The 2020 Subaru WRX and STI is still in high demand. Here is what's going on with the remaining 2020 models, why 2021 WRX and STI are slow to arrive, and what's coming next.
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There aren't many 2020 Subaru WRX and STI left on Subaru's lots, but the ones that are still around are selling faster than other models. Subaru of America reports the WRX and STI are in high demand and selling well, ahead of the next-generation remodel coming next year. The Camden, N.J. automakers sold 2,040 performance sedans last month, increasing 47.3 percent over the same month the previous year.
It's big news because even with the COVID-19 global pandemic, the WRX and STI are only down 11.1 percent for the entire year. The performance sedans have dropped less than all other models except for the hot Forester compact SUV. In contrast, the 2020 Impreza compact sedan and hatchback are down 34.8 percent for the year. The WRX and STI are down less than the 16.9 percent drop for the entire Subaru lineup.
When will the 2021 WRX and STI arrive at Subaru retailers?
Subaru will make the 2021 model change soon, but the refreshed 2021 Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine upgrade has been the model to take the highest priority. Subaru Corporation is behind schedule because the plant in Gunma, Japan, where the WRX and STI are manufactured, shut down for eight weeks.
There aren't many 2020 WRX and STI models left on retailers' lots. We've heard cars cannot be shipped by rail because of the California fires. The vehicles are put on trucks and sent to the rest of the country, and it's slowing down shipments of all new models arriving from Japan. The cars come with ash from the fires, but it doesn't seem to hurt the paint.
The 2021 Subaru WRX and STI will likely arrive late 2020, but there will be few changes. It's the last year before the complete remodel, and both models will get a small price increase ($100-$300) and possibly some shuffling of standard features that were previously options. The performance models could also bring new wheels.
Subaru will not have any engine upgrades for either model. The 2021 WRX will continue with the FA20 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine producing 268-horsepower, and the WRX STI will keep the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer producing 310 horsepower. It's the last year the EJ25 powers the STI.
Subaru Corporation may offer a limited production Final Edition 2021 WRX STI EJ25 with 250 examples available for U.S. customers to honor the last of the 2.5-liter Boxer engine. They would have limited edition exterior badging and exclusive interior treatments.
Are there discounts or special pricing on the WRX and STI?
Currently, Subaru offers 0.9 percent financing on 2020 WRX and $325/month on a 36-month lease. Subaru retailers sell every 2020 STI model they get now, so look for the 2021 models to be in high demand. There won't be any discounts or special pricing on the 2021 Subaru WRX STI performance models even before the next-generation remodel.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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