Subaru WRX trim comparison
2026 Subaru WRX GT vs tS
The WRX GT and tS are both priced at $44,995 but differ in 3 specs.
On paper, these two are nearly identical. The choice is styling or packaging, not performance.
Because the MSRP is tied, this is a pure fit decision. The GT is the cleaner pick if keeping the lower starting price matters, while the tS makes more sense if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
Price does not break the tie here. The WRX GT and tS start at the same MSRP, so the real decision is which equipment mix fits your daily use better.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the GT and tS share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
Same MSRP. The choice is purely about which features matter to you.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | GT | tS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,995 | $44,995 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.4L flat 4 Turbo | 2.4L flat 4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,750/yr | $2,650/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,560 lbs | 3,430 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.2" | 105.2" |
| Length | 183.8" | 183.8" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 57.8" | 57.8" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Subaru WRX GT vs tS Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Subaru WRX lineup, the Subaru brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
Do the 2026 WRX GT and tS cost the same?
Yes. Both start at $44,995. There is no MSRP gap between them, so this choice comes down to equipment, features, and configuration differences rather than price.
Do the 2026 Subaru WRX GT and tS have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.4L flat 4 Turbo producing 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 WRX GT and tS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 WRX GT or tS safer?
Both share the same Subaru WRX platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Subaru WRX come with?
All 2026 Subaru WRX trims, including both the GT and tS, come with Subaru's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Which 2026 Subaru WRX trim gets better fuel economy, the GT or the tS?
The tS is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
Why do the 2026 Subaru WRX GT and tS look so similar on paper?
The separation is usually in appearance packages, upholstery, or wheel designs rather than in the measurable spec sheet.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The WRX tS gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $91 per year or $455 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
The WRX GT and tS share the same engine and drivetrain. The difference comes down to 3 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Subaru WRX GT
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the GT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Subaru WRX tS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the tS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Subaru or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.