Follow us today...
Everyone wants a cool car. But which are the coolest cars priced under $20,000? According to a new Kelley Blue Book (KBB) ranking, the 2021 Subaru Impreza compact sedan and hatchback are among the coolest cars you can buy. What if you want the all-new 2024 Impreza? Where would it rank with the vehicles that are on fire today?
KBB says what makes a car cool is to go fast, get great gas mileage, and cruise around in style. "There's no good reason a cool car can't also be practical, versatile, and packed with driver-friendly tech."
The Subaru Impreza meets all the criteria.
KBB's 10 Coolest Cars Under $20,000 starting with the best-ranked model.
- 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2022 Kia Soul
- 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- 2021 Mazda Mazda3
- 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2020 Hyundai Veloster
- 2022 Kia Forte
- 2022 Hyundai Venue
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
Check Out This Related Story: 10 Coolest Cars Under $20K - There’s One Subaru Impreza Trim That’s The Best
The 2021 Subaru pulls up in last place. What does KBB say about the 2021 Impreza?
KBB says, "If you need all-wheel drive, lots of standard safety technology, and a comfortable, practical cabin, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is as cool as it gets for less than $20,000. Subaru's all-wheel-drive complements the EyeSight driver-assistance tech (included with automatic transmission-equipped models) for some of the best slippery-road traction and safety you'll find at this price point."
Should you buy the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza instead? The new-generation Impreza is available now, but what makes it cooler than the previous version?
Related Story: 5 Reasons Why You Should Wait For The Next-Generation Impreza Hatchback
The next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback gets significant changes that are on fire. The biggest difference is Subaru dropped the sedan body style, and the new Impreza will only be available in a hatchback. The hatch offers more utility and is much sportier than the sedan.
All trim levels will now come standard without the manual transmission, offering a Lineartronic Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT). EyeSight driver assist safety technology will come standard on all three trim levels, Base, Sport, and a new hot RS hatch.
The coolest trim is the new 2024 Impreza RS that comes with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 178 ft lbs of torque. The Base and Sport are powered by the smaller 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque as the 2021 year model.
The new RS has a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and SI-Drive. The 2.5-liter engine is mated with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters for faster shifts.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza fuel mileage vs. 2024 fuel efficiency. Fuel mileage is the one area where the 2021 Impreza is cooler.
Related Story: The EPA Says New 2024 Subaru Impreza Hatch Is Now Less Fuel Efficient
The 2021 Impreza's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 28/36 city/highway mpg and 31 combined mpg.
The 2024 Impreza 2.0-liter engine gets one less mpg city, two mpg less highway, and one mpg less combined.
The 2024 Impreza's fuel economy for the 2.0-liter engine is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.
With the new 2.5-liter Boxer engine, the Impreza RS gets an EPA-estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.
What is the 2024 Impreza price?
You can get the 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback for close to $20,000. The Base Impreza starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine has a starting price of $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).
If you can swing it, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is cooler than the 2021 Impreza and is still affordable. The 2024 Subaru Impreza will have improved ride quality, a more comfortable interior with improved front seats, a new 2.5-liter Boxer engine, advanced safety technology, and new tech inside. The old Impreza is cool, but the new Impreza is on fire.
You Might Also Like: Subaru Got It Right The New-Generation Impreza Lights It Up And Jumps Out Fast
Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and tweet it to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru
Follow us today...
