Subaru’s 2026 lineup has some great new changes, both visible and under the hood. Here are the biggest differences you’ll see if you buy one.
Model year 2026 is a big one for Subaru, with plenty of changes. These include a total redesign of a familiar vehicle, some advanced technology going into that vehicle, significant updates to Subaru’s slate of electric vehicles, plus cosmetic enhancements and lower prices for Subaru’s sporty vehicles.
Let’s start with some horsepower of a different color. This is the Subaru BRZ Series Yellow, made in a limited edition of 350. It’s painted in Subaru Sunrise Yellow, a significant color for the brand, used on older models like the Japan-only Subaru BRZ STI Sport and Subaru WRX STI S207 models. It comes only with a six-speed manual sending its 228 horsepower to the rear wheels, with black wheels, black badging, and built to the tS spec. The tS spec includes a Brembo brake system with larger rotors and pads on its four-piston front discs and its two-rotor rear discs, along with gold-painted calipers. The tS also comes with STI-tuned Hitachi shocks, black mirror caps, 18-inch alloy wheels mounted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4, and an STI logo on the starter button. Our review of the Subaru BRZ tS found that it was great, but not the one you should buy.
The Series Yellow lands at $39,360 MSRP, a $1,000 premium over the standard tS, plus $1,145 destination and delivery charge. For that, you get the yellow exterior color and a unique interior treatment consisting of yellow stitching on its ultrasuede and leather upholstery, as well as matching stitching on its shifter boot, leather steering wheel, and door panels.The Subaru WRX joins the Subaru BRZ as a Series Yellow model
The Subaru WRX Series Yellow follows the BRZ’s playbook, adding 271 horsepower, all-wheel drive and performance to the mix. While it comes coated in historically-significant Sunrise Yellow paint, has matte black alloy wheels in a 19-inch size, black badging, and is limited to 350 examples, there are differences.
The WRX Series Yellow’s big party trick is its unique tS-spec feature — its STI-tuned, electronically-controlled shocks, which use Drive Mode Select to choose between normal, sport, and comfort. This also gives drivers control over throttle response, power steering, and Subaru’s EyeSight system. The tS spec also includes upgraded Brembo brakes with gold calipers, with six-piston front discs and two-piston rears along with larger rotors and pads. Tires are 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S007s, providing excellent performance on dry and wet surfaces. Our review of the Subaru WRX tS discovered you should forget what the badge says, it’s the real deal. Other unique features of the WRX Series Yellow are its black Ultrasuede seats with contrasting yellow stitching, also found on its door panels and the carpeted floor mats that are part of the package. It is priced at $45,995 plus delivery, a $1,000 step up from the standard tS.
Another notable WRX-related development for 2026 is the return of the base model WRX at $32,495 MSRP plus delivery, which Subaru compares to the original 2002 U.S. model by saying, « .the new 2026 WRX has nearly the same price, adjusted for inflation, yet it includes far more equipment and features.
