The 2026 Subaru WRX lineup offers a lot of choices if you’re ready to treat yourself to a sports car without going overboard. Similar to other beloved and affordable sports cars, the 2026 WRX doubles as a daily driver and something fun for the weekend. Like a true driver’s car, a six-speed manual transmission is standard on five of the six trim levels.
According to Subaru, the 2026 WRX, when adjusted for inflation, has nearly the same starting MSRP as the car did in 2002. Subaru’s competitive pricing for the 2026 WRX, which starts at $32,495, is worth nothing as the average new vehicle price soared past $50,000 in 2025. In an apples-to-apples comparison, the 2026 WRX is $2,710 to $3,755 less than what the 2025 model was brand-new.
When the cost of everything seems to be rising, seeing a sports car with the pedigree of the WRX be less money than it was a year ago is something of a mini miracle.
Base Trim Engine
2.4-Liter Turbo B4 Boxer
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Manual/CVT
Base Trim Horsepower
271 HP
All about that Boxer engine
SPT transmission for stop-and-go traffic
Credit: 2026 Subaru WRX tS
Pound for pound, it’s near-impossible to argue with the Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive combination, standard once again for the WRX. While bigger, more powerful engines exist, they are also attached to more expensive vehicles. The 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder of the 2026 WRX produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired to an updated six-speed manual with optimized gear ratios and incline start assist.
Subaru’s Performance Transmission, or SPT for short, is standard on the GT and optional for the Limited. The SPT is a version of Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, which includes an eight-speed manual mode and the SI-Drive Engine Performance Management system.
The consensus among some WRX owners is that the six-speed manual is still the way to go, but the SPT is leaps and bounds ahead of a standard CVT, especially with its rev-matching downshifts. Although the manual is better for that old-school performance-car feel, the SPT is quicker and easier to drive in traffic.
This is something to think about if the 2026 WRX is your next dream sports car. The six-speed manual is probably better for overall engagement between you and the car, but if your daily commute is packed with heavy traffic, consider the SPT of the WRX GT and Limited. Interestingly, the benefits of the SPT don’t include better fuel economy, as the six-speed manual beats it by one MPG across the board.
Subaru WRX EPA-estimated fuel economy
Transmission
City
Hwy
Combined
6-Speed M/T
19
26
22
SPT
18
25
21
Steering, suspension, and braking
DNA of the WRX
The dual-pinion electric power steering and the independent, sport-tuned suspension give the WRX its signature on-road feel. GT models have Subaru’s Electronic Adjustable Ride Control, which shows the damper settings on the central display.
The tS and Series.Yellow are the radical rally cars in the lineup. Both feature the Electronic Adjustable Ride Control system, but with tuning from Subaru Tecnica International. Likewise, both are fitted with a Brembo braking system that comprises 13.4-inch cross-drilled rotors and six-piston monoblock calipers in the front, and 12.8-inch cross-drilled rotors and two-piston monoblock calipers in the rear.
WRX Series.Yellow
Limited production might make it red hot!
Credit: Subaru of America, Inc.
Characterized by its Sunrise Yellow paint and black 19-inch wheels, the Series.Yellow is based on the tS model, although only 350 are slated for production.
It’s the type of car collectors and enthusiasts may gravitate toward, as the color has a history within the Subaru lineup. The compact Crosstrek SUV, BRZ STI Sport, and WRX STI S207 have all used the bold yellow hue in the past. Starting MSRP for the 2026 WRX Series.Yellow is just shy of $46,000.
tS and Base models deliver
Both at lower price points
The tS does not have a limited production run and is probably the ultimate WRX in terms of the total package. Complete with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, 19-inch satin-gray aluminum-alloy wheels, and Recaro seats, the 2026 tS is over $2,700 less than what the 2025 model was brand-new. Starting MSRP for the tS is $44,995, but you don’t have to drop that much to get a nice WRX.
The Base WRX returns to the lineup for the 2026 model year, with a starting MSRP under $33,000. As the name suggests, the Base model sets the floor for the rest of the lineup, but even at the ground level, the Base WRX is pretty solid.
Subaru has added 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, and push-button start, none of which were previously available on the Base WRX. Base models are also standard with 245/40 summer performance tires, a security system with an engine immobilizer, a rear seat reminder, and LED headlights.
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Good middle ground options
Premium, Limited, and GT trim levels
Credit: Subaru of America, Inc.
Premium models have heated front seats, windshield wiper deicer, cloth seats with red accent stitching, and rear USB-A and USB-C illuminated charging ports. The starting MSRP of $33,995 is $3,755 lower than what it was for the 2025 model. If you view that difference as a savings, you can maybe justify the $1,865 option package for the Premium, which adds an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and a moonroof.
Limited models also see a price drop of over $3,000 for 2026 compared to 2025. Top features of the WRX Limited include an 11.6-inch infotainment system with navigation, LED steering-responsive headlights, a moonroof, and black leather seats with red bolsters. SiriusXM Traffic is complimentary for three years.
The GT is another middle ground option in the lineup, above the Limited but just below the tS.
GT models are sporty with black and red Recaro seats, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, and Subaru’s Electronic Adjustable Ride Control. Starting MSRP for the GT hovers right at $45,000, although that is over $2,700 less than what a 2025 WRX GT was brand new. The SPT transmission is standard for the GT.
Credit: Subaru of America, Inc.
Bang for the buck winner
How Subaru pulled off dropping the price of the 2026 WRX is beyond me, but it’s good news if you want an affordable “fun car.” The GT and tS are my top picks, but the Limited also has some nice features. Either way, considering the price point, the powertrain, and six different trim levels to look at, the 2026 Subaru WRX is a winner.
