Subaru WRX STI
The boxer-rumbling, rally-bred Impreza we still miss.
5 reviewers · 14 videos · 13 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and fun to drive, but split on handling.
across 5 reviewers
"Any Corner the WRX is super human and properly ballsy"
Car Throttle · ▶ 2:12"that didn't happen with the old car because it was more flexing in the bushes and suspension so that keep moving a little bit forwards and backwards over time"
The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 2:46Performance
4.0/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus“the STI puts out 305 horsepower”
positive · Autotrader · ▶ 2:03“it feels a lot faster than 5.2 second suggests”
positive · Car Throttle · ▶ 2:29“The powerful engine just encourages you to take full advantage of its fire breathing nature... enough for a 0-60 time of just 5.2 seconds.”
positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 3:24Handling
4.0/55 of 5 reviewerssplit“that didn't happen with the old car because it was more flexing in the bushes and suspension so that keep moving a little bit forwards and backwards over time”
critical · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 2:46“Any Corner the WRX is super human and properly ballsy”
positive · Car Throttle · ▶ 2:12“subu has gone for a setup which it's a lot more pointed at the front end”
positive · EVO · ▶ 7:08Fun to drive
4.5/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus“I get that fizzy feeling in your stomach I get that driving this thing”
positive · Car Throttle · ▶ 5:04“It will not fail to make you smile when you drive it.”
positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 6:56“it's a lot of fun it's a breath of fresh air I like this car”
positive · EVO · ▶ 11:37Daily drivability
3.0/54 of 5 reviewersconsensus“Take the whole family out all day and the bone shaking experience could be a bit tiring.”
critical · Carbuyer · ▶ 5:11“it's just a bit too crude for my money”
critical · Car Throttle · ▶ 3:37“it's obviously pretty practical you've got an enormous boot in the back and the rear seats have got decent leg room”
EVO · ▶ 8:53Value
3.0/54 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus“Negative points that are not so easy to overlook include the price... and if you're looking for low running costs you may have to look elsewhere.”
critical · Carbuyer · ▶ 4:50“at £29,000 you're getting something very special dynamically but in terms of interior quality an overall finish the Scooby is more of a rough diamond”
Car Throttle · ▶ 3:24“now they can bring this in at a much more competitive price”
EVO · ▶ 10:31Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Top Gear
Road Test: Subaru WRX STI 2.5 WRX STi Type UK 4dr Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth it, with caveatsA technically competent and effective machine that unfortunately lacks the visceral excitement and 'x-factor' expected of an STi.
- Best for
- drivers who prioritize technical capability and all-weather effectiveness over raw engagement.
- Watch out
- Lacks perceived speed · Feels more productive than fun · Requires specific conditions to feel engaging
979 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX STi Interior Layout & Technology | Top Gear
◆WaitThe WRX STi's interior is a significant letdown, featuring cheap materials that feel out of place at its price point.
- Best for
- enthusiasts who prioritize driving dynamics over cabin luxury
- Watch out
- cheap interior plastics · dated cabin ambience
602 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX STi Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth it, with caveatsAn uncompromising, rowdy machine that offers great handling but fails to address modern expectations for refinement and engine response.
- Best for
- enthusiasts who prioritize chassis balance and engagement over daily comfort
- Watch out
- significant turbo lag · extremely harsh ride · tiring for daily use
662 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX STI S209 review: hardcore US-only saloon tested Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe S209 is an exceptionally well-tuned, explosive, and neutral performance machine that stands as the best of the STI breed.
- Best for
- WRX STI enthusiasts and drivers who value mechanical feedback and track-ready capability.
- Watch out
- No feedback for intercooler water spray · Extremely limited production run
1,649 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Retro review: the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 330S Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆SkipThe 330S is a fast and capable machine, but its flaws and price premium prevent it from being a truly great Impreza.
- Best for
- Subaru collectors who prioritize straight-line speed over steering feedback.
- Watch out
- Vague steering · Turbo lag · Firm ride · Poor fuel economy
924 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX STI review: Final Edition driven (sob) Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe WRX STI Final Edition is an outdated but deeply special, analogue performance machine that rewards the driver with a raw, focused experience.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize raw engagement and rally-bred character over modern refinement and daily comfort.
- Watch out
- very firm suspension · heavy, dated controls · high ownership and running costs · interior lacks modern tech
1,462 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX STi Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe WRX STi is a car that relies too heavily on its past reputation in a market that has evolved beyond its specific compromises.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize rally-bred handling and grip over daily comfort and cabin quality.
- Watch out
- Hard ride · Turbo lag · Poor cabin quality · High running costs
738 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 First Test: What Makes You So Special?
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe S209 is a fantastic, visceral driver's car, but its astronomical price makes it difficult to recommend over more capable rivals or a modified standard STI.
- Best for
- Subaru collectors and enthusiasts seeking a raw, analog driving experience.
- Watch out
- Extremely high price · Poor launch performance · Clutch damper hinders shifting · Peaky power delivery
1,353 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time











