CR’s 10 Best Cheap Cars And Why You Don’t Want The Subaru Impreza

The best deal is not always your best pick. 

Everyone wants a good, safe, reliable new car at a great price. Fortunately, Consumer Reports (by subscription) has done the legwork for you, conducting a comprehensive analysis to find the best models with the lowest transaction prices. The cars listed below sell under the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). 

Consumer Reports says, "The cheapest cars in America can be found by looking at transaction prices—what people are actually paying—rather than looking at just the window stickers. That's because, in this roller-coaster car market, it's common to see lower-priced models selling for more than their sticker price."

The Subaru Impreza is worth a look, but there's a better choice.

In this report, I'll highlight the 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback compact car and look at another Subaru model, the Crosstrek, which is a better choice for many customers. I'll explain why, but first, you can check out my new Impreza model guide here. 

But before I explain more about the new Impreza, Consumer Reports did the heavy lifting and found out what people paid for 2024 model-year cars in the past month. 

Then, they put the models through the filters of best fuel efficiency and models they recommend and then ranked the vehicles by how good a deal they are relative to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

CR does more heavy lifting. 

CR says, "To help members find the best car at the lowest cost, we analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using national data from TrueCar, a CR partner, and sorted all models based on their selling price. We then selected ten models to highlight that are recommended by CR and meet our stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety."

Below, I've listed the models ranked based on the transaction price—not the MSRP—starting with the cheapest. 

1. Kia Forte: $20,780
2. Hyundai Venue: $22,351
3. Toyota Corolla: $22,381
4. Nissan Sentra: $22,715
5. Buick Envista: $22,943
6. Nissan Kicks: $23,712
7. Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $23,773
8. Hyundai Elantra: $23,833
9. Mazda3: $24,281
10. Subaru Impreza: $24,651

Anytime a new Subaru model is available below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, it is a good day and a smart decision for potential buyers. 

2024 Impreza Details

• Price Range:  $22,995 - $27,885
• CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 19 / Highway 42 mpg
• CR ranks the Impreza #6 of 18 among all compact cars

CR says the 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport AWD is your best value choice now.

• The average Impreza transaction price is $24,651
• The average spent under MSRP: $344
• MSRP: $24,995

There's a reason why the Subaru Impreza is the most expensive on the list above.

Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech is standard on the Impreza, and you won't pay extra for it because AWD is standard on all trim levels. Not all compact cars have an all-wheel-drive system. 

Let's go to the beach.

If you go to the beach this summer, the Impreza's all-wheel drive will get you through deep sand and the most severe weather events, including snow, ice, and mud.

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2024 Impreza?

"Over the last several years, we've seen the demise of many small-car choices. Chevrolet canceled the Cruze; Dodge dashed the Dart; Ford flamed out the Focus; and Volkswagen shanked the Golf." 

"So, we celebrated the arrival of the redesigned Impreza and gave it a thumbs-up for being such a nice-driving car that's light on the wallet. However, the base engine needs a serious infusion of horsepower since it can barely get out of its own way."

What is the Impreza 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).

Can you get a good deal on the all-new RS?

Subaru retailers are offering discounts and incentives on many Subaru Impreza models.

I checked around and found a 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback that is discounted. This RS has an MSRP of $30,271, but a $1,375 discount brings the price down to $28,896.

NOTE: Dealers in your area may be charging more or less. So check around and do your homework. The 2024 Subaru Impreza is an affordable, fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive hatch. 

There's a better choice.

Before making a decision, consider the remodeled 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. While the all-new Impreza and redesigned Crosstrek may seem similar, they each have unique features. Both vehicles share the same interior, infotainment technology, EyeSight safety upgrades, and Subaru's Global platform. Read my Crosstrek Vs. Impreza comparison here. 

Crosstrek steps it up.

However, the Crosstrek stands out with its all-wheel-drive, all-purpose capability, making it more than just a grocery hauler or urban commuter. It's designed for weekend activities away from the city, providing a sense of adventure and versatility. 

The Crosstrek is a tremendous all-wheel-drive, all-purpose vehicle that offers more than just a grocery hauler or urban commuter. It can handle weekend activities away from the city, providing a sense of adventure and versatility. 

The Impreza and Crosstrek ride on the same platform, but the Crosstrek gets additional upgrades. One of the most significant differences is ground clearance and trail capability. The Crosstrek comes standard with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than many SUVs can claim.

The Crosstrek comes with X-Mode for severe weather and dual-function X-Mode on some trims for off-road and all-terrain capability. If you want a small hatchback SUV for outdoor activities, the Crosstrek is the better choice. 

Wait, there's more. 

My report, which you can find here, explains the all-new Crosstrek Wilderness trim for the most active customers who want to go further off the grid. 

For a slightly higher price, you can have a small SUV that offers more utility and capability for outdoor enthusiasts. The Crosstrek is not just a city commuter; it's a vehicle that can handle your weekend adventures, making it a better choice for those who want more from their car. 

What is the Crosstrek MSRP?

For 2024, the Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. The Base trim starts at $26,540. 

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium has a starting price of $28,085, Sport ($30,935), and Limited ($32,440). The all-new Crosstrek Wilderness costs $33,540. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,345).

Can you get a discount on the Crosstrek?

Consumer Reports says the Crosstrek Premium trim is selling under MSRP.

• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium AWD
• MSRP: $26,345
• Average spent under MSRP: $327
• Average transaction price: $26,018

You can negotiate a better price now because Subaru of America has more new model inventory than in the past three years. The Crosstrek is now made in America, which means availability is improved.

What about you?

Are you shopping for a new compact hatchback? What do you like about the Impreza? Would you choose the Impreza or Crosstrek? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 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 X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru