What is the most rare Subaru?
The rarest Subaru is the Impreza 22B STI, a limited-run homologation car built for the World Rally Championship. Only 400 units were produced, making it the hardest Subaru to find in good original condition.
Beyond that singular model, Subaru’s history includes a handful of other ultra-limited editions and early classics that collectors chase. This article looks at what makes the 22B so coveted, then surveys other rare Subarus that fascinate enthusiasts and collectors today.
The rarity benchmark: Impreza 22B STI
The Impreza 22B STI stands as the most famous example of Subaru’s pursuit of performance and rally credibility in a street-legal package. Built by Subaru’s rally partner Prodrive in the mid-to-late 1990s, the 22B was created to meet World Rally Championship homologation rules, and only a fixed, small batch was released for sale to the public. The result is a car that combines extreme performance with a scarce production footprint, which is why it remains the reference point for Subaru rarity.
Origins and specifications
Developed with Prodrive to bolster Subaru’s rally program, the 22B featured a widened body, rally-inspired suspension, and a high-performance drivetrain that set it apart from the standard Impreza WRX STI. It used a turbocharged engine derived from Subaru’s rally lineage and a drivetrain tuned for aggressive performance. The most iconic version wore World Rally Blue with gold wheels, and its distinctive styling has helped cement its status as a collector’s gem.
Before you dive into the details of what makes this model so rare, here are the key elements that define its allure.
- Limited production: 400 units worldwide, produced specifically for homologation and rally concerns.
- Rally provenance: designed to meet WRC requirements, linking street performance to rally heritage.
- Performance and engineering: a turbocharged, high-displacement engine, all-wheel drive, and Prodrive-tuned handling.
- Styling and presence: the characteristic widened fenders, aggressive stance, and iconic blue-with-gold-wheels appearance.
- Legacy and market value: decades later, pristine examples command multi-figure, seven-figure prices at auction and in private sales, reflecting scarcity and desire.
The combination of a fixed, ultra-low production run, a clear rally pedigree, and an iconic design has made the 22B a perennial favorite among Subaru fans and collectors. It remains the benchmark by which all other Subaru rarities are measured.
Contemporary status
Today, the 22B’s rarity translates into considerable market demand. Clean, well-documented examples frequently appear in high-end auctions and private sales, often drawing seven-figure sums depending on provenance, mileage, and condition. The model’s legendary status in Subaru lore—not just as a performance car, but as a bridge between the company’s production cars and its rally triumphs—helps sustain its elevated standing among enthusiasts.
Other ultra-rare Subarus
While the 22B remains the crown jewel for most collectors, Subaru has produced other limited-run and historically significant models that spark intense interest among fans. These are not as scarce as the 22B, but they sit at the top end of the brand’s heritage lineup due to restricted production, market focus, or rally-oriented tuning.
- Subaru 360 (late 1950s–early 1960s): one of Subaru’s earliest mass-market cars, now a coveted vintage classic in restored form. Production numbers were modest by today’s standards, and surviving examples are prized by collectors.
- Impreza WRX STI limited editions (Japan-focused S-series and similar variants): small-batch, performance-focused variants produced for specific markets, offering a mix of rarity and rally-aligned engineering.
- Other rally-inspired/limited-run STI variants from the 1990s–2000s: various special or limited editions commissioned for regional markets or special events, which remain scarce and sought after by enthusiasts.
These models demonstrate Subaru’s willingness to blend rally pedigree with street-legal hardware, creating vehicles that become instant collectibles thanks to limited production and strong enthusiast communities. Even though they don’t reach the 400-unit mark of the 22B, their scarcity and storylines keep them highly desirable in the Subaru ecosystem.
Summary
In the landscape of Subaru history, the Impreza 22B STI stands as the definitive rarity—the standard by which other limited-run Subarus are judged. Its exacting production cap, rally DNA, and iconic styling have cemented its status among collectors and fans. However, Subaru’s heritage also includes a cluster of notable, limited-edition cars—from early classics like the 360 to Japan-only STI variants—that continue to captivate buyers and museums alike. For enthusiasts, rarity isn’t just about numbers; it’s about provenance, performance heritage, and the enduring aura of a car that helped shape Subaru’s identity.
What is the least stolen Subaru?
Another Kudo for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: It's on the “Least Stolen” List. Great news, Subie lovers! Not a single Subaru model is included on the most recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI)'s “Most-Stolen Vehicles” list.
What's the most expensive Subaru?
Top 10 Most Expensive Subaru Cars In The World
- 1999 Subaru Impreza WRC Car (Chassis #11) – $865,000.
- 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI – $312,555.
- 2019 Subaru WRX STI S209 – $64,880.
- 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA – $48,995.
- Subaru Ascent Touring – $46,495.
- Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition – $41,895.
- Subaru WRX STI Limited – $41,695.
How many Subaru SVX are left?
Estimates suggest there are around 700 Subaru SVX vehicles left in the US and approximately 130 in the UK as of recent reports. These numbers are based on estimations of surviving vehicles as a percentage of the original sales figures, with the UK's 130 cars representing about 5% of their total sales.
- United States: An estimated 700 SVX models remain, calculated by applying the same 5% survival rate from the UK to the total U.S. sales of 14,257 units.
- United Kingdom: There are approximately 130 SVX vehicles remaining.
- Note: These figures are estimates and the actual numbers could differ.
What is the most luxury Subaru?
The most luxurious Subaru is the Outback Touring XT, which is considered the brand's most premium model with upscale features like Nappa leather seats, a Harmon Kardon sound system, and a heated steering wheel. The Ascent, particularly in its higher trims, is also a contender for luxury due to its large cabin, available leather upholstery, and upscale materials.
Outback Touring XT
- Interior: Features premium Nappa leather upholstery that is heated and ventilated, a heated steering wheel, and a Harmon Kardon sound system.
- Materials: Uses higher-quality materials compared to lower trims, with surfaces like faux Nappa leather on the dashboard and door panels.
- Technology: Includes Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Design: Offers a blend of luxury and capability, with an exterior that is refined while still maintaining its rugged charm.
Ascent
- Interior: Has a spacious, family-oriented cabin with available leather upholstery and quality materials.
- Comfort: Designed for comfort with good sound insulation and a solid build.
- Technology: Equipped with the Starlink infotainment system and smartphone integration, with an optional premium sound system.
- Safety: Comes with a host of advanced safety features.
