What does Subarus WRX stand for?

WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental.

The name signals Subaru's rally heritage and the road-going Impreza-based performance models that evolved from its World Rally Championship program. The WRX line is supported by Subaru Tecnica International (STI) for the highest-performance variants.

Origins of the WRX acronym

The following points explain how the name came to be associated with Subaru's rally-driven road cars.

• World Rally eXperimental — the canonical expansion used by Subaru to describe the rally-inspired engineering in street-legal Impreza models.


• World Rally Championship connection — the WRX name signals the link to rally competition and the drive-by-technology spread from the WRC program.


• STI association — the highest-performance variants are tuned by Subaru Tecnica International, underscoring the performance lineage of WRX models.

Together, the acronym encapsulates the blend of rally technology and everyday performance that defines the WRX family.

WRX vs WRX STI

The WRX is the standard performance variant of the Impreza, with turbocharged power and all-wheel drive designed for everyday driving that still offers rally-inspired handling. WRX STI refers to the higher-performance models tuned by Subaru Tecnica International, typically with more horsepower, upgraded suspension and brakes, and stricter performance engineering.

What STI stands for

STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the automaker's motorsports and performance-tuning division responsible for the most performance-focused WRX variants and limited editions such as special STI releases.

Current status and markets

As a global nameplate, the WRX continues to be used across many markets to denote the turbocharged Impreza-based performance car. Availability of WRX STI variants varies by country and generation, with the regular WRX serving as the entry point into rally-inspired performance in most regions.

Summary

WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental, a nod to Subaru's rally heritage and the performance technology derived from its World Rally Championship program. The WRX STI, built by Subaru Tecnica International, represents the apex of that performance lineage in markets where it is offered.

What does the Subaru STI stand for?

STi stands for Subaru Tecnica International, which is the name of Subaru's in-house motorsports and performance division. This division was established in 1988 to prepare vehicles for Subaru's World Rally Championship team and to translate motorsport-developed technology into high-performance consumer vehicles.
 

• Motorsport heritage: The "STi" badge signifies that a Subaru vehicle has been engineered by the performance division, often meaning it has a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, enhanced brakes, and other performance-oriented features. 
• Technology transfer: STI models benefit from technologies developed and tested on the rally stages, such as active torque vectoring, advanced aerodynamics, and refined suspension systems. 
• Consumer models: While STI is known for its involvement in racing, the "STi" designation is also applied to specific road-going trim levels of Subaru models, like the WRX, to create more powerful and high-performance versions for the public. 

What does WRX stand for in Subaru?

World Rally eXperimental
Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model. Subaru WRX. 2022 Subaru WRX GT.

What's better, WRX or STI?

The choice between a WRX and STI depends on your priorities: the WRX is a better all-around daily driver due to its better fuel economy, lower cost, and more comfortable ride, while the STI is the more hardcore performance option for track enthusiasts who need its enhanced suspension, brakes, and specialized all-wheel-drive system. For most people, the WRX is the more practical choice, but the STI offers higher performance for those willing to pay a premium and sacrifice some daily usability.
 
Subaru WRX

• Daily Driver: Better for everyday use, with better fuel economy and a more comfortable ride. 
• Performance: Still a very fast and capable sports sedan, with a newer engine that provides good low-end torque for city driving. 
• Value: Generally cheaper to buy and maintain. 
• Who it's for: Most drivers who want a fun, practical, and sporty daily vehicle with all-wheel drive. 

Subaru STI

• Performance: More track-focused with a more powerful engine, stiffer suspension, and better brakes. 
• Handling: Features a driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) for greater control over the all-wheel drive system. 
• Daily Driver: A harsher ride and worse fuel economy make it less ideal for daily commutes. 
• Who it's for: Enthusiasts who prioritize maximum performance and plan to use the car for track events or spirited driving. 

Which one should you choose?

• If your priority is a fun and practical daily driver: Choose the WRX. 
• If you want the ultimate performance machine and plan to track the car: Choose the STI. 
• If you are on a tighter budget but still want a high-performance AWD car: The WRX is a great starting point that can be modified to outperform a stock STI, as noted in this YouTube video. 
• If you want a more traditional and raw driving experience: The STI offers more of this feel due to its older engine and hydraulic steering, explains this YouTube video. 

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both and see which one fits your needs and driving style better, recommends Bachman Subaru.

Is Subaru a LGBTQ car?

No, cars do not have sexual orientations, but Subaru has become associated with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbians, due to decades of strategic and inclusive marketing. Subaru identified lesbians as a key demographic in the 1990s and developed campaigns with subtle, coded messages that resonated with the community.
 
You can watch this video to learn about Subaru's marketing strategy: 59sAuto Agentic AIYouTube · Jul 15, 2025

• Targeted advertising: In the 1990s, Subaru was facing declining sales and launched a campaign specifically targeting lesbians. The marketing team found that lesbians were four times more likely to buy a Subaru and developed ads that spoke directly to this demographic. 
• Subtle and coded messages: The campaigns featured subtle, queer-coded messages like license plates that read "XENA LVR" or "P-TOWN" (a reference to Provincetown, a popular gay vacation spot). Taglines also included double entendres, such as "Get out and stay out" and "It's not a choice. It's the way we're built". 
• Authentic support: The company's commitment extended beyond advertising to include sponsorships of LGBTQ+ events and partnerships with LGBTQ+ causes. They became a founding sponsor of the Rainbow Card, a credit card that donated to gay and lesbian causes. 
• Community perception: These efforts created a lasting and positive association. Many people within the LGBTQ+ community see Subaru as a brand that was inclusive and supportive at a time when many other companies were not.