Subaru Just Trademarked 'Impreza TX' In America—What Does It Mean?
The AutoGuide research department first discovered that Subaru filed trademark protection for the name "Impreza TX" on June 9, 2026, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The biggest question is obvious: What does "TX" mean?
So we reached out to Subaru to ask—naturally, the automaker's people told us, politely, that they were unable to comment. Unfortunately, that doesn't make for an entertaining article, so we're going to speculate instead.
Could The Impreza TX Borrow From the WRX?
Subaru's performance hierarchy is easy to parse. You have the Impreza at the bottom, the WRX in the middle, and the STI at the top. But that all changed when the WRX became its own standalone model, and the STI died in 2022.
Today, the Impreza lineup is surprisingly simple. Buyers can choose between the 152 horsepower Sport model powered by a 2.0-liter boxer, or the sportier RS trim, which upsizes to a 2.5-liter boxer engine good for 180 horsepower. It's a fun hatchback, but it's hardly the turbocharged rally-thing enthusiasts associate with the Impreza name.
That's where an Impreza TX could fit.
Rather than resurrecting the full-blown STI formula, Subaru could be looking at creating a warmer, more affordable performance model. It would fill the gap between the Impreza RS and the 271-horsepower WRX, a space Subaru currently leaves completely untouched, unless you want to fold your family into a BRZ.
One of the more interesting theories is that Subaru could use the TX badge on a version of the Impreza using a lightly detuned version of the WRX's turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine.
Subaru has a long history of sharing powertrains across multiple models, and a 230-ish horsepower Impreza hatchback would instantly create the kind of enthusiast vehicle the brand has been missing for years.
Think about it—an Impreza TX equipped with standard all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, maybe some STI suspension tuning, and more aggressive styling would effectively become the spiritual successor to the WRX hatchbacks that have been MIA from showrooms for over a decade.
It's also kind of something Subaru executives talked about earlier this week when it was confirmed the automaker would debut a new hatchback model with a manual transmission by 2027.
Widely believed to be based on the Performance-B STI concept, it's thought the automaker will combine elements of the Impreza and WRX into a more accessible enthusiast-focused hatchback. Subaru execs reportedly view the new hatch as an "affordable base car" that would allow engineers greater freedom to experiment while leveraging existing components and technologies.
Parts bin performance special, let's go!
Is The Impreza TX a Wagon?
Of course, it's possible the TX badge could indicate a wagon. It's possible it represents a more rugged or technology-focused version of the Impreza, perhaps a version based on the Levorg Layback, a wagon version of the Impreza currently sold overseas. Subaru's current marketing heavily emphasizes adventure, safety, and all-weather capability, making a slightly lifted, wagon version of the Impreza a plausible alternative.
After all, the company already transformed the Outback and Forester into Wilderness models, while both have grown significantly to capitalize on the midsize crossover craze. Why not give the Impreza its own unique wagon to satisfy long-time buyers who have been left forgotten somewhere between a Crosstrek and the new Outback?
Styling is subjective, and in my subjective opinion, the redesigned 2026 Outback is not hot. Just look at Levorg Layback; doesn't it look just like the 2025 Outback, but with an Impreza-derived face?
Subaru even offers the Levorg with a hybrid option these days, very topical with gas prices going ballistic.
No Really, What Is The Subaru Impreza TX?
If the Impreza TX does make it to production, my money is on a sportier hatchback model rather than an off-road-oriented trim.
Subaru knows enthusiasts still have a soft spot for performance hatchbacks, and the disappearance of the STI has left a noticeable hole in the brand's lineup. An Impreza TX could offer buyers a more affordable, practical alternative to the WRX while still delivering the all-weather capability and engaging dynamics Subaru is known and loved for.
Plus, the company literally affirmed it was committed to still building cars that prioritize driver engagement days before the trademark filing appeared.
For now, it's important to remember that trademark filings are not product announcements. Automakers routinely register names they never use. Still, Subaru's decision to protect the Impreza TX name suggests something is happening.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
7/1/26
Re New Subaru Model TX, From your short idea that maybe Subaru would borrow off the BRZ, I don't see that as being the "example" of their thinking things thru. The stats on the latest BRZ show HP at 228hp for either their "Limited" model OR their "TS" model. But the price goes up for the "TS" by $2,500---must be a lot of change in that up-line model but HP was forgotten.
I'd say, size matters. And the smaller the size of a model/car, the easier it is to have a less luxo ride feeling (and reality. If I were Subaru, I'd come out with a slightly different model that had more comfort (not that any of their models are bad). Improvement is always a good thing.
Plus, somewhere in this auto issue is the wake-up call: BYD is gunning for Toyota. Who else will be caught in the next round of auto battle? Could be any company. I do read your articles on that topic, as do many others.
Just another pos turbo 4-cylinder. No Thanks.