Get ready to experience the thrill of the road with the upcoming 2026 Subaru WRX Premium. This exceptional vehicle combines the exhilarating performance of a sports car with the practicality and comfort of a daily driver. Prepare to be captivated by its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled driving experience.
The WRX Premium boasts a powerful engine that delivers an adrenaline-pumping acceleration, while its advanced suspension system ensures precise handling and a smooth ride. Step inside its spacious and well-appointed cabin, where you’ll find premium materials, intuitive technology, and an array of comfort features that will make every journey a pleasure.
Model Overview
The 2026 Subaru WRX Premium boasts a sleek and sporty design, featuring a bold grille, sharp headlights, and an aggressive stance. Its spacious interior offers comfortable seating for five, along with a user-friendly infotainment system and ample cargo space.
Under the hood, the WRX Premium packs a potent 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine that delivers impressive performance. It generates 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT, ensuring a smooth and engaging driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the WRX Premium achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. With the CVT, it improves slightly to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Technology
The Subaru WRX Premium boasts a spacious and well-appointed interior, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and leather upholstery, creating a premium ambiance. The front seats provide ample support and cushioning, with adjustable lumbar support for optimal comfort during extended drives. Rear-seat passengers also enjoy ample legroom and headroom, making the WRX Premium a practical choice for families or groups.
The WRX Premium comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring a large touchscreen display. The system offers seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to access their favorite apps and features while on the road. Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system with six speakers ensure a rich and immersive listening experience. The WRX Premium also features an array of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and peace of mind while driving.
Advanced Driver-Assist Technologies
The WRX Premium is equipped with an advanced suite of driver-assist technologies designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. These technologies include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, reducing the need for constant pedal adjustments.
- Lane Departure Warning: Monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, helping prevent potential accidents.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects imminent collisions and applies the brakes automatically if the driver fails to react in time, mitigating the severity of potential impacts.
Safety and Reliability
The 2026 Subaru WRX Premium boasts an impressive array of safety features, earning top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a “Top Safety Pick+” by the IIHS.
Subaru has consistently ranked among the most reliable car brands, renowned for its longevity and durability. The WRX Premium is no exception, offering peace of mind to drivers with its proven track record of reliability and low maintenance costs.
Crash Test Results
- NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
- NHTSA Frontal Crash Test: 5 stars
- NHTSA Side Crash Test: 5 stars
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance: 4 stars
- IIHS Overall Rating: Top Safety Pick+
- IIHS Frontal Crash Prevention: Superior
- IIHS Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention: Superior
- IIHS Vehicle-to-Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention: Superior
- IIHS Side Impact: Good
- IIHS Roof Strength: Good
Driving Experience
The WRX Premium is a thrill to drive, offering sharp handling, impressive acceleration, and responsive braking. Its advanced suspension system and all-wheel drive provide excellent grip and stability, allowing you to take corners with confidence. The turbocharged engine delivers a surge of power, propelling you forward with exhilarating speed. The brakes are powerful and progressive, giving you peace of mind when navigating through traffic or spirited driving.
Off-Road Capabilities
The WRX Premium also boasts impressive off-road capabilities. Its high ground clearance, sturdy construction, and all-wheel drive system enable you to tackle rough terrain with ease. The vehicle’s hill descent control and hill start assist features provide additional confidence when navigating steep slopes.
Driving Modes
The WRX Premium offers a variety of driving modes that tailor the vehicle’s performance to different driving conditions. The Intelligent Drive Mode adjusts the car’s settings based on real-time conditions, providing an optimal balance of performance and efficiency. The Sport mode sharpens throttle response and steering, enhancing the driving experience. The Sport+ mode unlocks the full potential of the WRX Premium, unleashing its maximum performance capabilities.
Trims and Pricing
The 2026 Subaru WRX Premium comes in three trim levels: Base, Premium, and Limited. The Base trim starts at $29,605, the Premium trim starts at $31,605, and the Limited trim starts at $34,105. All trims come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Base trim comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Premium and Limited trims come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Standard features on the Base trim include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a four-speaker sound system. The Premium trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker sound system, and a rearview camera. The Limited trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a navigation system, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Available Options
Available options on the WRX Premium include a performance exhaust system, a short-throw shifter, a Recaro sport seat package, and a sunroof. The WRX Premium can also be equipped with a variety of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The Subaru WRX Premium faces stiff competition in the compact sports sedan segment. Key rivals include the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, and Volkswagen Golf R. These vehicles offer a potent blend of performance, features, and value.
The WRX Premium stands out with its unique combination of all-wheel drive, a turbocharged boxer engine, and a spacious interior. Its rugged design and off-road capabilities set it apart from its front-wheel-drive competitors. However, the Civic Type R boasts superior handling and a more powerful engine, while the Elantra N offers a more comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features.
Performance Comparison
- 0-60 mph acceleration: WRX Premium (5.4 seconds), Civic Type R (5.1 seconds), Elantra N (5.2 seconds)
- Quarter-mile time: WRX Premium (14.0 seconds), Civic Type R (13.5 seconds), Elantra N (13.8 seconds)
- Top speed: WRX Premium (145 mph), Civic Type R (170 mph), Elantra N (160 mph)
Features and Value
- Standard features: WRX Premium (all-wheel drive, turbocharged engine, spacious interior), Civic Type R (limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension), Elantra N (dual-clutch transmission, N Performance Package)
- Pricing: WRX Premium (starting at $31,600), Civic Type R (starting at $43,990), Elantra N (starting at $35,500)
FAQ Section
What sets the 2026 WRX Premium apart from its competitors?
The WRX Premium stands out with its unique combination of performance, comfort, and technology. Its powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and spacious cabin with premium amenities provide an unparalleled driving experience that few rivals can match.
What are the key safety features of the 2026 WRX Premium?
The WRX Premium prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Its robust construction and high safety ratings ensure peace of mind on every journey.
How does the 2026 WRX Premium compare to the previous generation model?
The 2026 WRX Premium surpasses its predecessor in every aspect. It boasts a more powerful engine, improved handling, and a more refined interior. Its advanced technology features and enhanced safety systems make it the most capable and enjoyable WRX Premium yet.