Subaru WRX
Turbo boxer, symmetrical AWD, three pedals — the rally sedan carries on.
15 reviewers · 61 videos · 44 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its handling, but split on performance and fun to drive.
across 15 reviewers
"I do think the power in this car feels underreported... this feels every bit as powerful as the Elantra"
EverydayDriver · ▶ 7:37"this is down like 40 horsepower especially from the type R and it makes a difference it's Zippy it's pey but it is not fast it doesn't really throw you back in your seat at all"
Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 18:54"the WRX is an entertaining car to drive because of how capable it is"
Realistick · ▶ 18:22"it's not as agile it is not a blast to rip through the turns like the type RS"
Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 13:58"the suvi takes an easy dub in that category [storage]"
Realistick · ▶ 5:39"The ride is harsh. It's much harsher. ... The stiffer springs and the change in the damper rate unquestionably makes this car ride rougher."
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 29:33"the Subaru is cheaper and markup is much easier to avoid"
Realistick · ▶ 21:32"You're paying more and you're getting more performance stuff... but you're paying quite a bit more and you're kind of compromising ride quality."
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 30:14Performance
4.0/515 of 15 reviewerssplit“substantially slower than what I got with the gr Corolla”
Realistick · ▶ 16:09“this is down like 40 horsepower especially from the type R and it makes a difference it's Zippy it's pey but it is not fast it doesn't really throw you back in your seat at all”
critical · Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 18:54“I do think the power in this car feels underreported... this feels every bit as powerful as the Elantra”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 7:37Handling
4.0/515 of 15 reviewersstrong consensus“you can take it on rough windy roads and the thing still stays very composed”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 18:17“Suspension is so flat. And the big improvement with this new generation of WRX is the steering feel.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 2:03“Steering feedback is wonderful.”
positive · Raitis Rides · ▶ 19:16Fun to drive
4.0/515 of 15 reviewerssplit“the WRX is an entertaining car to drive because of how capable it is”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 18:22“LOVE THE DRIVING experience in this car. It really is always a pleasure.”
positive · Raitis Rides · ▶ 17:51“I like the short ratios here. It means you're shifting more. You're having a bit more fun behind the wheel of this WRX TS.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 2:27Daily drivability
4.0/515 of 15 reviewerssplit“the suvi takes an easy dub in that category [storage]”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 5:39“it's the better car to drive every single day it absorbs more impacts it's more compliant”
positive · Savagegeese · ▶ 30:10“among these two this is the nicer place to be it actually has more sound dading... it has a halfway decent stereo”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 9:41Value
3.5/515 of 15 reviewerssplit“the Subaru is cheaper and markup is much easier to avoid”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 21:32“at an asking price of 33 grand, you're not going to be able to touch much.”
positive · Raitis Rides · ▶ 19:02“for what you pay today in this market, it is a lot of car for the money, especially being all-wheel drive.”
positive · Sam CarLegion · ▶ 9:53Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- MotorTrend
2026 Subaru WRX Base First Drive: Affordable Performance Still Exists
◆Worth itThe 2026 WRX Base is a compelling, high-value performance sedan that delivers an authentic driving experience without unnecessary compromises.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, manual-transmission sport sedan that balances track capability with daily comfort.
- Watch out
- Dated and unintuitive infotainment system · Clutch pedal can feel heavy in heavy traffic
Quotes worth your time - Road & Track
The Base 2026 Subaru WRX Is AWD Performance on a Budget
◆Worth itThe base 2026 WRX is a raw, engaging, and affordable performance tool that requires some aftermarket attention to be truly track-ready.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a manual, AWD platform to build upon.
- Watch out
- Poor stock brake stamina · Uninspiring engine note · Frustrating 11.6-inch infotainment · Lack of heated seats in base trim
Quotes worth your time - Car and Driver
Driven: 2026 Subaru WRX Base 6MT Offers Good Fun for a Good Value
◆BuyThe 2026 WRX Base is a fantastic value that delivers the full performance experience without unnecessary fluff.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts on a budget who want a capable platform for daily driving and occasional track use.
- Watch out
- Stock brake pads and fluid fade quickly on track · Sluggish infotainment system · Engine note is quiet inside the cabin
Quotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX (US) Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe WRX remains a capable, accessible, and practical performance sedan that rewards drivers with security and fun.
- Best for
- drivers looking for a practical daily driver that can handle track days without being intimidating.
- Watch out
- Narrow rev band · Buggy infotainment software · Excessive body cladding
1,297 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX (US) Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 2026 WRX tS is a mature, capable, and accessible performance sedan that successfully balances track-ready upgrades with daily-driver utility.
- Best for
- Drivers looking for a practical, all-weather performance car that is fun but not intimidating.
- Watch out
- No powered moonroof on tS trim · Estimated $45k price point puts it against tough competition
756 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - The Drive
2024 Subaru WRX TR First Drive Review: Sharper, But No STI
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe WRX TR is a capable machine, but its high price and lackluster shifter make it a hard sell compared to both its own lower trims and more focused rivals.
- Best for
- Subaru enthusiasts who prioritize daily usability and all-weather capability over track-focused precision.
- Watch out
- Rubbery, uncommunicative shifter · Light, vague steering · Poor value proposition at the TR price point
1,352 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time