Should compact car shoppers buy the 2023 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback or wait for the all-new next-generation 2024 Impreza hatchback? It's easy to figure out what to do if you can wait a few months. Subaru of America (SOA) reports customers stopped buying the aging 2023 model year models, and most Impreza shoppers are waiting.
SOA reports the 2023 Impreza falls further behind, ahead of the next-generation 2024 model launch. Subaru says 2,495 Impreza compact cars were delivered to customers last month compared with 4,156 in December 2021. Impreza is down 40.0 percent in December and dropped 11.3 percent for the year. Impreza finishes in fifth place overall in the lineup.
This year, the aging Impreza is still a good value for compact car shoppers. There are some advantages to buying the 2023 Impreza. Prices will go up considerably for the next-generation 2024 model.
What is the price of the 2023 Impreza?
Even with all 2023 Subaru Impreza trim levels getting a $550 price bump, including destination and delivery fees, it's still a good value. The Impreza comes in four trim levels and seven different models.
2023 Impreza comes in Base sedan ($20,815), Base hatchback ($21,315), Premium sedan ($24,215), Premium hatchback ($24,715), Sport sedan ($25,615), Sport hatchback ($25,015), and Limited hatchback ($28,415). Destination and delivery ($995) are included in the prices above. Models with a CVT automatic transmission add to the prices above $1,300, depending on the trim level.
Why should you consider the 2023 Impreza now?
The 2023 Impreza is more affordable than the next-gen models. It still gets the highest safety scores and comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather and winter driving performance.
You Might Also Like: Impreza is picked as the best small car for winter and snow driving
What is the 2023 Impreza fuel mileage?
The EPA says the 2023 Subaru Impreza gets 31 mpg combined city/highway and 28/36 city/highway mpg in the non-Sport CVT trims. The 2023 Impreza 4-Door sedan gets 26 combined city/highway and 23/31 city/highway mpg in the non-Sport CVT trims. The 2023 Impreza 4-Door sedan with the 5-speed manual gearbox has the same fuel mileage.
The 2023 Impreza Sport comes standard with a fully synchronized 5-speed manual gearbox, making the Sport hatchback a fun car to drive. It is one of the last models in America with a standard gearbox for driving enthusiasts. But it's going away. Subaru will drop the manual transmission in the new Impreza, so if you want one, you should act quickly.
Why compact car shoppers should wait for the 2024 Subaru Impreza
The next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback gets significant changes worth waiting for. 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 it's sportier than the sedan.
Without the manual transmission, all trim levels will now come standard with 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.
If you opt for the 2024 Impreza RS, you'll get a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 178 ft lbs of torque. The 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.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza will likely get improved fuel mileage over the 2023 model year. Subaru improved the Boxer engine's efficiency and the Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT).
When will the 2024 Impreza be available?
Before the new Impreza hatchback arrives, the 2023 Impreza sales keep dropping. Many compact buyers are choosing to wait for the completely redesigned hatchback. Subaru of America says the new sixth-generation Impreza will arrive at U.S. retailers in the spring of 2023. Stay tuned for SOA's pricing if you wait for the next-generation Impreza.
If compact car shoppers wait, the 2024 Subaru Impreza will have improved ride quality, a new 2.5-liter Boxer engine, advanced safety technology, improved fuel mileage, and new tech inside. Check out the report here for more information.
You Might Also Like: The Smokin’ Hot Subaru Crosstrek Just Pulled Off A First Ever - How About A Repeat?
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found 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.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru USA