Every 2026 Subaru WRX is equipped with an 11.6-inch center display using Subaru’s Generation 4 headunit (CP1.5). The display size is the same across all trim levels — where the trims diverge is in what the display does. The Base and Premium use the 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus Audio System without navigation. The Limited, Limited SPT, GT, tS, and Series.Yellow use the 11.6-inch LCD HD Center Information Display with built-in navigation. Harman Kardon audio is optional on Premium and standard from Limited upward. For Nassau County buyers who use their vehicle’s infotainment system daily for navigation, music, and phone integration, understanding these differences matters.
Bottom Line: All WRX trims have an 11.6-inch display and Generation 4 headunit. Navigation is not included on Base or Premium — it is standard from Limited up. Harman Kardon is optional on Premium and standard on Limited and above. All trims include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and MySubaru Connected Services with SiriusXM.
- Base / Premium: 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus Audio System (no navigation)
- Limited and above: 11.6-inch LCD HD CID with Navigation
- Harman Kardon: Optional on Premium (Package B), Standard on Limited / Limited SPT / GT / tS / Series.Yellow
- All trims: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB-A / USB-C ports, MySubaru Connected Services
The 11.6-Inch Display: Common Across All Trims
The 11.6-inch touchscreen is the WRX’s primary infotainment interface on every trim level. The Generation 4 CP1.5 headunit is the hardware platform — it drives the display, processes CarPlay and Android Auto connections, manages Bluetooth pairing, and integrates with the vehicle’s climate and settings menus.
The 11.6-inch portrait-oriented display is large by the standards of the segment. Compared to the smaller displays in competitive sport sedans, it provides more screen real estate for navigation maps, media controls, and phone interfaces. Touch response on the Generation 4 unit is responsive.
Base and Premium: Multimedia Plus Audio System
On the Base and Premium, the system is designated the Multimedia Plus Audio System. This system includes:
- 11.6-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling
- Front USB-A and USB-C ports (Base)
- Dual Front and Dual Rear USB-A / USB-C ports (Premium and above)
- SiriusXM with 360L + TravelLink (Base and Premium include SiriusXM Audio Only — no Traffic)
- MySubaru Connected Services (Gen 3)
What the Base and Premium do not include: Navigation is not built into the Multimedia Plus Audio System. Drivers who want turn-by-turn navigation use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (which includes Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze through the phone mirror) or a separate navigation solution. The built-in navigation with its associated features — offline capability, integration with vehicle systems — is a Limited-and-above feature.
Speakers: The Base has a standard speaker system. The Premium adds a standard system as well — Harman Kardon is available as an option on Premium through the Package B option (which also includes the Power Moonroof).
Limited and Above: LCD HD CID with Navigation
From Limited trim upward — Limited, Limited SPT, GT, tS, Series.Yellow — the infotainment system is designated the 11.6-inch LCD HD Center Information Display with Navigation. This system upgrades the Multimedia Plus with:
- Built-in navigation with real-time traffic via SiriusXM Traffic (SiriusXM with 360L + Traffic + TravelLink)
- Higher-resolution display (LCD HD designation)
- Deeper vehicle system integration for the navigation overlay
The navigation system can display speed limit information, route guidance, and point-of-interest data through the full-screen map view or split-screen view alongside other content. For Nassau County buyers who regularly navigate unfamiliar roads or want offline navigation capability independent of their phone, the built-in navigation is the relevant upgrade over the Base/Premium system.
SiriusXM upgrade: Base and Premium include SiriusXM Audio Only. Limited and above include SiriusXM with 360L + Traffic + TravelLink — adding real-time traffic routing data and the full 360L content platform.
Harman Kardon Speaker System
The Harman Kardon premium audio system is an important infotainment component for many WRX buyers. It is configured as:
- Base: Standard audio system (not available)
- Premium: Available with Package B (also includes Power Moonroof)
- Limited / Limited SPT / GT / tS / Series.Yellow: Standard
The Harman Kardon system in the WRX is a multi-speaker premium audio installation. Harman Kardon is a respected audio brand, and the factory integration in the WRX means the system is tuned for the cabin’s specific acoustic characteristics — different from an aftermarket installation working around whatever was there before.
For buyers who use their WRX for daily commuting and spend significant time listening to music or podcasts, the Harman Kardon upgrade on Premium (or the standard installation from Limited up) is a daily-quality-of-life improvement.
MySubaru Connected Services
All 2026 WRX trims include MySubaru Connected Services Gen 3, activated through a connected subscription. Gen 3 Connected Services provide:
- Remote start (if applicable to the configuration)
- Remote lock/unlock
- Vehicle health reports and maintenance alerts
- Stolen vehicle tracking and Subaru Roadside Assistance
- Emergency SOS through the connected system
- Over-the-air updates for compatible system components
MySubaru Connected Services operates through the connected cellular system built into the headunit. An active subscription is required for these remote features after the initial complimentary period. For Nassau County buyers who want remote vehicle monitoring, the MySubaru app gives smartphone access to Connected Services functions.
USB Ports and Charging
On the Base, front-seat USB ports (USB-A and USB-C) are standard. From Premium and above, the WRX adds dual rear USB ports — both USB-A and USB-C — to the rear seat area, making four total USB charging points available for passengers.
The USB-C ports support modern smartphone charging speeds. The USB-A ports provide standard connectivity for older devices and accessories.
Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster (GT, tS, Series.Yellow)
The GT, tS, and Series.Yellow add the Full LCD Digital Gauge Cluster, which changes the driver information display from the analog-hybrid cluster on lower trims to a fully digital instrument panel. This integrates:
- Digital speedometer with configurable display
- EyeSight Assist Monitor visual integration
- Drive Mode Select indication (GT, tS, Series.Yellow)
- Turn-by-turn navigation arrow (tied to the navigation system)
- Trip computer data
- Boost and performance gauges
The full digital gauge cluster on these trims provides a more modern dashboard experience and allows more information to be displayed simultaneously than a conventional gauge cluster can accommodate.
"The 11.6-inch screen in the WRX is genuinely large for a sport sedan — it doesn't feel like an afterthought the way some competitors' displays do. The main decision for buyers is navigation: if you use your phone for Google Maps or Apple Maps through CarPlay, the built-in navigation on Limited and above is nice to have but not essential. If you want the navigation independent of your phone, or the SiriusXM Traffic integration for the Northern State, that's the reason to go Limited. Harman Kardon on the WRX is a strong upgrade — this car has a great soundtrack already with the BOXER engine, but the audio to go with it should match."
General Manager, Grand Prix Subaru
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Base WRX have navigation? No. The Base and Premium use the Multimedia Plus Audio System, which does not include built-in navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on both trims, providing phone-based navigation through maps apps.
Is wireless CarPlay available on all WRX trims? Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on all seven 2026 WRX trim levels.
What is the difference between SiriusXM on Base/Premium vs. Limited? Base and Premium include SiriusXM Audio Only — music and entertainment channels. Limited and above include SiriusXM with 360L + Traffic + TravelLink, which adds real-time traffic data, weather, fuel prices, and sports scores to the platform.
Can I add navigation to the Base or Premium WRX? No. The built-in navigation system is part of the LCD HD CID system on Limited and above and cannot be added to the Multimedia Plus Audio System on Base or Premium as a dealer-installed option. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto with phone-based navigation is the alternative.
Explore Infotainment at Grand Prix Subaru
Browse current WRX inventory at Grand Prix Subaru and schedule a demonstration to experience the Gen 4 headunit in person at 500 S Broadway in Hicksville.