Sometimes good just isn’t quite good enough. If you’ve considered the 2017 Subaru WRX, but was somehow left wanting more, you’re in luck. The 2017 Subaru WRX STI will go faster, harder and with more punch than you get with the base WRX.
What makes the 2017 Subaru WRX STI the trim that gives you more?
While the 2017 Subaru WRX STI may have been created on the same chassis as the base WRX, the STI brings higher performance with 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft. compared to the WRX, with 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft.
If you think the STI just might be what you’re looking for, here’s a look at how this trim compares to the base WRX. We’ll get into the details of everything that makes the STI special and why you might want to make it your next vehicle. But first, we’ll start with the 2017 Subaru WRX, to give a point of reference.
First Impressions of the 2017 Subaru WRX
The WRX has made a name for itself on racetracks and rally roads for a couple of decades now. Whether you stick with the WRX or up your game with the STI trim, both options deliver that classic Subaru WRX design that has built this Subaru’s loyal customer base.
WRX fans can continue to enjoy front and rear under-spoilers, LED taillights, touchscreen infotainment systems, available power moonroofs, available premium Harman Kardon audio and more.
Plus, you’ll get that low center of gravity no matter which trim you go for, thanks to the horizontally opposed Subaru BOXER engine. The WRX will come with 268 hp standard with 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
While you’ll still get the Subaru Intelligent Drive if you want it, you’ll need to opt for the STI if you are hoping for the Brembo performance braking system. Both trims come standard with continuous all-wheel drive as well as available variable torque distribution all-wheel drive.
Neither trim skimps on safety. The WRX adds to the safety features with reverse automatic braking and Subaru EyeSight driver assistance technologies, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and more. But you won’t find these options on the STI. The MSRP for the 2017 was $26,695.
The STI
The biggest difference you’ll notice when moving from the 2017 WRX to the STI is performance. As stated earlier, the STI comes standard with the 305-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine, coupled with a 6-speed close-ratio transmission.
You’ll also get the Brembo performance braking system and the Subaru Intelligent Drive features as standard. While both trims are all-wheel drive, with the STI you get the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential.
The 2017 Subaru WRX STI features the STI sport-tuned suspension with inverted front struts, pillow-ball joint mounts and bushings, and large front and rear sway bars. The STI comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and a large rear spoiler for increased stability at high speeds.
Inside, the STI features luxury touches, like Alcantara/leather-trimmed upholstery and a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel. The infotainment center features the Subaru Starlink Multimedia Plus with a 7-inch touch screen.
As with the WRX, the STI standard safety features include a rearview camera, advanced airbags, vehicle dynamics control with active torque vectoring, fog lights, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure and more.
Both the WRX base and STI also give you blindspot detection with rear cross-traffic alert.
Get the Vehicle You’re Envisioning
If you’re looking for a sporty vehicle with plenty of performance, you might want to check out a 2017 Subaru WRX STI. The only way you’ll know for sure if this is the right trim for you is to review the Vehicle History. You’ll learn about all the specs, so you know just what you’re getting.
