2026 Subaru WRX

Performance  

At the core of every 2026 WRX is a 2.4-liter flat-4 engine with 12.0 psi of turbocharged boost. It produces 271 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and a peak 258 lb-ft of torque, which is reached between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.

The unusual horizontal layout of the Boxer® engine allows for a lower center of gravity, better balance, and reduced piston-to-piston vibration, enabling the engine to perform more efficiently and effectively. Gearheads will tell you that working on a Boxer® engine is more like working on an aircraft engine. It is made to soar!

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all trims except the GT. It features optimized gear ratios, refined shift quality, and Incline Start Assist. The Subaru Performance Transmission is available in the Premium and Limited trims and is standard on the GT. This automatic features eight speeds, manual shifting via fingertip paddles, and aggressive shift logic with downshift blipping control.

The track-tuned suspension allows for aggressive spring and damper rates. Double-wishbone rear suspension with pillow-ball bushings, large front and rear anti-roll bars, wide tires, and a rigid unibody with reinforced suspension deliver motorsport feel and the most responsive handling to the grip of your hands on the steering wheel. Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque and Electric Power Steering further sharpens cornering and actively reduces understeer, giving instantaneous response to your command.

A key factor in the WRX’s performance is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides superb traction optimization all year round. The system’s design is rooted in its horizontally opposed engines, which provide a lower center of gravity for better traction and performance. The standard Active Torque Split contributes to the AWD by distributing power between the two axles depending on the throttle response. Active Torque Vectoring enhances the standard Vehicle Dynamics Control stability and traction control system by directing power to the outside wheels to help rotate the WRX through a turn.

EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for most WRX models are 19 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.  Automatic-equipped models are down one MPG for each figure.   

Exterior

The compact sport sedan body is exclusive to the WRX. Visually, all WRX models are notable for their iconic hood scoop, which sends air directly to the turbocharger intercooler. Additional functional vents are found in the front, side, and rear. A wide stance and aggressive wheel design set the tone for this high-performance vehicle.

All models, except the tS, receive 18-inch wheels with their own finish. The tS model is upgraded to 19-inch satin gray alloy wheels. Series Yellow models feature a Sunrise Yellow paint job and 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels.

Interior

The WRX cabin feels more like a cockpit from which you can rocket out onto the road. It stands out with a thick-rimmed flat-bottom steering wheel, carbon-fiber-themed accents, aluminum pedal covers, and red contrast stitching. The instrument panel is well laid out, and all controls are easily accessible, whether hands-free or not. A clean, driver-focused instrument cluster, superb controls, and excellent visibility enhance the overall driving experience.   

WRX seats five, with 60/40-split-folding rear seats and 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats. WRX tS, Series Yellow, and GT models sport Recaro® Performance Seats with 8-way power driver’s adjustment and Ultrasuede® surfaces.

Technology

All WRX models feature an 11.6-inch portrait-format, high-resolution SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus System with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The large touchscreen provides quick access to audio, vehicle, and climate controls. HD Radio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone, and audio streaming are also available.   

Available on the Premium trim and standard on the others is the Harman Kardon® premium audio system for a superior sound experience with clearer, crisper, more dynamic sound through Harman’s ClariFi™ Technology that restores audio fidelity to a maximum. The eight-channel class-D amplifier delivers high-performance acoustics with 432 watts of power to maximize jam sessions and epic private concerts while you rally down the highway and drift through the turns.

Safety

For 2026, all Subaru WRX models, including those equipped with a manual transmission, will have the Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and DriverFocus®Distraction Mitigation System. The system includes:

• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering  
• Automatic Emergency Braking  
• Lane Departure Prevention  
• Pre-Collision Brake Assist  
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management (SPT-equipped models)

High Beam Assist is also standard across the model line, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on Limited and above trims.

The 2026 WRX can also boast having earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was declared a TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

Warranty

 These warranties come with every standard model. They include the following;   

• 3-year, 36,000-mile new car warranty   
• 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty   
• 3-year, 36,000-mile wear item warranty   
• 5-year, unlimited-mile rust perforation warranty

Subaru’s available Rust Perforation Warranty and Wear Item Warranty are testaments to the quality of this vehicle and the confidence of the Subaru Brand. The Wear Item Warranty covers wear and tear on items such as brake pads, wiper blades, clutch linings, and transmitter batteries. This special offer ensures the driver that Subaru stands by the performance and overall build of its product.