“AWD system is excellent. The low/normal ground clearance and profile are good to have in high winds.”
Subaru Impreza: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Subaru Impreza is an everyday compact car sold over its history as a sedan and five-door hatchback, though recent models are hatchback-only. It is known for standard all-wheel drive, practical interior space, and confidence in poor weather.
The Impreza has long paired an easy-to-manage compact size with standard all-wheel drive, setting it apart from many everyday rivals. Over time, it has become roomier, safer, and more connected without losing its practical focus. Earlier Imprezas also included the high-performance WRX and STI, but those models split away after 2014 and left the Impreza focused on daily driving.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives every Impreza extra reassurance on wet, snowy, or loose roads.
- The hatchback body makes it easy to carry groceries, luggage, and weekend gear without moving up to an SUV.
- The compact footprint is convenient around town, yet the cabin is designed to feel roomy inside.
- Driver-assistance technology became standard across the lineup with the 2024 redesign.
- The gas-powered 2026 Impreza is rated at 33 mpg on the highway.
Who it's for
The Impreza suits commuters and small households that want a practical car rather than a larger SUV. It makes particular sense for drivers who regularly face rain or snow, need space for errands or weekend gear, and value simple daily usability over flashy styling or strong acceleration.
Subaru Impreza lineup
The 2026 lineup is streamlined to Sport and RS. Pick the Sport for the core Impreza experience: standard all-wheel drive, hatchback practicality, and the regular 2.0-liter engine. Step up to the RS for the stronger 2.5-liter engine and its position as the more performance-minded version. The RS returned with the 2024 redesign, while 2024 and 2025 models also included a simpler Base trim.
Subaru Impreza generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Impreza spans four generations. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2024, following the 5th Generation (2017–2023).
6th Generation (2024–Present)
The Impreza became hatchback-only, with a stiffer body, updated standard AWD, newer driver-assistance technology, and a large touchscreen on Sport and RS. The RS also returned with a stronger 2.5-liter engine.
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2026Trim changes
The Base trim leaves the lineup, leaving Sport and RS. Rear-seat side airbags and added safety functions become standard, while the RS engine is revised to 180 horsepower.
2025
Carryover year with the same three trims, engines, standard AWD, and safety technology as 2024.
2024New generation
Full redesign with a new hatchback body, stiffer structure, updated AWD and safety technology, and the returning RS trim.
5th Generation (2017–2023)
This generation moved to Subaru’s newer global platform, bringing a larger and stiffer body, a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It remained a sedan or hatchback and received a light front-end refresh for 2020.
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2023
Final carryover year for the fifth generation, with sedan and hatchback body styles.
2022
The Limited became hatchback-only, but the rest of the lineup changed little.
2021
The Premium gained a standard driver-selectable response mode; otherwise, the 2020 updates carried over.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, broader standard driver-assistance coverage on automatic models, and added convenience features.
2019
Driver-assistance features expanded to more automatic-transmission models, and the Limited gained additional standard safety aids.
2018
Premium, Sport, and Limited gained headlights that switch on automatically with the windshield wipers.
2017New generation
Full redesign on a larger, stiffer platform with an updated 2.0-liter engine, smartphone integration, and a new Sport trim.
4th Generation (2012–2016)
The regular Impreza was redesigned with a roomier cabin, a new 148-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, and much better fuel economy. WRX and STI models stayed on the previous performance platform through 2014 before separating from the Impreza line.
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2016
Connected services reached certain higher trims, and the touchscreen systems gained additional apps.
2015Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, added sound insulation, quicker steering, revised automatic-transmission response, and standard touchscreen audio and a rearview camera.
2014Trim changes
Regular models gained added sound insulation, and Limited versions received a standard rearview camera. WRX and STI carried over for their final year under the Impreza name.
2013
Regular models gained standard Bluetooth and broader cleaner-emissions certification. WRX and STI remained largely unchanged on the older platform.
2012New generation
The regular sedan and hatchback were fully redesigned with more room, a new 2.0-liter engine, and improved fuel economy. WRX and STI carried over on the prior platform.
3rd Generation (2008–2011)
This generation kept everyday 2.5i models, the raised Outback Sport, and turbocharged WRX and STI versions within one Impreza family. Its later years focused mainly on safety and performance-model updates rather than another full redesign.
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2011Trim changes
WRX gained wider STI-style bodywork and revised suspension, while STI brought back the sedan. Some regular trims received an upgraded stereo.
2010Trim changes
WRX Limited and WRX STI Special Edition joined the lineup, and the broader range received a revised grille.
2009Trim changes
The 2.5GT joined the lineup, stability control became standard across the range, and WRX received more power and firmer handling.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Subaru Impreza.
2026 Subaru Impreza2025 Subaru Impreza2024 Subaru Impreza2023 Subaru Impreza2022 Subaru Impreza2021 Subaru Impreza2020 Subaru Impreza2019 Subaru Impreza2018 Subaru Impreza2017 Subaru Impreza2016 Subaru Impreza2015 Subaru Impreza2014 Subaru Impreza2013 Subaru Impreza2012 Subaru Impreza2011 Subaru Impreza2010 Subaru Impreza2009 Subaru Impreza
Frequently asked questions
Does every Subaru Impreza have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is a standard part of the Impreza formula, including every trim in the recent hatchback lineup. That is unusual among compact cars and is a key reason shoppers consider it for wet or snowy conditions.
Does the Subaru Impreza come as a hybrid?
No hybrid is identified in the Impreza generations covered here. Recent Imprezas use gasoline four-cylinder engines, including a 2.0-liter engine in the Sport and a stronger 2.5-liter engine in the RS.
Is the Subaru Impreza a sedan or a hatchback?
It depends on the era. Many older Imprezas were sold as both sedans and five-door hatchbacks. Since the 2024 redesign, the U.S. Impreza has been hatchback-only, with folding rear seats and a wide liftgate for cargo.
Is the Subaru Impreza good for snow?
Yes, it is well suited to everyday winter driving. Every Impreza has all-wheel drive, and several trims add heated seats, heated mirrors, and a windshield-wiper de-icer. Tires still matter greatly for braking and turning on snow or ice.
Who is the Subaru Impreza a good fit for?
It fits commuters and small households that want a compact car with all-wheel drive and useful cargo space. The hatchback is especially handy for groceries, pets, and weekend gear without moving up to a larger vehicle.
What are the main Subaru Impreza generation changes to know about?
The major breaks are 2012, 2017, and 2024. The 2012 redesign brought more room and a 2.0-liter engine. The 2017 redesign added a newer platform and smartphone integration. The 2024 redesign made the U.S. lineup hatchback-only and brought back the RS.
How powerful is the Subaru Impreza?
Power depends heavily on the era and trim. In the recent lineup, the Sport uses a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, while the RS has a stronger 2.5-liter engine rated at 180 horsepower for 2026. Older regular and turbo Imprezas use different engines.
Subaru Impreza Reviews
What owners are saying about the Subaru Impreza.
4.2
Subaru Impreza
(3,071 reviews)
“It gets the job done. It is a cute car. It doesn't accelerate quickly but can keep you safe. Get the higher trim level if you can afford it. Or maybe a Crosstrek instead.”
“The vehicle when I got it was better than I anticipated. Didn't have auto start or an alarm so I added those afterwards. The car is fast and has great gas mileage, I think of stupid reasons to drive it just so I can. Fantastic color and has been great driving in the snow so far.”
“Easy to drive, comfortable, does not get great mileage, controls are not intuitive at all”
“Wish more options were available with engine/transmission choices. I.e. Manual+sunfroof”
“Reliability, four wheel drive, safety, price, utilitarian, no frills, does the job, period.”
Sources
- subaru.com — Impreza / 2026 / Features
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2026 / IMP
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2025 / MY26 Impreza Brochure 091525
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2025 / MY25 Impreza Brochure 033125
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / IMP
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2024 / MY24 Impreza Brochure
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / IMP
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2024 / IMP
- subaru.com — 2023 / Impreza / MY23 Impreza Brochure 021523
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2023 / IMP
- subaru.com — 2021 / Impreza / 2021 Subaru Impreza Brochure
- subaru.com — 2022 / Impreza / 2022 Impreza Brochure