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Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is a compact car made by Subaru since 1992.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Subaru Impreza is a compact car manufactured by Subaru since 1992. In its current North American form, it is sold as a hatchback with standard all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For the 2026 model year, the lineup is simplified to Sport and RS trims.

Overview

The Subaru Impreza is a long-running compact car produced by Subaru. It is currently positioned as an affordable all-wheel-drive hatchback in North America, with a focus on practicality and safety equipment.

History and generations

The Impreza debuted in 1992 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. It is now in its sixth generation, with a major redesign for the 2024 model year in North America.

Current model

Recent North American versions are sold only as a hatchback with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The 2026 lineup consists of Sport and RS trims, with the RS using the stronger engine.

Powertrain and equipment

The base engine is a 2.0-litre flat-four producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the RS uses a 2.5-litre flat-four rated around 180–182 hp and 178 lb-ft. Review sources also note standard driver-assistance and smartphone connectivity features on current trims.

Key facts

  • The Subaru Impreza has been manufactured by Subaru since 1992.
  • It is known for standard all-wheel drive, which is unusual in the compact-car segment.
  • The current North American model is offered as a hatchback only.
  • For 2026, the lineup is simplified to Sport and RS trims.
  • The Sport uses a 2.0-litre engine, while the RS uses a more powerful 2.5-litre engine.
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Canadian context

The Impreza is relevant to Canadian buyers because Subaru has a strong market presence in Canada and the model’s standard all-wheel drive suits winter driving conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Subaru Impreza?
It is a compact car made by Subaru since 1992, currently sold in North America as a hatchback with standard all-wheel drive.
Is the Subaru Impreza a sedan or hatchback?
Current North American models are hatchbacks only. Older generations and some markets have included sedan versions.
Does the Impreza have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Standard all-wheel drive is a defining feature of the current model.
What engines are available?
Current North American models use a 2.0-litre flat-four in Sport trim and a 2.5-litre flat-four in RS trim.
Is there a manual transmission?
Not in current North American versions reviewed for 2024–2026; they use a CVT.

References

  1. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/impreza
    Supports: Current North American body style, standard AWD, trims, and engine information.
  2. Edmunds — https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/impreza/
    Supports: 2026 trim lineup, engines, CVT, and AWD.
  3. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/cars/subaru/impreza
    Supports: 2024 redesign, hatchback-only North American configuration, and removal of sedan/manual transmission.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza
    Supports: Initial launch year and generational history.