Introduction

Subaru Tecnica International (STI) has a long and storied history that began on April 2, 1988, when Subaru launched the division dedicated to high-performance motorsports. Over the decades, STI earned three World Rally Championship titles, 47 overall wins, and four class victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Beyond racing, the WRX STI line has also blessed us with some of the most exciting performance road cars—and the question every enthusiast asks is: Which generation of the WRX STI reigns supreme?

Let’s dive in and explore the key generations of the WRX STI that made it to U.S. shores to find out which model stands at the top. Of course, before we jump into each model, keep in mind that while we've done our best to supply you with as much data and objectivity as possible, there of course is some bias and opinion that comes into play as far as the "best" of anything is concerned. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's see which WRX STI is the best for you!

The U.S. Debut: The 2004 Blobeye and Hawkeye (2nd Gen)

When Subaru introduced the WRX STI to the U.S. in 2004, it changed the game. The first-generation U.S. STI, nicknamed the "Blobeye," brought aggressive styling, rally-inspired performance, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 300 horsepower. This was a massive achievement—delivering that much power in a compact sedan with Subaru’s iconic all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. With Brembo brakes and a rally-ready suspension, the car became a true icon.

In 2006, Subaru refined the design further with the "Hawkeye" facelift. The sharper lines and aggressive headlights gave it an even more fearsome presence, backed by mechanical improvements, including a stronger clutch and differential upgrades. The Hawkeye became the poster child of Subaru performance and remains a fan favorite.

The second generation’s raw driving dynamics, incredible power for the time, and its connection to Subaru’s rally roots make it the gold standard. Whether blasting down highways or carving through snow-covered streets, this generation did it all—and looked good doing it.

Third Generation: The Hatchback Revolution (2008-2014)

In 2008, Subaru took a bold step by offering the WRX STI as a hatchback, targeting a broader audience. Although the aggressive sedan styling was toned down, the hatchback offered more practicality while maintaining 305 horsepower from the same 2.5-liter engine.

Despite a softer design and added weight, the third-gen STI introduced new suspension technology with a double-wishbone rear setup, boosting its rally performance. Subaru also refreshed the model in 2011, increasing suspension stiffness by over 50% and adding aerodynamic improvements, which brought the sedan body style back. However, some enthusiasts felt the charm of earlier models was lost in the shift toward practicality.

Fourth Generation: A Modern Icon (2015-2021)

The fourth-gen STI, introduced in 2015, brought back the aggressive looks while sticking exclusively to a sedan body style. It retained the familiar 2.5-liter turbo engine producing 305 horsepower, though performance improvements focused more on chassis upgrades and handling. With updated technology, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a modernized interior, this generation became more appealing to a broader range of buyers.

Despite the improvements, the lack of competition from rivals like Mitsubishi’s Evo left enthusiasts wondering whether Subaru had lost its edge. Still, the 2015 STI remains a solid value with modern features, rally-inspired performance, and competitive pricing.

And the Best STI of All Time Is…

When all is said and done, the second-generation WRX STI—the Blobeye and Hawkeye—stands out as the greatest STI of all time in our eyes. It brought unmatched performance, raw excitement, and a strong connection to Subaru’s rally roots, setting the bar so high that even Subaru struggled to surpass it in later generations. The lightest and quickest of the bunch, the second-gen STI captured the hearts of enthusiasts and continues to be a sought-after icon in the car community today.

Without the hype and impact of the Blobeye and Hawkeye, it’s hard to imagine today’s STIs enjoying the popularity they have. This generation embodies everything that makes an STI special: performance, practicality, and personality.

Shop Wheels, Tires, Suspension & More For The Subaru WRX STI

At the end of the day, every generation of the WRX STI brings something unique to the table—whether it’s the rally-inspired beginnings of the second generation, the practicality of the third, or the modern technology of the fourth. But when it comes to choosing the best of the best, the second-generation Blobeye and Hawkeye STIs are unbeatable.

For those who want to experience that rally spirit firsthand, head over to our store for all your wheel, tire, and suspension needs. Whether you’re building your dream STI or just need a new setup, we’ve got you covered, and we offer financing, free shipping, and quick delivery on all in-stock parts. Thanks for hanging out, let us know if you disagree, and we'll catch ya in the next one!