WRX Fans Send Direct Message To Subaru
It's a question that Subaru Corporation probably doesn't even want to think about. Did the Japanese automaker miss the mark with the sport-tuned WRX? As I examine the question, it appears that the WRX is losing favor with performance fans.
First, let's check out the latest sales report. Then, I'll examine the future of the Subaru WRX and whether Subaru swung and missed with the performance sports car.
WRX Sales Have Dropped Again
The WRX has been on a downward slide for nine consecutive months. The downward trend continues, and it's not improving. The last time the WRX sports car had an increase was June 2023.
The WRX Has Decreased Nine Consecutive Months.
- 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%
WRX Could Drop Further
Subaru of America reports that the WRX sold 1,837 performance sports cars in March, compared with 3,005 models sold in March 2023. The WRX performance sedan decreased 38.9 percent in March, the most of any model in SOA's lineup. For the first three months of 2024, the WRX dropped 42.1 percent, also the most of any Subaru model.
What Subaru Doesn’t Want You To Know About The WRX @SubaruReport @AllSubaru @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/TGazFnRYkC#subaru #wrx #subaruwrx #sti #wrxsti pic.twitter.com/IgI0UxoALX
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 10, 2024
Fans Send Subaru A Direct Message
I think WRX and performance fans are sending Subaru a direct message. The message is, “we won’t buy the WRX until you make changes.”
Seriously, the WRX has declined for so long that this article could have been written a dozen times with simple name changes. That sucks, but it is the world Subaru is in.
What's Next For WRX?
The WRX will receive few upgrades, if any, for the 2025 model year. So, if you're waiting for a 2025 WRX, don't. It will basically be a carry-over model with no changes, and you'll end up paying more.
Buy The 2024 Subaru WRX? Why You Should Wait A Year Or Two @DenisFlierl @SubaruReport #subaru #wrx #subaruwrx #wrxtr #subaruwrxtr #sti #ste #wrxstihttps://t.co/HzUfs5pXHH
— Torque News (@torquenewsauto) December 26, 2023
The 2024 WRX has five trim levels: Base, Premium, WRX TR, Limited, and GT.
The 2024 WRX 6-speed manual trim level starts at $33,855. The WRX Premium 6-speed manual is $35,755, The WRX Premium with Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) is $37,105, the WRX Limited 6-speed manual is $40,135, the WRX Limited SPT is $41,685, the all-new WRX TR 6-speed manual is $42,775, and WRX GT SPT is $45,335. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,120).
When Will The WRX Get Upgrades?
Subaru will give the 2026 sport-tuned WRX a "refresh" or mid-cycle upgrade. The WRX has a much longer life cycle than the Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, and other mainstream models.
Subaru performance cars like the BRZ have a much longer life cycle, seven or eight years before they get a complete remodel. So, the next-generation WRX will not arrive until around 2028.
When Will Subaru Bring Back The STI?
The good news is that the WRX STI is returning, according to Subaru's reports. The STI is expected to be converted to an EV in 2027.
Subaru says, "We will utilize the insight from this project (the all-electric Subaru STI E-RA concept) as an initiative for a future electrified society. STI will continue to create new values so that cars will remain enjoyable and enrich the lives of our customers in an increasingly decarbonized world, for all Subarus."
As I reported last year, Subaru Corporation filed a patent in Germany's Patent and Trademark Office in March 2023 for an" STe" (Subaru Tecnica electric) electrified performance sub-brand for hybrids and EVs.
Motor Trend says, "Subaru Corporation will launch the new STe electric performance car in three years with an on-sale date in late 2026 as a 2027 model year."
We have to wait for now, and waiting is such a drag. I want Subaru to bring back the WRX and STI hatchback body style. The WRX sedan sales are in a downward spiral, and the sports car needs more. Otherwise, what's the point?
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru WRX report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
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I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 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 The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Photo: Tucson Subaru