• The 2027 Subaru Impreza is now the most affordable all-wheel-drive compact car.
• Along with adopting a more powerful engine, the entry-level Impreza now starts at $25,840; the $30,740 RS trim remains the same as last year.
• Subaru dealerships will begin receiving 2027 Imprezas toward the end of this year.

So far, the most affordable compact car for the 2027 model year will be the Subaru Impreza. That comes after Subaru slashed its starting price by $1950, putting it at $25,840. Meanwhile, the RS trim level’s price carries over from last year, so it still starts at $30,740.

Both Impreza models are now powered by a 180-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard. Last year, the 2.5-liter was reserved for the Impreza RS. With the upgraded engine, the Impreza’s new base model gets a notable power boost compared with the previous Sport model, which only had a 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

The base Impreza rides on standard 17-inch wheels, and its cabin remains mostly unchanged, aside from minor material upgrades to the center console stitching and door panels. Cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, and dual 7.0-inch touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard. Every Impreza also has adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist; the RS trim adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Impreza RS nets bigger 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a Crystal Black Silica roof spoiler. Inside, it has trim-specific black cloth seats, heated front seats, a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, and a wireless charging pad. For $2070 more, the RS can add a power sunroof, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

Ignition Red joins Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Pearl on the Impreza’s list of available paint colors. Citron Yellow Pearl is also available for an extra $395.

The base Impreza’s more powerful engine and slashed price make it a more compelling member of the 2027 compact-car segment. New Imprezas are expected to reach dealerships later this year.