Subaru WRX

Name: 2026 Subaru WRX
Brand: Subaru

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The redesigned WRX sticks close to the rally car-inspired formula it established 20 years ago, giving drivers a four-door sedan with a powerful turbocharged engine, road-hugging suspension, and all-wheel drive. It’s a blast to pilot down a tight and twisty back road, but Subaru’s focus on performance comes at the expense of everyday livability, thanks to its stiff ride and noisy cabin. The WRX’s infotainment touchscreen has a few frustrating aspects, as well.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Subaru WRX

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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CR MPG

Road test

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Road test

Predicted Reliability

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Take

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EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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EPA MPG 23 mpg

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EPA MPG NA

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EPA MPG 20 mpg

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Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

2.4-liter 4 turbo (271 hp)

CVT
6-speed manual

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2022 Subaru WRX sticks close to the established formula, with this next-generation best defined by advancements in performance and technology. It features a new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, with a modest power increase to 271 hp, and a choice of a 6-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission. Suspension and steering changes promise improved handling. The updated interior is dominated by a large center screen used for infotainment and many other controls. A new top-level GT trim brings Recaro front seats, adjustable suspension, and further driver assist features. Standard on all trims from 2024, the latest EyeSight active safety suite expands its capabilities. It includes FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, LDW, and lane centering. 2025 saw the introduction of a new performance-focused tS version, featuring electronically-controlled STI-tuned dampers with drive mode select, a full LCD digital gauge cluster, exclusive exterior and interior accents, high-performance Brembo brakes, Recaro Ultrasuede front seats, and 19-inch wheels. Changes are minimal for 2026.

2017-2021

2017 Redesign Year

With its blistering acceleration and tenacious cornering grip, the WRX is built for the enthusiast driver. A six-speed manual is standard, but a CVT is offered. Power is abundant and handling is nimble, but the ride is very stiff and choppy, and the stiff-feeling shifter and abrupt clutch engagement make the WRX frustrating as a daily driver. The higher-performance WRX STi has transmission and suspension differences along with a stronger 305-hp engine. Subaru's EyeSight safety system, including FCW and AEB, is optional.

2015-2016

2015 Redesign Year

With its blistering acceleration and tenacious cornering grip, the WRX is built for the enthusiast driver. A six-speed manual is standard, but a CVT is offered. Power is abundant and handling is nimble, but the ride is very stiff and choppy, and the stiff-feeling shifter and abrupt clutch engagement make the WRX frustrating as a daily driver. The higher-performance WRX STi has transmission and suspension differences along with a stronger 305-hp engine. New for 2016 is Subaru's Eyesight assistance package, which includes lane-keep assist, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. The hatchback is no longer available.