2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan

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2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Review: Maximizing The Fun Factor

When it comes to performance sedans, the Subaru WRX STI has quite a reputation for carving corners and providing thrilling drives. As the high-output variants based on the previous-generation Impreza, STI models hark back to the rally-racing days of the brand with strong powertrains and all-wheel drive to aid grip. But, with an impending redesign for 2015, and few updates for the current iteration, you'll have to put up with a few gripes, including a dated interior and less-than-spacious pews, if you have your heart set on one of these.

Pros and Cons

  • Fantastic acceleration
  • Agile handling
  • Pleasantly spacious cabin
  • Street cred
  • Aging overall looks
  • Middling cargo space
  • Fuel consumption is high

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2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
WRX STI Sedan
2.5L Turbo Flat 4 Gas
6-Speed Manual
All-Wheel Drive
$34,495
WRX STI Limited Sedan
2.5L Turbo Flat 4 Gas
6-Speed Manual
All-Wheel Drive
$37,845
See All 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Trims and Specs

Impreza WRX STI Sedan Exterior

With no real changes to the exterior appearance of the car, the 4-door retains its trademark rear spoiler. The signature hood scoop, which feeds air into the intercooler for more boost, and quad-tip exhaust outlets help identify it among its regular siblings. There are 18-inch rims equipped as standard, and the Limited trim boasts a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The sedan can be dressed in only a few colors, including the iconic WR Blue Pearl hue.

Key dimensions of the new WRX STI include a length of 180.9 inches, a width of 70.7", and a height of just over 58", stretched over a 104.3-inch wheelbase. The hatchback variants are naturally shorter and narrower, but we review these separately. Curb weight ranges from 3,386 to 3,444 lbs for the sedans, while the 5-door iterations weigh around 13 pounds less.

2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Front Angle View Subaru
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Rear Angle View Subaru
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Front Angle View 1 Subaru
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Impreza WRX STI Sedan Performance

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood rests a 2.5-liter Subaru boxer engine featuring a turbocharger. This is good for 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four corners via Subaru's Symmetrical AWD setup and a six-speed manual transmission. Independent test drives note that the Subaru Impreza WRX STI dispatches the 0 to 60 mph sprint in under five seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph - admirable a vehicle with AWD.

  • Engine
    2.5L Turbo Flat 4 Gas
  • Transmission
    6-Speed Manual
  • Drivetrain
    AWD
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Front Angle View 2 Subaru
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Rear Angle View 1 Subaru
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Engine Subaru

Handling and Driving Impressions

The whole point of cars such as this is to dial up the adrenaline rush, and developers have given a lot of thought to how much excitement this one could provide. The SI-Drive controller allows you to customize the way it delivers power by letting you choose from various modes. From efficient and docile to raw and sharp, throttle responses adapt to how you want the car to behave. Working in conjunction with the DCCD system, power is routed to the back wheels when you need it. Together with a tight suspension, which is tuned to be able to take corners with accuracy and still absorb uneven roads, there is a ton of fun to be had as the pilot. Additionally, having AWD means it is ideal for those in snowy or wet-weather environments, too.

Impreza WRX STI Sedan Gas Mileage

Despite being biased towards excitement, the STI has satisfactory fuel economy figures. Gas mileage ratings of 17/23/19 mpg are noted by the EPA, which is the same as the competition from the Mitsubishi 2014 Lancer, despite having a bigger 2.0-liter power plant.

  • Fuel Tank Capacity
    16.9 Gallons
  • Fuel Economy
    City/Hwy: 17/23 mpg
* 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Manual

New Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Interior

While the car has room five, three in the back could be uncomfortable if they are adults larger in stature. The front perches are sporty and well-bolstered and could be upgraded to Recaros, too, but the fixed headrests may be a little problematic as they are oddly angled, making it slightly awkward for taller folk. Alcantara and leather-trimmed upholstery is the default on the base model, with the Limited swathed in leather.

The regular Impreza was revised for the previous model year, but these configurations did not benefit from this facelift and, as such, feel somewhat old. The interior is characterized by loads of plastics, while the generous use of subpar materials creates the impression of last-minute cabin design.

2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Dashboard Subaru
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Front Seats Subaru
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Central Console Subaru
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WRX STI Sedan Equipment and Safety

When it comes to standard equipment, the spec list is not overly extensive, but you still get a lot of value for the overall cost of the car, which is on par with competitors in the segment. Standard features include keyless entry, automatic climate control, a six-speaker single-CD audio setup with USB and iPod controls, Bluetooth, and an aux jack. The driver's seat adjusts six ways manually, while the passenger up ahead gets only four settings; additionally, both these seats are heated. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and has cruise control buttons and audio controls, and windows are power-operated. Navigation is optional, as is a high-resolution 6.1-inch touchscreen, HD radio, STARLINK, iTunes tagging capability, SiriusXM, and NavTraffic.

In terms of safety, the Impreza ships with six airbags, and although reviews of the Subaru WRX STI by the NHTSA were not comprehensive, it still received four out of five stars for rollover evaluations. The IIHS rated the standard Impreza with five Good scores, but did not trial the WRX STI derivatives in the US either, so the Top Safety Pick award given to non-high-performance cars is not applicable to these models at all.

🏁2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Price and Verdict

There have been 3 recalls issued for reasons including a valve spring failure and brake lights that don't illuminate, and a power relay that may fail. For peace of mind regarding reliability, the manufacturer provides a three-year/36,000 mile new car limited warranty and five years/60,000 miles of coverage for the powertrain.

The starting price for the WRX STI in the USA is around $35k, excluding destination and other charges. The Limited has an MSRP of around $38k, which, in comparison to the likes of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, is only a few hundred dollars less. But is the WRX STI worth the investment? With superb agility, an impressive motor, and exciting take-offs, the only downsides to consider are a stale aesthetic and a drab cabin. Still, it would make sense to wait for the fresher models that will undoubtedly have the advantage of a proper overhaul.

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