Subaru Sales Jump 13.2% in September as Forester Sets a Record and WRX Sales Double
Subaru just had a big September, and the Forester did most of the heavy lifting. Subaru of America sold 52,056 vehicles last month, up 13.2% compared with September 2025. The Forester posted its best September ever, and the WRX more than doubled.
Still, the brand has some catching up to do. Through the first nine months of 2026, Subaru sales are down 1.5% as the Legacy sedan exits the lineup and Impreza and Solterra sales slide.
Forester Has Its Best September Ever
The Forester was the star of the month. Sales jumped 45.9% to 15,989, which made it Subaru’s best-selling model in September and accounted for nearly one of every three Subarus sold.
It has been on a roll all year, too. Through September, Forester sales are up 17.6% to 156,476, making it Subaru’s top seller for 2026 by a wide margin. Troy Poston, senior vice president of sales at Subaru of America, credited “continued strength from Forester” for the brand’s strong month.
Crosstrek and Outback Post Gains
The Crosstrek finished a close second at 15,296 sales, up 6.8%. Meanwhile, the Outback rose 1.9% to 12,651. Together, the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback made up about 84% of Subaru’s September sales.
Both models are still down for the year, though. Crosstrek sales have slipped 3.1% to 138,249, while the Outback is down 10% to 104,759. Subaru also recently confirmed the Crosstrek will keep gas-only engines, so buyers will keep plenty of choice in the brand’s smallest SUV.
WRX Sales More Than Double
The enthusiast side of the lineup had a great month. WRX sales soared 166.1% to 1,703, and the sport sedan is up 47.8% to 12,027 for the year. That makes it one of the biggest success stories in Subaru’s 2026 lineup.
The BRZ also gained ground, rising 20.9% to 214 units, although it remains down 2.2% for the year. Together, the WRX and BRZ show there is still an audience for affordable, fun-to-drive cars.
Ascent Climbs as Impreza and Legacy Fade
Subaru’s three-row Ascent had a solid month, climbing 18.2% to 3,631 sales. Year to date, it is up 3.9% to 32,556, making it a steady option for families who need a third row.
On the other hand, the Impreza fell 36.3% to 1,343, and it is down 42.4% for the year. We liked the Impreza RS on our first drive, but buyers continue to favor Subaru’s SUVs. Meanwhile, the Legacy sold just two units in September as the sedan leaves the lineup.
New EVs Replace Solterra Sales
Subaru’s electric lineup is changing quickly. The new Trailseeker added 849 sales in September, and the new Uncharted added 215. Meanwhile, Solterra sales dropped 63.2% to 163. Combined, Subaru sold 1,227 EVs in September, up from 443 a year ago.
Through nine months, Subaru has sold 475,878 vehicles, down 1.5% from 483,037 last year. With the Forester and WRX surging, the brand has a shot at closing that gap before the end of the year.
Subaru was not alone in having a strong September. Honda sales jumped 15.9%, Kia set September and third-quarter records, Hyundai set records of its own, and Toyota and Lexus climbed 8.4%.
Subaru U.S. Sales by Model
| Model | Sept. 2026 | Sept. 2025 | Change | YTD 2026 | YTD 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent | 3,631 | 3,073 | +18.2% | 32,556 | 31,316 | +3.9% |
| BRZ | 214 | 177 | +20.9% | 2,234 | 2,284 | -2.2% |
| Crosstrek | 15,296 | 14,321 | +6.8% | 138,249 | 142,725 | -3.1% |
| Forester | 15,989 | 10,954 | +45.9% | 156,476 | 133,037 | +17.6% |
| Impreza | 1,343 | 2,109 | -36.3% | 12,739 | 22,104 | -42.4% |
| Legacy | 2 | 1,884 | -99.9% | 2,208 | 17,047 | -87.1% |
| Outback | 12,651 | 12,406 | +1.9% | 104,759 | 116,413 | -10.0% |
| Solterra | 163 | 443 | -63.2% | 5,635 | 9,972 | -43.5% |
| Trailseeker | 849 | N/A | N/A | 5,610 | N/A | N/A |
| Uncharted | 215 | N/A | N/A | 3,385 | N/A | N/A |
| WRX | 1,703 | 640 | +166.1% | 12,027 | 8,139 | +47.8% |
| Total | 52,056 | 46,007 | +13.2% | 475,878 | 483,037 | -1.5% |
Subaru did not break out third-quarter results.