2026 Subaru WRX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2026 Subaru WRX is the return of the Base trim, which was absent for 2025. Subaru also adds the 350-unit Series.Yellow special edition, but this is not a redesign or broad refresh.
About the 2026 Subaru WRX
Second-generation standalone WRX (VB, 2022-present), fifth model year; no broad redesign or mid-cycle refresh.
Subaru positions the WRX as a practical four-door sports sedan shaped by rally experience. Its defining combination is a turbocharged engine, standard AWD, quick steering, and a track-tuned suspension that works in poor weather as well as on winding pavement. Unlike many performance compacts, it pairs strong acceleration and driver involvement with five seats, folding rear seatbacks, active safety technology, and everyday cargo space.
The 2026 WRX range runs from the direct, driver-focused Base to the comfort-oriented Limited and the more focused tS. Every trim has a 271-hp turbocharged engine and AWD, while upper versions add features such as Recaro front seats, adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes, navigation, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
2026 Subaru WRX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Performance w/Manual Mode | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 271 hp | 271 hp | 271 hp | 271 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2026 Subaru WRX?
The biggest change is the return of the Base trim after it was absent for 2025. The lineup also gains the limited-production Series.Yellow special edition.
Is the 2026 Subaru WRX redesigned?
No, the 2026 WRX is not redesigned or broadly refreshed. It remains part of the generation introduced for 2022, with the main updates limited to the trim lineup and Base equipment.
How is the 2026 WRX Base different from the previous Base version?
The 2026 WRX Base adds 18-inch alloy wheels and keyless access with push-button start compared with the previous Base version. It also retains the 271-hp turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission, AWD, and 11.6-inch touchscreen.
What is the 2026 Subaru WRX Series.Yellow?
The Series.Yellow is a 350-unit special edition based on the WRX tS. It uses the tS model’s manual transmission, STI-tuned adjustable dampers, Brembo brakes, Recaro front seats, selectable drive modes, digital instrument cluster, navigation, and premium audio.
Did the 2026 Subaru WRX get a new engine?
No, the 2026 WRX keeps its 271-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and AWD system. There is no lineup-wide powertrain change for this model year.