Subaru Impreza Trade in Value: Here's What You Should Get and Why
The Subaru Impreza is the only vehicle in the compact class to offer standard All-Wheel Drive across its entire 15-year history (with the brief exception of some rare regional front-drive base models). In the current trade-in market, its value is significantly bolstered by the recent launch of the 6th-generation 2024 model, which moved to a hatchback-only lineup and reintroduced the sporty RS trim.
While the Civic and Corolla fight for fuel economy honors, the Impreza owns the snow belt trade-in desk. With the 2024 redesign moving exclusively to a hatchback body style, older Impreza sedans are becoming rare, while hatchbacks continue to command a $1,000–$1,500 premium.
The RS Revival: 6th Generation (2024)
Subaru brought the RS trim back for 2024, giving the Impreza the 2.5L engine it had been missing for years.
- The "Power" Premium: In 2026, used buyers are specifically hunting for the 2024 RS. It bridges the gap between the standard Impreza and the WRX. If you have an RS in "Excellent" shape, dealers are willing to pay close to 90% of its MSRP because they can't keep them in stock.
The Global Platform Standard: 5th Generation (2017–2023)
This generation made the Impreza feel like a much more expensive car.
- EyeSight Equity: If your Impreza is equipped with EyeSight (standard on almost all CVT models by 2020), it is a significantly more valuable trade-in. Dealers in 2026 are finding it harder to sell used cars without active safety features, so "naked" manual-transmission base models may actually see a slight trade-in deduction unless sold to an enthusiast.
The "Manual" Factor: 2010–2023
Subaru kept the 5-speed manual in the Impreza longer than almost anyone else.
- The Enthusiast Floor: While manual transmissions usually lower a car's trade-in value, the Subaru community is the exception. In 2026, a "Better than Average" 2018 Impreza Sport with a manual is a cult favorite. Before trading it in, check private enthusiast forums, you might find an offer $2,000 higher than the dealer's book value.
For the trade in value for other vehicles, see our comprehensive list here.
6th Generation (2024)
The newest redesign. Hatchback only, focusing on a more rigid chassis and a standard 11.6-inch screen.
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Base / Sport | $18,100 | $20,400 | $22,800 |
RS (2.5L Engine) | $21,400 | $23,900 | $26,500 |
5th Generation (2017–2023)
The Global Platform era. Values are stable due to the standard EyeSight safety suite (on CVT models).
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Base / Premium | $14,100 | $16,500 | $18,900 |
Sport / Limited | $16,800 | $19,400 | $22,200 | |
2022 | Base / Premium | $12,400 | $14,700 | $17,100 |
Sport / Limited | $15,100 | $17,600 | $20,200 | |
2021 | Base / Premium | $10,800 | $13,100 | $15,300 |
Sport / Limited | $13,500 | $16,000 | $18,500 | |
2020 | Base / Premium | $9,400 | $11,600 | $13,800 |
Sport / Limited | $11,900 | $14,400 | $16,800 | |
2019 | Base / Premium | $7,900 | $10,100 | $12,300 |
Sport / Limited | $10,400 | $12,800 | $15,100 | |
2018 | Base / Premium | $6,600 | $8,700 | $10,800 |
Sport / Limited | $9,100 | $11,400 | $13,600 | |
2017 | Base / Premium | $5,500 | $7,600 | $9,500 |
Sport / Sport-tech | $7,900 | $10,200 | $12,300 |
4th Generation (2012–2016)
The first generation to feature the 2.0L FB-series engine and the modern CVT. Values are sensitive to oil consumption history.
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | 2.0i / Premium | $4,300 | $6,200 | $8,000 |
Sport / Limited | $5,600 | $7,700 | $9,600 | |
2015 | 2.0i / Premium | $3,400 | $5,100 | $6,800 |
2014 | 2.0i / Premium | $2,600 | $4,200 | $5,800 |
2013 | 2.0i / Premium | $1,900 | $3,400 | $4,900 |
2012 | 2.0i / Premium | $1,300 | $2,700 | $4,100 |
3rd Generation (2010–2011)
The final years of the 2.5L EJ-series engine. These are now valued for their simplicity and ruggedness.
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | 2.5i / Premium | $800 | $2,100 | $3,500 |
WRX / STI* | $6,500 | $9,200 | $13,400* | |
2010 | 2.5i / Premium | $600 | $1,800 | $3,100 |
WRX / STI* | $5,800 | $8,400 | $12,200* |
AutoGuide’s Advice:
For Impreza owners, the Windshield check is non-negotiable. Because the EyeSight cameras are calibrated to the specific glass, a chip or crack in the "camera zone" is a mandatory $1,000–$1,200 deduction at the trade-in desk. Also, ensure your tires match. Because of the Symmetrical AWD system, if you have one new tire and three old ones, the dealer will likely charge you for a full set of four to avoid damaging the center differential.
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