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Subaru’s Forgotten Hot New Hatch

There's one newly remodeled Subaru that's been forgotten. It's the all-new 2024 Impreza compact hatch, and here's why new model shoppers are leaving it behind.
2024 Subaru Impreza

Why aren't more buyers driving the new 2024 Subaru Impreza hot hatches off dealers' lots? It's been completely redesigned, received significant new upgrades, and is an excellent compact car. 

Before I answer the question, let's examine the current sales and see where they are. Then, I'll discuss what is going on with many small hatchback buyers. 

Impreza Is Down Again

Subaru of America reports retailers delivered 2,836 compact Impreza hatchback models to customers in March. That seems pretty good until you see where the Impreza was last year.

In March 2023, Subaru sold 3,802 Impreza models to customers, a 25.4 percent decrease compared with last year. Impreza sales for the first three months of 2024 are 7,434 units. Last year, in the same time period, Impreza had 8,844 sales, a 15.9 percent decrease over last year. Impreza is on a downward trend.

The Impreza Redesign Is Excellent

The Impreza hatch is completely remodeled from the ground up. The most notable change is that Subaru dropped the sedan and made it a compact hatchback. That was a great move by Subaru.

A New RS Trim

Another great move Subaru made was to offer a new 2024 Impreza RS Trim level with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The 30 additional horsepower is a significant improvement over the 2.0-liter Boxer engine. It's faster and more fun to drive. Who wouldn't want that?

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. It gets better. 

All-Weather Performance

The Impreza is set apart from the competition because every trim comes with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. It's the best all-weather compact hatch you can buy. Wait, there's more.

Impreza Is Fuel Efficient

With the newly-retuned 2.5-liter Boxer engine, the Impreza RS has an EPA-estimated fuel mileage rating of 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. 

The Impreza with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine is even better. The 2024 Impreza 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

And There's Still More

Every new 2024 Impreza comes with upgraded next-generation EyeSight, which includes a third monocular sensor for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. It's one of only three Subaru models to receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. 

With so much going for it, the Impreza should be one of Subaru of America's top-selling new models. But it's far behind SOA's best-performing vehicles. 

Here are the top five Subaru model rankings in March.

  1. Subaru Forester - 21,045 (+105%)
  2. Subaru Crosstrek - 14,527 (+3.5%)
  3. Subaru Outback - 13,501 (+1.9%)
  4. Subaru Ascent - 5,174 (-10.7 %)
  5. Subaru Impreza - 2,836 (-25.4%)

Ok, Flierl, Why Are Impreza Sales Dropping?

I can explain it in one word. Crosstrek. Buyers look at the Impreza and compare it with the all-new next-generation Crosstrek. It has the same upgrades as the Impreza hatch. Still, it has more for active customers who want to use their vehicle to get away from the city for biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and overloading excursions.

Buyers can get a hot Crosstrek subcompact SUV with outdoor-themed upgrades for a little more money. Then there's the new rugged Crosstrek Wilderness in another off-road category. 

Do You Think I'm Wrong?

Subaru Crosstrek sales in March were 14,527, compared with 2,836 for the Impreza. Enough said. 

The 2024 Impreza is Subaru's most forgotten model because it can't compete with its slightly taller and better-looking brother. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Impreza report. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

MORE SUBARU NEWS

Subaru Sales Are Hot, One Model Is Sizzling Hot

  • Subaru was not just up in March; it's significantly up, and the automaker has now seen twenty months in a row of growth. Check the impressive results. Subaru of America looks to be back on top, and one model is surprisingly remarkable.

The New Subaru Crosstrek's Best Attribute Is Not AWD

  • Kelley Blue Book released a list of new cars with the best resale margins. Subaru retailers can tout the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek as one of its highest-value picks. Here is why it's the best pick now.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 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 The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: Competition Subaru

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Comments

Mary Faron (not verified)    April 7, 2024 - 6:40PM

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The Imprezza is a beautiful car and fun to drive. I test drove it recently and would be buying it if I was currently in the market.

Micky (not verified)    April 15, 2024 - 1:58AM

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I just got my New Impreza Sport in Sapphire Blue Pearl. I Love this car! This is my 5th Subie, I swear by these cars! They're dependable, strong, well-built, and fun to drive. The symmetrical awd is second to none, plus offers great gas mileage for an awd vehicle. Buy one, you'll Love these cars!!