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Subaru WRX
Car and Driver says when tariffs started flying in 2024, the Japan-built WRX was caught in the crosshairs and Subaru announced stiff price hikes for 2025, dragging WRX sales down 41 percent that year, so for 2026 Subaru rolled prices back to just below 2024 levels and reintroduced a more affordable Base trim that sacrifices just a couple of creature comforts but none of the fun bits, a move that paid off as WRX sales for June 2026 were up 252 percent compared to June 2025. MotorTrend says the WRX has long stood as a bridge between rally-bred performance and everyday practicality, remaining one of the few cars that still feels purpose-built for enthusiasts, quieter and more comfortable than ever with precise steering, strong grip, and its signature boxer-engine soundtrack, rivaling the Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R, though a narrow powerband and damped clutch hold back outright performance compared to the previous generation.
Tariffs, a 41% sales drop, and a price rollback
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says when tariffs started flying in 2024, the Japan-built WRX was caught in the crosshairs and Subaru announced stiff price hikes for 2025, dragging WRX sales down 41 percent that year, so for 2026 Subaru rolled prices back to just below 2024 levels and reintroduced a more affordable Base trim that sacrifices just a couple of creature comforts but none of the fun bits.
Sales up 252% after the correction
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says WRX sales for June 2026 were up 252 percent compared to June 2025, calling the price rollback and Base trim's return the correct move.
Still purpose-built for enthusiasts
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the WRX has long stood as a bridge between rally-bred performance and everyday practicality, remaining one of the few cars that still feels purpose-built for enthusiasts, quieter and more comfortable than ever with precise steering, strong grip, and its signature boxer-engine soundtrack, rivaling the Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R, though a narrow powerband and damped clutch hold back outright performance compared to the previous generation.
Questions buyers ask
Why did Subaru WRX sales drop in 2025?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says tariff-driven price hikes dragged sales down 41 percent.
What competes with the Subaru WRX?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) names the Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Subaru WRX is built around 2.4L turbo flat-four, rated at 271 horsepower across its sport sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2025 WRX seats 5 and is a Sport sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 2 owner complaints for the 2025 WRX.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Subaru WRX
Every 2025 WRX shares the same 271-horsepower 2.4L turbo engine. A six-speed manual is standard on Premium, Limited and tS; GT is the only trim with a CVT automatic standard.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Subaru WRX model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru WRX | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Subaru WRX | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Subaru WRX.
The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model.
- Safety
- The second-generation WRX was previewed by a series of concept cars branded as VIZIV Performance Concept as early as 2017. The production WRX was redesigned for the 2022 model year and moved to the Subaru Global Platform. Subaru was set to debut the all-new 2022 WRX on 19 August 2021, at the 2021 New York International Auto Show.
- Special editions
- In 2015, Subaru released the WRX STI Launch Edition, with 1000 units being offered in North America. All 1,000 of these Launch Edition models were painted in World Rally Blue Pearl along with gold-painted 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels.
- Reception
- The 2015 WRX was met with mixed reviews by automotive journalists. It placed second to the 2015 Volkswagen GTI in separate comparison tests in the September 2014 issues of Car and Driver and Motor Trend. In general, it bested its sub-$30,000 competition in nearly every performance metric, but suffered from a cheaper interior and a less comfortable ride.
- Sales
- In the United States, sales have fallen since 2015, with 2015 being the peak year for the WRX even after including pre-split models.
- Motorsport
- In 1993, an Impreza Group A rally car was taken to Rally Finland after the Subaru Legacy rally car had its last outing at Rally New Zealand.
Source: Subaru WRX (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Subaru WRX at a glance
- Production
- 1992–2014 (Impreza-based models), 2015–present (standalone models)
- Assembly
- Japan: Ōta, Gunma (Main Plant)
- Class
- Compact car
- Body style
- 4-door sedan (standalone models)
- Layout
- Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
- Related models
- Subaru Levorg, Subaru WRX STI
- Also called
- Subaru Impreza WRX (1992–2014)
NHTSA rated the 2025 Subaru WRX overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 5 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru WRX, most often about electrical system (1), back over prevention (1), unknown or other (1).
Year by year
The Subaru WRX across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Subaru WRX | 21–22 | $3,650–$3,800 | 2 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Subaru WRX | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 2 | 2 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Subaru WRX | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 2 | 13 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 Subaru WRX | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Subaru WRX | 21–22 | $3,500–$3,700 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 18–23 | $3,350–$4,300 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Subaru WRX | 19–23 | $3,350–$4,100 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Subaru WRX | 19–23 | $3,350–$4,100 | 3 | 2 | 30 | |
| 2018 Subaru WRX | 18–23 | $3,350–$4,300 | 4 | 2 | 42 | |
| 2017 Subaru WRX | 19–23 | $3,350–$4,100 | 3 | 1 | 53 | |
| 2016 Subaru WRX | 19–23 | $3,350–$4,100 | 3 | 3 | 34 | |
| 2015 Subaru WRX | 19–24 | $3,250–$4,100 | 3 | 3 | 52 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Subaru WRX, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 to 2022 | 3 to 2 | 20.5 to 21.5 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI; Size classes: Midsize Cars | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Size classes: Compact Cars |
| 2020 to 2021 | 21.0 to 20.5 | |||
| 2018 to 2019 | 4 to 3 | 20.5 to 21.0 | Labels: WRX STI Type RA | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 3 to 4 | 21.0 to 20.5 | Labels: WRX STI Type RA | |
| 2015 to 2016 | 21.5 to 21.0 |
Buying used
What the Subaru WRX recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | power train (driveline) | None |
| 2022 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2021 | 1 | exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| 2020 | 1 | exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| 2019 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| 2018 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| 2017 | 1 | exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| 2016 | 3 | forward collision avoidance (crash imminent braking); engine and engine cooling; exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| 2015 | 3 | engine and engine cooling; electrical system (wiring); exterior lighting (back up lights) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 87 | 30% | 2015 (18) |
| electrical system | 65 | 22% | 2017 (14) |
| power train | 55 | 19% | 2015 (18) |
| unknown or other | 43 | 15% | 2018 (8) |
| steering | 17 | 6% | 2018 (7) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 6% | 2018 (6) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Subaru WRX trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 258 | – | – | 22 | – |
| Premium | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 258 | 3,351 | – | 22 | $35,190 |
| Limited | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 258 | 3,554 | – | 21 | $40,190 |
| tS | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 258 | 3,430 | – | 22 | $46,190 |
| GT | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 258 | 3,560 | – | 21 | $46,190 |
| Series.Yellow | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 258 | 3,430 | – | 22 | $47,190 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Subaru WRX model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 3,351–3,560 | – | 16.6 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 3,430–3,560 | – | 16.6 |
| 2024 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 3,329–3,569 | – | 16.6 |
| 2023 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 3,297–3,537 | – | 16.6 |
| 2022 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 271 | 3,297–3,534 | – | 16.6 |
| 2021 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–310 | 3,294–3,514 | – | 15.9 |
| 2020 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–310 | 3,294–3,514 | – | 15.9 |
| 2019 | 6 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–341 | 3,294–3,527 | – | 15.9 |
| 2018 | 6 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–310 | 3,294–3,525 | – | 15.9 |
| 2017 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–305 | 3,272–3,441 | – | 15.9 |
| 2016 | 6 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–305 | 3,269–3,439 | – | 15.9 |
| 2015 | 6 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 268–305 | 3,267 | 2,700–3,000 | 15.9 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Subaru WRX.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2023 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2022 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Subaru WRX: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 2 | ||
| 2024 | 13 | ||
| 2023 | 1 | 8 | powertrain |
| 2022 | 1 | 25 | equipment |
| 2021 | 1 | 13 | exterior lighting |
| 2020 | 1 | 17 | exterior lighting |
| 2019 | 2 | 30 | fuel system, exterior lighting |
| 2018 | 2 | 42 | fuel system, exterior lighting |
| 2017 | 1 | 53 | exterior lighting |
| 2016 | 3 | 34 | forward collision system, engine cooling, exterior lighting |
| 2015 | 3 | 52 | electrical system, engine cooling, exterior lighting |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Subaru WRX?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Subaru WRX model year: recall counts across the 9 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 1.7 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Subaru WRX by model year?
2023: powertrain. 2022: equipment. 2021: exterior lighting. 2020: exterior lighting. 2019: fuel system, exterior lighting. 2018: fuel system, exterior lighting.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain.
Compared with
Models this Subaru WRX is most often compared with.
Nearest Subaru models
Other Subaru models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 WRX come in?
The 2025 Subaru WRX (sport sedan) comes in 4 trims: Premium, Limited, GT, tS.
Q02What are the 2025 WRX trims?
The 2025 Subaru WRX trims are Premium, Limited, GT, tS, listed from the entry Premium up to the top tS.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 WRX use?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is built around 2.4L turbo flat-four, rated at 271 horsepower across its sport sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 WRX have?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is rated at 271 horsepower (2.4L turbo flat-four).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 WRX?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is offered with Standard AWD.