Subaru’s 2026 U.S.-market Impreza lineup dropped the Base trim, leaving the Sport as the entry model at a starting MSRP of $26,595. That was $3,100 above the 2025 Base’s announced starting price. Subaru later announced a Base trim for 2027 at $24,595, making the 2026 cut look temporary—and suggesting that a lower-priced entry point still has a place in the range. Subaru did not explain why it discontinued the 2026 Base.
What changed in the 2026 Impreza lineup?
Subaru of America announced only two U.S. Impreza trims for 2026: Sport and RS. The company explicitly said the previous year’s Base trim had been discontinued. Both 2026 models are five-door hatchbacks with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT. Subaru’s 2026 announcement set the Sport’s starting MSRP at $26,595 and the RS’s at $29,495.
For comparison, Subaru announced a $23,495 starting MSRP for the 2025 Base. The entry-price increase from 2025 Base to 2026 Sport was therefore $3,100, calculated from those announced MSRPs. These are U.S. manufacturer starting prices before destination and delivery, options, dealer pricing, or other transaction-specific costs. Subaru listed destination and delivery for the 2026 model as $1,195 in most states and $1,345 in Alaska, with named state exceptions in its announcement.
What did each 2026 trim offer?
The Sport was the less expensive 2026 choice, but it was not a stripped-down Base replacement. The RS cost $2,900 more at announced starting MSRP and paired its higher price with a larger engine and additional equipment. The specifications and fuel-economy figures below are Subaru-published estimates, not independent road-test results.
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| 2026 trim | Starting MSRP | Engine and output | Subaru-listed MPG, highway/city | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | $26,595 | 2.0-liter BOXER; 152 hp and 145 lb-ft; CVT; standard AWD | 33/27 | 18-inch wheels, 11.6-inch multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, EyeSight, keyless access, and push-button start. |
| RS | $29,495 | 2.5-liter BOXER; 180 hp and 178 lb-ft; CVT; standard AWD | 33/26 | Larger engine, RS-specific interior and exterior details, and additional standard all-weather and driver-assistance equipment. |
Subaru’s 2026 specifications list the RS at 180 hp. That is two horsepower below the 2025 RS’s 182-hp rating; the 2026 engine’s listed torque is 178 lb-ft. The RS’s advantage in this comparison is its larger engine and equipment, not a higher peak horsepower rating than the previous year’s RS.
Optional packages
- Sport: Subaru listed a $1,900 option package that bundled blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, the all-weather package, a power moonroof, illuminated vanity mirrors, and related safety features.
- RS: Subaru listed a $2,070 package with Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio, a power moonroof, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support.
Package contents can vary by market or vehicle build, so check the specific car’s window sticker before relying on a feature being included.
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Was removing the Base trim a good call?
On the 2026 model-year lineup alone, the decision had a clear cost for shoppers: the least expensive announced starting price rose by $3,100 compared with the 2025 Base. In return, the Sport offered a substantial set of standard features, and the range was simpler to navigate, with two trims rather than three. Whether those changes justified the higher entry price depended on a buyer’s budget and how much value they placed on the Sport’s equipment.
Subaru’s next announcement changed the picture. For 2027, the company announced a Base trim starting at $24,595—$2,000 below the 2026 Sport—and a 2.5-liter, 180-hp engine standard across both Base and RS. That restores a less expensive way into the Impreza range while giving the Base the larger engine. The sequence makes the 2026 deletion look short-lived and supports the case for keeping a lower-priced trim in the lineup.
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It does not establish why Subaru removed Base for 2026. The company’s 2026 announcement stated that the trim was discontinued but did not give a reason. The available announcements do not show whether the move was driven by sales, customer feedback, margins, production constraints, or another factor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you compare a 2026 Impreza with the 2027 model?
The announced prices and powertrains make the model-year distinction useful, but they are not enough on their own to determine which car is the better purchase. Compare the actual vehicle and deal in front of you, including its final price and equipment.
Rank #4
- Consider a 2026 Sport if its standard equipment and 2.0-liter engine meet your needs and its actual price fits your budget.
- Consider a 2026 RS if you want the 2.5-liter engine and the RS’s additional standard equipment, and the $2,900 announced MSRP difference over Sport is worthwhile to you.
- Compare with the 2027 Base if you want a lower announced entry price and the larger engine. Subaru’s announcement establishes the trim, price, and powertrain, but not local availability or dealer transaction prices.
For any specific car, verify its window sticker, included packages, destination charge, and dealer price. Subaru’s published MPG figures are estimates; they are not a substitute for results under your own driving conditions.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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