Why is Subaru discontinuing the WRX?
Subaru has not officially announced the discontinuation of the WRX as of late 2024 / early 2025; the model line remains in production, with no public plan to retire it. The question has emerged as the company pivots toward electrification and a broader SUV/crossover-heavy lineup, fueling speculation about the future of traditional performance sedans like the WRX.
Where things stand for the WRX today
Subaru continues to offer the WRX in its current generation across key markets, including the United States. The current WRX features a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine delivering about 270 horsepower and is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT in certain markets. There is no official announcement of a successor or a discontinuation. The WRX STI, a separate high-performance variant that has not seen a new generation in years, has not been revived and there is no confirmed plan to do so in the near term.
Why rumors have circulated about the WRX’s future
Below is a snapshot of the factors that have led fans and analysts to discuss the WRX’s long-term viability in Subaru’s lineup.
Before laying out the factors, here is a quick overview of the main drivers shaping Subaru’s product strategy in the near term.
- Electrification push: Subaru is expanding its electrified offerings and aligning with a broader corporate strategy to diversify powertrains, including hybrids and fully electric vehicles, which can shift emphasis away from traditional internal-combustion performance sedans.
- Cost and platform constraints: Developing a next-generation WRX/STI that meets evolving emissions, safety, and platform standards can be expensive, especially given the relatively niche market for high-performance sedans.
- Market demand and profitability: Sales for compact performance sedans have declined in many regions, raising questions about long-term profitability compared with Subaru’s best-selling SUVs and crossovers.
- Strategic focus on EVs and crossovers: Subaru’s roadmap emphasizes expanding its electric and crossover lineup, potentially leading to resource reallocation away from niche performance cars.
The accumulation of these factors helps explain why rumors persist, even as Subaru retains the WRX in its current lineup and has not issued an official discontinuation notice.
Subaru’s public stance and what it means for fans
Subaru has historically balanced engineering costs with demand when evaluating performance variants. At present, there is no public signal that the WRX will be retired, and no confirmed timetable for discontinuation. Fans should watch for official company communications as Subaru outlines its mid-term and annual plans, particularly as electrification accelerates.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor include updates to Subaru’s next-generation platforms, any electrified variants that might accompany or replace traditional WRX models in certain markets, and official statements about transmission options, performance variants, or market availability.
Summary
As of the current public information, Subaru has not announced the discontinuation of the WRX. The rumor mill is largely fueled by the company’s broader shift toward electrification and a reshaped product mix, not by an official retirement of the WRX. For enthusiasts, the signal to watch is official communications from Subaru about its product roadmap in the coming years as the brand navigates a transition toward electrified offerings and a crossovers-centric lineup.
Context on high-performance variants
The WRX has historically been joined by more extreme performance variants like the STI, which has not seen a new generation in recent years. No new STI is publicly confirmed, which contributes to questions about the future of Subaru’s performance-focused lineup beyond the WRX. This context helps readers understand how the WRX fits into Subaru’s evolving strategy.
Is Toyota buying out Subaru?
No, Toyota is not buying Subaru outright, but it owns a significant stake of just over 20%. This makes Subaru part of the Toyota Motor Group, but the companies maintain separate operations and branding. The relationship is a partnership that includes collaborating on joint development and resource sharing for vehicles like the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ sports cars and the Solterra/bZ4X electric SUV.
Key aspects of the partnership
- Ownership: Toyota has a minority stake of just over 20% in Subaru, which it increased over several years.
- Collaboration: The companies work together on vehicle development, production, and technology.
- Joint projects: Some examples include:
- The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 sports coupes
- The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs
- Resource sharing: Subaru uses Toyota's hybrid technology and sells rebadged products from Toyota's Daihatsu subsidiary.
- Future plans: The partnership is expected to continue, with both companies collaborating on future electric vehicle projects to mitigate risks.
Why are WRX being discontinued?
[A] next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform." The reason for Subaru's decision is motivated by more stringent emissions regulations, but while a new WRX STI is still in limbo at this point, there are new models on the horizon that should have fans excited.
Is Subaru making a 2026 WRX?
Subaru today announced the new 2026 Subaru WRX Series. Yellow and 2026 Subaru BRZ Series. Yellow limited-production sports cars with exclusive exterior and interior colors, limited to 350 cars for each model line.
Is there going to be a 2025 WRX?
The 2025 Subaru WRX will be offered in four trim levels: Premium, Limited, GT, and tS. Last year's base WRX configuration has been discontinued. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all trim levels, except the GT.
