What percentage of WRX are automatic?
In the United States, the WRX is not offered with a factory automatic transmission, so the share of automatic-equipped WRX among new-car sales is effectively 0%. Globally, availability varies by market and model year, but automatic options for the WRX have been rare in most regions.
Current transmission options for the WRX
The WRX has long been marketed as a driver-focused performance model, with a manual gearbox treated as a key part of its appeal. In recent generations, the official US specification sheets and dealer configurations have shown the WRX with a six-speed manual transmission, and no widely available automatic option. Global availability varies by country and year, but automatic WRX variants remain uncommon in the lineup overall.
Key regional notes on automatic vs. manual WRX availability
- United States: manual 6-speed standard; no factory automatic option listed in current model years; effectively 0% automatic in new-car WRX sales.
- Canada: mirrors US pricing/availability, with manual transmission emphasized in current WRX configurations.
- Europe and other major markets: historically manual-dominant; automatic WRX variants exist only sporadically in certain years or markets, and are not widely advertised as standard offerings.
- Global context: Subaru has not published a global percentage for automatic WRX sales; the official stance across most markets remains manual-focused for the WRX lineup.
Concluding note: For buyers specifically seeking an automatic WRX, the current market in the US and many other regions offers essentially no automatic option, making the percentage of automatics among new WRX cars effectively zero in those markets. Prospective buyers should consult local Subaru configurators for the most up-to-date regional availability, and consider other Subaru models if an automatic transmission is a priority.
Regional variations in more detail
While the US has not offered a factory automatic WRX in recent years, a few markets outside North America have experimented with automatic variants in limited runs or through regional specifications. These cases are not representative of the global standard, and official, widely available automatic WRX configurations remain uncommon.
Historical context
Historically, the WRX lineup has prioritized a manual transmission as part of its performance identity. Over the past decade, Subaru has kept the WRX manual option prominent in the US and many export markets, with automatic variants either not offered or not widely promoted.
What this means for shoppers
If you specifically want an automatic WRX, your best bet is to check the latest local configurations or consider Subaru models outside the WRX family that offer automatic transmissions. For most WRX enthusiasts, the six-speed manual remains the standard and preferred configuration in the markets where the WRX is sold today.
Summary
The percentage of WRX that are automatic, in the current US market, is effectively 0% because the WRX is not offered with a factory automatic transmission. Global availability varies by country and year, but automatics are not widely offered for the WRX in most regions as of 2024–2025. The WRX continues to be positioned as a manual-focused performance model, with buyers in search of an automatic option advised to explore other Subaru models or regional specifications.
What percentage of WRX are manual?
83%
Really makes Subaru the bastion for manual transmissions with the WRX at 83% manual, and the BRZ at 79% manual, nobody else even comes close to this number when offering both a manual and automatic option.
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.
Are all Subaru WRX 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.
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.
