“Do it. You'll enjoy it. If you are single and want to have fun, a Subaru WRX STI is the way to go.”
Subaru WRX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Subaru WRX is a compact sports sedan with a turbocharged gas engine and standard all-wheel drive. It is known for rally-inspired handling, strong acceleration, and four-door practicality in an everyday car.
The WRX has long combined performance-car responses with the usefulness of a five-seat sedan. Across generations, turbo power, all-wheel drive, quick steering, and firm handling have remained central to its character. Its practical cabin and folding rear seats make it easier to live with than a less versatile sports car.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives the WRX reassuring grip in poor weather as well as on winding roads.
- The turbocharged engine delivers strong acceleration, with the 2026 model rated at 271 horsepower.
- Quick steering and firm, performance-focused suspension tuning make the car feel responsive and involving.
- Five seats, folding rear seatbacks, and everyday trunk space give it useful sedan practicality.
- Recent models pair their performance focus with modern driver-assistance technology, which became standard across the range in 2024.
Who it's for
The WRX fits someone who wants one car for commuting, poor-weather driving, and enjoyable back-road trips. It especially suits a driver who values sharp responses and strong grip but still needs four doors, a usable back seat, and a trunk.
Subaru WRX lineup
The Base is the simplest route to the WRX’s core turbocharged, all-wheel-drive formula. Premium is the middle-ground trim, while Limited is the higher regular trim for shoppers who want to move up without choosing one of the more specialized versions. Since 2022, GT has served as the technology-focused performance model, with an electronically controlled suspension and selectable drive settings. In recent years, the manual-only tS has become the more track-focused choice, and the 2026 Series.Yellow is a 350-car special edition based on it.
Subaru WRX generations
From 2015 to 2026, the WRX spans two generations. The current 5th Generation — VB arrived for 2022, following the 4th Generation — VA (2015–2021).
5th Generation — VB (2022–Present)
The VB generation moved the WRX to Subaru’s newer global platform and brought a 271-hp 2.4-liter turbo engine. It also introduced a reworked body, chassis, cabin, and larger touchscreen on higher trims.
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2026Trim changes
The Base trim returns after a one-year absence with 18-inch wheels and keyless access. The 350-unit Series.Yellow special edition also joins the lineup.
2025Trim changes
The manual-only tS replaces the TR, while the Base trim leaves the lineup. Driver-monitoring technology becomes standard across the range.
2024Trim changes
The new manual-only TR adds stronger brakes and firmer handling. All trims gain an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the EyeSight safety suite.
2023
The redesigned WRX largely carries over. All three rear seats gain head restraints, with larger outer restraints for improved whiplash protection.
2022New generation
The all-new VB WRX launches on Subaru’s global platform with a 271-hp 2.4-liter turbo engine and a fully reworked body, chassis, and cabin.
4th Generation — VA (2015–2021)
The VA generation separated the WRX from the Impreza name in the U.S. and gave it a wider sedan body, a stiffer structure, and more cabin room. The regular WRX adopted a 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine, while the STI retained its 305-hp 2.5-liter turbo at launch.
117 In Stock
2021
The final VA-generation model year largely carries over. WRX Premium gains keyless access with push-button start.
2020Trim changes
Series.White special editions replace the previous Series.Gray models. Other updates are limited to features on certain trims.
2019Trim changes
The limited STI S209 joins the lineup. Regular trims gain updated touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the STI rises to 310 horsepower.
2018Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, retuned suspension, quieter cabins, and improved interior trim arrive across the range. The STI also gains larger brakes and a fully electronic center differential.
2017Trim changes
Changes are minor, led by a new headliner across the range and small feature updates on certain trims.
2016Trim changes
The limited-run STI Series.HyperBlue joins the lineup. All models also gain newer touchscreen systems, with safety and suspension upgrades on certain trims.
2015New generation
The VA generation launches with a wider sedan body, stiffer structure, and roomier cabin. The regular WRX gets a new 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and six-speed manual.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Subaru WRX.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru WRX a sports car or a practical sedan?
It is a practical sports sedan. The WRX combines a turbocharged engine, standard AWD, quick steering, and firm suspension tuning with four doors, five seats, folding rear seatbacks, and a usable trunk.
Does the Subaru WRX come in any body style besides a sedan?
No. From 2015 onward, the WRX has been a four-door sedan. The latest version seats five and provides 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space.
Is the Subaru WRX a hybrid or electric car?
No. The WRX uses a turbocharged gasoline engine. Since the current generation arrived, the regular WRX has used a 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo engine.
Does every Subaru WRX have AWD?
Yes. AWD is a defining part of the WRX across its trim range, not an upgrade reserved for higher versions. It works with the turbo engine and sport-tuned chassis to provide strong traction.
Does the Subaru WRX have a manual or an automatic transmission?
It has been sold with both. Manual versions are common, while automatic versions have also appeared in the regular WRX lineup. On newer models, the GT is automatic-only, while the TR and tS are manual-only.
Can a Subaru WRX work as an everyday family car?
Yes, if a firm ride suits you. The WRX has five seats, four doors, folding rear seatbacks, active safety technology, and everyday cargo space. Its ride and controls remain more performance-focused than those of a typical compact sedan.
Is the current WRX generation substantially different from the one before it?
Yes. The current generation moved to a new vehicle platform and introduced a 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo engine, revised steering and suspension, and a redesigned cabin. The previous regular WRX used an earlier platform and a 268-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Why does the WRX work well in poor weather?
Its standard AWD helps put power to the road when traction is limited. That poor-weather ability is paired with quick steering and performance-focused suspension, so the WRX still feels like a sports sedan rather than a comfort-first commuter.
Subaru WRX Reviews
What owners are saying about the Subaru WRX.
4.5
Subaru WRX
(1,789 reviews)
“Buy this car! I have had so many people compliment me on this vehicle, everywhere I drive it.”
“So much fun to drive. Quick, responsive, tight handling, smooth transmission, and a solid clutch. You can really tell Subaru went to work on this car to make big improvements from the last generation on pretty much every aspect of the car. If you want an old school sports car with modern tech and amenities this is the car for you.”
“This is a sports car and rides like a sports car. Very fun to drive, not the most comfortable on long trips. All wheel drive and excellent handling.”
“Need to be an experienced driver to understand and maneuver the manual transmission WRX/STI.”
“Subaru's are awesome cars I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a safe car I feel safe driving my Subaru's especially in slippery conditions”
Sources
- subaru.com — Wrx / 2026 / Specs Trim
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2026 / 2026 WRX Brochure 031926
- subaru.com — Wrx / 2025 / Specs Trim
- subaru.co.jp — Press / News En / 2021 09 10 10881
- subaru.com — Vehicles / Wrx / 2025
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / WRX
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2024 / WRX
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2025 / 2025 WRX Brochure 060225
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2024 / 2024 WRX Brochure 031924
- subaru.com — 2023 / Wrx / MY23 WRX Brochure
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2023 / WRX
- subaru.com — 2022 / Wrx / MY22 WRX Brochure