10 Cheap Cars Consumer Reports Recommends And The Forgotten Subaru Impreza

Which are the best cheap cars you can buy now? According to Consumer Reports, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is now selling under MSRP and is the best value for compact car shoppers. I'll tell you why it's the forgotten model. 

I've written a lot about the 2024 Subaru Impreza recently. It's Subaru of America's forgotten model, and I'll explain why think buyers should consider the compact hatchback. 

First, an updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking of the best cheap cars with the lowest transaction prices reveals the 2024 Impreza is the eighth-ranked based on the transaction price, not manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP).  

I've listed CR's safe, reliable models to find the lowest transaction price for you here. Keep reading, and I'll explain six reasons why the Impreza is the best pick for compact car shoppers right now.

1. Kia Forte $21,291
2. Hyundai Venue: $22,387
3. Nissan Sentra $22,393
4. Toyota Corolla $22,631
5. Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $23,986
6. Nissan Kicks: $24,006
7. Hyundai Elantra: $24,232
8. Subaru Impreza: $24,393
9. Mazda3: $25,006
10. Kia Soul: $25,405

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Impreza?

"The 2024 Subaru Impreza Price Range is $22,995 - $27,885. The CR's overall mpg is 29 / City 19 / Highway 42 mpg, and the Impreza is #6 of 17 compact cars."

CR says the 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport is the best value pick. "The average Impreza Sport transaction price is $24,393, and the average spent under MSRP is $602. MSRP is $24,995."

I see six things that are essential for Impreza shoppers to know. But before that, I see the Impreza as the forgotten model by many compact hatch buyers. It's because when compact hatch shoppers see the Subaru Crosstrek, they choose it over the Impreza. 

I see three reasons why. 

The Crosstrek rides higher, has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and is off-road ready. The Impreza is a great city commuter but won't handle the dirt trails. 

Crosstrek has the Wilderness trim for more extreme activities. The Impreza can't withstand the rigorous activities that the rugged Wilderness features offer. 

The Impreza is basically a Crosstrek without all the upgrades that active customers want. So it's forgotten.  

Now, with that said, here's why I think you should not leave the Impreza behind. 

1. The 2024 Subaru Impreza is a good value for compact hatchback buyers in 2024. With Subaru now offering discounts, it could be the best time to buy and a better value. CR says you can get the Impreza Sport for $602 below MSRP.

2. The Impreza comes standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, giving it all-weather and severe-weather capability. Unlike most small compact cars, the Impreza won't leave you stranded in a snowstorm. 

3. Subaru offers the new Impreza RS trim level with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine upgrade for driving enthusiasts looking for performance, speed, and handling in an urban environment. 

4. All Impreza hatchback trims offer utility for carrying your gear and sports equipment, and the compact car is an excellent city commuter. 

5. The 2024 Impreza gets excellent fuel mileage. 

With the newly-retuned 2.5-liter Boxer engine, the Impreza RS has an EPA-estimated fuel mileage rating of 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The 2024 Impreza 2.0-liter engine gets slightly better fuel mileage. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

6. Should you wait for the 2025 Impreza?

From what I've seen Subaru do for the 2025 model year, there will be few changes in the second year of the Impreza's life cycle. Subaru typically makes few changes, if any, in the second year. Look for the 2025 Impreza to get a slight price increase. So, I would suggest not waiting for the 2025 models.

For shoppers looking at the 2024 Impreza, here is the current pricing.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine starts at $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).

YOUR TURN

Do you like the Subaru Impreza or Crosstrek? Which model would you buy? Click on the Add New Comment red link below.

If you have any Subaru questions, send them to me through The Dirty Subaru website, and I will answer them. 

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru