2026 Subaru WRX

Subaru typically gives its models a significant update four years after a complete redesign, yet last year passed without changes made to the WRX. Why the delay? Looking from afar, the WRX increasingly exists on its own little island apart from its outdoorsy Subaru siblings, so perhaps Subaru has just put it on a different schedule. If that means a refresh after five years, the 2026 Subaru WRX could see styling updates, interior changes similar to those found in the Impreza, and, of course, performance enhancements.

Edmunds spotlight: Any new models?

Regardless of whether the 2026 Subaru WRX gets a midcycle refresh, it will be interesting to see whether there will be any new or resurrected models. The last two years saw the axing of the base trim level, and the TR came and went in favor of the tS. Will the latter survive, and will it be enhanced for 2026? Will the TR be revived (again) as a more affordable extra-performance version? Or maybe its suspension upgrades and available Recaro sport seats will simply find their way into the core models. And how about a more potent WRX? Subaru has time and again shot down suggestions that the STI will return, and we'd be stunned if that ever changes.

Competitors to consider

As much as the WRX is alone on an island within the Subaru hierarchy, it's increasingly almost as much of an oddball in the broader performance car segment. The WRX is a sedan, whereas Volkswagen's Golf GTI and Golf R, the Honda Civic Type R and the Acura Integra Type S are hatchbacks. The WRX is all-wheel-drive; all of the above except the Golf R are front-drivers. The WRX has a choice of transmission; the Volkswagens are now automatic-only (we're not happy about that) while the Honda/Acura are manual-only. Then there's just the general experience of driving a WRX — for better and for worse, there's nothing else like it out there.

The 2026 Subaru WRX is one of the last vehicles of its kind, promising approachable performance in a useful sedan package.