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Subaru WRX STI - Why It’s Flying Off Dealer Lots Before All-New Models Arrive

The performance models 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are selling well before the next-generation arrives. See why they are flying off dealer lots.

Usually, before a major remodel, a vehicle declines, but the 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI speed up. It helps when Subaru picks up another Best Performance Brand award from Kelly Blue Book, and the 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are doing well before the 2022 Subaru WRX and STI arrive.

Subaru of America reported the 2021 WRX and STI had 2,290 total sales in March, a 69.1 percent increase over March 2020. And the performance sedans are up 22.6 percent year to date. Subaru has delivered 5,566 WRX and STI to customers in the first quarter of 2021 compared with 4,540 last year. A new report from KBB says the WRX and STI are the best new sports cars.

2021 Subaru WRX STI, 2021 Subaru WRX, pricing, features, specs, next-generation WRX STI

Why are the 2021 WRX and STI selling well?

Despite needing a total remodel, both 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are excellent sports car values. Torque News reported the WRX and STI drop in value less than all other sports cars and are the top sports cars to buy new over used.

Subaru WRX and STI are an excellent value for sports car shoppers with a 5-year depreciation of 39.8 percent and the second-best model behind the Porsche 911 at 36.0 percent. Most sports cars depreciate 41.6 percent on average.

2021 Subaru WRX STI, 2021 Subaru WRX, pricing, features, specs, next-generation WRX STI
photo credit: Adventure Subaru

The lower drop in value will benefit buyers of the WRX and STI by getting a lower lease payment, and you'll get more when it comes time to trade your performance car in for a next-generation model down the road.

Another report from iSeeCars reveals the sport-tuned 2020 Subaru WRX and performance-tuned STI are in high demand and the fastest-selling new sports cars in North America. They take just 69.8 days to sell when the average sports car takes 107.2 days to move off the dealer's lot.

So you might not find the exact color and trim you want. You also won't find any deals on the 2021 Subaru WRX and WRX STI performance sedans because Subaru retailers know they are in short supply.

2021 Subaru WRX STI, 2021 Subaru WRX, pricing, features, specs, next-generation WRX STI
photo credit: Subaru of San Bernardino

Are there discounts or special pricing on the WRX and STI?

Currently, Subaru offers 2.49 percent financing on 2021 WRX and $325/month on a 36-month lease. Subaru retailers sell every 2021 STI model they get now, so look for the 2021 models to be in high demand.

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru WRX and STI?

The 2021 WRX comes in base 6-speed manual (MT) priced at $28,420, Premium 6MT ($30,970), Premium CVT automatic ($32,870), Limited 6MT ($33,020), and Limited CVT ($34,920). Pricing includes destination and delivery ($925).

WRX has two option packages. Navigation, Harman Kardon amplifier and speakers, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert ($2,100.) The second options package includes navigation, Harman Kardon amplifier and speakers, blind-spot detection/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse auto brake, and high beam assist (cost $2,400.)

The 2021 WRX STI comes in base trim starting at $38,170, WRX STI Limited with Wing or low profile trunk spoiler ($$42,870). Pricing includes destination and delivery ($925). STI offers one option package, Recaro front seats ($2,250.)

There won't be any special pricing discounts on the 2021 Subaru WRX STI performance-tuned models even before the next-generation remodel.

What's next for the 2022 Subaru WRX?

Both the 2022 WRX and STI are expected to get a new 2.4-liter FA24 turbocharged Boxer engine upgrade with additional power. Look for the WRX close to 300 horsepower, and the STI could approach 400 horsepower with the new engine.

When can I buy the 2022 Subaru WRX STI?

Subaru should begin producing the all-new 2022 WRX during the fall of 2021, but fans will have to wait for the next-generation 2022 WRX STI to roll out a year later. Torque News will bring the latest next-generation WRX and STI news.

You Might Also Like: No Big Design Changes For The New Subaru WRX And STI - Upgrades Come Underneath

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

Comments

Jason (not verified)    April 6, 2021 - 12:02PM

Along with the reasons listed in the article, this could be the end of the more analog era of STI as I can't imagine the next gen will have hydraulic power steering. Another thing is I'm not sure if there's just more supply this year (were the numbers down last year due to less supply?). And I wonder if the latest Gymkhana video has anything to do with this sales increase.

Dan (not verified)    April 7, 2021 - 12:45PM

Agreed, Jason. One of the most analog cars left. I think a lot of people feel they could kind of ruin the car in the next gen by making it more refined and less WRX-ey. I feel like the influx of 2021 purchases in the past month is because the 2021s just started hitting lots. Many people didn’t want a left over 2020 in the year 2021, so they waited. Just got my 2021 this week and that was the case for me anyway...

Jason (not verified)    April 8, 2021 - 10:39AM

In reply to by Dan (not verified)

Yeah, I'm not sure I'll want to trade in my 15 STI on a new one in a few years. I only have 45k miles on it, so I just might end up keeping it and get a new one to go with it. It depends on whether or not it loses the things I love about it right now. I sure hope they don't make it numb and isolated like a VW. I drove a 15 GTI for a week and I couldn't wait to get back in my STI. It was just too boring for me and I don't want Subaru to go that route. I can see why that appeals to most people, but it ain't for me.

Robert (not verified)    April 8, 2021 - 10:48AM

Oh, I don't know about less supply in the worldwide markets. I suspect it had more to do with the drop in sales/manufacturing due to lockdowns. Each quarter has it's manufacturing targets based on deliveries. 2020 numbers dropped off as less people showed up at dealerships during the April to June sales period. Typically the strongest sales season for cars. That unsold inventory would have indicated to manufacturers to reduce production for the latter portion of the year. The supply was there, just less sold during the first 6 months. How to explain 2021's robust sales? People are more eager to purchase after a year of holding off big ticket purchases. Real estate sales are up by 52% right now in my neck of the woods,