The Subaru WRX Snaps A 15-Month Sales Decline

The WRX makes a significant turnaround.

The Subaru WRX's October performance numbers are up for the first time in 15 months, marking a significant turnaround in the short term. 

It's major news when a model like the Subaru WRX is on a 15-month sales slide. It's even bigger news now that the WRX has snapped that 15-month sales decrease. Here is what happened in October, and then I'll discuss the WRX's future. 

Subaru of America (SOA) reported delivering 1,637 WRX sport sedans to performance enthusiasts in October, compared with 1,420 in October 2023. That's an increase of 15.3 percent. However, overcoming nine straight months of decreases in 2024 is difficult. 

Even with the October increase, the WRX sports car is still down 31.0 percent for the year, with 15,182 performance sedans delivered in the first ten months of 2024. SOA sold 21,994 WRX sport sedans in the same period in 2023. 

The WRX's increase in sales volume snapped the 15 consecutive months of decline. 

The Subaru WRX has achieved this turnaround just before the arrival of the highly anticipated 2025 WRX with a new trim level. The 2025 WRX tS is set to make its debut next year. You can read about the WRX tS upgrades in my report here.

In June, the new WRX tS broke cover at the Wicked Big Meet held at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford, Connecticut.

Subaru Fans got to see Travis Pastrana and Bucky Lasek take the new WRX tS on the track for a few laps and show what the new performance car is capable of—not only on the pavement but also on the grass, where the traction is not so good. The drivers and fans had fun.

There are no 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, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That's the disappointment. 

Despite the lack of engine upgrades, the WRX continues to stand as one of America's best performance car values. 

Where else can you buy a performance car that won't have to sit in the car all winter? The WRX comes standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. You won't be sitting on the side of the road stuck in the snow waiting for a tow. 

If you have the right tires, you can go anywhere. Check out my winter tire report here. 

What is the WRX's future? Let's delve into the potential developments and upcoming models that could shape the WRX's future trajectory.

That's the big question now. With the decline in electric vehicle sales, the all-electric STI could be put on hold. Subaru has been silent lately, making me believe they may be rethinking an all-electric STI launch anytime soon.

Subaru of America 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 (CAFE)." 

"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."

Until then, performance has the 2025 Subaru WRX tS to look forward to. The new 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.

What do you think of the new WRX tS?

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I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Competition Subaru