Subaru WRX Sales Surge After Base Trim Relaunch
Subaru sold 1,707 WRX sedans in October 2026, more than double its October 2025 total after relaunching a lower-priced Base trim.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Subaru sold 1,707 WRX sedans in October 2026, up 137% from 720 units a year earlier. The rebound follows a 2025 decline after Subaru stopped importing new WRXs into the United States, and the automaker has since restored volume by relaunching the Base trim and cutting prices.
Why it matters
The recovery shows how pricing and production decisions can quickly reverse a sharp sales decline for a performance sedan. For buyers, the lower starting price brings the WRX closer to a more accessible entry point in the lineup.
Subaru sold 1,707 WRX sedans in October 2026, compared with 720 a year earlier, and 13,734 through the first ten months of 2026. The sales pace is measured against a 2025 base that was depressed after US imports were halted.
The players
Subaru
Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, including the WRX sedan and the Forester crossover.
The details
Subaru stopped importing new WRXs into the United States during the 2025 sales decline, prioritizing Forester production in Indiana and avoiding tariffs. After briefly dropping the WRX Base trim, Subaru relaunched it at $32,495 with destination, down from $36,920, and cut prices on all WRX grades, including the Premium trim at $35,165.
Timeline
October 2025: WRX sold 720 units while Solterra sold 13 units after EV incentives ended.
October 2026: WRX sold 1,707 units and combined Subaru EV sales reached 843 units.
First 10 months of 2026: WRX sold 13,734 sedans, up 55% overall.
Roadmap
Subaru's WRX rebound reverses a 2025 decision to halt US imports in response to tariffs and production priorities. The recovery shows how an automaker can reverse a tariff-driven import pause by reshuffling production and adjusting pricing.
Buyers considering a WRX now face a Base trim starting at $32,495 with destination, versus $36,920 before the price cut. The Premium trim at $35,165 also reflects the broader price reduction across the WRX lineup.
The takeaway
A pricing reset and a restored Base trim can quickly reverse a steep sales decline, even after a major import pause. Buyers comparing performance sedans should check current trim pricing, since the Base WRX now starts well below its earlier level.
Further reading
For broader context on the electric vehicles side of Subaru's lineup, see Electric Vehicles coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CarBuzz.
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