2026 Subaru WRX: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Subaru WRX scores well for safety but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $32,495 - $45,995
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $3,300 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 4 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $5,500 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,105 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.56
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $32,495 to $45,995, the 2026 Subaru WRX is one of 29 value Sedans. The data below covers what it costs to fuel, insure, and maintain over the miles you will actually drive.
- Fuel cost $1,455 per year above value Sedans average
- Base price $5,255 less than 2025 model
- Zero recalls on file (Sedan average: 1)
2026 Subaru WRX at a Glance
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Subaru WRX are high published crash-test results and lower estimated ownership costs for its vehicle class, but fuel cost is a weak spot.
- safety
- ownership cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- AAA estimates $9,956 per year in non-fuel ownership costs for the Small Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Most expensive to fuel among gas Sedans. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $6,358 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Subaru WRX?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Subaru WRX received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 99% of tested Sedans share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 9.0%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard |
Crash testing is only as useful as the scenarios it covers. NHTSA and IIHS test overlapping but different crash types, giving the 2026 Subaru WRX a more thorough evaluation than either program provides alone.
How Did the 2026 Subaru WRX Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Subaru WRX across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | P Poor |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small cars
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Subaru WRX performs as intended under real-world conditions.
Does the 2026 Subaru WRX Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Subaru WRX. Among Sedans, the average recall count is 1. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Subaru WRX Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Subaru WRX. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Commuting miles add up. The EPA fuel data below shows what you can expect to spend annually on the 2026 Subaru WRX, broken down by trim.
What Is the 2026 Subaru WRX Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Subaru WRX achieves up to 21 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300. That is $1,455 more per year than the $1,845 average for value Sedans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| Premium AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| Limited Sedan MT | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| Limited Sedan CVT | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| GT AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| tS AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
| Series.Yellow AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,300 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $16,500 based on EPA data.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 4% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Commuters put the most predictable miles on a vehicle. That makes the full ownership cost, not just fuel, the number that matters most. AAA breaks it down below.
What Does the 2026 Subaru WRX Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Subaru WRX ranges from $79,845 to $108,525 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Small Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.56 per mile |
Commuters benefit most from the trim that balances fuel economy and features at the lowest total cost. The table below puts all 7 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Subaru WRX Trims Compare?
7 trims are available for the 2026 Subaru WRX, spanning $32,495 to $45,995. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base AWD GAS | $32,495 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | $79,845 | |
| Premium AWD GAS | $33,995 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | 3,351 lbs | $81,345 |
| Limited Sedan MT | $38,995 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | 3,419 lbs | $86,345 |
| Limited Sedan CVT | $39,995 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | 3,554 lbs | $103,525 |
| GT AWD GAS | $44,995 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | 3,560 lbs | $108,525 |
| tS AWD GAS | $44,995 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | 3,430 lbs | $92,345 |
| Series.Yellow AWD GAS | $45,995 | 21 MPG | $3,300 per year | 3,430 lbs | $93,345 |
The entry price has decreased $240 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Premium AWD GAS (added 2026)
- tS AWD GAS (added 2025)
- Series.Yellow AWD GAS (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- Premium Sedan MT (last available 2025)
- Premium Sedan CVT (last available 2025)
- TR AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- GT AWD GAS $44,215 (2024) → $44,995 (2026) +$780
- Limited Sedan CVT $40,565 (2024) → $39,995 (2026) -$570
- Base AWD GAS $32,735 (2024) → $32,495 (2026) -$240
- Limited Sedan MT $39,015 (2024) → $38,995 (2026) -$20
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base AWD GAS | $32,735 21 MPG | — | $32,495 21 MPG |
| Premium Sedan MT | $34,635 21 MPG | $37,750 21 MPG | — |
| Premium Sedan CVT | $35,985 21 MPG | $39,100 21 MPG | — |
| Limited Sedan MT | $39,015 21 MPG | $42,130 21 MPG | $38,995 21 MPG |
| Limited Sedan CVT | $40,565 21 MPG | $43,680 21 MPG | $39,995 21 MPG |
| TR AWD GAS | $41,655 21 MPG | — | — |
| GT AWD GAS | $44,215 21 MPG | $47,705 21 MPG | $44,995 21 MPG |
| Premium AWD GAS | — | — | $33,995 21 MPG |
| tS AWD GAS | — | $47,705 21 MPG | $44,995 21 MPG |
| Series.Yellow AWD GAS | — | — | $45,995 21 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Subaru WRX?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Subaru WRX at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value Sedans. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Subaru includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Subaru WRX Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Subaru's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2026 WRX trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Subaru WRX Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2026 Subaru WRX from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 2.4L flat 4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 271 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 152.3 - 161.7 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $120 - $170 |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 349 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 183.8 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 71.9 in |
| Height | 57.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,351 - 3,560 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Subaru WRX?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
All data shown for the 2026 Subaru WRX comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a vehicle driven every day, the fuel and reliability data above matters most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Subaru WRX FAQ
Which 2026 Subaru WRX trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the Base AWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $79,845, starting at $32,495 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $108,525. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Subaru WRX?
The 2026 Subaru WRX competes with 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2026 Toyota Camry, and 2026 Honda Accord based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Subaru WRX from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 3 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price decreased by $240 for the Subaru WRX lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Subaru WRX cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Subaru WRX include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $275 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,105 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Subaru based?
Subaru's headquarters are in Japan. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Subaru models are available for 2026?
Subaru offers multiple models for 2026. Our Subaru models page lists every available Subaru vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What does the 2026 Subaru WRX cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Subaru WRX costs approximately 55.9 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.