2026 Subaru Impreza in Rhinebeck, NY
Subcompact SUVs have become popular options for parents and commuters due to their excellent fuel economy and configurable cabins, and yet many drivers still prefer hatchbacks for their agile performance, spacious interiors, and affordable prices. Nevertheless, the hatchback has fallen by the wayside, save for models like the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic. One model that outshines them, however, is the Subaru Impreza.
Subaru has always stood apart from its competitors due to the exemplary versatility of its models. The balance of its horizontal engines, its standard all-wheel drive, and its eye-catching designs have led many to seek Subaru models as ideal alternatives to Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. The new 2026 Subaru Impreza is the perfect example of this.
The latest Impreza comes in one of two trim levels: the Sport, for economical and pragmatic drivers, or the RS, for those who prefer luxury amenities and high performance. Behind the wheel, Subaru's hatchback offers a comfortable and spacious interior ideal for any driver. This is complemented by a host of savvy technologies that ensure connectivity and safety. Inside and out, the Impreza is pleasing to the eye.
Join us for a closer look at this exciting hatchback. The latest Impreza has something that any driver will enjoy, regardless of their usual preferences. We'll examine this hatchback's performance, interior, and safety tech, and how they make this an exceptional choice for a new vehicle. When you're ready for a test drive, consider Ruge's Subaru your first choice; our experts can help you get behind the wheel.
MSRP: $26,595[a]
Horsepower: 180
Cargo Space: 56 cu.ft.
MPG city/hwy: 27/33
Performance
Two defining aspects of Subaru models over the years have been their horizontal engines and their symmetrical all-wheel drivetrains. The 2026 Impreza is graced with both of these attributes, and it uses them to their full advantage. Drivers will find the agile and economical performance of the 2026 Impreza highly beneficial, regardless of where their travels may take them.
The Impreza is available in two trim levels, each with an exclusive powertrain, allowing drivers to choose their preference for power output. Both powertrains see their engines paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has been proven to improve fuel economy in city driving conditions and provide the smoothest gear shifting experience.
As you'll see, even though all-wheel drivetrains (AWD) are known for slightly lower fuel economy figures than front-wheel drivetrains, Subaru's powertrains are so finely crafted that the Impreza's standard AWD system is conservative in its fuel consumption.
The Sport trim is designed for the city driver who prioritizes agile handling and fuel economy. It is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can expect to achieve 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, for a combined fuel economy of 29 MPG. The Sport trim's handling is enhanced by a sport-tuned suspension, which is ideal for various road conditions.
Hatchbacks have long been favored by drivers who enjoy an extra 'kick' in their commute, and the Impreza RS follows this tradition, delivering a substantial performance upgrade. This trim comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. In addition to this performance boost, the RS provides near-identical fuel economy ratings, with the only difference being 26 MPG in the city, as opposed to the Sport trim's 27 MPG.
Both versions of the 2026 Subaru Impreza are truly remarkable under the hood. The two powertrain options strike a balance between performance and fuel economy that is enviable in its class, if not the auto market overall. Regardless of which trim level of the latest Impreza you are most interested in, you'll get performance you can count on and fuel economy figures that don't break the bank.
Interior
Agile performance and great fuel economy are two advantages the Impreza offers, but that's just the beginning. Drivers who love hatchbacks appreciate their spacious interiors, which offer comfortable seating and ample storage space. Of course, the 2026 Impreza shines in these areas, with five cozy seats and generous amounts of space for passengers and cargo alike.
Both trims of the latest Impreza offer sophisticated comfort, designed with ample space for legroom and cargo at the same time. With all five seats occupied, the Impreza offers 20.4 cu.ft. of cargo space, which is much more than the trunk size of the average sedan (15 cu.ft). When storage takes precedence, the rear seats can be folded to reveal a whopping 56 cu.ft. of cargo space. This is more room than some SUVs, making the Impreza a versatile choice for parents and commuters.
The storage and comfort of the 2026 Subaru Impreza are complemented by an intuitive infotainment system that keeps drivers connected and entertained. Both trims have an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, which boasts wireless smartphone compatibility via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless Wi-Fi hotspot. A six-speaker stereo system is also included to provide high-quality audio.
You'll also find plenty of comfort amenities that make each moment behind the wheel thoroughly enjoyable. For instance, comfort and convenience are assured on either trim level thanks to standard dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start, as well as an available panoramic moonroof. The RS has additional amenities, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and drivers can opt for heated front seats via the Cold Weather Package.
With the 2026 Subaru Impreza, the modern driver will enjoy creature comforts, cargo space, and a slate of great technology, ensuring an enjoyable drive for everyone on board. Its savvy tech items keep drivers connected to their lives beyond the confines of the car, while its standard and available comfort features guarantee everyone's satisfaction on the way to their every destination.
Safety
Nothing will ever eclipse the importance of safety when you're behind the wheel. Both trim levels of the 2026 Impreza come with Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver assistance features, providing an extra degree of oversight by enhancing awareness and reaction time when you're on the road. With the EyeSight suite, you can always drive confidently and with peace of mind.
The standard driver assistance features comprising the EyeSight suite include Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and Automatic Emergency Steering. High Beam Assist is likewise standard on both trim levels. Optional on the Sport but standard on the RS are Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert detects other vehicles and pedestrians that may be near your vehicle but out of your line of sight, providing visual and audio alerts to keep you informed of movement behind you. Reverse Automatic Braking utilizes sonar-based technology to detect objects here while you're moving at slow speeds (such as while parallel parking or leaving a driveway) and will engage the vehicle's braking system to assist you in avoiding a collision or at least minimize the damage.
Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering monitors proximal traffic patterns during highway travel and adjusts your vehicle's speed accordingly; by following others at a safe distance, reaction time is maximized, allowing for a quicker response to sudden changes in traffic flow. This feature's Lane Centering trait is a smart perk that gently nudges you back into your lane if it senses that you're drifting too close to the lane lines on either side of you.
High Beam Assist employs Subaru's advanced headlights to enhance visibility in darkness, and they will disengage when they detect oncoming traffic, eliminating the need for you to manually toggle your high beams. The 2026 Subaru Impreza has a wealth of other active safety features that are standard on every trim level, such as Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking, Traction Control System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a rearview camera that feeds its live footage to your touchscreen.
The latest Impreza's passive safety features include nearly a dozen airbags, three-point seatbelts, and a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren's car seats). The 2026 Subaru Impreza is a stylish and economical vehicle, but most importantly, it's safe. The features we've listed here are just a few of the technologies that can help keep you safe on the road.
Test-Drive the 2026 Impreza Today!
The latest Subaru Impreza is a hatchback that checks all the boxes. Drivers appreciate how its two powertrains strike a balance between performance and fuel economy. Standard AWD means you'll have no trouble handling tumultuous road conditions. Behind the wheel, comfort and technology are in abundance, as are a slate of standard safety features for added peace of mind.
You can test-drive the 2026 Impreza here at Ruge's Subaru. We carry both trim levels of this exciting hatchback, and our experts will help you choose the one that's perfectly suited for your daily drives. We'll help you find the ideal loan or lease, and we'll help with its maintenance to ensure you get the most from it for many years. Visit us today and say hello to the hatchback that delivers excitement, dependability, and much more.