Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Where the WRX WrecksThe 2026 Subaru WRX still offers a combination that is increasingly rare: a turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, a genuinely engaging chassis, and—depending on trim—a manual transmission. It is quick enough for real roads, confidence-inspiring in bad weather, and more usable year-round than many sporty compact sedans.But after a week of commuting, running errands, and opening it up on long highway stretches, the things I disliked became impossible to ignore. Granted, the WRX has literally never been a comfy and quiet daily driver. Also, none of these glaring issues actually erase the WRX's appeal for those who love it. Still, they affect the everyday experience enough that they deserve to be noted and could act as shots across the bow for potential buyers. This rally-inspired sedan is rough around the edges in old and new ways.The Infotainment System Is a DistractionThe WRX is a driver's car, not a tech showcase. Okay, let me clarify that. No tech showcase should show this system off. It's too big for a car that's about the driving, and it's also not intuitive, not responsive, and stuffed with too many vehicle controls. On cold mornings, it doesn't respond for a couple of minutes. Yes, that means a lot of time in sub-zero Chicago winter mornings with heated seats that won't turn on.Amos KwonMenu diving is the norm here, but that won't make you like it. Adjusting fan speed, changing the temperature, activating seat heaters, or managing other everyday settings can require looking down, tapping through menus, and then confirming that the system registered your input. Combined with a stick shift and clutch, it's positively infuriating. The WRX needs less and it needs more. Less screen size, fewer touchscreen operations, but more switchear, more analog gauges.The Highway Road Noise Gets OldAmos KwonAdvertisementAdvertisementThe WRX is not a quiet car, inside or out. It's not as raucous as the last-gen car, but that doesn't mean it's anywhere near Lexus-like. The WRX won't appeal to those who desire hushed environments, and some mechanical noise is an intrinsic part of the formula. The engine note, the sound of the turbocharged flat-four working hard, and a little wind noise at speed all fit the car's unique personality.Amos KwonThe problem is that the amount of tire and road noise entering the cabin at highway speeds can become tiring. Drive for 20 minutes this way, and it's no big deal. Two hours or more, and it's grating. The noise level impedes on peaceful phone calls, and it does mean you need to turn up the audio system and speak more loudly than expected, even on smooth highways.If you want a WRX, you must test drive it on the highway. It's imperative so that you know what you're getting into. Spend at least a few minutes at interstate speed, preferably on rougher pavement, before deciding whether the noise level is tolerable or just plain unbearable. I knew I could tolerate it, but my wife could not. Everyone's different.The Excessive Body Cladding Looks StupidAmos KwonThe WRX is not a delicate, subtle sports sedan. It has always worn a bold hood scoop, muscular fenders, and rally-inspired styling cues. That's classic WRX, and I welcome those aspects with open arms. The problem is that the current design takes the rugged theme too far. It looks like a bunch of plastic parts were tacked on to make the WRX look tough. It actually cheapens a more mainstream body, to the point of looking cartoonish.Amos KwonThe black plastic body cladding around the wheel arches and lower body panels is intended to reinforce the WRX's all-weather, drag-cheating, adventure-ready image. In practice, it looks goofy and cheap. Getting the WRX in a darker color helps a little. Buy it in white or orange, and it highlights the silly visual bulk around the wheel openings and rear fascia. I wish Subaru had dialed this down to go with the more subdued body.Final ThoughtsDon't make the mistake of thinking that I hate the WRX. I love it for its all-wheel drive traction, manual transmission, practical back seat and trunk, and for its rally-car spirit. I just can't say that everything glittters because that's easily not the case. Enthusiasts often overlook a lot, just to get a three-pedal hoot of a car to drive every day. The infotainment system needs to go, the burning-oil smell is harsh, and the excessive body cladding looks like a cheap afterthought. Once you get past all that, it's still a pretty great little sports sedan.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sedan section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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