The Subaru WRX is a sporty compact sedan with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and grin-inducing handling. Competitors include the Volkswagen GTI, the Honda Civic Type R, and the Toyota GR Corolla.
2026 Subaru WRX Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Subaru WRX
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Subaru WRX
The WRX’s prices climbed sky-high for the 2025 model year, but they’re now back at a more reasonable level. In addition to a price cut across the lineup, the base WRX reappears, slotting underneath the Premium trim with minimal equipment but an even lower price of entry. Proximity key entry and push-button start now come standard. Those with a higher budget should check out the limited-edition Series.Yellow, based on the performance tS trim.
Design
The WRX has had the same basic yet distinctive shape for years, with an unobtrusive hood scoop up front and a subtle flip on the decklid out back, with big wheels framed by matte fender flares and lower body trim. There isn’t much reason to change it, as a well-designed sedan always looks good and it gives the WRX a ton of practical appeal. For those looking for something a little different from the typical WRX in ubiquitous World Rally Blue paint, the Series.Yellow is an eye-catcher, with Sunrise Yellow paint and matte black-painted alloy wheels.
Powertrain
Subaru equips the WRX with the same powertrain across the lineup, though the top trim levels have some subtle tuning differences for more distinctive performance. The WRX features a turbocharged flat-four engine rated at 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, standard AWD, and a choice of a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Though the CVT gets paddle shifters to enhance the fun factor, the WRX’s six-speeder is one of the most entertaining manuals still on the market. The GT and tS feature adaptive dampers for an even more pinned-down suspension feel and better handling. The GT comes only with the performance CVT, while the tS comes only with the manual transmission, and also gets Brembo brakes. Manual versions are rated for 22 mpg combined, and the CVT versions get 21 mpg combined.
Interior
The Subaru WRX seats five, with plenty of room in the front row and a snug second row. In all versions, the design is on the basic side, but higher trims are dressed up with power-adjustable and heated front seats, available snugly bolstered Recaro bucket seats, synthetic suede upholstery, and sporty two-tone color combinations. Touches such as ambient lighting and alloy pedals complete the racing-inspired effect. The WRX’s trunk is on the small side, at just 12.4 cubic feet.
Technology
The WRX features the same 11.6-inch, portrait-oriented touchscreen standard across the Subaru lineup. Though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, the system itself isn’t the best. The menus are crowded, burying functions that should be operated by physical controls, such as the heated seats and the driving modes. Inputs are sluggish, too. Available upgrades are scarce, but the premium Harman Kardon stereo is nice.
