What Key Features Come Standard on the 2026 Subaru WRX?

September 14th, 2026 by

Every 2026 Subaru WRX features Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, an 11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia System touchscreen, and standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the Base, Premium, Limited, tS, and limited-production Series.Yellow, while the GT comes standard with the Subaru Performance Transmission. The Base model includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 245/40R18 summer performance tires, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, and a sport-tuned suspension.

These engineering choices give the WRX an all-weather performance focus suitable for daily highway driving and winding mountain roads. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is designed to provide balanced, predictable traction by distributing engine power through all four wheels, while the WRX’s rigid chassis, quick-ratio steering, and sport-tuned suspension support responsive handling on curving roads around Boone and Mountain City.

Inside the cabin, standard equipment focuses on modern connectivity and ergonomics. The central 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen provides intuitive access to audio controls, vehicle settings, and wireless smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. High-bolstered sports front seats keep driver and front passenger supported during spirited cornering, while dual-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin comfortable during sudden seasonal temperature swings.

Safety technology is an important part of the 2026 WRX. Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology uses forward-facing cameras to monitor traffic and lane markings and includes features such as Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Departure Prevention, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. Additional safety and driver-assistance technologies vary by trim.

Table of Contents

What Are the Available Trim Levels for the 2026 Subaru WRX?

The 2026 Subaru WRX lineup features six trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, GT, tS, and the limited-production Series.Yellow. Each trim builds upon the standard 271 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, allowing buyers to tailor equipment toward everyday comfort, refined luxury, or aggressive track capability.

The Base trim offers essential performance, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, the 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK display, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Choosing the Premium trim provides enhanced comfort via the All-Weather Package, which bundles heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer, complemented by LED fog lights and premium black cloth seating with red accent stitching.

The Limited trim focuses on elevated interior luxury. It features refined Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power driver seat adjustment, integrated GPS navigation, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, available with either the manual or Subaru Performance Transmission.

For enthusiast buyers prioritizing maximum dynamics, higher-tier trims introduce sophisticated chassis and braking hardware. The GT trim features the standard Subaru Performance Transmission, Recaro performance design front seats, and electronically adjustable dampers paired with Drive Mode Select. The tS trim matches that configuration while pairing the adaptive dampers and Recaro seats with a 6-speed manual transmission, an STI-tuned suspension, and a Brembo high-performance braking system with gold calipers. Finally, the Series.Yellow trim offers exclusive cosmetic styling alongside its track-ready mechanical hardware.

When evaluating which trim best suits your daily driving routines, buyers can explore their purchase options by learning how to value your trade-in online before stepping onto our sales floor.

Does the 2026 Subaru WRX Offer a Manual Transmission on All Trims?

A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on five of the six 2026 Subaru WRX trims: Base, Premium, Limited, tS, and Series.Yellow. The only trim that omits the clutch pedal is the GT, which features the Subaru Performance Transmission automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard equipment.

The standard six-speed manual transmission is designed to provide direct driver control through a responsive, precise shifter. On manual-transmission WRX models, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive works with a center differential to distribute power to all four wheels and support predictable traction and handling.

The Subaru Performance Transmission combines automatic operation with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an eight-speed manual mode. Its adaptive shift logic can select simulated ratios based on driving conditions, while automatic downshift blipping helps smooth aggressive downshifts.

Whether choosing three pedals or steering-wheel paddle shifters, every powertrain configuration provides complete driver control across steep highway grades and winding mountain passes like those along US Highway 421 through Zionville. To start reviewing purchasing options for either transmission layout, shoppers can easily prequalify online to streamline their visit to the dealership.

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How Does Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology Work on Manual Transmission WRX Models?

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard on manual-transmission 2026 WRX models. Using forward-facing camera technology, the system includes Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Departure Prevention, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. Pre-Collision Throttle Management is associated with WRX models equipped with the Subaru Performance Transmission.

Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering can help maintain a selected following distance from traffic ahead while assisting with lane positioning. Because the driver still controls the clutch and gear selection in a manual-transmission WRX, drivers should follow the operating procedures and limitations described in the owner’s manual when traffic slows or vehicle speed changes substantially.

Pre-Collision Braking can warn the driver of a potential frontal collision and may automatically apply braking when the system determines intervention is necessary. Like all EyeSight functions, it is supplemental driver-assistance technology and does not replace attentive driving.

By engineering EyeSight compatibility for manual gearboxes, Subaru ensures that sports sedan enthusiasts do not have to compromise between safety technology and active driver involvement. To explore our current selection of manual and automatic performance sedans, buyers can browse our new Subaru inventory online today.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Every 2026 Subaru WRX comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, including Pre-Collision Braking, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Departure Prevention. Standard safety equipment also includes DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, seven airbags, a Rear-Vision Camera, and the LATCH child-seat anchoring system.

Additional technology varies by trim. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is included on upper trims, while Automatic Emergency Steering is standard on Limited, GT, and tS models. Reverse Automatic Braking is standard on the GT and available on the Limited when equipped with the Subaru Performance Transmission. Feature availability should be confirmed for the individual vehicle.

How Do the High-Performance WRX GT and Track-Focused WRX tS Trims Differ?

The 2026 Subaru WRX GT and WRX tS stand as the premier performance offerings in the lineup, each catering to different enthusiast needs: the GT prioritizes luxurious, refined touring via an automatic transmission, whereas the tS is engineered for uncompromising track performance with a manual gearbox.

The mechanical separation begins at the transmission and chassis components. The WRX GT exclusively pairs the Subaru Performance Transmission with electronically adjustable dampers and Drive Mode Select, allowing drivers to tailor steering response, damper stiffness, and engine throttle mapping across Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and custom Individual profiles. The WRX tS, tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), combines those same electronically adjustable dampers with a 6-speed manual transmission and a track-ready Brembo high-performance braking system featuring 6-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, and enlarged ventilated rotors.

Interior and functional features also differentiate the two flagship models. While both trims come standard with Recaro performance design front seats trimmed in Black Ultrasuede, the tS cabin features distinctive blue bolsters and interior accent stitching. To reduce curb weight and maximize interior headroom for drivers wearing helmets during track events, the tS omits the power moonroof found on the GT. Additionally, the tS rides on 19-inch satin gray alloy wheels fitted with high-grip Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer performance tires.

For shoppers comparing performance options or evaluating well-maintained trade-in choices, exploring our pre-owned vehicle lineup provides additional perspective on long-term Subaru value retention.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Subaru WRX Lineup

Q: Does the 2026 Subaru WRX tS come equipped with a power moonroof?

No. The 2026 WRX tS uses a power-moonroof delete. Subaru lists 39.8 inches of front headroom without a moonroof compared with 38.8 inches on moonroof-equipped configurations, giving the tS additional overhead clearance that can be useful for helmeted drivers during track events.

Q: What braking components are included on the track-focused WRX tS trim?

The 2026 WRX tS features a Brembo® high-performance braking system with gold-finished six-piston front and two-piston rear fixed calipers acting on large ventilated and cross-drilled rotors. Subaru describes the system as providing predictable, fade-resistant braking control during repeated performance driving.

Q: Are Recaro performance front seats available across all 2026 WRX trims?

Recaro performance design front seats are standard equipment on the WRX GT, WRX tS, and Series.Yellow trims, but they are not offered on the Base, Premium, or Limited trims. These performance seats feature heavy side bolsters wrapped in grippy Black Ultrasuede to hold occupants firmly in place during high-g cornering, complete with 8-way power adjustments for the driver.

Q: What drive modes can drivers select on WRX models with adaptive dampers?

WRX trims equipped with electronically adjustable dampers feature Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to adjust steering weight, suspension damping, and drivetrain response. Drivers can toggle between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes depending on road conditions. An additional Individual mode enables drivers to mix and match custom settings, such as pairing soft suspension damping with aggressive throttle response.

Q: What paperwork should I bring when purchasing a WRX at Modern Subaru of Boone?

Buyers should generally bring a valid driver’s license and current proof of insurance. If trading a vehicle, bring its title or available payoff/account information. Financing documentation requirements vary by lender and applicant, so additional items such as proof of income or residence may be requested during the approval process.

To experience the rally-inspired handling and advanced feature package of the 2026 WRX in person, visit our sales showroom at 185 Modern Dr, Boone, NC 28607 or contact our sales specialists directly by giving us a quick call at (828) 264-0675.

© 2026 Modern Subaru of Boone. All rights reserved.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

Posted in Subaru WRX