Subaru WRX STi running costs and reliability

2014 - 2017 (change model)

Running costs rating: 2.2 out of 52.2

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 18 October 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 25 - 27 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

This is going to be an important question for potential buyers because Subaru WRX STI running costs are high. Fuel economy is a claimed 27.2mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle, but during our test we just about nudged 21mpg. That’s almost half as efficient as a Golf R’s claimed economy, yet it’s not as quick in a straight line. You’re really going to have to want this car.

Car tax is going to be rather high indeed too; CO2 emissions are a massive 272g/km so VED is going to be significant, and don’t even ask about company car tax.

Service intervals of one year or 10,000 miles aren’t the shortest we’ve heard of, but it’s worth remembering that’ll need financial attention too. Also, where is your local Subaru dealer? They’re popping up regularly, but the nation isn’t exactly saturated with them yet.

Subaru WRX STI emissions aren’t great. In fact, they’re higher than a Porsche 911 Turbo S, which covers 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds. You can see that Subaru has somewhat fallen behind in this respect.

This car really does feel like it’s going to stand the test of time. In fact, we’re pretty confident about Subaru WRX STI reliability. The firm has a reputation for seriously well screwed-together machines that go on for years, and we’ve seen nothing so far to indicate this car will be any different.

There haven’t been any recalls of any version of the STI, and we’ve not come across any issues reported by owners either.