Two affordable Subarus, only one winner
Buying a new car on a tight budget is challenging in the United States in 2026, where many of the most affordable vehicles have been discontinued in recent years. Sub-$20,000 cars are dead and there are not many choices left below $25,000. For Subaru fans seeking a touch of the manufacturer’s adventurous spirit, the most affordable new model on sale costs $26,595. That’s the Impreza, but a few hundred dollars more will get you a base Crosstrek. Which of these cheap Subaru models is a better buy? We’ll look at prices, powertrains, specifications, and more to help you decide.
Cheapest Subaru Models: Trims and Pricing
Subaru
Subaru
The base Impreza hatchback is the Sport, which starts at $26,595 before a destination charge of $1,195, making it the least expensive Subaru you can buy in 2026. It’s not the cheapest hatchback in its class, though, as you can get a new Toyota Corolla Hatchback for over $2,000 less.
The similarly compact Subaru Crosstrek begins at $26,995 in Base form, which is only $400 more than the Impreza Sport. However, the Crosstrek also has a higher destination charge of $1,420, so it’s effectively $625 pricier before adding any options. That’s still close enough to warrant a detailed comparison between these two Subarus.
Design and Size
Subaru
Subaru
The Impreza is a hatchback and the Crosstrek is a crossover, which is the fundamental difference between these two Subarus. The Impreza has cleaner lines and a sportier profile, as it sits lower to the ground, while the Crosstrek has a raised stance and plastic body cladding that adds to its rugged nature. Both vehicles are based on the Subaru Global Platform.
| Subaru Impreza | Subaru Crosstrek | |
| Length | 176.2 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Width | 70.1 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 58.3 inches | 62.8 inches |
| Curb weight | 3,249 lbs | 3,296 lbs |
The two cars are nearly identical in length and have the same wheelbase. The key difference is the Crosstrek’s extra 4.5 inches of height. The Impreza weighs a little less, but the difference is small at 47 lbs.
Based on design alone, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the sporty hatchback or rugged crossover look.
Powertrains, Performance, and Economy
Subaru
Mechanical simplicity rather than class-leading performance has typically been the philosophy for cheap Subarus, as is the case for these two models. Both have naturally-aspirated Boxer four-cylinder engines, CVTs, and standard all-wheel drive. However, the Crosstrek’s engine is bigger and more powerful.
| Subaru Impreza Sport | Subaru Crosstrek Base | |
| Engine | 2.0L H4 | 2.5L H4 |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 seconds (estimated) | 8.1 seconds |
| EPA rating (city/highway/combined) | 27/33/29 mpg | 26/33/29 mpg |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 inches | 8.7 inches |
We have only driven the Impreza with the larger 2.5L engine, and even that model felt rather breathless. It’s safe to assume that the smaller 2.0L mill provides leisurely acceleration at best, which isn’t helped by the absence of a manual gearbox. The Crosstrek used to be available with the 2.0L engine but now gets the bigger 2.5L mill as standard. It’s still not a hot performer, but it’s noticeably quicker than the Impreza.
Subaru
Both vehicles are comfortable and quiet enough, but they’re not as good to drive as rivals from Honda or Mazda.
In terms of efficiency, both have the same combined figure of 29 mpg, despite the Crosstrek’s heavier body and larger engine. The Crosstrek’s greater ground clearance also gives it better rough-road capability. The Impreza may handle a little better due to its lower center of gravity, but the Crosstrek offers better performance and comparable efficiency.
Interior and Features
James Riswick
Subaru
Can the Impreza claw back some points in the cabin? Both cars have similar dashboard designs with durable rather than plush materials. Surprisingly, the lower Impreza has exactly as much headroom and headroom as the Crosstrek, so the crossover has no advantage for passenger space. Cargo space actually favors the hatchback, which has a volume of 20.4 cubic feet behind the second row to the Crosstrek’s 19.9. Both cars have 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks.
Subaru keeps things simple with analog instruments and a 4.2-inch color LCD display for the driver. The Impreza gets the more modern 11.6-inch touchscreen display, whereas the Crosstrek uses an older setup with dual seven-inch displays (pictured above is the 11.6-inch screen in upper trims). You also get two extra speakers, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a folding rear armrest in the Impreza, while both cars have dual-zone automatic climate control.
Blind-spot detection with lane change assist is only available in the Impreza.
Overall, the Impreza wins this category. It’s just as spacious as the Crosstrek but has a longer list of amenities and Subaru’s more modern infotainment interface.
Final Verdict: Close, But Crosstrek Takes It
Subaru
It’s a close call between the cheapest new Subaru models. The Impreza handles a bit better and comes with more features at a lower price. However, the Crosstrek’s larger standard powertrain gives it the win; this change alone makes it much less frustrating when you need to overtake or merge with faster-moving traffic. It does this without sacrificing efficiency and adds some mild off-road capability to the mix, too. For under $27,000, the Crosstrek is our recommended budget Subaru.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog