2027 Subaru WRX STI Release Date: What to Expect – Subaru enthusiasts in the United States have waited years for a true successor to the WRX STI, the last of which left showrooms after the 2021 model year. As of September 2026, official confirmation of a full 2027 WRX STI for the U.S. market remains absent. However, recent developments from Japan—centered on three new manual-transmission performance models due by 2027—have reignited hope. These include a WRX fitted with the heavy-duty TY85 gearbox previously used in STI models, a lightweight BRZ variant, and a production version of the Performance-B STI Concept hatchback.
For American buyers, the 2027 model year focuses primarily on the existing WRX sedan, which continues as a carryover with minimal expected changes. Subaru of America has not commented on bringing the Japan-market performance models stateside.
Expected Release Date for the 2027 Subaru WRX
The 2027 Subaru WRX is projected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2026, following the typical Subaru cadence for this model. No major redesign is anticipated for the current second-generation (VB) platform, which launched for the 2022 model year.
The more exciting Japan-market models—including the TY85-equipped WRX and the Performance-B STI-based hatch—are targeted for introduction by 2027. Exact debut dates have not been locked in, though Subaru has indicated reveals will follow in the coming months after earlier 2026 announcements at events such as the Fuji 24 Hours. U.S. availability for any STI-inspired variants remains unconfirmed.
Design and Exterior Expectations
The standard 2027 WRX is expected to retain the current angular, rally-inspired styling with body cladding, aggressive front end, and sporty proportions. Minor updates, if any, would likely involve new colors, wheel designs, or appearance packages similar to recent limited editions such as the Series.Yellow or tS models.
The Performance-B STI Concept, confirmed for production in Japan, offers a clearer preview of potential STI styling. It features a five-door hatchback body with flared fenders, functional aerodynamics, a prominent hood scoop feeding a top-mount intercooler, dual exhausts, aggressive front and rear aero elements, and a large rear wing. This design aims for a distinct personality separate from the WRX sedan and BRZ coupe.
Engine and Performance Specs
The current U.S.-spec WRX uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24) producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is expected to carry over unchanged for the 2027 model year.
For the Japan-market performance variants, reports point to further tuning of the same 2.4-liter turbo boxer. Output could climb above 300 horsepower with torque exceeding 295 lb-ft (around 400 Nm), enabled by the stronger transmission and potential upgrades such as a larger intercooler or revised mapping. These figures would mark a meaningful step up while remaining gasoline-powered rather than hybrid or electric.
One Japanese report on a potential STI hatch suggested around 300 metric horsepower and a curb weight near 3,527 pounds, though official confirmation is pending.
Transmission and Drivetrain Updates
A key highlight is the return of the TY85 six-speed manual transmission—the robust unit from previous WRX STI generations—for the Japan-market WRX. This gearbox offers greater durability and reliability than the current TY75 used in U.S. WRX models and pairs historically with Subaru’s Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) system for more adjustable all-wheel-drive torque distribution (historically favoring a rear bias such as 41/59).
The standard U.S. WRX will continue offering a six-speed manual as standard with an available CVT. The new hatch and BRZ variants will also feature manuals. Symmetrical all-wheel drive remains core to the formula across these models.
Interior Features and Technology
Expect continuity for the 2027 WRX cabin: a large central touchscreen, flat-bottom steering wheel, triangular air vents, and available Recaro performance seats on higher trims such as the tS. Drive Mode Select, EyeSight driver-assistance systems, and customizable digital instrumentation should carry over.
STI-oriented models would likely add more supportive seating, unique trim, and performance-focused instrumentation, consistent with past STI and current tS treatments.
Pricing Expectations for U.S. Buyers
The 2027 WRX is estimated to start near $34,000, aligning with recent pricing (2026 base models began around $32,495–$33,690 depending on exact trim and destination charges). Higher trims such as Limited, GT, or tS could approach or exceed the mid-$40,000s.
Any true STI or Performance-B derivative would command a premium, potentially starting in the mid-$40,000s or higher if brought to the U.S., though no official pricing exists. Japan-market estimates for related models have circulated in the 4–5 million yen range (roughly $27,000–$34,000 at current exchange rates before taxes and options), but U.S. pricing would differ significantly due to market positioning and equipment.
Will a True WRX STI Return to America?
Subaru of America has consistently declined to comment on potential future vehicles, including the three manual models announced for Japan. The last factory WRX STI for the U.S. ended with the 2021 model year amid emissions regulations and a strategic shift toward electrification. Recent success with hybrids and EVs has reportedly given the company more flexibility to develop pure-combustion performance cars again.
The Performance-B STI Concept and TY85 WRX represent the closest steps yet toward a modern STI. Whether these reach U.S. showrooms depends on demand, regulatory considerations, and prioritization by Subaru’s global product planning. Enthusiasts continue to express strong interest, and executives in other markets have acknowledged customer desire for STI models.
Competitors and Market Context
In the U.S., the WRX competes with the Toyota GR Corolla, Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R, and Hyundai Elantra N. A revived STI with higher output, the TY85 transmission, and enhanced AWD could strengthen its position against these rivals, especially for buyers seeking all-weather performance and manual engagement. The potential hatchback body style would directly challenge the GR Corolla and Civic Type R.
What U.S. Buyers Should Watch For?
Monitor official announcements from Subaru of America and coverage from outlets tracking Japanese developments. Special-edition WRX models (such as recent tS or Series.Yellow variants) often serve as interim performance upgrades while a full STI is evaluated. Production of the Japan-market models by 2027 keeps the door open for eventual global expansion, including North America.
For now, the 2027 WRX itself remains a solid, accessible performance sedan with the same 271-hp turbo boxer, available manual transmission, and symmetrical AWD that have defined the nameplate. The bigger story is the clear signal that Subaru is investing in driver-focused, combustion-powered performance cars again—starting in Japan and potentially expanding outward. Stay tuned for official reveals later in 2026 and into 2027.