Following up on the improvements to the 2015 Subaru Impreza on which they are based, the 2016 Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI receive new infotainment systems, active-safety technology, and a few visual changes for the new model year.

On all trim levels, the 2016 Subaru WRX and WRX STI receive the automaker's Starlink touchscreen infotainment systems. The base Starlink interface on the entry WRX and WRX STI has a 6.2-inch screen and features Bluetooth; satellite radio; Aha, Pandora, and iHeart Radio Internet radio streaming; and backup camera. As an option on the WRX Premium and WRX STI Premium, and standard on the Limited trim levels, a 7.0-inch version of the Starlink system also adds gesture controls and dual USB ports.

The 2016 Subaru WRX also adds the company's EyeSight active-safety technology suite, which provides lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist functions. It is, however, available only on the WRX Limited when equipped with the optional continuously variable transmission. On the 2016 WRX STI Limited, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert become standard, along with push-button start.

The 2016 Subaru WRX and WRX STI receive two subtle visual changes for the new model year. On WRX Premium and Limited models, new 18-inch wheels become standard, although 17-inch wheels remain standard on the entry WRX trim level. As for the WRX STI Limited, there is now a no-cost option to have more subtle trunk lip spoiler in place of the car's standard enormous rear wing.

Prices for the 2016 Subaru WRX and WRX STI increase slightly compared to last year. 2016 WRX prices now run from $27,390 with destination for the base model with a manual transmission, to $32,390 for the WRX Limited with a continuously variable transmission, increases of $300. As for the 2016 Subaru WRX STI, the base model's sticker price climbs $200 to $35,490, while the WRX STI Limited sees its price jump $1,500 to $40,790 due to the addition of more equipment.