Subaru WRX VB
Turbo boxer, symmetrical AWD, three pedals — the rally sedan carries on.
48 reviewers · 165 videos · 27 hours watched · 45 press articles
Reviewers are split on performance and handling.
across 48 reviewers
"2.4-L turbocharged flat-four makes about 270 horsepower and about 260 lb ft of torque. I love this engine."
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 5:36"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"you can take it on rough windy roads and the thing still stays very composed"
Realistick · ▶ 18:17"it really really understeers bad... it just squeals the front tires"
RallySport Direct · ▶ 17:13"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
4.0/548 of 48 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“2.4-L turbocharged flat-four makes about 270 horsepower and about 260 lb ft of torque. I love this engine.”
positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 5:36Handling
4.0/548 of 48 reviewerssplit“you can take it on rough windy roads and the thing still stays very composed”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 18:17“it has really really flat handling feels much much better it's a huge improvement”
positive · Matt Maran Motoring · ▶ 17:00“Suspension is so flat. And the big improvement with this new generation of WRX is the steering feel.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 2:03Fun to drive
4.0/548 of 48 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 would argue possibly a little bit more fun to drive, especially with the manual option.”
positive · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 14:38Daily drivability
4.0/548 of 48 reviewerssplit“the suvi takes an easy dub in that category [storage]”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 5:39“the WX was definitely smoother on the slow steep speed bump”
positive · Cameron Alford · ▶ 7:39“the seats are a lot more comfortable to live with versus the the type R”
positive · Race Car Friends · ▶ 18:53Value
3.5/548 of 48 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 this car is, this is an incredible performance bang for your buck.”
positive · Gold Pony · ▶ 8:37Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Car and Driver
2026 Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI Comparison Test
◆Worth itThe Subaru WRX is a rowdy performance bargain, but the Volkswagen Golf GTI remains the superior, more well-rounded daily driver.
- Best for
- The WRX is for those wanting raw engagement and AWD; the GTI is for those prioritizing refinement and daily usability.
- Watch out
- WRX unrefined daily manners · GTI finicky touch-sensitive controls · GTI higher price point
Quotes worth your time - 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