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Why You Aren’t Buying The Next-Generation Subaru Impreza Hatch

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is an excellent compact hatchback, but why aren't customers buying the next-generation model? I can see four reasons.
2024 Subaru Impreza RS

When the 2024 Subaru Impreza debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, I thought it would be a significant new Subaru of America (SOA) model. The redesigned Impreza is an excellent compact hatchback, but the sales numbers don't reflect this. 

Why aren't customers buying the next-generation hatch? I can see four reasons why. But before I tell you, let's check its sales performance last month.

2024 Subaru Impreza on dealer's lot

photo: Tucson Subaru

How well is the next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback selling? The Impreza drops in sales performance again. The new hatchback is the fifth best-selling model in Subaru of America's lineup. 

2024 Subaru Impreza by the numbers

SOA delivered 2,343 compact hatchbacks to customers in February, compared with 2,591 models in February 2023. Impreza dropped 9.6 percent and is down 8.8 percent in the first two months. 

2024 Subaru Impreza front view

photo: Adventure Subaru

How does the Impreza compare with the top four selling models?

  1. Subaru Forester - 14,883 (+48.4%)
  2. Subaru Crosstrek - 11,325 (-15.3%)
  3. Subaru Outback - 10,412 (+14.3%)
  4. Subaru Ascent - 3,791 (-13.9 %)
  5. Subaru Impreza - 2,343 (-9.6%)

As you can see, the all-new Impreza should be selling better.  

MY TAKE

I think there are three things customers should know about the Impreza.

1. The Impreza is more challenging to get now. It is now manufactured in Japan, and shipping the hatchback from Gunma, Japan, takes longer. The 2023 models were made in Lafayette, Indiana, and were more accessible to U.S. customers. That could be one reason.

2. The Crosstrek is stealing customers away. I've observed that when Impreza customers compare it with the higher-riding, more rugged, newly remodeled 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV, they opt for the Crosstrek instead. 

3. The Impreza needs a new identity. It looks identical to the Crosstrek, except the Crosstrek has a higher ride height and extra off-pavement goodies for active customers. Subaru should change the exterior design and give it its own unique branding. 

Here is what's right with the Impreza

1. The 2024 Subaru Impreza is a good value for compact hatchback buyers in 2024. The Impreza comes standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, giving it all-weather and severe-weather capability. Unlike most small compact cars, the Impreza won't leave you stranded in a snowstorm. 

2. Subaru offers the new Impreza RS trim level with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine upgrade for driving enthusiasts looking for performance, speed, and handling in an urban environment. All Impreza hatchback trims offer utility for carrying your gear and sports equipment, and the compact car is an excellent city commuter. 

Watch the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS review // Hot enough hatch?

For shoppers looking at the Impreza, here is the current 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).

I recently wrote that it's an excellent time to buy the Impreza. Check out the information here. 

What's next for the Impreza?

For the 2025 model year Impreza, there will be few changes in the second year of its life cycle. Subaru typically makes few changes, if any, in the second year. Look for the 2025 Impreza to get a slight price increase.

This is the latest information regarding the Subaru Impreza. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

What about you? If you're shopping for a small hatch, would you buy the Impreza or Crosstrek? Let us know in the comments below.

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

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ 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, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, 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!

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photo credit: Tucson Subaru

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Comments

CPost (not verified)    March 10, 2024 - 12:12PM

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I own a 2014 Impreza sedan and would love a hybrid Impreza in the future......as a sedan, not a hatchback. But Subaru stopped making sedan Imprezas. Too bad. I would buy one again as a sedan only. Now, I'm looking instead at the Toyota Corolla which has a sedan hybrid AWD as an option.