- Subaru has introduced the 2026 Impreza, which now starts at $26,595.
- Thanks to the elimination of the Base trim, the car costs an extra $2,235.
- The range-topping Impreza RS has a revised engine with a lower output.
Affordable cars are becoming increasingly rare and some consumers might need to cross the Subaru Impreza off their list. Once a value-focused model with all-wheel drive, the 2026 Impreza has seen pricing climb from $24,360 to $26,595.
That’s an increase of $2,235, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. While it’s still a sizable jump, Subaru has eliminated the Base trim for 2026. As a result, the ‘actual’ price increase is a far more modest $235 for the Sport and $245 for the RS.
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Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t end there as the range-topping Impreza RS “upgrades” to a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Less powerful than its predecessor, the output falls from 182 hp (136 kW / 185 PS) to 180 hp (134 kW / 183 PS), while torque remains unchanged at 178 lb-ft (241 Nm).
That doesn’t sound like an improvement, but Subaru claimed the engine “makes more torque available for better responsiveness at lower RPM.” It’s connected to a continuously variable transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.
The Sport, on the other hand, has a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 152 hp (113 kW / 154 PS) and 145 lb-ft (196 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to the same gearbox and all-wheel drive system as the RS.
Additional changes are limited, but the 2026 Impreza now comes equipped with an Auto Vehicle Shutdown system. As the name suggests, it automatically turns off the engine after 30 minutes of idling.
Buyers will also find black badging and a new Citron Yellow Pearl paint color that costs $395. Last but not least, models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert now have Emergency Lane Keep Assist.
The 2026 Subaru Impreza will be built in Gunma, Japan and begin arriving at dealerships this fall.