The 2026 Subaru WRX is one of the few sporty AWD sedans still available with a manual transmission. It comes with a 271 Horsepower, 2.4L Turbo BOXER engine and can be had with an available 6-speed manual transmission paired with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.But is it really worth the cost?Driving the Subaru WRX: One of the Last Manual Performance SedansSome of you asked to see more manual transmission cars, and as we all know, they are getting harder and harder to find. Luckily, Subaru hooked me up with a WRX, so I took it out for a drive to give you a quick inside-and-out tour.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you are new here, I'm Jana from Real Mom Car Tours. While the WRX is a major enthusiast vehicle, it's still a four-door sedan, so we're going to look at how it holds up for everyday driving.Engine Specs and PerformanceThe WRX remains one of the last affordable performance sedans on the market. Under the hood, it packs Subaru's signature mechanical layout:Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Boxer engine.Power: 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission (featuring aluminum sport pedals).Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Because it's a full-time mechanical AWD setup, it's constantly engaged and ready for slick roads or cold climates.Fuel Economy: Averages around 22 MPG combined (19 City / 26 Highway).Manual Reverse Lockout Tip: If you're new to Subaru's 6-speed manual, putting the car in reverse requires pulling up on the lockout collar located on the shift lever before moving it down and to the right.Exterior Design and StylingDressed in Ignition Red, the WRX features aggressive sport-sedan cues mixed with some controversial cladding choices:AdvertisementAdvertisementFunctional Hood Scoop: Unlike most decorative vents on modern cars, the WRX features a fully functional hood scoop that feeds cool air directly to the intercooler.Wheels and Tires: 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires.Lighting: LED headlights and taillights (though the turn signals still use traditional incandescent bulbs).Rear Profile: Quad polished exhaust tips that give it a prominent, sporty look from behind.Aerodynamics: Includes a blacked-out front grille, front bumper air vents, and textured black body cladding along the wheel arches and side skirts.Interior Features and TechnologyThe cabin balances enthusiast features with everyday practicality, though it keeps things relatively simple to stay at an accessible price point.Seating: Comfortable, cloth sport seats featuring red contrast stitching that keep you firmly supported during spirited driving. Seat adjustments are fully manual.Infotainment: Features Subaru's large 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen. While the system can occasionally be a bit laggy, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you don't need a cable to connect your phone.Physical Controls: Crucially, Subaru kept physical knobs for volume control and hard buttons for temperature adjustments right below the screen, making quick climate changes easy while driving.Gauges: Features a classic analog gauge cluster with a small digital driver-information display in the center for toggling through trip data, audio selection, and fuel economy.Power & Connectivity: Includes a 12V power outlet, aux jack, USB-A port, and USB-C port up front. (This trim level does not feature a wireless charging pad or a sunroof).Back Seat Space and PracticalityHow does the WRX fare for back-seat passengers or family duty?AdvertisementAdvertisementLegroom and Headroom: Surprisingly spacious for a compact performance sedan. Up front, space accommodates taller adults well (even tested with a 6'4" passenger), leaving adequate legroom behind them for rear riders.Rear Amenities: The back seat is fairly bare-bones. There are no rear air vents, no rear USB charging ports, and no fold-down center armrest on this trim.Child Safety Seats: Features five lower LATCH anchors across the rear bench. This offers flexible installation options, allowing you to secure a car seat on the left, right, or directly in the center position. Door pockets feature built-in bottle holders to handle drinks.Final VerdictAt $33,000 as tested, the Subaru WRX delivers a rare driving experience in today's car market: an analog, manual-transmission sedan with a punchy turbocharged engine and full-time all-wheel drive. While the rear cabin lacks tech amenities and the touchscreen can occasionally hesitate, it remains one of the most engaging performance bargains available.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
+26 others
