Standard all-wheel drive, hatchback versatility, and up to 33 MPG without moving into SUV territory. Here's what you actually need to know about the Impreza.
Basically: Subaru capability in a lower, smaller hatchback for people who don't actually need an SUV.
The 2026 Impreza is a five-door hatchback with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and a surprisingly roomy interior for its size.
Sport uses a 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine with 152 horsepower. RS steps up to a 2.5-liter BOXER with 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, plus a sport-tuned suspension.
Both trims use a Lineartronic CVT, both get an 11.6-inch multimedia system, and both give you 20.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats or 56.0 cubic feet with them folded.
Compact outside, comfortable inside, and easy to maneuver.
Symmetrical AWD is standard on both trims.
Up to 56.0 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
RS adds the 180-hp 2.5L engine and sport-tuned suspension.
The lineup gets simpler: 2026 Impreza comes in Sport and RS, with the 11.6-inch multimedia system now standard across the range and new standard rear-seat side airbags.
Sport and RS make the 2026 lineup refreshingly easy to understand.
The large multimedia touchscreen is now standard across the lineup.
Rear-seat side airbags are newly standard for 2026.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The RS keeps the stronger 180-hp 2.5L engine and sport-tuned suspension.
Standard Symmetrical AWD remains part of every Impreza.
This may be the easiest trim comparison on the whole website. 😂
The practical AWD hatchback with the tech most people want already standard.
Meagan says: If you just want a useful AWD hatchback and don't care about extra horsepower, Sport gets the job done.
The Impreza with more power, sharper responses, and a little more personality.
Meagan says: If you're already buying the little sporty hatchback, I understand exactly why you'd want the 2.5. 😂
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on Sport and RS.
20.4 cu. ft. behind the rear seats and up to 56.0 cu. ft. with them folded.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across the 2026 lineup.
The RS gets 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft from its larger BOXER engine.
A sport-tuned suspension gives the RS a sharper, more responsive feel.
The Impreza numbers customers are going to ask you for first.
Both are compact AWD hatchback-ish Subarus, but Crosstrek sits higher with more ground clearance and SUV capability. Impreza stays lower, lighter-feeling, and more car-like.
Explore Crosstrek →Impreza is the efficient practical hatchback. WRX brings 271 turbocharged horsepower and a manual option when fun moves way higher on the priority list.
Explore WRX →Sport saves money and gets better city MPG. RS adds the 180-hp 2.5L engine, sport-tuned suspension, and more aggressive styling.
Compare trims →The Impreza questions you're definitely going to hear.