subaru's wrx all-wheel-drive performance sedan, refreshed for 2018, rolls into the 2019 model year with minor updates and a $225 price increase for all trim levels. the 2019 wrx sti, its hotter sibling, gets a $525 bump, along with a 5 horsepower boost to 310. and both get versions of a new series.gray special edition. the 2019s go on sale this summer.
the base wrx will start at $28,080 (all prices include an $885 destination charge), an increase of $200 from 2018 for the car and $25 for destination. the 268-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four carries over from the 2018 (read our review here and in the base model is offered only with the six-speed manual transmission. the next-up premium trim level starts at $30,380, while the limited opens at $32,680. the upper trim levels also offer a continuously variable automatic transmission, and if you are so foolish (in my opinion) as to want that in this car, it will set you back an additional $1,900.
all 2019s get an updated multimedia system that supports apple carplay and android auto (but also still has a single-slot cd player, so pick your generation), as well as satellite radio capability. the base model's touchscreen is 6.5 inches; others get a 7-incher. premium and limited models with the optional cvt also include used engine ering/eyesight.html">subaru's eyesight safety and drive assist system, with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and other features, as well as an automatic hill hold and electronic parking brake.
the 2019 wrx sti starts at $37,480, including the increased destination charge, and now includes a 310-hp version of its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, thanks to intake and exhaust tweaks. (see our 2018 wrx sti review here.) it is mated only to the six-speed manual and also includes revised used engine control electronics and stronger pistons. the sti model also carries over its more high-performance all-wheel-drive technology. the limited trim level, with or without a wing (but why not?), starts at $42,280. both trim levels get the new multimedia tech with 7-inch touchscreen.
subaru will build just 750 wrx and 250 wrx sti models of the series.gray special editions. both come with cool gray khaki paint, a six-speed manual, keyless ignition and black badging, mirrors and wheels. the wrx version is priced at $33,480 and is based on the premium trim level with performance package ($2,050) that includes ultrasuede-trimmed recaro sport seats and upgraded brakes. it also gets 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlights and led foglights. the wrx sti versions get 19-inch wheels, silver-finish brembo brake calipers and an upgraded suspension with bilstein shock absorbers. the interior gets black leather and ultrasuede trim, and an ultrasuede steering wheel wrap with contrast stitching.
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