2026 Subaru Impreza Kills the Cheap One and Makes You Pay

Quick Highlights:

Base trim gone, entry price jumps to $27,790
2.0L and 2.5L BOXER® engines return, RS gets retuned
New Citron Yellow Pearl paint, black badging now optional
Emergency Lane Keep Assist now standard on higher trims
RS model hits $30,690 with destination — and no rebates in sight

Subaru has quietly taken the Impreza and stripped it of its bargain badge. For 2026, the automaker has eliminated the Base trim entirely, meaning the cheapest way into an all-wheel-drive Subaru hatchback now starts at $27,790. That’s more than two grand higher than last year — and it doesn’t come with more power. In fact, the price now overlaps with the 2026 Crosstrek ($28,415), Subaru’s slightly taller crossover sibling built on the same platform.

The simplified lineup now consists of just two trims: Sport and RS. Both come exclusively in five-door hatchback form, continuing the move away from sedans that started with the 2024 redesign.

Price and Trims

Model	Engine	Transmission	MSRP (incl. dest.)
Impreza Sport	2.0L H4	CVT (with paddles)	$27,790
Impreza RS	2.5L H4	CVT (with paddles)	$30,690

The Sport now serves as the new base and gets a 2.0-liter flat-four making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. That engine hasn’t changed, nor has the Lineartronic CVT it’s paired to. Subaru’s all-wheel drive remains standard — that hasn’t been touched either.

The RS trim brings a bit more punch, although not without compromise. Its 2.5-liter boxer engine sees a slight dip in output to 180 horsepower (down from 182), though torque remains steady at 178 lb-ft. Subaru says the tuning makes power available earlier in the rev band, improving drivability in the real world. On paper, though, it’s a minor step backward.

What’s New for 2026?

The biggest news is what’s missing: the $24,360 Base model. Without it, Impreza buyers are now forced into more expensive territory. The price hike looks steep, but the Sport’s MSRP is only $235 more than last year.

New for 2026 is an optional Citron Yellow Pearl paint — a loud, almost retro hue that pairs with blacked-out rear badging. It costs $395 and is available on both trims.

Another addition is Auto Vehicle Shutdown, which cuts the engine after 30 minutes of idling. It’s now standard and designed to save fuel, especially for forgetful drivers or long curbside pickups.

Tech and Safety

Subaru’s massive 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen carries over, bundled with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EyeSight Driver Assist remains standard on all models, but there’s more: models equipped with blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert now get Emergency Lane Keep Assist, which helps correct the steering if you’re merging into another car between 37 and 90 mph.

The RS trim gets that system by default, along with LED upgrades, heated mirrors, and a power moonroof. The Sport can add the same safety gear and convenience features via a $1,900 option package.

For those looking to max it out, the RS also offers a $2,070 package with a 432-watt Harman Kardon sound system, 10-way power driver’s seat, and the same moonroof.

Interior and Features

Even without leather, Subaru’s cabins feel solid. The Sport features black cloth with red stitching, while the RS steps it up with red bolsters, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped wheel. Dual-zone climate, push-button start, and keyless entry come standard. Paddle shifters are mounted behind the wheel on both trims, simulating eight “virtual” gears in the CVT.

USB-A and USB-C ports are included for front and rear passengers. The RS adds a wireless charger and rear illuminated USBs — small touches, but they add up.

Is It Still a Value?

Not quite. Subaru has trimmed the fat but also trimmed the affordability. The Impreza is still one of the few compact hatchbacks with standard AWD, but its value play is fading — especially with prices now overlapping with larger crossovers.

The RS model starts at over $30K with destination, and once you tack on premium paint or audio, you’re brushing $33,000 for a car that makes 180 hp. Subaru fans might still find it compelling, but casual buyers may drift toward more powerful or more spacious rivals.

Rivals to Watch

Mazda3 Hatchback AWD – More upscale interior, better transmission, slightly pricier
Honda Civic Hatchback – FWD only, but sportier driving and more efficient engines
Toyota Corolla Hatchback – Less power, better fuel economy, similar price range
Volkswagen Golf GTI – Way more expensive, but delivers 241 hp and a real manual

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Subaru Impreza feels like a car caught between identities. It’s not quite a budget commuter anymore, but it’s also not hot hatch fast. Subaru has made subtle updates — some welcome, others questionable — but the biggest story is the price tag.

For buyers who want all-wheel drive without stepping into a crossover, it’s still a solid pick. But with the death of the Base trim, it’s clear Subaru wants you to spend more — and they’ve made sure you will.

Read More:

Overview of Specs

Powertrains

Sport: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated BOXER® four-cylinder, 152 hp / 145 lb-ft
RS: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated BOXER® four-cylinder, 180 hp / 178 lb-ft
Both trims use a Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual mode and paddle shifters
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across the board

Chassis & Platform

Built on the Subaru Global Platform with 10% higher torsional rigidity
Full inner-frame construction with expanded structural adhesive (88.5 feet)
Improved ride quality, cabin quietness, and dynamic performance

Exterior Details

Both trims come in 5-door hatchback form only
18-inch alloy wheels standard (dark gray finish on RS)
Optional Citron Yellow Pearl paint ($395) with black rear badging
RS adds black grille, black mirror caps, black side spoilers, and RS exterior badging

Interior & Feature

Sport: black cloth seats with red stitching, 60/40 split rear seats, red interior accents
RS: black cloth with red bolsters, RS carpeted floormats, leather-wrapped steering and shifter, aluminum pedals
Standard dual-zone climate control, keyless access with push-button start
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard on all trims
USB-A and USB-C front ports; RS adds rear illuminated USBs and a wireless phone charger

Tech & Infotainment

11.6-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus system standard
SiriusXM with 360L and Travel Link (4-month trial)
SI-Drive engine performance management system

Safety & Driver Assistance

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard
Emergency Lane Keep Assist standard on RS, optional on Sport
Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert available on Sport, standard on RS
Automatic Emergency Steering on trims with Blind-Spot package
Auto Vehicle Shutdown standard (cuts engine after 30 minutes of idling)

Optional Packages

Sport: $1,900 package — Blind-Spot Detection, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, All-Weather Package, Power Moonroof
RS: $2,070 package — Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio (432-watt), 10-way power driver seat with lumbar, Power Moonroof

Paint & Customization

New for 2026: Citron Yellow Pearl ($395 premium option)
Black exterior accents standard on RS, optional with paint on Sport

Production & Release

Built in Gunma, Japan
Arriving at U.S. dealerships Fall 2025

Source: Subaru