Subaru Keeps the CD Player Alive: Only Two New Cars in the U.S. Still Offer One

If you thought the CD player had gone the way of the cassette deck in new cars, think again. Subaru is keeping the format alive, with the 2026 WRX and Ascent now the only two new vehicles sold in the United States that offer a CD player as an option.

The single-disc unit is tucked inside the center console to stay hidden when not in use. For the WRX, it adds $449.95 to the price, while the Ascent version costs $450. That's a hefty sum, especially since it only holds one disc, no six-disc changers here.

Most automakers abandoned CD players about a decade ago in favor of digital audio. Subaru's interiors are already known for being a bit dated, but the company's commitment to CD enthusiasts still surprised us.

The Outback also had a CD player until last year, when it was replaced by an all-new model. Similarly, the 2025 Lexus IS offered one, but that car also gave way to a new version without the disc slot.

We've reached out to Subaru to ask how many buyers are actually paying for this option. It's hard to imagine many WRX or Ascent shoppers shelling out over $400 for a CD player, but nostalgia can be a powerful thing. We doubt anyone will buy one of these cars just for the CD slot, but we won't rule it out entirely.