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It Needs A Redesign But Subaru WRX STI Is Still The Best Performance Value

In spite of needing a total remodel, the 2020 Subaru WRX and WRX STI score KBB’s Best Performance Models. See why they are still ranked best.
2020 Subaru WRX STI, 2020 Subaru WRX, best performance cars

Has Subaru lost its image as one of the best performance car automakers? According to Kelly Blue Book, Subaru is still on top. The 2020 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance models are still popular with performance fans and have been singled out by KBB as the best performance models of any automaker. In KBB’s recent 2020 Brand Image Awards, Subaru takes home the Best Performance Brand.

The sport-tuned Subaru WRX and performance-tuned WRX STI are in need of a complete remodel, but the two performance sedans are still the best performance value in America and around the globe.

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Subaru Tecnica International (STI), has done a good job of keeping the brand’s image in front of performance enthusiasts. They recently introduced the highest horsepower model ever WRX STI in the STI S209.

2020 Subaru WRX STI, 2020 Subaru WRX, best performance carsOnly 209 STI S209 models are offered for U.S. customers

There are three reasons why Subaru takes home the KBB Best Performance Brand award. First, the WRX and WRX STI offer all-wheel-drive as standard equipment which sets the brand apart from all other automakers. The performance models don’t have to sit in the garage all winter. Owners can have more fun in the snow than any other performance car on the road.

With a starting MSRP of $28,395 including destination, the WRX is arguably the best performance value out there. The higher performance STI can be had for $37,895 including all fees and offers plenty of fun for the money. It’s not sexy, but both performance models are ranked high in safety with the 2020 WRX scoring a Top Safety Pick from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2020 Subaru WRX STI, 2020 Subaru WRX, best performance cars

KBB says, “Subaru has a solid reputation for safety and all-wheel-drive traction, but it also has a wild side, as evidenced by its recognition for performance by the KBB.com audience. That reputation is burnished by its WRX and WRX STI performance sedans as well as its BRZ sports coupe, the only model not offered with all-wheel drive. These hot Subarus offer plenty of thrills at an affordable price.”

The Subaru brand brings home more awards. In addition to scoring Best Performance Brand for 2020, the Japanese automaker also scores KBB’s Best Overall Brand and Most Trusted Brand awards.

The sport-tuned 2020 Subaru WRX and performance-tuned WRX STI sedans and the BRZ rear-drive sports coupe ramp up the fun-to-drive meter. The rally-bred sedans are in need of a complete remodel, but they are still the best performance car values on the planet. 

You Might Also Like: How You Can Win a Rare Subaru STI S209 Plus $18,000 For Taxes and Tags

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Photo credit: Subaru

Automotive News
Performance Vehicles
Subaru
Subaru WRX

Comments

Alex Lopez (not verified)    April 9, 2020 - 11:46AM

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I disagree entirely. The Type R is the better bang for buck in terms of performance, practicality, fuel economy, and reliability. It is the better performance value is all categories.

The WRX is great at $28,395 but after dealer fees and taxes, it sores way up into the low $30k range and for that, its a little too steep for what you get. The STi starts at $37,895 but again, after dealer fees and taxes, you're over the $40k threshold. With an old 20+ year old outdated engine platform, minimal features, lack luster interior, and boring aesthetics and drivability, it becomes a really hard pill to swallow at $40k.