WRX Sales Are Plummeting, Should We Consider a Mercy Kill? | Carscoops

      Sales of the rally-inspired sedan plummeted by 67 percent in July, totaling just 457 units.

      According to sales data, Subaru's WRX is experiencing a dismal year in 2025.

      From January to July, registrations of the performance sedan have dropped by 35 percent.

      Conversely, sales for the Solterra increased by 24 percent in July, while the Crosstrek saw a 15 percent rise.

      In various fields like music, sports, or automobiles, it's important to face tough decisions about the future to safeguard the legacy created in the past. Given Subaru's recent US sales data, it seems the company is grappling with tough discussions surrounding the WRX.

      Additionally, Subaru teased the ideal WRX but then acted as if it didn't exist.

      The WRX's sales plummeted dramatically in July, with the all-wheel-drive sedan attracting so few new customers that it could make the unpopular BRZ seem more desirable. The BRZ remained Subaru's least favored model, with just 222 registrations (a decline of 18.1 percent), but if the WRX continues on this path, the BRZ may soon face serious competition. WRX sales dropped 66.6 percent from 1,369 to merely 457 units.

      A Consistent Downward Trend

      These numbers are not isolated incidents; they reflect a genuine trend, and the situation is even more severe than what the model experienced in prior months. The figures from January to July indicate that WRX sales have fallen by 35.4 percent, totaling 6,888 units. In contrast, the BRZ saw a sales increase of 11.9 percent, albeit only reaching 1,887 units.

      The 271 hp (275 PS) WRX generally receives favorable reviews and is equipped with a standard manual transmission, along with all-wheel-drive capability that many competitors lack. However, the prevailing sentiment appears to be that it has lost the edgy character that initially attracted enthusiasts, prompting some Subaru executives to acknowledge that the brand has become too monotonous.

      Models like the Toyota GR Corolla provide more power, quicker acceleration (zero to 60 mph in less time), and are similarly priced. Moreover, there is currently no option for upgrading from a WRX to an STi version for those seeking more performance.

      Subaru's Ascent is also facing decline, with a 28.7 percent drop in sales for July and a 23.9 percent decrease year-to-date. Impreza registrations fell by 7.9 percent last month, although they were down only 0.7 percent in the first seven months of 2025. The model has become pricier for 2026, so it is unlikely to see a surge in sales leading up to Christmas.

      Some Positive Trends Elsewhere

      Nevertheless, Subaru executives likely found various metrics to lift their spirits. Solterra sales rose by 23.9 percent in July, the Forester experienced an 11.3 percent increase, and demand for the Crosstrek surged by 15.1 percent. Overall, Subaru's US sales grew by 4.5 percent in July and increased by 0.5 percent from January to July.

      Do you think it's time for Subaru to reconsider the WRX? What steps would you take to revitalize the fortunes of this once-celebrated badge?