​​What’s New for the 2026 Impreza​

The Impreza name dates back to 1992, and the model’s heritage as Subaru’s compact car started even earlier by about twenty years. Over the years, it has been the go-to small car for snowy and mountainous regions, thanks to its once-optional and later standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive. As more people nationwide have realized the all-weather confidence that all-wheel drive offers, the model’s popularity has grown from a regional favorite to a nationwide success. Ewing Subaru of Plano fills you in on the changes on the Impreza for the 2026 model year. 

The Impreza has also served as a foundation for the rally-winning WRX sedan and the rugged Crosstrek crossover, currently Subaru’s best-selling model. Today, the model is in its sixth generation, which debuted in the 2024 model year. Now exclusively offered as a 5-door hatchback, the Impreza continues to evolve, providing practical and enjoyable daily transportation for tens of thousands of American households. 

The 2026 Impreza continues with the sixth-generation design. Most customers choose the Sport or RS models, so the base model has been discontinued. This means the 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility is now standard across the entire lineup.  

It also means that for 2026, each Subaru trim will have its own drivetrain. The now entry-level Sport trim continues with a 2.0-liter direct-injection Subaru Boxer (also called horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) that features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, enabling the driver to select from eight preset ratios, which is particularly useful in mountain driving. And of course, all Impreza models come equipped with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates the Impreza Sport’s fuel economy at 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. 

For 2026, the RS model features the 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer Engine found in several larger Subaru models. It delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the same transmission and AWD, this more powerful model loses only one MPG overall, with estimates of 26 city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.  

Another new feature for 2026 is Auto Vehicle Shutdown. This will turn off the engine after 30 minutes of idling to save fuel. It might not happen often, but it can occur. 

Subaru’s latest version of its award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology comes standard on both trims and includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning. New for 2026, models with the Option Package that includes Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert will also feature Emergency Lane Keep Assist. This system works with EyeSight® and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control based on traffic in adjacent lanes, helping to avoid crashes when merging at speeds between approximately 37 and 90 mph. 

For those tired of silvers, grays, whites, and even reds and blues, the final change for 2026 is a new Citron Yellow Pearl premium paint option previously seen on the Crosstrek, that will really stand out in any crowded parking lot.  

The starting price for the Subaru Sport is $26,595, and 2026 models are expected to arrive in the Ewing Subaru of Plano inventory this fall. Checking our inventory for the new models is easy, but you can also ask one of our sales professionals to contact you when the 2026 models arrive.