Subaru’s Cheapest Vehicle Just Got A Lot More Expensive

Exchange, July 31: Added a quote from Subaru referring to the cancellation of the underside model Impreza.

Subaru is dropping the Base model Impreza for the 2026 model 12 months, leaving merely the Sport and RS trim ranges in four-door hatchback configuration. The 2026 Subaru Impreza will start at $26,595, meaning it’s going to value a further $2,235 to get into an Impreza when it arrives inside the US inside the fall. The RS mannequin will start at $29,495 and, as that’s Subaru, every come regular with the mannequin’s great Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. However, once you’re attempting on the Sport and RS trim already, every variations are solely rising in worth by various hundred bucks for 2026.

Slight Powertrain Tweaks

Trip spot and provide in most states have moreover risen, nevertheless the worth change is light. It’s now $1,195 considerably than $1,170, and $1,345 for Alaskans. Transferring forward, the Sport model continues to utilize Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four, making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, the RS’s 2.5-liter flat-four nonetheless produces 178 lb-ft nevertheless drops two horses to 180 inside the establish of improved throttle response, and Subaru says peak torque is now obtainable at lower rpm. Every use a repeatedly variable computerized transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to mimic gear shifting if the driving force feels the urge.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are regular, while you will need the RS to get a wi-fi charger. Infotainment is accessed by an 11.6-inch show display screen. LED steering-responsive headlights are moreover regular, as are 18-inch wheels with summer time season tires. Amongst its added extras, the RS consists of upgraded LED headlights, a darkish gray finish to its 18-inch wheels, distinctive sporty trim on the inside, and aspect spoilers on the pores and skin. The driving force will get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and aluminum-alloy pedal covers.

When requested why the underside Impreza was dropped, a Subaru spokesperson equipped DrivingOnRoad the subsequent assertion:

Impreza Updates Are Few

The Impreza strikes into the 2026 model 12 months with few changes, as 2024 was a model new model 12 months and included the addition of the RS trim. Auto {Car} Shutdown has been added to point out the engine off after half-hour at idle, a model new Citron Yellow Pearl is on the market as a $395 selection, and there may be new black badging on the rear of the auto.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance experience is regular, nevertheless to get blind-spot detection and emergency lane keep assist, the Sport trim desires a $1,900 package deal deal that moreover includes a Vitality Moonroof and an All-Local weather Bundle. The RS’s enhance package deal deal offers a Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system with a 432-watt equal amplifier, an affect moonroof, and a 10-way power-adjustable entrance seat with lumbar assist for $2,070.

Price For Money Stays

Clearly, once you’re in the hunt for a base model, the price proposition on the Impreza has eroded drastically. However, for these attempting on the Sport and RS, the Impreza stays an underrated small vehicle. Whereas not extremely efficient, it’s quiet, comfortable, and there may be a great deal of space inside for a small family. The within is just not luxurious, nevertheless the provides are hard-wearing for these small households or people with canines.

The RS is a fulfilling coping with vehicle with a bit further vitality, nevertheless it is positively not the current hatch the RS badge suggests. For a sporty Impreza, we might each save for the $37,750 Subaru WRX or be attempting on the used market. We’re bigger followers of the Sport for its utility proper right here, nevertheless do need Subaru would commit and make blind-spot detection and emergency lane-keep assist regular all via its range.