Bite & Balance: 2026 Subaru Seahorse WRX Review

First impressions: salt, steel and wink

Parked under a sodium lamp the Seahorse looks like someone grafted a snorkel onto a rally legend and told it to behave. Subaru’s designers leaned into the theme without becoming a novelty act: small bioluminescent LED accents, a sculpted flared lip that hints at gills, and a stance that says “I will corner you hard, then offer you a thermos.” From the driver’s seat you get that classic WRX cockpit — low hood, focused gauges — with fish-scale stitching on the doors that, yes, makes the cabin feel oddly marine and intentionally playful.

Powertrain & performance: a tidal shove

Under the hood the Seahorse packs a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four tuned to 315 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque — Subaru’s engineers calling in favors from their rally past while smoothing out city manners. Every Seahorse comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical AWD and a revised 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that translates revs into very agreeable forward motion.

• 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds (factory claim; my average over three runs: 4.7s)
• Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
• Combined fuel economy: 28 mpg (real-world around 24 mpg with spirited driving)

The turbo spool is immediate and has character: not the gaudy whistle of some tuned imports, but a dense, purposeful shove that pairs beautifully with the flat-four’s midrange. There’s a small, controlled snarl on overrun that is charming rather than theatrical — you get thrill without the juvenile theatrics of fake pops and bangs. The Seahorse wants to hustle but still be invited to dinner afterward.

Handling & ride: where the seahorse finds its rhythm

Subaru’s engineers have clearly been listening to the gravel-roots crowd. The Seahorse uses a retuned MacPherson front and double-wishbone rear setup with stiffer anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers. The result: it’s surprisingly forgiving on imperfect pavement yet communicates enough road feedback that you feel like you’re part of the machine.

1. Turn-in is eager but predictable; the front tires bite and do not let go unless you ask them to.
2. Mid-corner balance is neutral with a hint of understeer, easily dialed out with throttle and a touch of lock.
3. When the road tightens, the Seahorse will swivel on its belly and scoot — torque vectoring works beautifully.

The steering is well-weighted and precise; it isn’t the last word in tactile sensation, but it’s tuned for confidence rather than drama. If you’re imagining rally chaos, picture organized chaos: this car will eat a canyon road for breakfast and still drop the kids off at school on time.

Brakes, tires, and a note on the aroma

Stop power is supplied by two-piece floating rotors up front, six-piston calipers optional on the top trim, and stout Brembo hardware on the performance pack. The pedal is firm and immediate with excellent modulation — perfect for trail-braking without surprising you when town traffic appears. Stock tires are a sticky all-season that tread a comfortable line between grip and longevity; swap to semi-slicks and the Seahorse transforms into a track-focused sled.

Now the question you’re all thinking: does a car named after a marine creature smell like the ocean? Short answer: no, and thank the HVAC gods for that. There is a persistent, pleasing “new car” aroma with subtle marine-themed leather and a faint, salt-tinged freshness after coastal drives. On hot days after a spirited run, the cabin may pick up a trace of exhaust and warmed leather that, combined with the fish-scale trim, gives an odd but endearing “seaside workshop” vibe. It’s never offensive — more like a memory of a day at the docks than a rogue aquarium.

Practicality & everyday use

The Seahorse remains a very usable compact. Rear seats are roomy for the class, with decent headroom and a fold-flat rear bench that expands cargo space nicely. Subaru has kept pragmatic touches: a well-sized glovebox, generous door pockets, and a trunk that swallows weekend gear without compromising the car’s aggressive silhouette.

• Payload: comfortable for five on short trips, best for four on long hauls.
• Infotainment: 11.6-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics and a sensible UI; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
• Driver aids: Subaru’s EyeSight 3.0 suite with improved lane-centering and adaptive cruise that feels less fussy than last generation.

Tech & safety: modern, understated

The Seahorse carries forward Subaru’s reputation for safety. The frame is reinforced with high-strength steels and crash mitigation tech is comprehensive: automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and improved autonomous steering assist. The HUD is legible and content-rich without induce distraction. Sound insulation has been selectively improved — enough to keep highway drone out while preserving the mechanical soundtrack enthusiasts crave.

“It’s the rare car that makes you grin without shouting.”

Verdict: who should ride the Seahorse?

If you want a compact performance car that doesn’t require lifestyle changes and won’t embarrass you at the PTA meeting, the Seahorse is a perfect fit. It balances daily usability with genuine performance chops, wrapped in a playful marine aesthetic that doesn’t feel gimmicky. Enthusiasts will love its chassis honesty and midrange shove; commuters will appreciate the comfort and Subaru’s sensible safety tech.

Is it perfect? No. The DCT can be slightly hesitant under very low-speed maneuvering, and the fish-themed interior won’t be everyone’s cup of kelp tea. But for those who want a car that can behave like a mild-mannered hatchling or a teeth-bared canyon sprinter depending on the mood, the Seahorse is the best compromise I’ve driven this year.

Bottom line: the 2026 Subaru Seahorse WRX is a joyful, competent machine that brings rally lineage into modern life with good humor and serious engineering. It’s not just styling with scales — it actually rides like it knows what to do with all that torque. Take one for a canyon run and a grocery trip and you’ll see what I mean.

Key spec snapshot: 2.4L turbo flat-four, 315 hp, 360 lb-ft, AWD, 0-60 ~4.6s, top speed 155 mph, real-world 24 mpg.