Power & Handling
The 2019 WRX and WRX STI are both turbocharged small cars with breathtaking performance. Their differences are largely in the power and curb appeal departments.
Engine Comparison
With performance-engineered power underneath the hood of both models, how do you know which engine is right for you? Have a look below to compare the specs of both cars for yourself.
WRX | Subaru Car | WRX STI |
2L DOHC turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine | Engine | 2.5L DOHC turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine |
21/27 | MPG (city/hwy) | 17/22 |
268 HP | Horsepower | 310 HP |
258 lb.-ft. | Torque | 290 lb.-ft. |
Drivetrains
Both the 2019 WRX and WRX STI have a fully synchronized 6-speed manual transmission, but the WRX STI provides a close-ratio version of this transmission. The WRX also has an available option of the Sport Lineartronicâ„¢ transmission with paddle shifters.
The WRX and WRX STI have standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, traction control systems, and vehicle dynamics control with active torque vectoring. The WRX STI also has an exclusive driver controlled center differential all-wheel drive.
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE)
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) has three driving modes: Sport, Sport Sharp, and Push Intelligent. It's standard on the WRX STI but unavailable on the base WRX. SI-DRIVE is available on WRX Premium and WRX Limited trim levels and standard on WRX STI Limited.
Exterior Design
The new WRX and WRX STI are both sporty, suave small cars, but which exterior will appeal to you the most? They each have unique external features that add to their profile and appearance, which are listed below.
Subaru Car | Exterior Features |
2019 WRX |
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2019 WRX STI |
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Safety Features
The 2019 WRX STI and WRX have nearly identical safety specs built to keep you and your crew secure even while taking those tight turns. The main difference is that the WRX STI comes with STARLINKâ„¢ Safety and Security, while the WRX does not. The other safety features on both trims are listed below.
- Electronic cruise control
- Brake assist
- 4-wheel anti-lock braking system
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Daytime running lights
- Rear-vision camera
- Whiplash protection front seats with height-adjustable head restraints
- LATCH system
Interior Comfort
The new WRX and WRX STI both come with aesthetically pleasing, comfortable interiors, but which features do you prefer? The similarities and differences are listed below.
Subaru Car | Interior Features |
2019 WRX |
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2019 WRX STI |
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Should I Get the WRX or WRX STI?
Whether you get the WRX or WRX STI depends on what you want out of a car. Are you seeking a powerful, high-performance car with some extra bells and whistles? Then the WRX STI is for you. Do you want a sporty, turbocharged car with excellent fuel efficiency? That's the WRX. If you have any further questions, you can always reach out to a representative at McLaughlin Subaru at (866) 960-7363.
