confidence. When entering a corner at speed, this system automatically analyzes the steering angle and g-forces, then applies a little braking force to the inside front wheel to keep the car on its intended line. No understeer, no oversteer, just steer.

Passive safety, aggressive protection

n the event that an accident is unavoidable, every Subaru boasts a wide range of passive safety systems designed to deliver class-leading levels of protection. Each vehicle features exceptionally rigid construction and incorporates the latest thinking in passive safety protection. Together, these advances minimize the impact of collisions and, in turn, generate greater peace of mind.

Advanced Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame

This proprietary advanced frame design, has been engineered for even better crashworthiness, strengthens the passenger compartment by linking the roof to the side pillars and the floor, thereby dissipating and/or redirecting impact energy coming from all possible directions. A front crumple zone, redesigned hinges, high-strength door beams and frame members, and a restructured rear bumper provide even more protection.

A Force Field of Airbags

A focus on passive safety is an integral part of the Subaru offering — even for the most high-performing vehicles in the line-up. This is why the Subaru WRX and WRX STI feature a full complement of supplemental restraints, including dual-stage deployment front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and side-curtain airbags for front and rear outboard occupants.

Whiplash-reducing Front Seats

The front seats are designed with rigid frames, anti-whiplash headrests and energy-absorbing inner seat springs to help mitigate the effects of a rear-end collision and reduce the chances of injury. This is just another example of how Subaru goes the extra mile to give drivers an unsurpassed level of confidence behind the wheel.

Break-away Engine

Every Subaru goes above and beyond common practice when it comes to your safety. In the event of a head-on collision, the SUBARU BOXER^® engine and transmission are designed to absorb impact and then break away from the vehicle structure and drop below the passenger cabin for added protection.

Unrivaled engineering, uncontested control

The 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are purebred performance cars enabled by some of the most advanced automotive technologies the world has to offer, including Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD (for superior control) and the SUBARU BOXER^® engine (for dynamic response.) These advances have been placed in a super-strong chassis and are supported by a rally-honed fully independent suspension system to ensure unmatched cornering capability, precision and stability on any type of road surface, under all possible conditions.

The spine-tingling SUBARU BOXER^®

The Subaru WRX features a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER^® that balances potent performance with optimal fuel efficiency. The twin-scroll turbocharger sees peak torque arrive at 2000 rpm and creates a long, flat torque curve for crisp response and striking driveability, making everyday driving much more exciting. The Subaru WRX STI benefits from a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER^®, which creates raw power fused with complete poise, on the road and on the track. Both versions of the turbocharged SUBARU BOXER^® incorporate a high-efficiency intercooler for reliable performance and both benefit from the inherently smooth operation of the horizontally opposed configuration.

Transmissions + Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD

The manual transmissions fitted to the WRX and WRX STI are designed to work with different versions of the legendary Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD system to create optimum response to a full range of driving conditions. The WRX is also available with a Sport Lineartronic^® automatic transmission that is linked to an AWD system designed for sportier handling, delivering the perfect blend of control, performance and fuel-efficiency.

6-Speed Manual + Viscous-coupling Centre Differential AWD

The 6-speed manual transmission in the WRX is linked to a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential AWD system that delivers near-neutral handling and maximum control. This short-throw transmission and clutch have been reinforced for a more solid and smoother feel. These characteristics combine to create a sportier, more direct connection between the driver and the car, and the car and the road.

Sport LineartronicTM CVT + Variable Torque Distribution AWD

Exclusive to the WRX, the efficiency-enhancing Sport Lineartronic^® automatic transmission is paired with a variable torque distribution (VTD) AWD system that sends slightly more power to the back wheels than the front, creating a sporty driving feel. The transmission also features a revised shift lever, an 8-step manual mode and paddle shifters. Linked to the driver-selectable SI-DRIVE^® engine management system for increased control, this transmission delivers superior performance and superior efficiency, all in one.

6-Speed Manual + Driver Controlled Centre Differential AWD

The WRX STI features a reinforced, close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission linked to the latest version of Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD), a proprietary design that is completely unique to the industry. Now electronically controlled for optimum steering and handling, the DCCD allows the driver to adjust the centre differential locking through three different modes and customize the torque sent to the front and rear wheels to suit the mood or the conditions.

Super-strong, performance-tuned chassis

Years of heated competition, extensive testing, and advances in materials and engineering have inspired a revolutionary chassis design for the WRX and WRX STI. The overriding goal was to create a super-strong chassis with exceptional stability and lightning-quick response, so high-tensile steel was used throughout to increase torsional rigidity and reduce vehicle weight. These characteristics allow the long-travel, fully independent suspension system and electric power steering to create superior handling and response under all possible conditions.

Front Suspension

The MacPherson^® strut-type front suspension from Subaru is more rigid than conventional strut systems, as a result, delivers superior handling overall. The WRX and WRX STI pairing take this even further with stiffer stabilizers, higher spring rates, and performance tuning that expertly balance stiffness and compliance. Constant improvements made to the damping force of the struts and the rebound rate for the coil springs helped provide improved stability, response and feedback to the driver. The WRX Sport-tech and all versions of the WRX STI also feature inverted struts which help to accommodate the larger 18-inch and 19-inch wheels. The inverted strut configuration is designed to keep heavier suspension components mounted to the chassis, reducing unsprung weight and allowing the lighter moving parts to move more freely. This makes for quicker suspension response and vastly improved performance on rough roads and when cornering.

Rear Suspension

The double-wishbone rear suspension system has been designed and tuned to provide a more stable, smoother and more planted feel, especially in the corners. This design offers more control over the degree to which the rear wheels tilt in and out when cornering, so it helps maintain maximum tire contact with the road at all times - even when the road is not cooperating. The double-wishbone also helps reduce body roll and understeer, creating a more controlled and more enjoyable driving experience overall. This design is also flatter and more compact than other rear suspension system designs, so the components don't intrude into the cargo area, thereby freeing up more space for storage. The double-wishbone rear suspension and the MacPherson^® strut-type front suspension work in conjunction to create unparalleled handling, control and confidence behind the wheel.