The 2026 Subaru WRX and STI performance sedans bring a new generation with sharper dynamics, more hardware and a more refined engineering approach for the enthusiast and track day purist. While the WRX is a road focused rally car, the STI is Subaru’s performance flagship with a heap of mechanical upgrades and motorsport bits.

Both cars continue Subaru’s push to evolve the performance lineup without losing the mechanical connection that has defined the brand for driving purists. The 2026 models focus on handling, drivetrain response and aero efficiency and mean business on street and track.

Design Evolution

The 2026 WRX and STI exterior design is form and function – more than just visual drama. The WRX gets the wide body treatment now with subtle bodywork changes for better airflow. The front fascia has new air intakes for better cooling and reduced lift at high speed.

The STI has more aggressive changes. A new front splitter, side canards and reprofiled rear diffuser work with a fixed rear wing to produce real downforce. Subaru’s engineers have reshaped the hood vent and fender cutouts for better brake and engine cooling during high performance use.

Both cars get new LED lighting clusters and lighter wheels, the STI comes with forged aluminum 19 inch wheels as standard. Lightweight composite panels on select body pieces reduce unsprung weight and improve weight distribution. It’s a car that looks like it means business and delivers real aero gains.

Powertrain Refinement

The 2026 WRX retains the same 2.4 liter turbo flat four as before. Subaru has tuned the turbocharger for more mid-range torque and better throttle response. Power is up to around 290 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque – more tractable across a wider rev range.

More significant changes come with the STI. After a brief absence the 2026 Subaru STI is back with a new 2.4 liter turbo boxer engine producing around 345 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It’s not just about the numbers but torque distribution, thermal efficiency and high load performance.Both cars retain Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system but the STI has a revised centre differential with torque vectoring and electronically controlled yaw management. This allows precise control of torque between the axles and individual wheels for better cornering balance and more predictable oversteer when desired.

Transmission and Driveline Upgrades

Subaru is still all about driver engagement, a six-speed manual is standard on both cars. The gearbox has tighter internal tolerances and a new shift linkage for better feel. The WRX still has a revised CVT, now called the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), with simulated shift points and faster ratio transitions.

The STI is manual-only as expected of a track focused car. A limited-slip front differential and revised rear limited-slip unit ensures better traction under acceleration and high-speed transitions. The 2026 Subaru STI drivetrain upgrades deliver more torque in high load situations especially during corner exits.

Subaru has also added a new launch control system for both cars and a variable drive mode selector that adjusts throttle response, steering weight and differential behaviour. So you can have tunable performance without compromising the mechanical connection that defines Subaru’s rally bred driving character.

Chassis and Suspension

The biggest mechanical upgrades for 2026 are in the suspension. The WRX gets revalved dampers and reinforced front control arms for better road compliance without sacrificing cornering sharpness. Overall chassis stiffness is up 14% due to added bracing so it will respond more directly to driver input.

The STI has adaptive dampers with real-time load monitoring, so the suspension can respond dynamically to road and cornering forces. The new dampers developed with motorsport input offer multiple damping profiles for road, sport and track use. The 2026 Subaru STI suspension tuning delivers sharper turn-in, reduced roll and more mid-corner grip under sustained lateral load.

Brakes have also been upgraded. Both cars have larger ventilated discs but the STI gets six-piston front Brembo calipers with high-friction pads and a new brake cooling duct system integrated into the front fascia. Fade resistance and pedal consistency under repeated hard use were key areas of improvement.

Interior Focus

The 2026 Subaru WRX and STI interiors are performance focused but now have better materials and ergonomics. The dashboard is simple with an 11.6-inch vertically oriented screen that integrates climate, infotainment and vehicle settings. Voice control and over-the-air update are now standard.

Both cars have sport seats with better lateral support and optional suede-like upholstery for better grip when driving hard. The STI has a driver specific cockpit layout with a customizable digital instrument cluster that shows performance metrics such as lap timers, boost pressure, G-force tracking and real-time AWD torque distribution.

Aluminium pedals, red stitching and carbon look interior trim subtly hint at the car’s performance mission without being too flashy. Rear seat space and boot volume remains practical so the 2026 Subaru WRX and STI interior design balances utility with purpose built functionality.

Technology and Driver Assistance

While performance is the focus, Subaru hasn’t forgotten about connectivity and safety. Both cars have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C charging ports and a high-fidelity audio system tuned for the cabin acoustics.

The 2026 Subaru WRX and STI safety features include Subaru’s EyeSight with forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist. For manual transmission cars the EyeSight system has been recalibrated to not interfere with driver gear selection or throttle input—a big improvement over previous generations.

The STI also has a track specific camera system that allows drivers to review corner entry and exit for performance optimisation.

Competitive Positioning

The 2026 Subaru WRX and STI arrives at a time when the sports sedan market is becoming increasingly binary, split between electric cars and watered down performance trims. Subaru is doubling down on analog engagement and modern track ready upgrades making these cars a unique offering for drivers who want feedback, mechanical precision and all-weather capability.

As others go hybrid or abandon the manual altogether, Subaru is going full throttle on building cars that connect with the driver—on road and track—without compromise.