Is the 2026 Subaru WRX Still Worth Buying? Here's What Drivers Need to Know

Subaru created the high-performance WRX compact sports sedan in the early 1990s to compete in the World Rally Championship, ultimately bringing rally-inspired engineering to its everyday production cars.

Take a closer look at this high performer as we consider whether the 2026 Subaru WRX is still worth buying and what drivers need to know.

What is the Subaru WRX all about?

The WRX nameplate stands for World Rally eXperimental, and what began as a high-performance trim level of the Subaru Impreza range in 1992 became the distinct, standalone WRX model in 2015.

Fast forward to today, and the WRX still features all the iconic rally-inspired, performance, and aggressive styling, complete with its signature hood air scoop and track-tuned suspension, bridging the gap between an everyday commuter and a race-ready track car.

How new is the 2026 Subaru WRX?

The latest 2026 Subaru WRX is a fifth-generation model originally introduced for the 2022 model year.

For the 2026 model year, the Subaru WRX introduces the high-performance tS trim and limited Series, bringing the total number of trim levels to five.

Aggressive rally-inspired exterior styling

The four-door compact sports sedan is 183.3 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall, with a 105.2-inch wheelbase.

Rally-inspired styling cues abound, and buyers of the WRX don't buy this car to fade into the background; its wide, sporty stance features bold sculpted panels and aerodynamic styling.

Starting in the front end, the WRX offers LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and, depending on trim level, LED fog lights.

It's hard to miss the WRX's iconic and functional hood scoop, and on its flanks, the muscular wheel arches.

Exterior styling accents include front and rear under-spoilers, a sporty-styled rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, an exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets, and a trunk spoiler on all trims except the base trim.

Further key exterior appointments across the range include:

• Auto-on/off headlights
• Two-speed windshield wipers
• Alloy wheels

Sporty refined interior

The 2026 Subaru WRX cabin is driver-focused with distinct motorsport-inspired finishes.

Immediately noticeable in the cabin, tastefully dressed up with carbon-fiber-like accents, are the prominent vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen, the unique, athletic, thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel with black stitching, and the heavily bolstered sport seating with red contrast stitching.

Just some of the WRX model's standard interior features and amenities include:

• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
• Tilt/telescoping steering column
• Aluminum-alloy pedal covers
• Analog speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel gauge
• Sport-design electroluminescent gauges
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system
• Power windows with front auto-up/down
• Electronic cruise control
• Three-spoke steering wheel with audio system, Bluetooth®, SI-DRIVE, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control buttons
• Front and rear USB-A and USB-C input ports
• Center console featuring dual cup holders,  an LED-illuminated storage tray, and a 12-volt power outlet

Further amenities are available depending on the trim, which we will cover in more detail as we look at the individual trim levels later in this article.

How much cargo can the WRX load?

The WRX sedan's trunk offers up to 2.5 cubic feet of space and can be easily accessed from inside the car via the handy 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Wearing the iconic WRX badge means that this Subaru has the go to match the show.

All trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder engine, producing 271 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and a torque output of 258 pound-feet @ 2,000-5,200 rpm.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, along with Active Torque Vectoring, and is available with either a fully synchronized six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Providing the WRX with commendable handling and traction on all surfaces are standard Vehicle Dynamics Control and a Traction Control System. Buyers also get sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension that offers racetrack-level handling.

How quick is the WRX?

The WRX is no slouch, with respectable 0-60 mph acceleration times of 5.4 seconds with the CVT and 5.6 seconds with manual shifting.

What are the 2026 WRX trim levels and their prices?

Five trim levels ensure something for everyone and every budget.

Base

Offering outstanding value at $32,495 MSRP, the Base trim features all of the above shared good bits and trim-exclusive items such as:

• 18 x 8.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in a dark gray finish
• Body-color power side mirrors
• Six-way manually adjustable driver's seat
• Premium cloth upholstery
• Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus System
• Six speakers
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration

Premium

At a starting price of $33,995, the Premium trim adds to the specs of the Base model, further features that include:

• All-Weather Package with heated front seats
• Premium Black Cloth upholstery with Red Stitching
• LED fog lights

Limited

Starting at a $38,995, the Limited trim adds further niceties over the lower trims that include:

• Black finish 18 x 8.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Steering Responsive Headlights
• Body-color power side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• 10-way power adjustable driver's seat
• Ultrasuede®- and leather-trimmed upholstery
• Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia System with Navigation
• Harman Kardon® premium audio system

GT

At $44,995, prospective owners will appreciate the additional features of the GT trim, such as:

• Recaro® performance design front seats
• Electronically adjustable dampers
• Drive Mode Select
• Sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension with electronically adjustable dampers
• Power-tilt/sliding glass moonroof
• Sport-design 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster

tS

The new tS trim is also available at $44,995 and offers buyers the best of Subaru's high-performance goodies, which include:

• Brembo® high-performance braking system
• STI-tuned suspension with electronically adjustable dampers
• 19 x 8.5-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in a satin gray finish
• Crystal Black Silica-finish power side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• 8-way power adjustable driver's seat

Is the 2026 Subaru WRX still worth buying?

Yes, with its impressive performance and extensive lineup of equipment all at an affordable price, the WRX remains a solid choice for buyers looking for more excitement from their commuter vehicle.

Purchase the 2026 Subaru WRX at Granite Subaru

Discover more on the high-performing 2026 Subaru WRX at the Granite Subaru Dealership.

Experience hassle-free vehicle shopping with our exceptional team, and get professional after-sales service and repairs at our dealership for your best Subaru driving experience.