If you're looking to pick out a 2016 wrx rear spoiler, you've probably noticed that the base model and the Premium trims look a little naked. Don't get me wrong, the VA chassis is a great-looking car from the factory, but that tiny little lip spoiler they included doesn't exactly scream "rally heritage." Whether you're trying to mimic the classic STI look or you want something a bit more unique like a chunky duckbill, changing up the rear end is usually the first big visual mod most of us do.
It's funny how much a single piece of plastic or carbon fiber can change the entire personality of the car. You can go from a subtle daily driver that blends into traffic to something that looks like it belongs on a track in about an hour. But before you go out and buy the first one you see on a random website, there are a few things you should probably think about.
The Classic STI Style Wing
Let's be real: most people hunting for a 2016 wrx rear spoiler are looking for the big STI wing. It's iconic. It's been the signature of the WRX family for decades, and for many, a WRX just isn't a WRX without that massive park-bench wing sitting on the trunk.
If you go this route, you have two main options. You can either find someone with an STI who wants to do a "trunk swap" (more on that later), or you can buy an aftermarket replica. Replicas are actually pretty great these days. They're usually made of ABS plastic, which is durable and holds paint well.
The biggest thing to watch out for with the big wing is the trunk tension bars. The STI wing is heavy. If you bolt it onto a standard WRX trunk without swapping the torsion bars, your trunk might not pop open anymore, or worse, it could come crashing down on your head while you're loading groceries. It's a small detail, but it's one of those "quality of life" things you'll regret skipping.
Going Sleek with a Duckbill Spoiler
If the big wing is a bit too "look at me" for your taste, the duckbill style is an awesome alternative. I've always felt that the 2016 WRX looks incredibly clean with a paint-matched duckbill. It gives the rear end a much more aggressive, "kicked-up" look without blocking your rearview mirror.
Duckbills come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very subtle and just replace the factory lip, while others are massive and wrap around the edges of the trunk. Carbon fiber duckbills are particularly popular because they provide a nice contrast, especially on lighter-colored cars like World Rally Blue or Pure Red.
One of the best things about the duckbill style is the installation. Most of the time, you can get away with using high-quality 3M double-sided tape. If you prep the surface right with some isopropyl alcohol, that thing isn't going anywhere. It's a great option if the idea of drilling holes into your metal trunk lid makes you feel a little sick to your stomach.
The Functional Route: GT Wings and Chassis Mounts
Then there's the crowd that actually takes their 2016 WRX to the track. If you're pushing the car hard on a circuit, you might be looking for something that actually provides downforce rather than just looking cool at a car meet.
GT wings are a different beast. These are usually made of high-grade carbon fiber and feature adjustable "swan neck" or traditional mounts. They sit much higher in the airflow, which helps keep the rear end planted during high-speed cornering.
The catch? They can look a bit "extra" on a street car. Also, keep in mind that a true functional wing puts a lot of stress on the trunk lid. If you aren't careful, the downforce can actually warp or dent the thin sheet metal of your trunk over time. Serious builds often use reinforcements or chassis-mounted setups to make sure the wing is actually doing its job without damaging the car.
Material Choices: Carbon Fiber vs. ABS Plastic
When you're shopping for your 2016 wrx rear spoiler, you're going to see a wide range of prices. Usually, this comes down to the material.
- ABS Plastic: This is the standard. It's what your bumpers are made of. It's tough, flexible, and relatively cheap. Most aftermarket STI-style wings are ABS. The downside is that they usually come unpainted or in a generic "flat black," so you'll need to factor in the cost of a paint shop if you want it to match your car perfectly.
- Carbon Fiber: This is the premium choice. It looks incredible, but it's more expensive and requires more maintenance. Carbon fiber doesn't like the sun. If you live somewhere like Arizona or Florida, you have to make sure your spoiler has a high-quality UV-resistant clear coat. If not, it'll start to yellow or peel within a year.
- Fiberglass: You don't see this as much anymore for simple spoilers, but some custom kits still use it. It's rigid but can be brittle. I'd generally suggest sticking to ABS or Carbon for a daily driver.
The Art of the Trunk Swap
If you really want the OEM STI wing, you should check out the local Subaru owner groups on social media. People do "trunk swaps" all the time. An STI owner might want a "sleeper" look without a wing, and a WRX owner wants the wing. You just meet up, spend an hour swapping the entire trunk lids (and those pesky tension bars I mentioned earlier), and you both walk away happy.
It's the most cost-effective way to get a 2016 wrx rear spoiler because you don't have to pay for painting or drilling. Just make sure the paint colors match—Subaru has changed their whites and silvers over the years, so double-check your paint code before you drive two hours to meet someone.
Tips for a Clean Installation
If you decide to install the spoiler yourself, don't rush it. I've seen way too many crooked spoilers at car shows.
If you're drilling, measure five times and drill once. Use a center punch so your drill bit doesn't wander across your paint. Also, use a little bit of touch-up paint or a rust inhibitor on the bare metal of the holes you just drilled. The last thing you want is a rusty trunk lid three years down the road because you left the metal exposed to the elements.
For those using 3M tape, heat is your best friend. Use a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up both the trunk surface and the tape itself. This makes the adhesive much more "tacky" and ensures a permanent bond. Also, do it on a dry day; moisture is the enemy of 3M tape.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, picking a 2016 wrx rear spoiler is all about how you use the car. If it's your daily and you want to keep things classy, a nice duckbill or a paint-matched lip is the way to go. If you want that classic rally vibe that makes people turn their heads when you drive by, you can't beat the big wing.
There isn't really a "wrong" choice here, as long as you buy something with decent build quality. A spoiler is one of those mods that you get to see every time you walk up to your car in a parking lot, and that "look back" factor is exactly why we mod these cars in the first place. Just take your time with the install, keep an eye on your paint match, and enjoy the new look of your Subie.