“I love my cars because of its performance and experience. It is a totally comfortable car for commuting or traveling.”
2017 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Subaru WRX is a light-update model, led by a new tricot cloth headliner across the WRX and WRX STI range. Most of the car carries over, with a few trim-specific technology changes and the departure of the STI Series.HyperBlue special edition.
About the 2017 Subaru WRX
VA generation (2015-2021), third model year and last pre-refresh year before the broader 2018 styling and chassis update.
Subaru positions the WRX as an all-wheel-drive sport sedan that mixes turbocharged performance with four-door practicality. Its core appeal is simple: strong acceleration, standard AWD traction in all weather, a driver-focused cabin, and enough rear-seat and trunk space to work as an everyday car. That combination sets it apart from many front-drive sport compacts, while the STI versions push the same formula harder for buyers who want a more serious performance setup.
The regular WRX is the more everyday-focused side of the range, with a 268-hp turbo engine and standard AWD; Premium adds cold-weather comforts, while Limited brings leather, a power driver’s seat, and LED headlights. The STI is the performance-focused version, pairing a 305-hp turbo engine with a six-speed manual, stronger brakes, and driver-adjustable AWD, while STI Limited adds leather, navigation, upgraded audio, and more convenience features.
What changed, by category
Styling
Every WRX and WRX STI received a new tricot cloth headliner. The limited-production STI Series.HyperBlue from 2016 did not return.
Tech
Regular WRX trims gained one-touch up/down operation for the front passenger window. STI and STI Limited gained a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen and automatic headlights.
Safety
Certain WRX versions received changes to optional braking and driver-assistance features, but there was no safety upgrade across the full lineup.
2017 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 |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 305 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 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 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Power Steering | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Subaru WRX fully redesigned?
No. The 2017 WRX received only a light update and remained part of the same generation introduced for 2015. The broader styling and chassis update arrived for 2018.
What interior features changed on the 2017 WRX?
All 2017 WRX and WRX STI trims gained a new tricot cloth headliner. Regular WRX trims also received one-touch up/down operation for the front passenger window, while STI trims gained a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen and automatic headlights.
Did the 2017 WRX or WRX STI get a different engine?
No. The regular WRX kept its 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, and the WRX STI retained its 305-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine. Their transmission choices also carried over.
Did the STI Series.HyperBlue return for 2017?
No. The limited-production STI Series.HyperBlue offered for 2016 was dropped from the 2017 lineup.
How different is the 2017 WRX from the 2016 model?
The differences are modest. The 2017 model mainly brings a new headliner throughout the range, a one-touch front passenger window on regular WRX trims, and a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen plus automatic headlights on STI trims; its core engines, transmissions, exterior design, and chassis are unchanged.
2017 Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Subaru WRX.
4.5
2017 Subaru WRX
(281 reviews)
“Subaru is a good manufacturer of automobiles. My car handles and accelerates like a dream. All wheel drive does make a difference The safety features are the best in class I have seen. Driver awareness and collision avoidance work very well. The premium Harmon Kardon audio is worth the extra money. It sounds much better than the standard audio. I would highly recommend Subaru.”
“I absolutely love my WRX. It handles like a dream, and I love the control of the manual transmission and the way the vehicle handles on the road in any weather conditions.”