Subaru Impreza generations, specs and prices

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Subaru Impreza has had six US generations since its 1993 launch. The sixth generation arrived for 2024 as a hatchback only; the 2027 Impreza costs $24,595 (base) or $29,495 (RS) before destination, both with a 180-hp 2.5L, a CVT and standard all-wheel drive, which Subaru calls the cheapest AWD compact car in the US.

Type
Compact five-door hatchback, standard all-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$24,595–$29,495 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,295 destination and delivery. Two trims: Impreza (base) and RS.[1]
Powertrains
Impreza 2.5 (2027) · 180 hp
Current generation
First generation, 1993–2001

2027 Subaru Impreza price and trims

The sixth-generation Impreza launched for 2024 as a hatchback only. For 2026 it came as Sport and RS; for 2027 Subaru replaced the Sport with a cheaper base trim and gave both trims the 2.5L engine. It is built in Gunma, Japan.[18][19]

Subaru Impreza trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
Impreza (base)$24,595excl. $1,295 destination (2027 MY)2.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (180 hp)[18]
RS$29,495excl. $1,295 destination (2027 MY); same as 20262.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (180 hp)[18][19]

Every Impreza trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Subaru Impreza engines, horsepower and mpg

Subaru's 2027 release quotes 180 hp without a torque figure. From 2024 to 2026 the base and Sport used a 2.0L rated 152 hp and 145 lb-ft, and the RS a 2.5L rated 182 hp and 178 lb-ft at launch.

Subaru Impreza powertrains with Subaru-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Impreza 2.5 (2027)Base, RS2.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][2][3]180—Lineartronic CVTSymmetrical AWD26/33/292027 MY[3]

Output is as rated by Subaru; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Sedan vs hatchback

Earlier Imprezas offered a sedan alongside a wagon or 5-door, and the first generation also had a coupe. The sixth generation (2024–) dropped the sedan and is sold only as a five-door hatchback.[4][14][16]

Impreza and WRX

The WRX was part of the Impreza range from its 2002 US debut through 2014; it became a separate model for 2015. Before it, the 1998 Impreza 2.5 RS two-door coupe was the sporty Impreza, which Subaru calls the WRX's US precursor.[4][5][17][6]

What changed for 2027

The 2027 Impreza has the 180-hp 2.5L on every trim, replacing the 152-hp 2.0L that the base model used before. The base trim starts at $24,595, $2,000 below the 2026 entry price, and the RS stays at $29,495. EPA rates it at 26/33/29 mpg.[1][2][3]

Subaru Impreza generations by year

Every US Subaru Impreza generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
First generation1993–20011.8L flat-4 (110 hp, 110 lb-ft); later 2.2L and 2.5LSubaru's new subcompact debuted at the 1992 Los Angeles show, sold as a sedan, wagon and, uniquely for the Impreza, a coupe. The 2.5 RS arrived for 1998 as a forerunner of the US WRX.[4][5][6][7][8][9]
Second generationGD2002–20072.5L flat-4; 2.0L turbo (WRX); 2.5L turbo (WRX STI)A full redesign for 2002 brought the WRX to the US on the GD chassis; the line was restyled for 2006.[4][10][6]
Third generation2008–20112.5L flat-4; 2.5L turbo (WRX, STI, 2.5 GT)Subaru debuted the all-new 2008 Impreza 2.5i and WRX at the 2007 New York auto show and added a 2009 Impreza 2.5 GT.[6][11]
Fourth generation2012–20162.0L flat-4 (148 hp)Same footprint but lighter, with a new 148-hp 2.0L and a second-generation CVT; Subaru marketed it as the most fuel-efficient AWD car in the US at 36 mpg highway.[12][6]
Fifth generation2017–20232.0L direct-injection flat-4 (152 hp)Debuted the Subaru Global Platform and became the first Impreza built in the US (Lafayette, Indiana); sold as a sedan and 5-door from $18,395.[13][14][15]
Sixth generation2024–present2.0L flat-4 (152 hp, base and Sport before 2027); 2.5L flat-4 (182 hp at launch, 180 hp for 2026–2027)Hatchback only, with a 10% stiffer chassis and a new RS trim. For 2027 the 2.5L is standard on both trims and the base price fell $2,000 to $24,595.[5][16][2][1]

Subaru Impreza problems and recalls

The most significant documented Impreza problems are recalls: corroding front control arms on 2002–2007 cars, Takata air bags on 2004–2011 models, valve springs on 2012–2014 models, a brake light switch on 2008–2016 cars, and ignition-coil and PCV valve faults on 2017–2019 models. The 2012–2013 Impreza was also in an oil-consumption settlement.

Documented Subaru Impreza issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Front lower control arms may break from corrosion (recall 11V464)[20]Second generation (2002–2007)2002–2007Recall 11V464
Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323)[21][22]Second generation (2002–2007)2004–2005Recall 15V323
Takata passenger inflators, climate-zone campaigns (recall 17V014)[23][24][25][26][27][28]Third generation (2008–2011), plus 2006–2007 models2006–2011Recall 17V014
Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 14V311)[29][30]Third generation (2008–2011)2008–2011Recall 14V311
Engine valve springs may fracture (recall 18V772)[31]Fourth generation (2012–2016)2012–2014Recall 18V772
Brake light switch may fail (recall 19V149)[32]Third generation (2008–2011) through fourth generation (2012–2016)2008–2016Recall 19V149
Passenger air bag may switch off when a device is plugged in (recall 15V419)[33]Fourth generation (2012–2016)2012Recall 15V419
Engine computer can overheat ignition coils (recall 21V264)[34][35]Fifth generation (2017–2023)2017–2019Recall 21V264

All 13 documented Impreza issues and 12 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Subaru Impreza.

More Impreza research

See how an Impreza was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many Subaru Impreza generations are there?

Six: 1993–2001, 2002–2007, 2008–2011, 2012–2016, 2017–2023 and the sixth generation from 2024.

Is the Subaru Impreza still sold as a sedan?

No. The sixth-generation Impreza (2024 on) is a five-door hatchback only.

How much is a 2027 Subaru Impreza?

$24,595 for the base model and $29,495 for the RS, before $1,295 destination and delivery.

What engine is in the 2027 Impreza?

A 2.5L boxer four rated 180 hp, with a CVT and all-wheel drive, on both trims.

When was the first US-built Impreza?

The 2017 Impreza. Production started at Subaru's Lafayette, Indiana plant in November 2016; earlier Imprezas were built only in Japan.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Subaru for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2027 Subaru Impreza, Most Affordable All-Wheel Drive Compact Car on Sale in U.S. (September 24, 2026) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  2. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2026 Impreza (July 30, 2025) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Subaru Impreza — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. 50 Years of Subaru Products (photo gallery captions) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  5. Subaru Debuts the All-New 2024 Impreza Compact Car with New Styling, In-Vehicle Technology, Performance and Safety (November 17, 2022) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  6. Subaru of America, Inc. Corporate Timeline — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 1993 Subaru Impreza (1.8L) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 1995 Subaru Impreza AWD (2.2L) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 1998 Subaru Impreza AWD (2.5L) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  10. Subaru Debuts Limited-Production 2027 Subaru WRX GD25, 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 at Boxerfest 2026 (September 28, 2026) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  11. Subaru Impreza — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  12. Subaru Debuts All-New 36-MPG 2012 Impreza at New York International Auto Show (April 19, 2011) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  13. Subaru Introduces All-New, U.S.-Built 2017 Impreza; New Global Platform Delivers Major Gains in Handling Performance, Crash Safety and Ride Comfort — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  14. Subaru Announces Pricing On All-New 2017 Impreza Models (October 18, 2016) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  15. First American-Built Subaru Impreza Rolls Off the Line in Celebration Event (November 2, 2016) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  16. Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2024 Impreza Compact Car (February 23, 2023) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  17. 2015 Subaru WRX Debuts New Level of Performance (December 17, 2013) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  18. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2027 Subaru Impreza, Most Affordable All-wheel Drive Compact Car on Sale in U.s. (Sep 24, 2026) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  19. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2026 Impreza (Jul 30, 2025) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  20. Recall 11V464: Suspension — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 15V323: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 23V076: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 17V014: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 16V358: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 17V016: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Recall 18V012: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  27. Recall 19V007: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. Recall 20V001: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 14V311: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. Recall 14V830: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. Recall 18V772: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Recall 19V149: Exterior Lighting — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  33. Recall 15V419: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. Recall 21V264: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  35. Recall 19V743: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.