Updated - CR’s 10 Best Cheap Cars Gets New Subaru Impreza Wrong Again

What are the most affordable new cars you can buy now? Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Impreza is at the top of the updated rankings. But they need to mention that it's sold out. Check out the ten best models here before you buy.

Is the 2023 Subaru Impreza one of the best new cars you can buy today? According to a new ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2023 Impreza is the third-best, most affordable new car for shoppers. 

The only problem with CR's previous ranking and this newly updated report is the 2023 Subaru Impreza is sold out. Another recent story on this website also needs to say you can't buy a new 2023 Impreza. 

Will the next-generation 2024 Impreza be affordable? The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback is significantly improved over the 2023 models and is already at Subaru retailers. 

I have covered the new next-generation 2024 Impreza in detail and have included additional articles related to the Subaru Impreza in the links at the end of this report. 

Before I cover the 2024 model Impreza, the new models listed here from Consumer Reports must adhere to strict guidelines to make CR's most recommended cars. They must have the lowest transaction price and not sell over the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). CR analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using data from TrueCar and sorted all models based on their selling price.

But the cars must also meet CR's stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety to make the list. Here are the ten best cheap cars that Consumer Reports recommends listed, starting with the vehicle with the least expensive transaction price.

The 10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

The Toyota Corolla ($22,867) is ranked the least expensive, followed by the second-best Nissan Kicks ($23,642). The Subaru Impreza ($24,005) is third followed by the Toyota Corolla Hybrid ($24,190), Toyota Corolla Hatchback ($24,389), Mazda 3 ($24,420), Volkswagen Jetta ($24,903), Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ($25,605), Kia Soul ($25,695), and Nissan Altima ($26,318).  

What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Impreza?

CR ranks the Impreza as the third least expensive new car with the lowest transaction price. The 2023 Subaru Impreza has an average transaction price of $19,795 - $27,395. The average spent over MSRP is $2,041, and the average MSRP is $19,795 on all trim levels.

As I mentioned above, and what Consumer Reports and another writer on this website failed to say, the 2023 Subaru Impreza is sold out as Subaru makes the model change from 2023 to the all-new next-generation 2024 Impreza hatchback.

Subaru discontinued the Impreza sedan and the Impreza with a 5-speed manual transmission. But no one objected because the new 2024 Impreza hatch is sportier and gets significant upgrades over the 2023 model year. The new 2024 Impreza RS with a 2.5-liter engine upgrade is worth checking out.

Here is the new pricing information for shoppers checking out the 2024 Impreza.

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).

Why should you consider the Impreza, and what sets the new Impreza hatch apart from the other nine models listed above?

The completely remodeled 2024 Impreza offers exceptional value. The Impreza comes standard with the Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which means it's all-weather capable, and you won't get stuck in the snow, mud, dirt, or sand. 

The Impreza gets the highest safety score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the highest crash score. All 2024 Impreza trims come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety technology and will keep you safer than other small cars in the event of a crash.

What is the 2024 Impreza fuel mileage?

The Impreza is fuel-efficient. The EPA says the fuel mileage rating for the 2024 Impreza RS with the new 2.5-liter engine is 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2024 Impreza with the 2.0-liter engine's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

Consumer Reports says the 2023 Impreza is the third best, most affordable new car but failed to mention that it's sold out. When CR does include the new model, I think it will rank among the most affordable. As I have covered in a previous story, most Subaru retailers are charging MSRP for the new 2024 Impreza rather than raising the price over the sticker price.

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

For additional articles related to the Subaru Impreza, here are a few of my top stories. 

• The New 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport Vs. All-New Impreza RS Hatch Head To Head
• 7 Things Consumer Reports Doesn’t Like About The All-New Subaru Impreza RS
• The All-New Next-Gen Subaru Impreza - 8 Things You Didn’t Know

Also check out the 2024 Subaru Impreza | Review & Road Test YouTube video from KBB

Denis Flierl - I have over twenty years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Subaru Report, All Subaru and WRX STI social media channels:  Also Facebook, Social Platform X, and Instagram. 

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers! 

Photo credit: Subaru