The 2018 Subaru WRX STI is a five-passenger, high-performance sport sedan built around a turbocharged boxer engine, six-speed manual transmission, and sophisticated all-wheel drive. It represents the old-school, rally-inspired side of performance cars: mechanical, highly adjustable, quick, and intentionally less refined than many rivals. Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Its 2.5-liter turbocharged EJ257 flat-four produces 305 hp at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, driving all four wheels exclusively through a six-speed manual. Subaru specifies 14.7 psi maximum boost and 91-octane minimum fuel. Car and Driver recorded 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds and a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 102 mph. Amazon Web Services, Inc.
The STI goes considerably beyond ordinary AWD. Its Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) uses an electronically controlled center differential with a nominal 41:59 front/rear torque split, supplemented by a helical limited-slip front differential and Torsen limited-slip rear differential. For 2018, Subaru replaced the previous mechanical/electronic center-differential control with a fully electronic system intended to improve cornering response, stability, and control. Subaru Media
This model year received a meaningful mid-cycle refresh rather than simply cosmetic changes. Subaru fitted 19-inch wheels, retuned suspension, steering-responsive LED headlights and significantly upgraded Brembo brakes with six-piston front and two-piston rear monoblock calipers, larger cross-drilled rotors, plus the revised electronic DCCD. Interior materials and sound insulation were also improved, with Recaro performance seats available. Subaru Media
The STI's appeal is less about outright acceleration than driver involvement: a manual gearbox, adjustable center differential, strong brakes, communicative chassis and a distinctive turbo-boxer power delivery. The compromises are equally pronounced—stiff ride quality, noticeable turbo lag, modest cabin refinement and EPA ratings of just 17 mpg city, 22 highway and 19 combined. In period, competitors such as the Civic Type R, Focus RS and Golf R could be quicker, sharper, or more polished, but the STI retained a particularly raw rally-car character.
