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Sales data is out for Q1 and Q2 2024. For many nameplates, news is good. For instance, the venerable Ford Mustang is enjoying quite the sales bump as its closest competitors bow out of the market. However, the news isn’t all sunshine for previous fan favorites. The Subaru WRX, a model with a die-hard following, is suffering from some less-than-optimal sales in 2024. 

Subaru WRX sales were down around 43 percent as of June 2024

New car owners registered 9,295 Subaru WRX sedans in the first half of 2024. While that might not mean much to you at a glance, it’s a marked decrease compared to the previous year. According to the latest data, buyers registered 6,078 fewer WRXs than they did by the end of Q2 2023. 

So, why is the Subaru WRX hurting so much in the modern market? Well, one possible reason is the WRX’s new, polished demeanor. Frankly, the WRX was once a grab-a-gear, what-the-hell-is-a-401(k) kind of ride; a sport-focused sedan and hatchback like the bare-knuckle WRX STis of yesteryear.

However, even with a standard six-speed manual transmission, the latest 271-horsepower VB WRX models are very much grown up. Instead of bringing the WRX STi back for excited fans, the WRX sports refined and mature interiors. What was once minimal-frills and hairy was replaced with a massive, tech-focused 11.6-inch touchscreen. 

Conversely, three of the brand’s other popular offerings made the list of the 25 best-selling cars as of January 2024. Specifically, the Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester took the No. 20, 21, and 24 spots, respectively. In fact, the ask-me-about-my-camping-experiences Outback sold nearly 162,000 units in 2023. 

It’s a tragic indication that the fans don’t want a grown-up Subie. And we have to wonder: just how long will the Subaru WRX hang on with slumping sales?

Source: Car and Driver

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).