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Planet exclusive WRX Gallery. (2025 model shown) Click pictures to enlarge.


Expected release date at Planet Subaru: first quarter of 2026. This generation of WRX first arrived a little late in 2022 and the new models have been arriving a little late ever since. Typically we see new models show up several months before the turn of the calendar year, usually in summer or fall. For example, the 2025 Forester arrived in June of 2025. 

Subaru builds its "volume models," such as Forester and Outback, on a five-year product cycle, which means they predictably introduce an all-new model every five years. In the fourth year of that cycle, they undertake a "BMC," a humorous acronym for Big Minor Change. This refresh usually includes cost-effective changes that keep the vehicle contemporary, such as suspension settings, bumper and taillight redesign, and infotainment upgrades. However, on the "boutique" vehicles, such as WRX and BRZ, Subaru undertakes complete redesigns less frequently--every six or seven years:
  • The first generation WRX lasted six years (2002 through 2007).
  • The second generation went seven years (2008 through 2014).
  • The third generation went seven years (2015 through 2021).
2026 is the fifth year of this generation, so we don't expect an all-new 2026 WRX, but we're probably due for a Big Minor Change. Subaru, tight-lipped as ever about future product plans, has not yet made any announcements. We will track those on this page.

To keep Subaru performance fans on their toes, Subaru often offers special tuner versions of the WRX even if the platform itself doesn't get a makeover. For example, we welcomed the limited-production TR model in 2024, and the tS in 2025.


What about the STi? Subaru released this statement as the last 2021 STi rolled off the assembly line:
"As the automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ). 

As part of that effort, Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification.  In the meantime, a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.  

The Subaru WRX STI and the STI brand represent the zenith of Subaru's performance vehicles exemplifying Subaru's unique DNA and rally heritage.  As we look to the future, we also look forward to incorporating the essence of STI into our next generation of vehicles."
And what about a five-door hatchback model not seen since the 2014 model year? Subaru is building one in international markets, but does not offer it in the United States. We had thought maybe Subaru might offer it here eventually, but the embers of that dream are slowly extinguishing themselves as the years go by. There are many costs involved when a manufacturer offers a variant of an existing car, and Subaru probably figures there would not be enough incremental sales to justify that significant investment. 

Changes made for each recent model year:



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Wondering about the changes, revisions, improvements and release date of the 2026 WRX.  For residents of Cambridge, Brockton, Somerville, Chelsea, Boston, and all over Massachusetts, you've come to the right place.Â