Subaru WRX VB
Turbo boxer, symmetrical AWD, three pedals — the rally sedan carries on.
49 reviewers · 169 videos · 28 hours watched · 45 press articles
Reviewers are split on performance and handling.
across 49 reviewers
"it's one of the fastest close to one of the more powerful cars in this segment to boot"
Motor Illustrated · ▶ 15:47"this is down like 40 horsepower especially from the type R and it makes a difference it's Zippy it's pey but it is not fast it doesn't really throw you back in your seat at all"
Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 18:54"you can take it on rough windy roads and the thing still stays very composed"
Realistick · ▶ 18:17"The steering is definitely not as quick as the GTI... it definitely lack some grip and some precision for sure."
Edmunds Cars · ▶ 9:56"the WRX is an entertaining car to drive because of how capable it is"
Realistick · ▶ 18:22"it's not as agile it is not a blast to rip through the turns like the type RS"
Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 13:58"the suvi takes an easy dub in that category [storage]"
Realistick · ▶ 5:39"The ride is harsh. It's much harsher. ... The stiffer springs and the change in the damper rate unquestionably makes this car ride rougher."
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 29:33"the Subaru is cheaper and markup is much easier to avoid"
Realistick · ▶ 21:32"You're paying more and you're getting more performance stuff... but you're paying quite a bit more and you're kind of compromising ride quality."
Doug DeMuro · ▶ 30:14Performance
4.0/549 of 49 reviewerssplit“substantially slower than what I got with the gr Corolla”
Realistick · ▶ 16:09“it's one of the fastest close to one of the more powerful cars in this segment to boot”
positive · Motor Illustrated · ▶ 15:47“this is down like 40 horsepower especially from the type R and it makes a difference it's Zippy it's pey but it is not fast it doesn't really throw you back in your seat at all”
critical · Bros FOURR Speed · ▶ 18:54Handling
4.0/549 of 49 reviewerssplit“you can take it on rough windy roads and the thing still stays very composed”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 18:17“the TS of the VB Generation by far is the best WRX that Subaru has ever made”
positive · Sarah -n- Tuned · ▶ 18:56“this feels very very well balanced... the steering is absolutely fantastic one of the more lively cars I've driven in recent years”
positive · Paul Tan's Automotive News · ▶ 38:43Fun to drive
4.0/549 of 49 reviewerssplit“the WRX is an entertaining car to drive because of how capable it is”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 18:22“This is a blast to drive.”
positive · Gold Pony · ▶ 5:41“it is so familiar so perfect so good”
positive · Motor Illustrated · ▶ 14:35Daily drivability
4.0/549 of 49 reviewerssplit“the suvi takes an easy dub in that category [storage]”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 5:39“the WX was definitely smoother on the slow steep speed bump”
positive · Cameron Alford · ▶ 7:39“That's great because it means it's more supple more comfortable around town it's going to be great for taking the kids to school.”
positive · Wheels Australia · ▶ 9:41Value
3.5/549 of 49 reviewerssplit“the Subaru is cheaper and markup is much easier to avoid”
positive · Realistick · ▶ 21:32“For what this car is, this is an incredible performance bang for your buck.”
positive · Gold Pony · ▶ 8:37“30 995 makes the wrx one of the greatest bargains in the segment”
positive · Motor Illustrated · ▶ 2:20Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Car and Driver
2026 Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI Comparison Test
◆Worth itThe Subaru WRX is a rowdy performance bargain, but the Volkswagen Golf GTI remains the superior, more well-rounded daily driver.
- Best for
- The WRX is for those wanting raw engagement and AWD; the GTI is for those prioritizing refinement and daily usability.
- Watch out
- WRX unrefined daily manners · GTI finicky touch-sensitive controls · GTI higher price point
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2026 Subaru WRX Base First Drive: Affordable Performance Still Exists
◆Worth itThe 2026 WRX Base is a compelling, high-value performance sedan that delivers an authentic driving experience without unnecessary compromises.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, manual-transmission sport sedan that balances track capability with daily comfort.
- Watch out
- Dated and unintuitive infotainment system · Clutch pedal can feel heavy in heavy traffic
Quotes worth your time - Road & Track
The Base 2026 Subaru WRX Is AWD Performance on a Budget
◆Worth itThe base 2026 WRX is a raw, engaging, and affordable performance tool that requires some aftermarket attention to be truly track-ready.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a manual, AWD platform to build upon.
- Watch out
- Poor stock brake stamina · Uninspiring engine note · Frustrating 11.6-inch infotainment · Lack of heated seats in base trim
Quotes worth your time - Car and Driver
Driven: 2026 Subaru WRX Base 6MT Offers Good Fun for a Good Value
◆BuyThe 2026 WRX Base is a fantastic value that delivers the full performance experience without unnecessary fluff.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts on a budget who want a capable platform for daily driving and occasional track use.
- Watch out
- Stock brake pads and fluid fade quickly on track · Sluggish infotainment system · Engine note is quiet inside the cabin
Quotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX (US) Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe WRX remains a capable, accessible, and practical performance sedan that rewards drivers with security and fun.
- Best for
- drivers looking for a practical daily driver that can handle track days without being intimidating.
- Watch out
- Narrow rev band · Buggy infotainment software · Excessive body cladding
1,297 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Subaru WRX (US) Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 2026 WRX tS is a mature, capable, and accessible performance sedan that successfully balances track-ready upgrades with daily-driver utility.
- Best for
- Drivers looking for a practical, all-weather performance car that is fun but not intimidating.
- Watch out
- No powered moonroof on tS trim · Estimated $45k price point puts it against tough competition
756 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time