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Don't look at the sticker price of a new car.
Are you shopping for a compact car at a great price? You can ignore the window sticker on some new models. Some are selling below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), and it could be the right time to pull the trigger on that new hot hatch.
The new car market is on a roller coaster ride, and some new car prices are dropping. According to an updated report from Consumer Reports (by subscription), ten models (including the 2024 Subaru Impreza) are good, safe, reliable models with the lowest transaction prices.
But don't just look at the sticker price in the window; there's more going on.
To help members of CR find the best car at the lowest cost, they analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using national data from TrueCar and sorted all models based on their selling price.
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."
These ten models come highly recommended by Consumer Reports, a trusted source that sets strict standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety. Their endorsement is a strong indicator of the quality and value of these cars.
I've listed CR's models ranked based on the transaction price—not the MSRP—starting with the cheapest model, at $20,937. Keep reading, and I'll explain why the 2024 Subaru Impreza is a top pick, a smart investment now.
- Kia Forte: $20,937
- Nissan Sentra: $22,217
- Toyota Corolla: $22,688
- Hyundai Venue: $22,695
- Buick Envista: $23,219
- Hyundai Elantra: $23,846
- Nissan Kicks: $24,047
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $24,105
- Subaru Impreza: $24,639
- Mazda3: $24,794
What does CR say about the 2024 Impreza hatchback?
- Price Range: $22,995 - $27,885
- CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 19 / Hwy 42 mpg
- #6 of 18 Compact cars
2024 Subaru Impreza Sport AWD
- Average transaction price: $24,639
- 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."
The Impreza's best attribute.
It's surprising that Consumer Reports fails to mention the Impreza's best feature. All trims come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech. Its all-weather capability makes it stand out from the other cars on the list.
You can take it out in severe weather and avoid getting stuck in the snow. Or take it to the beach on weekends, and you won't get stuck in the sand.
What's the best Impreza trim level?
The next-generation Impreza comes exclusively as a 5-door hatchback and is available in three trim levels: Base, Sport, and the new RS trim. Don't buy the Base trim. It lacks many features buyers want.
That leaves Sport and RS trims.
I recently wrote a report on the 2024 Impreza Sport vs the 2024 Impreza RS. You can read my Sport vs RS head-to-head report here.
The most significant difference between Sport and RS is their engines.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport trim has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. A Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is standard on both trim levels. The engine is a proven engine and is very reliable.
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.
RS is for driving enthusiasts who want more (fun).
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).
Which Impreza trim would I pick?
The Impreza Sport will have adequate power but won't be as fast or fun to drive as the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS. However, for $2,890 more, I'd pick the sportier hot RS trim level.
Wait, there's another Subaru model you should consider.
If you are looking for more than a city commuter compact car, consider the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek small SUV. It rides higher than the Impreza (8.7 inches of ground clearance), so you can go off-road and farther away from the city.
Subaru now offers the Crosstrek Wilderness trip for the most active new model shoppers. A younger demographic group of campers, bikers, and hikers are checking out the new Crosstrek Wilderness.
The Crosstrek Wilderness is the Subaru of America's newest "go-anywhere" all-terrain capable compact SUV, and it's the ideal vehicle for all weather conditions with standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode, and dual function X-Mode.
Crosstrek pricing.
For not much more than the Impreza, the Crosstrek is an excellent choice for new model shoppers. The Base model starts at $26,540. However, I suggest you avoid the Crosstrek Base trim. Find out why in my report here.
The 2024 Crosstrek Premium starts at $28,085, Sport ($30,935), and Limited ($32,440). Wilderness costs $33,540. It's important to note that these prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345).
Which Subaru model would you pick? Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts with the Subaru community.
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: Adventure Subaru
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