Subaru wants rallying enthusiasts to party like it is 2002, helped by the return of a cut-price base model WRX sports sedan.
The new entry-level 2026 WRX will cost $32,495, which Subaru of America says is nearly the same price, adjusted for inflation, as the 2002 model.
However, after 25 years of progress, the 2026 WRX packs a 271 horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Subaru’s trademark asymmetric all-wheel-drive system remains, of course.
The return of the base WRX means there are now six different versions of the rally-bred four-door, including the special ‘Series.Yellow’ announced last year.
Based on the flagship WRX tS, the Series.Yellow only comes in a Sunrise Yellow paint color. Production is limited to 350 examples for the United States.
2026 WRX prices and equipment
For $32,495, the cheapest 2026 WRX offers a six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a rear-view camera.
An 11.6-inch touchscreen media system is standard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus SiriusXM radio. The interior has cloth seats with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The 2026 WRX Premium costs $3,755 less than the 2025 model, now with a starting price of $33,995. Heated front seats, heated door mirrors, LED fog lights, and a color-coded rear spoiler are part of the package.
Opting for the 2026 WRX in Limited specification adds power-adjustable seats in leather and ultrasuede, a Harman Kardon sound system, a powered moonroof, and color-coded exterior mirrors.
Prices for the WRX Limited start at $38,995 with a six-speed manual gearbox, or $39,995 with the paddle-shift Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT).
Cost savings across the WRX range
Subaru equips the $44,995 2026 WRX GT exclusively with the SPT, while also adding Recaro bucket seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and sports suspension with electronic adjustment.
For the same $44,995 list price, the 2026 WRX tS maximizes performance, thanks to Brembo brakes, STI-tuned suspension, 19-inch satin gray alloy wheels, and bespoke settings for the Drive Mode selector.
Both the WRX GT and WRX tS represent cost savings compared to the 2025 models.
Topping the range for 2026 is the WRX Series.Yellow, which has the same STI performance enhancements as the tS model. Along with Sunrise Yellow paintwork, 19-inch matte black alloy wheels and black badging ensure that it stands out. Yellow detailing is found throughout the cabin, too.
All 2026 examples of the Subaru WRX are assembled in Gunma, Japan. The first US deliveries are expected in the spring.
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