2026 Subaru Impreza Drops Base Model, Boosting Entry-Level Cost by $2600

The 2026 Subaru Impreza will begin at $27,790, an increase of $2,260 over the 2025 starting price.
This is due to Subaru eliminating the base model, leaving only the Sport and RS trims in the range.
The 2026 Impreza introduces a fresh Citron Yellow Pearl finish along with black back badges. Sales will begin later this year.

Once one of Subaru's top-selling models, the Impreza hatchback has slowly moved into the background as SUVs, including the related Crosstrek have taken over the U.S. automotive market. For the 2024 season, a fresh version of the Impreza was introduced, and currently, Subaru is implementing some modifications for 2026. The main alteration involves the removal of the entry-level variant, which increases the minimum cost of the Impreza by $2260.

The current range of the Impreza includes only the Sport and RS trims, with the Sport beginning at $27,790 and the RS starting at $30,690. The Sport retains the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine, delivering 152 horsepower along with 145 pound-feet of torque. The RS maintains its 2.5-liter inline-four, producing 178 pound-feet of torque; however, its power has dropped slightly from 182 to 180 horsepower.

Subaru notes that the reduction in horsepower is an unintended consequence of modifications made to its 2.5-liter engines designed to enhance performance, resulting in two less horses but increased torque at lower engine speeds. Although both engines come with a continuously variable automatic transmission, they also feature steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters that mimic eight gears for those who prefer manual shifting.

A new optional exterior color called Citron Yellow Pearl has been introduced, along with updated black rear badges. In 2026, the Impreza includes an Automatic Engine Shut-off feature that turns off the engine after 30 minutes of idle time. Every 2026 model comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, and emergency lane-keeping assistance—designed to prevent collisions during lane changes at speeds from 37 to 90 mph—has become standard for vehicles featuring blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. The 2026 Subaru Impreza will begin arriving at dealers nationwide this autumn and remains manufactured in Gunma, Japan.

Wanting to buy a vehicle? Discover the right one at the MSN Autos Marketplace