Subaru slashes 2026 WRX prices and reintroduces the standard trim to spark sales. Discover the new pricing and features now!
Facing a 41.2% plunge in sales last year – only 10,930 units sold, the worst performance ever for the model – Subaru has taken decisive action for the 2026 WRX. The Japanese automaker announced a across‑the‑board price reduction and the revival of a base‑level trim to revitalize interest in this iconic sport sedan.
Why the price cut matters
In the United States, the WRX has long been praised for its rally‑derived handling and distinctive boxer engine, but dwindling numbers signaled that buyers were looking elsewhere. By shaving roughly $5,000 off the entry‑level price, Subaru hopes to recapture budget‑conscious enthusiasts while still offering the performance DNA that defines the WRX.
Standard Trim – back from the brink
- Starting price: $32,495 (about $5,255 less than 2025)
- Features: LED headlights, dual‑exhaust tips, 18‑inch alloy wheels with summer‑performance tires
- Interior: Leather‑wrapped steering wheel, 11.6‑inch infotainment screen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, dual‑zone climate control, fabric seats with contrasting red stitching
- Safety: Subaru EyeSight suite – adaptive cruise, lane‑departure warning, pre‑collision braking
WRX Premium
Up the ladder at $33,995 – a $3,755 reduction – the Premium adds LED fog lamps, a sport‑styled rear bumper, heated side mirrors and heated front seats.
WRX Limited
Luxury‑focused Limited starts at $38,995, $3,685 cheaper than the previous year. It brings faux‑leather upholstery, 10‑way power‑adjustable seats, a premium Harman Kardon 11‑speaker audio system and a GPS navigation screen.
Performance‑Oriented Variants
Both the WRX GT and WRX tS see their base prices trimmed to $44,995, about $2,710 less than 2025.
- WRX GT: automatic transmission, Recaro Performance Design black‑upholstered seats, 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive suspension.
- WRX tS: 19‑inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, Brembo high‑performance brakes, electronically adjustable dampers tuned by STI.
Exclusive WRX Series.Yellow
The ultra‑limited Series.Yellow is capped at 350 units and priced at $45,995. Highlights include a unique Sunrise Yellow paint finish, matte‑black wheels, a turbocharged 2.4‑litre Boxer engine delivering 271 hp, a six‑speed manual gearbox and standard all‑wheel drive.
What’s next for the WRX?
Industry observers, such as Carscoops’ Chi Nguyen, note that Subaru’s aggressive pricing could spark a rebound if the brand pairs it with targeted marketing and incentives. The move also signals Subaru’s commitment to keeping the WRX relevant in a competitive sports‑sedan segment.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer drawn by the new price tags, the 2026 WRX lineup offers a mix of affordability, luxury, and track‑ready performance that aims to put the model back on the road – and into the driver’s seat.