Subaru Hikes Impreza Prices for 2026—Should You Wait or Buy The 2025 Instead? originally appeared on Autoblog.
A Familiar Package with a New Price Tag
The Subaru Impreza has long been the most accessible entry point into Subaru's all-wheel-drive lineup. After a full redesign in 2024 that consolidated the body style into a five-door hatchback and introduced a new RS trim with a larger engine, the model saw minimal changes for 2025.
That trend continues into 2026. The structure, powertrain lineup, and design remain largely the same, though Subaru of America has announced a slight price hike across the board. The Impreza Sport now starts at $26,595, while the RS variant goes for $29,495 – both increases of $235 to $245 over 2025 figures, respectively. These prices exclude a $1,195 destination charge.
While Subaru added new safety features and trim touches, prospective buyers might find it hard to justify the extra cost when 2025 models are still widely available – and often at a lower price.
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Discounted 2025 Inventory Still on the Lot
A key consideration for budget-conscious buyers is that the Base trim – Subaru's most affordable Impreza – has been discontinued for 2026. The 2025 Impreza Base had an MSRP of $24,360, making it a rare sub-$25K all-wheel-drive compact. It's no longer part of the upcoming lineup, but dealers still have unsold inventory, and many of these units are being advertised below MSRP, hovering around the $22,000 mark.
A quick scan of listings on Cars.com reveals that 2025 Base and Sport models are selling with discounts ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on dealer stock and location.
The 2025 Impreza RS may even present a better value, with the lowest prices ranging in the low $27,000 range. With a bigger engine, you get more horsepower with the RS.
This effectively negates the minor updates made for 2026 and makes a strong case for buying a remaining 2025 model, especially since both model years share the same platform, drivetrains, and interior layout. Buyers who don't need the newest safety tech or a fresh paint color may find the older inventory the smarter buy.
Are the 2026 Updates Worth the Wait?
The 2026 Impreza brings a handful of changes, most of them incremental. A new Emergency Lane Keep Assist feature is now bundled with higher trims that already include Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A new Citron Yellow Pearl paint color is also available, and the RS trim gets a revised 2.5-liter engine, though details of the revision are undisclosed. Subaru also added Auto Vehicle Shutdown to help reduce fuel consumption when idling for extended periods.
These updates enhance usability and safety, but they're unlikely to substantially change the ownership experience compared to a 2025 model. With higher prices and fewer trims to choose from, the 2026 Impreza may not offer enough to justify the premium – especially while discounted 2025 units remain on dealer lots. For buyers seeking value, it may be wiser to act now rather than wait.
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Subaru Hikes Impreza Prices for 2026—Should You Wait or Buy The 2025 Instead? first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 2, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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