Subaru WRX generations, specs and prices

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Subaru WRX reached the US for 2002 as a version of the Impreza and has had four US generations. Subaru calls the current car, launched for 2022, the fifth-generation WRX. The 2026 WRX costs $32,495 to $45,995 before destination and uses a 271-hp 2.4L turbo with a 6-speed manual or automatic.

Type
Compact performance sedan, standard all-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$32,495–$45,995 (2026 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,195 destination and delivery. Lowest = WRX (base), highest = Series.Yellow.[1]
Powertrains
WRX 6-speed manual (2026), WRX Subaru Performance Transmission (2026) · 271 hp
Current generation
Impreza WRX (GD), 2002–2007

2026 Subaru WRX price and trims

The current WRX launched for 2022 with a 271-hp 2.4L turbo. For 2026 a base trim returned, the Premium price fell $3,755, and EyeSight became standard on manual cars too. Subaru has shown a 350-unit 2027 WRX GD25 (6-speed manual, World Rally Blue) with pricing to come; 2027 lineup pricing is not out yet.[19][20][21]

Subaru WRX trims with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2026)Powertrain
WRX (base)$32,495excl. $1,195 destination (2026 MY)2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft), 6-speed manual[19][20]
Premium$33,995excl. $1,195 destination (2026 MY); $3,755 less than 20252.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft), 6-speed manual[19][20]
Limited$38,995excl. $1,195 destination (2026 MY); SPT automatic $39,9952.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft), 6MT or SPT[19][20]
GT$44,995excl. $1,195 destination (2026 MY); SPT only2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft), SPT[19][20]
tS$44,995excl. $1,195 destination (2026 MY)2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft), 6-speed manual[19][20]
Series.Yellow$45,995excl. $1,195 destination (2026 MY); limited production2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft), 6-speed manual[19][20]

Every WRX trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Subaru WRX engines, horsepower and mpg

Subaru WRX powertrains with Subaru-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
WRX 6-speed manual (2026)WRX, Premium, Limited, tS, Series.Yellow2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][2][3]2712586-speed manualSymmetrical AWD19/26/222026 MY[3]
WRX Subaru Performance Transmission (2026)Limited, GT2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][2][4]271258Subaru Performance Transmission (CVT with 8-speed manual mode)Symmetrical AWD18/25/212026 MY[4]

Output is as rated by Subaru; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

WRX manual vs Subaru Performance Transmission (2026)

Same 271-hp engine; the automatic costs 1 mpg in each EPA cycle.[1][3][4]

WRX manual vs Subaru Performance Transmission (2026)
6-speed manualPerformance Transmission
Output271 hp / 258 lb-ft271 hp / 258 lb-ft
EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)19/26/2218/25/21
TrimsWRX, Premium, Limited, tS, Series.YellowLimited, GT
Lowest MSRP$32,495$39,995 (Limited)
  • Only the Limited offers a choice of transmission ($38,995 manual, $39,995 automatic).

Why Subaru calls the current WRX the fifth generation

The WRX story starts in Japan, where Subaru says the first WRX STI went on sale in 1994. American buyers got their first WRX for 2002, so the US has had four generations while Subaru counts the 2022 car as the fifth.

Subaru's limited 2027 WRX GD25 (350 units) honors the 2002 US original, which used the GD chassis code.[8][2][7][5]

The WRX STI years

The STI version arrived in the US for 2004 with a 300-hp turbocharged engine, short-throw 6-speed manual, driver-controlled center differential and Brembo brakes. The 2015–2021 STI used a 2.5L turbo rated 305 hp at launch and 310 hp by 2021, with 290 lb-ft.

EPA lists no 2.5L turbo WRX after 2021; the current WRX range tops out with the GT and tS trims.[8][12][14][15][17][1]

The 2026 WRX lineup

For 2026 Subaru brought back a base WRX at $32,495 with a 6-speed manual. The GT ($44,995) comes only with the Subaru Performance Transmission, while the tS ($44,995) and Series.Yellow ($45,995) are manual-only; the tS adds STI-tuned electronically controlled dampers.[1]

Subaru WRX generations by year

Every US Subaru WRX generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Impreza WRXGD2002–20072.0L turbo flat-4 (227 hp, 217 lb-ft); STI: 2.5L turbo (300 hp) from 2004Introduced at the 2001 Detroit show with the redesigned 2002 Impreza, as a sedan and Sport Wagon. The WRX STI followed for 2004 with a 6-speed manual, driver-controlled center differential and Brembo brakes.[5][6][7][8]
Impreza WRX2008–20142.5L turbo flat-4 (WRX and STI)Arrived with the all-new 2008 Impreza. For 2011 the WRX got a wide-body design and the STI was offered as a four-door sedan as well as a hatchback.[6][9][10]
WRX (standalone model)2015–20212.0L direct-injection turbo flat-4 (268 hp, 258 lb-ft); STI: 2.5L turbo (305 hp, 290 lb-ft at launch; 310 hp by 2021)The WRX became its own sedan with its first 6-speed manual and Active Torque Vectoring. EPA lists the 2.5L turbo STI through the 2021 model year.[11][12][13][14][15]
Fifth generation (Subaru's count)2022–present2.4L turbo flat-4 (271 hp, 258 lb-ft)Built on the Subaru Global Platform with an available Subaru Performance Transmission; no STI version is listed by EPA for this generation. The GT trim, the tS (2025) and a base model returning for 2026 widened the range.[2][16][17][18][1]

Subaru WRX problems and recalls

The most significant documented WRX problems are recalls: Takata passenger air bag inflators on 2004–2014 WRX and STI models, corroding brake lines and a failing brake light switch on 2008–2014 cars, a turbo intake duct that can crack and stall 2015–2016 models, and a corroding backup light switch on 2015–2021 models.

Documented Subaru WRX issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Fuel line may leak in extreme cold (recall 09V468)[22]Impreza WRX, first US generation (2002–2007)2002–2003Recall 09V468
Takata passenger air bag inflators (recall 20V001)[23][24][25][26][27][28][29]Impreza WRX, first US generation (2002–2007) and second US generation2004–2014Recall 20V001
Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 14V311)[30][31]Impreza WRX, second US generation (2008–2014)2008–2014Recall 14V311
Brake light switch may fail (recall 19V149)[32]Impreza WRX, second US generation (2008–2014)2008–2014Recall 19V149
Turbo air intake duct may crack and stall the engine (recall 16V162)[33]Fourth generation (2015–2021)2015–2016Recall 16V162
Backup light switch may corrode (recall 22V522)[34]Fourth generation (2015–2021)2015–2021Recall 22V522
Optional trunk subwoofer wiring may short (recall 17V625)[35]Fourth generation (2015–2021)2015Recall 17V625
Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587)[36]Fourth generation (2015–2021)2018–2019Recall 21V587

All 10 documented WRX issues and 9 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Subaru WRX.

More WRX research

See how a WRX was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of the Subaru WRX are there?

Four have been sold in the US: 2002–2007, 2008–2014, 2015–2021 and 2022–present. Subaru counts the current car as the fifth-generation WRX.

When did the WRX come to the US?

For the 2002 model year, as part of the redesigned Impreza, with a 227-hp 2.0L turbo.

How much is a 2026 Subaru WRX?

From $32,495 for the base WRX to $45,995 for the Series.Yellow, before $1,195 destination and delivery.

What was the last year of the WRX STI?

EPA lists the 2.5L turbo STI through the 2021 model year and none for the 2022-and-later WRX.

How much horsepower does the WRX have?

The 2022–2026 WRX has a 2.4L turbo rated 271 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Subaru for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2026 Subaru WRX Brings Back the Affordable Rally-Inspired Sports Sedan Starting at $32,495 MSRP (January 20, 2026) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  2. Subaru Debuts the All-New 2022 WRX (September 10, 2021) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Subaru WRX (6-speed manual) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Subaru WRX (Subaru Performance Transmission) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. 50 Years of Subaru Products (photo gallery captions) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  6. Subaru of America, Inc. Corporate Timeline — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  7. Subaru Debuts Limited-Production 2027 Subaru WRX GD25, 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 at Boxerfest 2026 (September 28, 2026) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  8. Subaru Marks STI 30th Anniversary (April 2, 2018) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2008 Subaru Impreza AWD (2.5L turbo) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  10. Subaru Impreza — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  11. 2015 Subaru WRX Debuts New Level of Performance (December 17, 2013) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  12. All-New 2015 Subaru WRX STI Debuts at North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 13, 2014) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  13. Subaru Announces Pricing on All New 2015 WRX and WRX STI Sedans (February 13, 2014) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  14. Subaru Announces Pricing for 2021 WRX and WRX STI Performance Cars (December 10, 2020) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Subaru WRX (2.5L turbo, 6-speed manual) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  16. Subaru Announces Pricing on the All-New 2022 WRX (February 17, 2022) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  17. EPA fuel economy: 2022 Subaru WRX (2.4L turbo, 6-speed manual) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  18. Subaru Debuts New Performance-Focused 2025 Subaru WRX tS (May 30, 2024) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  19. 2026 Subaru WRX Brings Back the Affordable Rally-inspired Sports Sedan Starting at $32,495 MSRP (Jan 20, 2026) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  20. Subaru Announces Pricing on the All-new 2022 WRX (Feb 17, 2022) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  21. Subaru Debuts Limited-production 2027 Subaru WRX GD25, 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 at Boxerfest 2026 (Sep 28, 2026) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  22. Recall 09V468: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 20V001: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 20V002: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 20V003: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Recall 17V014: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  27. Recall 18V012: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. Recall 19V007: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 23V076: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. Recall 14V311: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. Recall 14V830: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Recall 19V149: Exterior Lighting — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  33. Recall 16V162: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. Recall 22V522: Exterior Lighting — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  35. Recall 17V625: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  36. Recall 21V587: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.