The Subaru Impreza Hatch Shows Signs Of Life

When I thought the Subaru Impreza was dead, it came back to life. What happened to the Impreza in August? Is the Impreza back?

The remodeled Impreza is alive.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza was all but dead until last month. The new Impreza compact hatch was completely redesigned, but sales continued declining. When I thought the Subaru Impreza was dead, it came roaring back to life.

What happened in August?

Subaru of America (SOA) reported they delivered 3,166 Impreza compact hatchbacks to customers in August compared with 2,205 in August 2023. That's an increase of 43.6 percent. It's a massive gain for the Impreza. 

It's the first increase the Impreza has had in months, marking a significant turnaround from its previous sales performance. Despite this sales jump, the Impreza is still down 15.1 percent for the year, with 20,636 compact cars delivered in the first eight months of 2024. This is a considerable decrease from the 24,296 models sold in the same period in 2023.

I've said it before, but the Impreza is in Crosstrek's shadow.

Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America, Inc.: "This summer season continued to see success with our strong lineup connecting with all types of customers looking for safe and reliable vehicles. Crosstrek, in particular, achieved its best sales month ever, becoming the right match for a steadily growing number of Subaru owners."

Crosstrek hits an all-time record.

SOA reports that In August, the all-new next-generation Crosstrek achieved its best sales month of all time, with 20,396 vehicles sold (surpassing the record of 16,092 set in September 2022), a 47 percent increase compared to August 2023. You can read my full report here.

Let's put that in perspective. 

Subaru of America has sold 20,636 Impreza hatchbacks in the first eight months of 2024. Subaru retailers sold nearly as many Crosstrek subcompact SUVs in one month (20,396) as Impreza sold the entire year. 

The Impreza sales are far behind the Crosstrek because the all-new Crosstrek is stealing its thunder. The Impreza hatch received the same redesign as Crosstrek, rides on the same chassis, has the same engines, and has nearly identical upgrades inside and out with the same body style.

While the Impreza hatch shares many features with the Crosstrek, it lacks the off-road and outdoor-themed features that make the Crosstrek unique. This distinction places the Impreza in the shadow of its sibling. 

The Impreza lives in the Crosstrek's shadow.

The same demographic is looking at the Impreza as the Crosstrek. They are first-time buyers or are trading in an older vehicle and buying their first new car. When they compare the two, they choose the Crosstrek.

President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru of America, Jeff Walters, says," August marked our 25th consecutive month of growth thanks to Subaru retailers nationwide. Their dedication to being a trusted partner in the vehicle journey remains integral to keeping our customers satisfied, whether for someone purchasing their first Subaru or returning for their next."

The Impreza is affordable, so it's still an excellent option for urban commuters. 

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,115, the Sport hatch starts at $26,510, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine starts at $29,005. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,120).

Sales are up because pricing has dropped. 

A recent update from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the Impreza is among ten new models with the lowest transaction prices selling below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Check out my report here.

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."

What does CR say about the 2024 Impreza hatchback?

• Price Range:  $22,995 - $27,885
• CR MPG:  Overall 29 / City 19 / Highway 42 mpg
• #6 of 18  Compact cars

CR says the best deals can be found on the 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport trim level.

• The average transaction price: $24,639
• The average spent under MSRP: $356
• MSRP: $24,995

CR says, "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."

Subaru brings the new Impreza RS with more power.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport trim has a 2.0-liter Boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. A Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is standard. This engine is not just proven, it's also very reliable, giving you the confidence that your Impreza will perform well over time.

But if you want more power, the new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS upgrades to a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 178 ft lbs of torque. The 2.5-liter retuned engine in the all-new RS trim is also a proven Subaru Boxer engine with excellent reliability.

If you want more fun, check out the RS trim level. 

The RS also has a sport-tuned suspension upgrade, 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 Sport trim has the same transmission). 

All Impreza trims come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech. Its all-weather capability makes it stand out from other compact cars.

You can take it out in severe winter weather and avoid getting stuck in the snow. Or take it to the beach while it's still summer, and you won't get stuck in the deep sand. 

The Impreza hatch offers a unique set of features that cater to a different set of needs. It may lack the off-road and outdoor-themed features that make the Crosstrek unique , but it shines in its own way, making it a compelling choice for urban commuters.

The redesigned Subaru Impreza compact hatch is showing signs of life. 

How about you?

Are you checking out the new Impreza? Which trim level would you buy? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer 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: Tucson Subaru