The WRX STI nameplate debuted as a trim level of the Subaru Impreza and has remained a popular option for enthusiasts. Over the years, the upgrades it has gotten to improve performance include stiffer chassis, better suspension, and bigger brakes. Where it matters most, under the hood, it has also undergone several improvements.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and an AWD system churns out 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. With this setup, the 3451-pound STI can hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at a trap speed of 102 mph. Unfortunately, this high-performance Subaru has a massive thirst for premium gasoline while its firm ride quality makes it a horrible daily driver. With that in mind, here is a review of 10 AWD performance cars we'd buy over the Subaru WRX STI.
10 2018 Ford Focus RS
The 2018 Ford Focus RS is a fire-breathing hatchback that goes like a bat from hell, thanks to its 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. Producing 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, it sends the car to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds.
Thanks to superior AWD traction, it goes fast on any surface and is a joy to drive on winding mountain roads. Inside the functional cabin, it boasts supportive Recaro seats, a Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker Sony sound system.
9 2022 Toyota GR Yaris
Unlike the standard Toyota Yaris on which it is based, the GR Yaris has aluminum door panels, hood, trunk lid, and a carbon-fiber roof panel. Under the hood lies one of the most powerful production 3-cylinder engines, a turbocharged 1.6-liter unit mounted on one side and hooked to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Depending on the market, it sends 257-268 hp and 266-273 lb-ft of torque to a light AWD system. Although it trails the WRX STI in terms of power, the GR Yaris is also cheaper and lighter and delivers a driver engagement that is appreciated by enthusiasts.
8 2022 Audi TT RS
The 2022 Audi TT RS is a sleek and attractive sports car that impresses with a luxurious cabin and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen. Power is supplied by a unique and efficient 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine hooked to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
Churning out 394 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, it sends the TT RS to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds. Audi even provides a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo to keep you entertained while you are indulging yourself with exceptional driving dynamics.
7 2022 Kia Stinger GT AWD
The 2022 Kia Stinger GT AWD is an athletic and upscale sports sedan that announces its presence with a raucous exhaust tone. Under the hood, it packs a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 mill that churns out 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
It hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds while a set of powerful Brembo brakes provide confident stopping power. In addition to a legendary warranty, it sports features like electronic adaptive suspension, Nappa leather upholstery, and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo system.
6 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T AWD
Like its platform-mate and corporate cousin, the 2022 Kia Stinger GT, the new Genesis G70 3.3T punches above its weight. Power is supplied by a 365 hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that sends it to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds.
A sports-tuned suspension enhances driving dynamics while Brembo brakes and a long list of standard and available high-tech driving aids ensure smooth and safe rides. The leather-upholstered cabin is home to a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 15-speaker Lexicon audio system.
5 2022 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic AWD
Available in coupe and convertible body styles, the F-type R-Dynamic is a gorgeous sports car that offers standard confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive. Despite being cramped and a little dated, the cabin is tastefully trimmed in leather and boasts a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment touchscreen paired with easy-to-use physical knobs.
The R-Dynamic comes with features like power seats, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 12-speaker stereo, adaptive suspension, and an active exhaust with an intoxicating soundtrack. It hits 60 mph from zero in 4.4 seconds courtesy of a supercharged 5-liter V8 with an output of 444 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.
4 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Introduced in March 2022, the new Toyota GR Corolla beats the Subaru WRX STI in numerous ways. The high-performance variant of the twelfth generation Toyota Corolla will be offered only in North America. The all-new hatchback is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine tuned to crank out 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Hooked to a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) and the GR-Four AWD system, it promises exhilarating ride quality which you can enhance with 3 driving modes. To ensure the safety of the vehicle and its passengers, it comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driving aids.
3 2018 BMW 440i xDrive
The 2018 BMW 440i xDrive offers a masterful blend of comfort, luxury, and performance that is not easy to be ignored. From its lair under the hood, a turbocharged and efficient 3-liter inline-6 engine sends out 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque to the AWD system.
Hooked to the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, it can hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 109 mph. Also on offer are 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, an upgraded infotainment system, wireless phone charging, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.
2 2010 Audi RS5
The Audi RS5 is an excellent machine that relies on an advanced set of mechanical wonders to deliver an electrifying and addictive driving experience. For superior all-weather traction, the Quattro AWD system offers a self-locking crown-wheel center differential, electronic torque vectoring, and an optional sport rear differential.
A high revving 4.2-liter V8 mill delivers 450 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 0-60 mph run of 4.6 seconds. It also has an optional speed-sensitive variable rate dynamic steering, dynamic roll control (DRC), and a luxurious interior.
1 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R, returning for the 2022 model year, comes with a more refined and more powerful turbocharged 2-liter I-4 engine. Linked to the standard 4Motion AWD system, the efficient power mill produces an output of 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
With the total of 6 selectable drive modes that come with the optional Performance package, there is a setting to satisfy every driving need. It also offers snappy acceleration, joyful handling, a long list of high-tech driving aids, and complimentary maintenance for 2 years or 20,000 miles.