Subaru

This role lets me experience many exciting opportunities, and when invited to join Subaru in the UK for a drive of the new base 2026 WRX on a track, a stop at Jeremy Clarkson's pub, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed to see Travis Pastrana tackle the hill in the impressive Brataroo, my excitement was clear. It felt like asking a dog about a walk, with an enthusiastic yes as the response.

This marked my first visit to the United Kingdom, and the excitement kicked off right after landing in Manchester. I exited the plane somewhat jet-lagged, entered an unfamiliar van, and headed to Oulton Park racing circuit in Cheshire to test what $33,690 in base WRX could achieve on a circuit. The journey was underway.

Logan K. Carter/ Jalopnik

Full disclosure: Subaru hosted me on their yearly trip to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, including the chance to evaluate the new Base trim of the 2026 Subaru WRX. We used left-hand-drive, U.S.-spec vehicles with Illinois plates and a prominent USA sticker on the rear, matching what appears at local Subaru dealerships. Subaru also arranged comfortable hotels and meals throughout the visit.

My introduction to the car was on a track

Logan K. Carter/ Jalopnik

My initial drive of the 2026 Subaru WRX Base took place as I pulled from the pit lane onto the 2.7 miles of appealing pavement at Oulton Park International Circuit. Fresh from a BMW M Track Day at Willow Springs the prior week, where I had tracked M2s along with M3 and M4 Competitions, I was keen to compare how a $33,690 car performed against the Bimmers. I am pleased to note that the WRX Base holds up well against those from Bavaria.

Every Base trim WRX includes the drivetrain used since this generation launched, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine delivering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to all wheels via a genuine six-speed manual transmission. For those preferring an automatic, Subaru's Performance Transmission, a CVT, is available as a $1,000 option on Limited trims and is standard on the WRX GT.

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My group of three journalists followed our instructor for several laps to learn the layout before increasing pace. Oulton Park offers a solid track with banked turns, elevation shifts, and a straightforward design, and I relied on the WRX's symmetrical all-wheel-drive to manage any small errors.

Tracking the WRX proved enjoyable, enhanced by the manual transmission. The M cars from the week before used automatics, suitable for their higher power, but with under 300 horsepower the need to manage shifts added an engaging mental element.

Not necessarily a track day hero, but still very capable

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As expected, the WRX maintained strong grip in both slow and fast corners, aided by the standard 245/40 R18 Dunlop Sportmaxx GT summer tires. Steering feedback was moderate, yet I could sense front tire grip levels, which needed careful approach for best response. Understeer appeared on turn-in but corrected with throttle lift or adjusted entry speeds. Other cars might have been more engaging at Oulton Park, yet at $33,000 this upgraded economy car performed capably on a true circuit and provided an enjoyable drive. Thicker anti-sway bars could enhance track use and represent a simple upgrade.

Though lively at startup and idle, the engine was difficult to hear clearly with a helmet on track, and with peak power at 5,600 rpm near the 6,000 rpm redline, I checked the tachometer often. This forms part of the manual driving appeal, and the Boxer delivered solid torque above 3,000 rpm. The engine felt strong and engaging on public roads, where most WRXs operate daily.

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The main track limitation for the WRX Base was its brakes. Higher trims feature Brembo six-piston front calipers on 13.4-inch drilled rotors and two-piston rear units on 12.8-inch drilled rotors, while the Base uses 12.4-inch front discs with two-piston calipers and 11.4-inch rear discs with single-piston units. The brakes handled normal driving well but faded during track use and felt tired by the end of the session before we moved to roads. Brakes are straightforward to improve, and for a $33,000 car they remain adequate.

Hitting the road

Logan K. Carter/ Jalopnik

Following the track session, we drove to our initial hotel along scenic winding roads. Many of these were only slightly wider than the WRX mirrors and served as two-way routes. Operating a left-hand-drive car on the opposite side of hedge-bordered roads with blind bends created some tension, but wider sections allowed enjoyable driving. Understeer noted on track stayed absent at typical road speeds, and tight turns could be taken with confidence. It proved entertaining.

The narrow roads prevented avoiding potholes, leading to firm impacts. On smoother surfaces the suspension felt active and firm, though this should not discourage most performance car buyers.

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Those wary of a manual transmission should try the WRX Base. Its hill-hold assist eased starts on inclines, and the balanced clutch was gentle on the left leg even in traffic. Overall the WRX Base served as a strong daily driver, relaxed in routine use and lively when desired. Across three warm, humid days in the U.K., my passenger and I valued its effective air conditioning. The main daily drawback is fuel economy, rated at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined with the manual. The Performance Transmission lowers each figure by one, yet the car remains affordable at $33,000.

Beyond driving dynamics, WRX Base models include dual-zone climate control, Subaru's 11.6-inch infotainment with wireless mirroring, LED headlights, and EyeSight driver aids such as adaptive cruise with lane centering, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Over three days I required no extra features, and the standard audio system performed well.

Other trims bring more features, but the WRX Base represents the best value

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For 2026 Subaru reduced prices across WRX trims, and the Base stands out at $33,690 including destination. The Premium now costs nearly $4,000 less than before at $35,190 and adds fog lights, heated seats and mirrors, rear USB ports, and a body-color spoiler. The Limited at $40,190 includes an 11-speaker Harman Kardon system, power driver seat, blind-spot monitoring, moonroof, Ultrasuede seats, and steering-responsive headlights.

The GT at $46,190 gains red-and-black Ultrasuede Recaro seats, a digital cluster, and adjustable sport suspension. The tS focuses on driving with 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, STI-tuned modes, moonroof delete, and sport digital cluster at the same $46,190. A limited Series.Yellow based on the tS offers unique yellow paint and accents for $47,190, with only 350 units available.

Though not as thrilling as past models, and with hope that Subaru may revive an STI version, this is the current WRX, and it remains a strong option for enthusiasts seeking value. The Subaru WRX Base is a likable all-wheel-drive performance car that is affordable, practical, modifiable, and enjoyable. All for $33,000.