The 2027 Subaru STI Returns As A Rally-Bred Hot Hatchback, But It Gains Weight Without Extra Power

Aside from the BRZ, Subaru hasn’t really made a true enthusiast car in a while. The last STI was discontinued in 2022, and ever since, we have been getting mildly spicy versions of the Impreza and other models that aren’t quite the full-on performance cars enthusiasts want. This includes three STI-inspired models that Subaru unveiled at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Show. 

There have been reports of a new STI coming in 2027, and we already know it will be inspired by the STI-B concept. The latest issue of the Japanese outlet, BestCarWeb, provides insight on a variety of upcoming Japanese models, and the 2027 Subaru STI is among them. We also know some of the numbers, and depending on who you might ask, they may be a bit disappointing.

The STI-B Concept suggests that the most notable improvements will be related to the chassis.

The Japanese way of making performance cars has rarely been about throwing more power at the next generation. While we have come to expect each new model to be more powerful than the last one, modern-day emissions regulations are making it difficult. 

This will be the first STI to be powered by the FA24, turbocharged boxer-four engine. The unit is carried over from the lesser WRX model, but will reportedly make 300 metric horsepower and 295 pound-feet. To put things in perspective, the current Subaru WRX comes with 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet from virtually the same engine. The extra power is likely due to a larger intercooler, a new turbocharger, and different mapping. The WRX is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 to 5.9 seconds, so we expect the STI to be marginally quicker. 

In true tradition, the rally-bred Subaru hot hatchback will feature the company’s permanent, Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual. The classic STI formula returns.

The STI-B concept hinted at what we can expect on the 2027 Subaru STI. The new model will feature an aggressive wide-body kit with a large rear wing, lots of vents, and a functional rear diffuser. The concept model also showcased six-pot Brembo brakes at the front and forged BBS wheels, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tires.

It won’t be quite the lightweight hot hatch you hope for.

The 2027 STI will gain some weight. According to the Japanese scoop, the Subaru hot hatch will tip the scales at around 1,600 kg, which comes up to 3,527 pounds. To put things in perspective, the 2026 Subaru WRX weighs 3,351 to 3,560 pounds, depending on the trim. With all the new safety regulations, I suppose we have to be glad it isn’t much heavier than the previous models. In all honesty, I think this is a bit of an achievement.

The 2027 Subaru STI dimensions:

• Length: 4,500 mm / 177.16 inches
• Width: 1,850 mm / 72.83 inches
• Height: 1,450 mm / 57.08 inches
• Wheelbase: 2,675 mm / 105.31 inches

In Japan, the 2027 Subaru STI prices are expected to be in the 4.0 to 5.0 million Yen.

There are still details we don’t know about the 2027, such as how much stiffer the chassis will be, details about the suspension, price in other markets, and more. The WRX GT and tS (tuned by STI) trims have electrically-controlled adaptive dampers, so we expect a version of that system in the STI.

The 2027 STI will square up against other hot hatchbacks like the GR Corolla, Golf R, Civic Type-R, and Integra Type-R. It’s a tough company to beat. What are your thoughts on the 2027 STI? Would you choose it over the aforementioned competitors? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

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About the author

Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.