2026 Subaru WRX GT: Drive Mode Select, Electronic Dampers, and Recaro Seats Explained

The 2026 Subaru WRX GT is the highest-specification WRX available with the Sport Lineartronic CVT. It occupies a distinct position in the lineup: above the Limited SPT in performance hardware but below the tS in braking capability. The GT adds Drive Mode Select, electronic dampers, Recaro seats, Reverse Automatic Braking, and the Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster over the Limited SPT — all within the SPT transmission configuration. For Nassau County buyers who want the WRX’s most advanced chassis electronics and Recaro seating with the convenience of the CVT, the GT is the destination trim.

Bottom Line: The GT is the performance SPT: Drive Mode Select, electronically adjustable dampers, Recaro 8-way power seats with red bolsters, Reverse Automatic Braking, and the Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster — all on the Sport Lineartronic CVT with SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The tS has Brembo and STI-tuned dampers but is manual only.

• Drive Mode Select: integrates engine, transmission, and damper settings into a single mode selector
• Electronic Dampers: adjustable suspension stiffness, working with Drive Mode Select
• Recaro seats: 8-way power with red Ultrasuede bolsters — upgrade from standard Ultrasuede on Limited SPT
• Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster: fully digital instrument panel, replacing analog-hybrid cluster

What the GT Adds Over the Limited SPT

The Limited SPT and GT share the same transmission (Sport Lineartronic CVT), the same Ultrasuede interior category, the same 11.6-inch LCD HD CID with Navigation, and the same SPT-associated features (SI-DRIVE, paddle shifters, Auto Vehicle Hold, electronic parking brake, transmission fluid cooler).

The GT adds four meaningful upgrades over the Limited SPT:

1. Drive Mode Select Drive Mode Select is a comprehensive vehicle character adjustment system that goes beyond the Limited SPT’s SI-DRIVE. Where SI-DRIVE adjusts engine and transmission response mapping, Drive Mode Select integrates the electronic dampers into the mode selection. Switching between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes (or other available modes depending on configuration) simultaneously adjusts:

• Throttle and engine response mapping
• Transmission shift logic
• Electronic damper stiffness

This integration means a single mode selection changes the entire vehicle’s character rather than requiring the driver to separately adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and suspension. In Sport+ mode, the GT responds sharper, rides firmer, and shifts more aggressively. In Comfort mode, the suspension softens, throttle response mellows, and the car becomes a more relaxed daily commuter.

For Nassau County buyers who alternate between heavy commuting traffic (where a softer, more relaxed character is appropriate) and more engaged driving (where the sharper sport character is desired), Drive Mode Select allows a single-button character adjustment.

2. Electronic Dampers The GT’s electronically adjustable dampers work directly with Drive Mode Select to change suspension stiffness. In comfort mode, the dampers allow more suspension travel for a more compliant ride over Nassau County road imperfections. In sport mode, they firm up to reduce body roll and improve cornering response.

This is different from the fixed suspension on Limited and Limited SPT, where the suspension cannot change character. The GT’s adaptable suspension makes the car more versatile across different driving situations.

3. Recaro 8-Way Power Seats with Red Bolsters The GT upgrades from the Limited SPT’s standard Ultrasuede seats to Recaro 8-way power seats. The Recaro upgrade provides performance-grade lateral bolstering that holds the driver and passenger in position during spirited cornering. The red bolsters match the WRX’s red interior accent scheme.

8-way power adjustment includes fore-aft position, recline angle, seat height, and lumbar support — the same adjustment range as the Limited’s 10-way power seat, though the Recaro’s configuration differs from the standard Ultrasuede seat.

4. Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) Reverse Automatic Braking detects obstacles behind the vehicle when in reverse and automatically applies braking force to prevent or reduce collision severity. This is a practical addition for Nassau County parking situations — backing out of tight spaces, parking garages, or reversing in busy environments where the camera view alone may not be sufficient.

5. Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster The GT’s instrument panel replaces the standard cluster with a fully digital LCD display. This integrates Drive Mode Select status, EyeSight Assist Monitor, navigation arrows, boost and performance gauge data, and configurable information displays. The visual upgrade is substantial — the full digital cluster gives the GT’s cabin a modern, technology-forward appearance that lower trims cannot match.

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GT vs. Limited SPT: The Practical Decision

The question for many buyers is whether the GT’s additional hardware — Drive Mode Select, electronic dampers, Recaro seats, RAB, and the full LCD cluster — justifies the price step over the Limited SPT.

Choose GT if:

• Drive Mode Select and the ability to adjust the car’s entire character with one input is valuable to you
• You want the suspension to adapt to different driving conditions (Long Island commute vs. spirited weekend driving)
• Recaro seats with proper lateral bolstering matter for how you use the car
• The full LCD gauge cluster is a desirable upgrade
• Reverse Automatic Braking is a safety feature you value

Choose Limited SPT if:

• SI-DRIVE and the SPT CVT are the priorities, and the additional GT hardware is beyond your budget
• You want the Ultrasuede interior and navigation without the Recaro step-up
• The standard electronic cluster is acceptable

Both the GT and Limited SPT are the same transmission configuration and same fundamental performance platform. The GT adds active chassis control that the Limited SPT does not have — this is the core value argument.

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GT vs. tS: The Manual-vs-CVT Performance Question

The GT and tS share Drive Mode Select and the Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster. They diverge in several key ways:

	GT	tS
Transmission	SPT (CVT)	6MT (Manual)
Brakes	Standard	Brembo 6-piston
Dampers	Electronic (standard)	STI-tuned Electronic
Seats	Recaro, Red Bolsters	Recaro, Blue Bolsters
Wheels	18-inch	19-inch
Moonroof	Standard	Deleted
Interior Accent	Red	Blue

For buyers who want the CVT with Drive Mode Select and electronic dampers, the GT is the answer. For buyers who want Brembo brakes, STI-tuned suspension, and the manual gearbox, the tS is the answer. There is no WRX that combines Brembo brakes with the CVT.

Safety data sourced from NHTSA vehicle ratings and IIHS crash test results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the GT have Brembo brakes? No. Brembo brakes are exclusive to the tS and Series.Yellow trims. The GT has standard braking hardware.

Can I get the GT with a manual transmission? No. The GT is available only with the Sport Lineartronic CVT. If you want the manual gearbox with performance hardware, the tS is the correct trim.

What colors are available on the GT? The GT is available in all eight standard WRX colors: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Ceramic White, Galaxy Purple Pearl, Ignition Red, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. Sunrise Yellow is exclusive to the Series.Yellow.

Does the GT have a moonroof? Yes. The Power Moonroof is standard on the GT. The moonroof is only deleted on the tS and Series.Yellow.

What is the GT’s seat adjustment range? The GT’s Recaro seats are 8-way power adjustable — covering fore-aft position, recline angle, seat height, and lumbar support.

Find the WRX GT at Grand Prix Subaru

Browse current WRX GT inventory at Grand Prix Subaru or contact the team at 500 S Broadway in Hicksville to schedule a GT test drive.