It’s not very often we can start out talking about any car with the words “it comes standard with a manual transmission,” but that’s how we’re starting today. This is fantastic news, considering previous rumors suggested that Subaru would kill off the manual because Eyesight isn’t compatible. (180284) Back to the real reason we’re here, Subaru has confirmed what we told you back on April 13, 2019 – the 2019 WRX STI will get a minor bump in power. It’s just five horsepower, and Subbie went to a lot to make it happen, but it’s there. It also comes with a bump to pricing across the line.

2019 Subaru WRX Pricing

The Subaru WRX sees a pricing increase across the board, with non-STI models going up by $200 and STI models going up by $500. The entry-level model, with a standard six-speed manual transmission, costs $27,195 or $28,080 with destination and delivery fees. Pricing goes up from there with the Premium trim commanding as much as $32,280 and the Limited trim pulling as high as $34,580. The STI trim comes in at $37,480 or $42,280 with a limited wing. The WRX STI with the low-profile spoiler commands the same or $4,800 more than the standard WRX STI.

2019 SUBARU WRX Pricing

Model/Trim

Transmission

Applicable Option Code

MSRP

MSRP + destination and deliveryWRX MODELS

Standard WRX

6MT

‘01

$27,195

$28,080

WRX Premium

6MT

11, 12, 14

$29,495

$30,380

WRX Premium

CVT

13

$31,395

$32,280

WRX Limited

6MT

21, 22

$31,795

$32,680

WRX Limited

CVT

23,24

$33,695

$34,580


2019 Subaru WRX STI Pricing

Standard WRX STI

6MT

’02 ’03 ‘04

$36,595

$37,480

WRX STI Limited- Wing

6MT

21

$41,395

$42,280

WRX STI- Low Profile Trunk Spoiler

6MT

21

$41,395

$42,280


2019 SUBARU WRX AND STI OPTION PACKAGE MSRP

WRX MODELS

CODE 01 Standard Model WRX 6MT

N/A

CODE 11 Standard Model WRX Premium

N/A

CODE 12 Performance Package: RECARO® Front Seats, Red-Painted Brake Calipers, Moonroof Delete

$2,050

CODE 13 Standard Model WRX Premium CVT

N/A

CODE 14 Series.Gray WRX

$3,100

CODE 21 Standard Model WRX Limited 6MT

N/A

CODE 22 Navigation System + Audio w/ Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert

$2,100

CODE 23 Standard Model WRX CVT Limited

N/A

CODE 24 Navigation System + Audio w /Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Reverse Auto Brake + High Beam Assist

$2,400

STI MODELS

CODE 02 Standard Model

N/A

CODE 03 RECARO® Front Seats + Keyless Access with Push Button Start

$2,500

CODE 04 Series.Gray STI

$3,100

CODE 21 Standard Model STI Limited

N/A


2019 Subaru WRX New Features and Options

For the 2019 model year, the biggest highlight is the new 6.5-inch Starlink infotainment system that now includes Apple CarPlay and Android auto to go with various other apps. There is also Bluetooth connectivity and a rear-vision camera as standard equipment. If you go for the Premium trim level, you can enjoy a seven-inch display screen along with voice recognition. This model also adds on 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and moonroof. If you want to step away from three pedals and go with a CVT (not recommended,) you’ll need to pony up an extra $1,900. You can go for the Performance package with Recaro seats, red calipers, and performance pads for an extra $2,050, but you’ll ditch the moonroof and you need to have a manual transmission. On Limited models, you can opt for the seven-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, but you’ll pay $2,100 in exchange for blind sport detection and cross-traffic alert. If you want a CVT, you can spend $2,400 for automatic reverse braking and high-beam assist.

The WRX STI, on the other hand, gets a new air intake system, high-flow exhaust, revised ECU, and stronger pistons. All of these sounds like a lot, and it really is, but it only amounts to an extra five ponies, bringing total output up to 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque.

Should You Buy a 2019 Subaru WRX or WRX STI?

Unless you’re really itching to drive a WRX or STI, it’s best to wait. Word has it that the next-generation model will debut for the 2020 model year, so it’s best to wait until then to step into a new model. If you already have a WRX, then it’s certainly better to wait so you can have the latest design and technology. At this point, purchasing a new WRX, this late in its lifecycle, is hard to justify unless you’ve got the cash to burn or want a new car without a concern for having better technology and a new design.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to feel a little jaded as we watch car prices go up year after year but at least Subaru comes correct with its price increases. $200 for the standard WRX and $500 for the STI isn’t a major price bump and what you get for the price is well worth it. The STI, specifically, gets that new air intake, stronger pistons, and new exhaust, all of which is certainly worth more than $500. Sure, it doesn’t offer up much in terms of extra power, but we’re talking about a fairly aged engine and a model that’s set to be replaced with a new generation within the next year or two. Unless you’re a fan of the design, I wouldn’t suggest upgrading to a new model for now – I’d wait for the next gen model – but the 2019 model wouldn’t be a bad place to start if you’re itching to roll a WRX and don’t want to wait. At least the 2019 model will hold a fair trade-in value when the next-gen, 2020 model hits dealers.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru WRX STI.

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru WRX.

Read more Subaru news.