The Subaru WRX STi is one of today’s most affordable performance cars. It provides a stock turbocharged engine that sends power to the wheels while delivering lots of grip and responsive steering.
It’s based on the fourth generation of the Subaru Impreza design that was initially introduced in 2012.
When looking at it from a buyer’s perspective, a few pros and cons are worth noting right away.
| List of the Pros of the Subaru WRX STi | List of the Cons of the Subaru WRX STi |
| It provides a spacious cabin for a performance vehicle to provide comfortable seating for five passengers. | The stock setup offers drivers an unrefined power delivery that isn’t always predictable in its response. |
| The handling is responsive and entertaining, allowing drivers to hug curves, maintain speed, and climb hills efficiently. | Passengers experience above-average road and wind noise while traveling in this car. |
| Its standard AWD setup enhances traction in slippery conditions without worrying about using chains, swapping tires, or making other performance modifications to the vehicle. | The interior is somewhat dated when compared to competitive models, even with the addition of the push-button start and keyless entry. |
| The STi trim is competitively priced with the base model MSRP, making it an affordable upgrade. | It comes equipped with a high-performance suspension, but it takes some time to smooth out the rough ride. |
The Subaru WRX STi is a small performance car that sprints when you drive a straight line. It handles well, but it tends to have a sluggish throttle at slow speeds.
That’s why modifications are sometimes necessary to meet individual needs.
Supercharged and Turbocharged Subaru WRX STi
The Subaru WRX STi is an excellent candidate for supercharger or turbocharger modification. This upgrade allows the small displacement engine to multiply its natural aspiration to provide more output. With the correct installation, drivers can achieve up to double their stock all-motor output.
The Subaru WRX STi looks like a racing vehicle. It even sounds like one when you gun the engine. When you try to peel out from the line, the results are somewhat average.
You can beat the average passenger vehicle with a stock setup, but you won’t touch someone with a custom ride.
Here’s a closer look at an overview of the traditional four-door sedan with all-wheel drive.
| Engine Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission Type | Six-Speed Manual Transmission |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Cylinders | Flat Four Design |
| Combined Miles Per Gallon | 18 MPG |
| Total Seating | Five Passengers |
| Standard Warranty | Three Years or 36,000 miles |
When you start pushing the output for a smaller engine like the one found on the Subaru WRX STi, you will see limited horsepower and performance gains without the inclusion of a centrifugal supercharger or a massive turbocharger.
With some setups, you could triple or quadruple the eventual engine output, but without more air getting forced into the engine at lower RPMs, the results could be worse instead of better.
That’s why the best solution for the Subaru WRX STi is to equip a supercharger and a turbocharger to the same system.
An optimal level of engine response occurs by integrating an efficient turbocharger and a positive-displacement supercharger.
Each support adds to the strengths while supporting the weaknesses of the other modification.
Benefits of Equipping a Supercharger
The primary advantage of equipping a positive-displacement supercharger to the Subaru WRX STi is the instant performance boost you receive. The pressure and power output are increased regardless of speed.
Although the lower efficiency rating often steels horsepower from the crankshaft, the response improvements often outweigh the negatives when this mod is solely equipped.
If you want to try a supercharger without a turbocharger, a centrifugal model could be a better choice.
When you have a lower efficiency, the compressor outlet temperature tends to be higher. That needs to be kept in the back of your mind when running full out with your Subaru WRX STi.
Benefits of Equipping a Turbocharger
Equipping a turbocharger ensures that the Subaru benefits from higher efficiency compression sections. That results in lower outlet temperatures for each pressure boost. Less power is needed to drive the compressor to achieve a particular flo0w.
This result occurs because a turbocharger is essentially a turbine and a compressor that works together to boost performance.
It uses the exhaust gas energy to drive the turbine, delivering power to the compressor so that it creates the outcomes you want for the Subaru WRX STi.
That also means the design is dependent on the exhaust gas flowing to drive the compressor, which means there might not be enough at the lower RPM spread to achieve the desired boost.
What to Expect with the Subaru WRX STi
If you’re thinking about investing in the WRX STi for your next vehicle, here are a few considerations to ponder before finalizing your transaction.
How Does the Subaru WRX STi Drive?
When it was first introduced, the WRX was one of the best options for driving and speed in the marketplace. Time has passed since that initial meeting, and the processes haven’t evolved much since that time.
It has a jerky acceleration profile that is almost unpleasant without the addition of a supercharger and a turbocharger. If you have a full-throttle shift, you’ll lurch forward.
After you get up to speed, driving the Subaru WRX STi becomes more entertaining. It changes directions quickly, accurately handles corners, and delivers expected responses from the wheel.
How Comfortable Is the Subaru WRX STi?
It is more comfortable to be in this car with the optional Recaro seats. When you’re sitting or driving a smooth highway, it feels supportive and kind. Even a few small bumps are okay in this vehicle.
When you get to larger bumps, bridge connections, or freeway imperfections, you’ll feel the impact in your lower back.
It has an above-average aerodynamic profile, but you can definitely hear the wind movement near the mirrors.
If it’s hot outside, the Subaru WRX STi delivers an excellent set of climate controls to use. They’re automatic, so set them and forget about it. When it gets cold, you’ll appreciate the heated seat feature.
What Technology Does the Subaru WRX STi Use?
The Starlink system isn’t the best with this model. Its audio quality is below-average for today’s expectations, and it doesn’t have some critical options. Navigation is unavailable.
If you decide to buy the manual transmission version of the Subaru WRX STi, you lose the automaker’s safety features. That means there is no lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation, or adaptive cruise control to use.
Does the Subaru WRX STi Come with Storage Options?
Whether you choose the sedan or the hatchback rivals for a comparison, the Subaru WRX STi comes in second with most competitors today.
It gives you enough space for the essentials, but there aren’t any intelligent solutions offered for the interior. Your trunk is about twelve cubic feet.
Parents that are looking for a performance car will find plenty of backseat space to use. That includes anchor points you can access easily. There’s enough space for the bigger rear-facing child safety seats out there right now.
When the doors are open, there’s plenty of width to make it a comfortable entry for everyone.
Should I Equip a Supercharger and Turbocharger to My WRX STi?
The Subaru WRX STi already struggles to achieve a reasonable fuel economy rating. When using the manual transmission, you get an estimated 23 mpg combined. The automatic versions for other trims deliver as little as 18 mpg. Equipping a supercharger and a turbocharger to the engine will decrease those ratings further.
When looking at the WRX, you’ll find five trims to consider. The STi comes in a standard and a limited option.
You receive a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 310 HP when paired with its six-speed manual transmission. It has shorter gearing to improve its performance, but there isn’t a fog light or sunroof option.
If you upgrade to the STi Limited, you receive power-adjustable seats, blindspot monitoring, and cross-traffic alerts from the rear. You can choose to equip a low-profile spoiler or install something like the Optimal Co spoiler extension to give your vehicle a nice handling boost.
I’ve always had fun driving the WRX. My first encounter with it came on a trip to Ft. Collins. We decided to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, so we took Highway 34 out to Estes Park. The car was a rental.
The curves on Highway 34 have recommended speeds of 15 to 20 mph. I could take them at 45 mph without feeling like I was out of control. Driving that section near the river became one of the highlights of the trip.
Adding a supercharger and a turbocharger upgrade to the Subaru WRX STi if you have high-performance needs. If not, the standard setup works well. Don’t forget to grab your official hoodie while behind the wheel to show off your love of this vehicle!