All 2018 Subaru WRX/STI Trims Get a Price Bump; Do the New Upgrades Justify the Price Increase?

Subaru of America announced pricing on the newly-updated sport-tuned 2018 WRX and the performance-tuned WRX STI sedans. All trims will get a price bump over last year’s sports cars. What upgrades are coming on both models this spring, and are the price increases justified?

WRX STI performance enthusiasts have been especially critical of the lack of engine upgrades on the 2018 model. The STI sticks with the same 2.5-liter EJ25 turbo boxer engine with 305hp for 2018. Even though Subaru Corporation made exterior, interior and suspension enhancements, they aren’t enough for performance fans. But the price increase is justified for the new upgrades on the rest of the WRX and WRX STI performance sedans.

2018 WRX/STI pricing

All 2018 Subaru WRX/STI trims get a price bump for the 2018MY. The 2018 WRX base model has a MSRP of $26,995, a $300 price increase. WRX Premium starts at $29,295, a $300 price bump. The WRX Limited starts at $31,595, up $600 from last year. The 2018 Subaru WRX STI has a MSRP of $36,095, a $900 price bump, and the top-trim WRX STI Limited starts at $40,895, up $900 from last year. Pricing does not include the $860 destination and delivery charge. The performance sedans are still the best sports car value in America.

Both 2018 WRX and WRX STI come with upgrades like revised front styling, optimized suspension enhancements, new 19-inch wheels, upgraded Brembo brakes (STI), new available Recaro performance seats, a Performance Package option (WRX), new EyeSight Driver Assist safety tech (WRX), and upgraded interior materials and quieter cabin. Read about all the 2018 WRX/STI upgrades here. You can spend more to get the new performance and safety tech packages on WRX.

What else is new for 2018?

The 2018 Subaru WRX features a new optional Performance Package that upgrades the WRX Premium trim with Recaro performance design 8-way power front driver seat, red-painted front and rear brake calipers with upgraded JURID brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. The Performance Package is priced at $2,050 and offered exclusively on 6-speed manual transmission models.

More on Page 2. New safety tech on WRX

2018 WRX Limited with CVT models can be ordered with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist safety tech. The newly-updated safety system now features Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH), and a new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM). The EAM uses LED indicators to display EyeSight status and alerts on the windshield, allowing the driver to see them without diverting eyes from the road. The AVH feature replaces the Hill Holder and Hill Start Assist functions and Subaru says it offers greater functionality, by holding the vehicle on all road grades, not only inclines. The suite of EyeSight safety tech plus navigation is available for $3,300.

STI performance fans wanted engine upgrades under the hood of the newly-upgraded 2018 Subaru WRX STI. Fans will need to be satisfied with revised suspension tuning and brake upgrades. Will Subaru of America bring out a special edition 50th Anniversary WRX STI next? Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru