Is the Subaru Impreza turbocharged?
No—the Impreza itself is not turbocharged. Turbocharged variants exist in Subaru's lineup as the WRX and WRX STI.
In practice, that means if you're shopping for a turbocharged Subaru with Impreza underpinnings, you're looking at the WRX or WRX STI, which share the platform but are marketed as distinct models with turbocharged engines. The standard Impreza has historically been naturally aspirated, though global markets have varied slightly over the years.
Turbocharged history within the Impreza family
Below are key milestones in how turbocharged variants have appeared within the Impreza lineup.
- Impreza WRX — the turbocharged performance variant derived from the Impreza platform, built to deliver higher power and rally-inspired all-wheel drive.
- Impreza WRX STI — the higher-performance sibling with even more power and specialized handling/drivetrain tuning, also turbocharged.
- Market-specific turbo variants — in some regions during the late 1990s and early 2000s, certain Impreza trims were marketed or perceived as turbocharged models (often overlapping with or labeled alongside WRX/STI), reflecting Subaru’s global performance branding.
Historically, turbocharging has been tied to the WRX family rather than the everyday Impreza badge. In current practice, the turbocharged power for Impreza-derived performance remains concentrated in the WRX lineup.
Current status in major markets
Before outlining the regional picture, note that Subaru generally keeps turbocharged power for the WRX family, while the standard Impreza line remains naturally aspirated in most markets. The following snapshots reflect common configurations as of the mid-2020s.
- United States — The Impreza is offered with a 2.0-liter flat-four naturally aspirated engine in its standard trims. Turbocharged performance is reserved for the WRX (and WRX STI), which, in recent years, has used a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing about 271 horsepower. The Impreza and WRX are marketed as distinct models.
- Europe — The Impreza line follows a similar pattern: non-turbocharged Impreza models alongside the turbocharged WRX, which serves as the performance variant. Engine availability and tuning follow local regulations and market demand.
- Asia-Pacific — Across major markets in this region, the standard Impreza tends to be naturally aspirated, with WRX/WRX STI serving as the turbocharged performance option. Availability can vary by country and model year.
Overall, if you want turbocharged power under the Impreza platform, your best option is the WRX/WRX STI rather than the standard Impreza badge. The base Impreza is designed for efficiency and practicality rather than turbocharged performance.
Summary
In short: the Subaru Impreza itself is not turbocharged. Turbocharged variants exist, but they are sold as the WRX and WRX STI rather than as Impreza trims. In recent years, the WRX lineup has featured a turbocharged engine (notably a 2.4-liter unit in recent generations), while the Impreza remains the non-turbocharged, everyday compact car. If turbo performance is what you want, look to the WRX family rather than the standard Impreza.
Does a Subaru Impreza have a turbo?
Mainstream versions have received "boxer" flat-four engines ranging from 1.5- to 2.5-liters, with the performance-oriented Impreza WRX and WRX STI models upgraded with the addition of turbochargers.
Which subarus are turbocharged?
Subarus with turbocharged engines include the WRX, Ascent, Legacy (Sport and Touring XT trims), and certain Outback trims (XT models). These models feature a turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine for enhanced performance.
- WRX: A high-performance sports sedan that comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.
- Ascent: This spacious SUV is available with a turbocharged engine.
- Legacy: The Sport and Touring XT trims are equipped with a turbocharged engine.
- Outback: The XT versions of the Outback are turbocharged, including the Wilderness and Sport XT models.
Is the 2.0 Subaru engine turbocharged?
2.0 liter 4 cyl DOHC turbocharged engine w/ 250 hp and 258 lb-ft torque [Turbo Forester] 2.0 liter 4 cyl DOHC turbocharged engine w/ 268 hp and 258 lb-ft torque [WRX]
What kind of engine is in the Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine as its standard engine, producing 152 horsepower. Some models, like the RS trim, are equipped with a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER® engine that delivers 182 horsepower.
- 2.0-liter BOXER® engine: This is the standard engine for most Impreza models and generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- 2.5-liter BOXER® engine: Available on sportier trims, this engine provides 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
