CR’s 10 Cheap Cars Selling Below MSRP And If The New Subaru Impreza Is Worth A Look

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What are the most affordable new cars you can buy today? Consumer Reports ranked the ten best that they recommend. Find out if the remodeled 2024 Subaru Impreza is worth a look now. 

Good, Safe, And Reliable

Everyone wants a good, safe, reliable new car at a good price. However, an updated Consumer Reports finding (by subscription) took the next step and found the best they recommend with the lowest transaction prices. They are selling under the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), which is always good to know. 

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."

Is the Subaru Impreza Worth A Look?

I'll highlight the 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback compact car in this report. The Impreza received a complete remodel and redesign with significant upgrades. You can read my new Impreza model guide here. 

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

Then, they put the models through the filters of best fuel efficiency, 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's Data Reveal

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 10 models to highlight that are recommended by CR, meeting 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: $21,135
  2. Nissan Sentra: $21,960
  3. Hyundai Venue: $22,184
  4. Toyota Corolla: $22,983
  5. Buick Envista: $23,438
  6. Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $23,942
  7. Nissan Kicks: $23,985
  8. Hyundai Elantra: $24,044
  9. Mazda3: $24,185
  10. Subaru Impreza: $24,561

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 $24,561
  • The average spent under MSRP: $434
  • MSRP: $24,995

There's a reason why the Subaru Impreza is the least 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. 

Are you going 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."

Should you avoid the Impreza because it needs more power?

Not to worry.

Have you heard of the new RS trim? Subaru now offers the sporty 2024 Impreza RS trim level for compact hatch buyers. Read my report here

The Impreza has been re-engineered from the ground up with advanced technology, improved handling, more advanced safety features, improved fit and finish, and very comfortable seats. 

Check out my Related Story here: Which Subaru Model Has The Best Seats? You Will Be Shocked

The base engine option on the Impreza Base and Sport trims is a 2.0-liter matched to a CVT, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Consumer Reports says this engine needs more power.

Enter The New RS

The new Impreza RS has a more powerful 2.5-liter engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

In addition, the RS has a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and SI-Drive. Impreza RS trim offers unique exterior trim elements, including RS badging on the front doors and rear hatch, 18-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray finish, black finish on the front grille, side spoilers, side mirrors, upgraded LED headlights, and LED fog lights.

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 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. 

One More Thing

I need to mention that the Impreza is a Top Safety Pick winner from IIHS for its safety scores. Not all compact cars have this top rating. 

This is the latest on the Subaru Impreza. Check back often as the market changes quickly, and I'll always have the most recent information. 

Before You Leave

Are you shopping for a new compact hatchback or sedan? What do you like about the Impreza? Click the red Add New Comment link below and join the discussion.

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 SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru