Subaru’s Manual Enthusiast Sedan Is Getting Back to Its Best

When Subaru discontinued the entry-level trim for the WRX back in 2025, it may as well have pulled the rug out from underneath the model. Alongside a production prioritizing the Forester, the higher starting MSRP made for a definitive 41.2-percent drop in the car’s annual numbers.

Lucky for buyers, it didn’t take long for the brand to remedy the situation. Along with reintroducing the base WRX for 2026, Subaru also made some aggressive cuts to its pricing throughout the range.

Subaru

It’s a strategy that seems to be paying off. Amidst a May marked by sales declines for many brands across the industry, the sports sedan posted an improvement that indicates it’s getting back to its best.

The WRX continues its comeback

And not a small improvement at that. According to Subaru’s report for the month, WRX numbers jumped by 147.9 percent year over year, up from 482 in May 2025 to 1,195 in May 2026.

While that means it’s still down compared to the 1,673-unit performance over the same period in 2024, it nevertheless represents sustained WRX growth following a slow start to the year.

Subaru

Just last month, Subaru reported another notable uptick in the model’s sales. At 1,178 cars in April 2026 compared to 722 in April 2025, it had bettered its numbers by 52.6 percent year over year.

As such, May’s performance not only makes for an improvement month to month but also a sizable dent in the WRX’s deficit for the year. It’s now down just 3.4 percent in 2026 compared to 2025, and that follows a gap that was over 16 percent in April.

A uniquely Subaru sports sedan

Now, when you consider the WRX’s place on the market and with respect to enthusiast-worthy alternatives, it’s no surprise that Subaru is seeing its numbers recover for the model.

Subaru

After all, the sedan amounts to a unique value proposition, especially with a $33,690 price tag. 

For starters, it stands apart as one of the true manual driver’s cars still available. Where rivals are simulating their shifts or discontinuing their stick options entirely, Subaru’s WRX remains staunchly committed to its six-speed.

That’s a distinction that’s made even more notable by the availability of all-wheel drive. With Volkswagen moving on from the last of its manual offerings here in the United States, the only other such options include cars like the GR Corolla and the Porsche 911. 

Granted, there’s bound to be some overlap. However, the base WRX makes for a much more accessible car to budding enthusiasts, and it provides a gateway to an aftermarket rich with support. 

In any event, much as enthusiasts may be excited by the continued comeback, that’s not the only Subaru worth celebrating. The brand was up 10.4 percent for May, and it can be attributed to everything from strong Forester and Crosstrek numbers to growing EV sales.

Availability and pricing

If you’re interested in picking up a Subaru WRX yourself, the base model starts from $33,690 (including delivery). From there, the range climbs through Premium, Limited and GT trims, culminating with the tS.

Subaru

2026 Subaru WRX

• Starts at $33,690

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