Wrx Sales Fell Off A Cliff, So Subaru Brings Back The Cheap One

Subaru WRX sales plunged 41.2 percent last year to just 10,930 units, marking the model’s worst year on record. The automaker is now addressing the slump by introducing a new entry-level variant that starts at $32,495.

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That’s $5,255 less than last year’s model, although the destination fee has climbed from $1,170 to $1,195. The base trim is simply known as the WRX and it features LED headlights, a dual exhaust system, and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires.

Stripping It Back

Moving inside, buyers will find a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 11.6-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They’re joined by cloth seats, red contrast stitching, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The model also has alloy pedals, keyless access, a push-button ignition, and faux carbon fiber accents.

The EyeSight driver assistance system comes standard and provides adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and emergency stop assist. The model also has high beam assist, lane departure / sway warning, and pre-collision braking.

Where Upgrading Starts to Count

Moving up the trim ladder is the WRX Premium, which begins at $33,995. This is a savings of $3,755 compared to last year’s Premium.

It’s well-worth upgrading from the entry-level model as the Premium adds LED fog lights, a rear spoiler, a windshield wiper deicer, and heated exterior mirrors. Buyers will also find premium cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and illuminated rear USB charging ports.

They’re joined by faux leather door panels and additional safety equipment. The latter includes rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detection with lane keep assist.

The WRX Limited falls to $38,995 and this is a savings of up to $3,685 when equipped with the optional automatic transmission. It sports steering responsive LED headlights, a moonroof, and body-color mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The cabin is notably more luxurious as it comes equipped with Ultrasuede seats featuring contrasting red bolsters. The model also gains a 10-way power driver’s seat, WRX logos on the headrests, GPS navigation, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The automatic-only WRX GT begins at $44,995 and this is $2,710 less than last year’s model. It’s notable for having Recaro Performance Design front seats that are wrapped in black Ultrasuede upholstery. They’re joined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a sport-tuned suspension with electronic adjustable ride control.

Tuned by STI

Buyers looking for something more performance-focused can opt for the $44,995 WRX tS. It costs $2,710 less than last year’s model and has 19-inch wheels that are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. They’re backed up by a Brembo braking system and the model also has electronically adjustable dampers tuned by STI.

The interior sports Recaro front seats with blue bolsters and “WRX tS” embossing on the headrests. Designers also added blue accents and special floor mats.

Limited-Run Yellow

Last but not least is the new WRX Series.Yellow, which costs $45,995. It’s based on the WRX tS and is limited to 350 units.

As the name suggests, the car has a Sunrise Yellow exterior that contrasts with matte black 19-inch alloy wheels. They’re joined by black badging as well as a revamped interior that features yellow contrast stitching and matching yellow accents.

Regardless of which trim is selected, all models are powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine developing 271 hp (202 kW / 275 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive also comes standard.

2026 Subaru WRX Pricing

Prices exclude a $1,195 destination fee ($1,345 in Alaska)