Subaru Kills Off Base Impreza, Gives the RS a ‘New’ Engine
Subaru has just announced pricing and changes for the 2026 Impreza, which includes the discontinuation of the Impreza Base model. Now the all-wheel drive hatchback will only be available in two trims, Sport and RS.
Another big change for the 2026 model year is the replacement of the Impreza RS trim’s engine. Gone is the old 2.5-liter engine, replaced by a 2.5-liter engine. That isn’t a typo. The Impreza was one of the last models to still use the previous iteration of Subaru’s eternal 2.5-liter flat-four naturally aspirated engine. This year the Impreza gets the version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder featured in the Forester and upcoming all-new Outback. It makes two less horsepower (hp), down to 180 hp, while torque remains the same at 178 pound feet (lb-ft). Subaru states the new engine does have much more usable torque at lower rpms than the old model.
The Impreza Sport continues with the less sporty 2.0-liter four cylinder making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Both trims and engines come paired to a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Further streamlining the model, both Sport and RS come with 18-inch wheels, but of different designs. A new color is available this year on either the Sport or the RS called Citron Yellow, although Subaru provided us with no images of the new color. The new Yellow is an extra cost item at $395 for either trim.
As far as core pricing goes, the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport will cost $27,790 including destination charges. Aside from the new Citron Yellow paint, there is an optional $1,900 package that includes blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency steering, emergency lane keep assist, a power moonroof, and the all-weather package.
The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS has a starting price of $30,690 including destination charges and can have a $2,070 package added on that consists of a 432-watt Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system a power moonroof, and the 10-way power-adjustable front seat.
Built at the brand’s Gunma, Japan factory, the 2026 Subaru Impreza will be on sale later this fall.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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