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2016 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Subaru WRX is standard STARLINK touchscreen multimedia across the WRX and WRX STI lineup. This is a feature-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Subaru WRX
VA generation (2015-2021), second model year after the 2015 redesign.
The 2016 WRX range is Subaru’s rally-bred compact sport sedan formula: standard AWD, turbo power, quick steering, and a usable four-door body. Subaru sells it as a performance car you can drive year-round, not just a weekend toy, with more cabin room and comfort than older WRXs. The regular WRX leans toward turbo punch and value, while the STI turns the same idea into a more serious driver’s car with tougher hardware and sharper responses.
The regular WRX remains the everyday performance choice, with a 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD; Premium adds comfort features, while Limited brings leather, a power driver’s seat, and upgraded navigation and audio. The 305-hp STI is the more focused performance model, with stronger Brembo brakes and driver-adjustable AWD, while the limited-run STI Series.HyperBlue adds forged wheels and the upgraded navigation and audio system.
What changed, by category
Tech
STARLINK touchscreen multimedia with smartphone integration and cloud apps became standard across the WRX and STI lineup. Base, Premium, and STI models received a 6.2-inch system, while WRX Limited and STI Limited used a 7.0-inch navigation system with Harman Kardon audio.
Safety
EyeSight driver assistance became available on WRX Limited models with the automatic transmission. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert reached more of the upper lineup and became standard on STI Limited.
Structural
WRX Premium and Limited received revised front suspension with inverted front struts. Their wheel size increased to 18 inches.
Styling
The base WRX gained a low-profile trunk spoiler, and STI Limited added a low rear-spoiler option. The limited-run STI Series.HyperBlue joined the lineup, while the STI Launch Edition was dropped.
2016 Subaru WRX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 305 hp | 305 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Subaru WRX?
The biggest change is standard STARLINK touchscreen multimedia across every 2016 WRX and WRX STI trim. The system brought smartphone integration and cloud apps, with larger navigation and upgraded audio systems on the Limited models.
Was the 2016 Subaru WRX redesigned?
No, the 2016 WRX was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2015, with technology, safety, suspension, styling, and trim updates instead of a new platform or body.
What safety equipment changed on the 2016 WRX?
EyeSight driver assistance became available on the 2016 WRX Limited with the automatic transmission. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert also expanded higher in the range and became standard on STI Limited.
Which 2016 WRX trims received suspension and wheel updates?
The WRX Premium and WRX Limited received revised front suspension with inverted front struts and moved to 18-inch wheels for 2016. The base WRX retained its 17-inch wheels.
How did the WRX STI lineup change for 2016?
The limited-run STI Series.HyperBlue joined the lineup for 2016, while the STI Launch Edition was dropped. Series.HyperBlue kept the STI’s 305-hp performance hardware and added distinctive trim, forged wheels, keyless access, and the upgraded navigation and audio system.
2016 Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Subaru WRX.
4.5
2016 Subaru WRX
(179 reviews)
“Good power and handling, tried and true platform. Beautiful car and very comfortable.”
“I am beyond happy with the purchase of my WRX. I love the Subaru brand. I plan to always own a Subaru moving forward in life. Driving has been a treat and I am in love with my new WRX.”