Did they ever make an automatic WRX?
Yes. The WRX has been offered with an automatic transmission, but only during a brief period in its history. Today, in most markets, the WRX is sold with a manual transmission.
A brief history of WRX transmissions
Below is a concise look at how transmission options varied across generations and regions.
- Early generations (1992–2000): The original Impreza WRX began with a standard 5-speed manual. An optional automatic (four-speed 4EAT) appeared only in certain markets, and it was not a common configuration in the U.S. lineup.
- Second generation (2002–2007): The WRX continued to emphasize performance with manual transmissions. The 4EAT automatic option persisted in some markets, but Subaru focused marketing on the manual experience for enthusiasts.
- Third generation and beyond (2008–2014): In the United States, the WRX offerings were predominantly manual; there was no widely marketed automatic option for the WRX, while non-WRX Impreza models used automatic transmissions (including CVTs) in various trims.
- Fourth and fifth generations (2015–present): The WRX remained manual-only in the U.S. for these generations. Automatics, when available, were reserved for non-WRX Impreza variants in most markets, and the focus for WRX buyers shifted firmly to the manual transmission.
In summary, automatic WRX models existed, but only briefly and primarily in the early 2000s on certain regional markets. In recent years, the WRX has been sold predominantly with a manual transmission in major markets such as the United States.
Current status and shopping considerations
As of the latest model years, the WRX in the United States is generally offered with a manual transmission only. If you specifically want an automatic WRX, you would be looking at much older, used examples that came with the 4EAT, or considering alternatives within Subaru’s lineup (such as non-WRX Impreza models) that use automatic transmissions.
Summary
The WRX has not been consistently offered with an automatic option across its history. A brief period in the early 2000s saw automatic WRX availability in some markets, but for the bulk of its production in major markets today, the WRX is a manual-performance model. For most buyers, the automatic WRX remains a rare, used-market curiosity rather than a current factory option.
Which WRX trim has automatic transmission?
The GT trim exclusively offers the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), an advanced automatic system with adaptive shift control and rev-matching capabilities that optimize cornering and acceleration response.
Are automatic WRX rare?
It's totally possible to find a used WRX with an automatic transmission in this generation, you just have to look a bit harder since they are not as common because not as many were made when compared to the manual versions.
What percent of WRX is automatic?
According to Subaru, it's has been a fruitful year for manual transmission enthusiasts, with the brand reporting an 83% take rate for the six-speed stick WRX for 2024 model year vehicles. That means only 17% of WRX buyers have opted for the CVT.
Do they make WRX in automatic?
The 2022 Subaru WRX comes standard with a fully synchronized 6-speed manual transmission on all of its trims aside from the GT–which comes with a Subaru Performance Transmission. However, the base trim for the WRX can also include an 8-speed shiftable, automatic option.
