Subaru WRX And Its Substandard 14-Month Record

The Subaru WRX's sales performance looks substandard more now than ever. And it may get worse before it gets better. What's next for the struggling WRX?

How long can it go on?

Last month, I reported that the WRX sales drop couldn't get any worse, but it has. Subaru of America (SOA) reported that WRX sales have decreased again. It's now 14 months of consecutive sales declines. I can't tell you when it will turn around. 

Here are the WRX's August performance numbers. 

Subaru reported they delivered 1,552 WRX sport sedans to performance enthusiasts in August compared with 1,677 in August 2023. That's a decrease of 7.5 percent, which is the smallest decrease in a while. The WRX is down 35.5 percent for the year, with 12,216 sports cars delivered in the first eight months of 2024. They had 18,944 models sold in the same period in 2023.

The WRX has decreased in sales volume for 14 consecutive months. 

• August 2024 -7.5%
• July 2024  -27.7%
• June 2024 -42.7%
• May 2024 -39.6%
• April 2024 -29.3%
• March 2024 -38.9%
• February 2024 -46.3%
• January 2024 -41.6%
• December 2023 -37.1%
• November 2023 -37.3%
• October 2023 -14.7%
• September 2023 -2.7%
• August 2023 -27.2%
• July 2023 -25.1%

At its current pace, the WRX will have less than 20,000 in sales in 2024. 

Now for more news.

Let's look at how the WRX compares with other sports cars regarding U.S. sales volume.

Through the first six months of 2024, here are the top-ten selling sports cars.

1. Ford Mustang 27,444
2. Dodge Challenger 21,217
3. Chevrolet Corvette 17,914
4. Subaru WRX 9,295
5. Toyota GR86 7,467
6. Chevrolet Camaro 5,306
7. Mazda MX-5 1,746
8. Toyota Supra 1,495
9. Nissan Z 1,457
10. Subaru BRZ 1,414

Compared with the top-selling sports cars, the WRX holds its ground as the fourth best in the U.S. sales ranking. It's not bad, but it's not great. It's still a testament to its popularity and performance.

Is Subaru of America worried about the WRX?

SOA has seen 25 consecutive sales increases, and the WRX has not been the sales leader in any of those months. I've said before that the Subaru WRX is not the Camden, N.J. automaker's bread and butter. The WRX is a boutique model; it's not its flagship. Let me explain why. 

Subaru focuses on other models, like its top-selling SUVs, that cater to a broader audience and contribute more significantly to its overall sales. 

Subaru sells enough WRX models to make the sports car profitable. This is a testament to its unique selling points, value, and the fact that it doesn't need incentives to move off the lots.  

What's next for the 2025 Subaru WRX?

What's next for the struggling WRX? The answer might lie in the all-new 2025 WRX tS trim level. With its unique upgrades, this new trim level could be the turning point for the WRX.

The 2025 WRX tS trim level comes with some exciting features. The Drive Mode Select with electronically controlled STI-tuned dampers is a standout, offering increased performance, handling capability, and ride comfort. This is a significant upgrade over the previous trims. 

Drive Mode Select, previously available only on the WRX GT (with the automatic transmission), features electronically controlled STI-tuned dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings.

The tS gets a Full LCD digital gauge cluster display. New distinctive interior accents and a new fully digital gauge cluster enhance the vehicle's aesthetics. 

On the inside, the WRX tS features an all-new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which offers improved legibility and the capability to prominently show additional information to the driver, including map display and route guidance information.

Exclusive exterior accents

Subaru says the latest generation WRX has a wide-body design offering an aggressive stance and bold look. At the front, Subaru's signature hexagonal grille is paired with a compact headlight design and broad front hood scoop. Prominent character lines across the vehicle's front, sides, and rear further emphasize the sports sedan's strength and performance capability. 

The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and rear spoiler are now finished in Crystal Black Silica "for a distinctive look." The rear deck lid now wears the tS badge. Rear taillights glow with a look inspired by volcanic magma.

Exclusive interior accents

On the inside, The seat bolsters, steering wheel, door panels, and shifter trim are complemented by blue accents. The iconic STI logo is featured on the ignition start button. The power moonroof has been deleted for weight savings, lower center of gravity, and additional headroom for helmeted drivers.

The tS gets a high-performance Brembo braking system featuring gold-colored calipers.

The WRX tS Brembo braking system includes 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers in signature gold color and larger pads and rotors. The system provides enhanced stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel.

There are also 19-inch wheels paired with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.

The tS also has 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires for increased wet and dry grip and improved braking performance. New 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in satin gray finish come standard on the WRX tS.

Standard Recaro Ultrasuede front seats with blue accents

The WRX tS seats are wrapped in black Ultrasuede with contrasting blue accents, and the "WRX tS" logo is embossed on the front headrests and carpeted floormats. The driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustments.

Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

Eyesight Driver Assist Technology safety tech is standard and includes Adaptive Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and a Lead Vehicle Start Alert. This is the second WRX to get Subaru's safety system compatible with a standard gearbox; the WRX TR was the first. 

Where are the engine upgrades?

Subaru's performance and motorsports partner (STI) got their hands on the new WRX tS, but they missed one crucial thing: the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine stays the same. 

The WRX tS's 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine delivers 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Therein lies the problem. 

If Subaru Corp would have given the 2.4-liter turbo Boxer additional power upgrades, it would have changed the narrative. 

When can you purchase the new WRX tS?

You'll have to wait for a while. The 2025 Subaru WRX tS will arrive at Subaru retailers in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing for the new WRX tS will be announced later this year. Stay tuned.

Are you waiting to purchase the WRX tS? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru