Subaru's hot new Impreza Hatch rides the wave of price drops

When buying a new car, don’t look at the list price.

Are you looking for a small car at a reasonable price? With some new models, you can ignore the sticker on the shop window. Some are sold below the manufacturer's recommended retail price, and now might be the right time to buy the new car.

The new car market is on a roller coaster ride, and some new car prices are dropping. According to an updated report from Consumer Reports (available by subscription), ten models (including the 2024 Subaru Impreza) are good, safe, and reliable models with the lowest transaction prices.

But don't just look at the price sticker in the window. There's more going on.

To help CR members find the best car at the lowest price, they analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using national data from TrueCar and sorted all models by their selling price.

According to Consumer Reports, “You can find the cheapest cars in America by looking at transaction prices – what people actually pay – not just the stickers in the window.”

These ten models are highly recommended by Consumer Reports, a trusted source that sets strict standards for driving performance, owner satisfaction, reliability and safety. Their recommendation is a strong indicator of the quality and value of these cars.

I've listed the CR models sorted by transaction price (not MSRP), starting with the cheapest model at $20,937. Read on and I'll tell you why the 2024 Subaru Impreza is a top pick and a smart investment now.

• Kia Forte: $20,937
• Nissan Sentra: $22,217
• Toyota Corolla: $22,688
• Hyundai Venue: $22,695
• Buick Envista: $23,219
• Hyundai Elantra: $23,846
• Nissan Kicks: $24,047
• Toyota Corolla Hatchback: $24,105
• Subaru Impreza: $24,639
• Mazda3: $24,794

What does CR say about the 2024 Impreza hatchback?

• Price range: $22,995 – $27,885
• CR MPG: 29 overall / 19 city / 42 highway mpg
• No. 6 of 18 compact cars

2024 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

• Average transaction price: $24,639
• Average spend below MSRP: $356
• MSRP: $24,995

CR says: “In recent years, we've seen the decline of many small cars. Chevrolet discontinued the Cruze, Dodge killed the Dart, Ford killed the Focus and Volkswagen screwed up the Golf. So we celebrated the launch of the redesigned Impreza and gave it the thumbs up for being such a pleasant car to drive that's easy on the wallet. The base engine, however, needs a decent power boost as it can barely get out of the way.”

The Impreza's best feature.

It's surprising that Consumer Reports doesn't mention the Impreza's best feature. All trim levels come standard with Subaru's excellent symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. Its all-weather capability sets it apart from the other cars on the list.

You can take it with you in bad weather and avoid getting stuck in the snow. Or take it to the beach on the weekend and you won't get stuck in the sand.

What is the best Impreza trim level?

The next-generation Impreza will be offered exclusively as a 5-door hatchback and will be available in three trim levels: base, sport and the new RS trim. Don't buy the base trim. It lacks many features buyers want.

There are still the Sport and RS equipment variants left.

I recently wrote a review of the 2024 Impreza Sport versus the 2024 Impreza RS. You can read my Sport vs. RS comparison review here.

The biggest difference between Sport and RS are their engines.

The Sport trim level of the 2024 Subaru Impreza features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. A Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) is standard on both trim levels. The engine is a proven and very reliable one.

The new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS will come with a 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 182 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The retuned 2.5-liter engine in the all-new RS trim is also a proven Subaru boxer engine with excellent reliability.

RS is for driving enthusiasts who want more (fun).

The RS also features a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and SI-Drive. The 2.5-liter engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission that offers an 8-speed manual transmission mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. (The Sport trim has the same transmission.)

Which Impreza trim would I choose?

The Impreza Sport will have plenty of power, but won't be as fast or fun to drive as the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS. However, for $2,890 more, I'd go for the sportier Hot RS trim level.

Wait, there's another Subaru model you should consider.

If you're looking for more than just a compact car for city driving, consider the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek small SUV. It sits higher than the Impreza (22 cm ground clearance), so you can also drive off-road and further away from the city.

Subaru is now offering the Crosstrek Wilderness Trip for the most active buyers of the new model. A younger target group of campers, bikers and hikers are testing the new Crosstrek Wilderness.

The Crosstrek Wilderness is Subaru of America's newest off-road compact SUV and, with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode, it's the ideal vehicle for all weather conditions.

Crosstrek prices.

For little more than the Impreza, the Crosstrek is an excellent choice for new model shoppers. The base model starts at $26,540. But I recommend you avoid the base trim of the Crosstrek. Check out my review here to find out why.

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium starts at $28,085, Sport ($30,935) and Limited ($32,440). Wilderness costs $33,540. It's important to note that these prices include destination and delivery charges ($1,345).

Which Subaru model would you choose? Click the red “Add new comment” link below and share your thoughts with the Subaru community.

I'm Denis Flierl, a top reporter for Torque News since 2012. I have spent over 13 years in the automotive industry as a consultant and have worked with all the major auto brands. I am a veteran member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. My expert Subaru analysis can be found here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Adventure Subaru