Why did Subaru stop making Impreza?
Subaru has largely phased out the Impreza in its main markets as the brand doubles down on crossovers and SUVs. The compact sedan/hatch has disappeared from many new-car lots in North America, with sales now focused on the Crosstrek and other models. This article explains what happened, why Subaru made the change, and what it means for buyers.
What happened and when
To understand the shift, it helps to see the key milestones that led to the Impreza’s reduced role in Subaru’s lineup.
Here is a concise timeline of the events and decisions surrounding the Impreza:
- In North America, Subaru gradually removed the Impreza from the new-car lineup in recent model years, with no new Impreza offering in the most recent generations sold there.
- In other global markets, the Impreza’s availability varied and production attention shifted toward the brand’s growing SUV lineup, notably the Crosstrek (XV in some markets).
- Throughout the period, Subaru publicly emphasized simplifying its lineup and focusing investments on its best-selling crossovers and electrified options, rather than maintaining a separate compact sedan/hatch.
Taken together, these steps reflect a deliberate realignment of Subaru’s product strategy toward higher-demand segments and greater commonality across models.
Why Subaru made the change
Several interrelated factors shaped Subaru’s decision to wind down the Impreza, focusing resources on crossovers and more profitable offerings.
- Market demand shifted toward crossovers and SUVs, reducing demand for compact sedans and hatchbacks.
- Sales of compact cars declined relative to SUVs, pressuring manufacturers to streamline portfolios for profitability.
- Engineering and production costs benefited from concentrating on shared platforms across a smaller number of models, notably the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback.
- The Crosstrek, a compact SUV built on a similar underpinnings as the Impreza, rose as the brand’s entry-point model and benefitted from ongoing updates and electrified options.
- Subaru has pursued electrified and hybrid variants primarily within its SUV lineup, aligning with broader industry trends toward electrification in a higher-margin segment.
In short, Subaru’s decision reflected a strategic shift toward a narrower, more profitable lineup centered on rugged, versatile crossovers rather than a broader range of compact cars.
What this means for buyers and the lineup
For prospective buyers and current Subaru customers, the Impreza’s absence reshapes choices in the brand’s compact segment and highlights the Crosstrek as the closest substitute within the lineup.
- The Crosstrek is the nearest replacement in Subaru’s lineup, offering SUV practicality, all-wheel drive as standard in many markets, and recent updates that improve efficiency and technology.
- For those who valued a traditional wagon/sedan format, a used Impreza may still be available in some markets or on the used-car market, though availability will vary by region and model year.
- Other Subaru models—such as the Forester and Outback—provide similar practicality with more cargo space and higher ride height, albeit at a different size and price point.
Prospective buyers should consider their preference for body style, interior space, and driving characteristics, then compare the Crosstrek and other compact-SUV options in Subaru’s lineup to find the best fit.
Summary
Subaru’s discontinuation of the Impreza reflects a broader industry shift away from compact sedans toward crossovers and SUVs. By focusing on the Crosstrek and the rest of its SUV lineup, Subaru aims to improve profitability, streamline production, and align with changing consumer tastes. For buyers, the Crosstrek serves as the practical entry point into Subaru’s current lineup, with the Forester and Outback providing expanded choices for those who need more space.
Are the 2026 subarus out yet?
Some 2026 Subaru models are out, with the 2026 Outback now available, and new versions of the Solterra and WRX expected soon. The 2026 Outback became available around the end of 2025, while the 2026 Solterra models are slated for a Spring 2026 release. The 2026 WRX Series.Yellow is also expected in Spring 2026.
- 2026 Subaru Outback: Available now, with the Outback Wilderness arriving in early 2026.
- 2026 Subaru Solterra: The 2026 Solterra Trailseeker and Uncharted EV are expected in Spring 2026.
- 2026 Subaru WRX: The 2026 WRX Series.Yellow is expected to be released in Spring 2026.
- 2026 Subaru BRZ: The 2026 BRZ Series.Yellow is expected to be released in Winter 2025.
Did Subaru discontinue Impreza?
No, the Subaru Impreza has not been fully discontinued, but its lineup has been significantly changed for the 2026 model year, with the discontinuation of the base model and the sedan version for 2024. The Impreza is now exclusively a 5-door hatchback, and it will be available in Sport and RS trims.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport: 56sBen HardyYouTube · Oct 17, 2025
- Model Status: The Impreza is still in production, but as a hatchback-only model.
- Lineup Changes:
- The base trim was discontinued for the 2026 model year due to poor sales.
- The sedan body style was discontinued for the 2024 model year.
- Current Trims: The 2026 Impreza is offered in two trims: Sport and RS.
- Transmission: The manual transmission option was discontinued starting with the 2024 model year, so all models now use a CVT.
Is there going to be a 2025 Subaru Impreza?
Get sporty AWD fun, all-weather capability, and a versatile, hatchback design with the 2025 Impreza.
What is the problem with a Subaru Impreza?
Common Subaru Impreza problems include engine issues like head gasket failures and oil leaks, especially in older models, and transmission problems such as slipping or growling in CVTs. Other issues include electrical problems like a failing ignition coil, and various recalls and technical service bulletins related to components like the front driveshaft, crankcase ventilation valve, and oxygen sensor.
Engine and oil
- Head Gasket Leaks: An older but notorious problem, especially in models with the EJ series engine.
- Oil Leaks: Can occur from the rear of the engine or front seals, sometimes due to a failed plastic oil baffle plate or oil pump seal.
- Knock Sensor Failure: Can trigger a "check engine" light.
- Oil Consumption: Some models, particularly turbocharged ones, can consume excessive oil.
This video explains common Subaru Impreza engine oil consumption issues: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 5, 2023
Transmission and drivetrain
- CVT Issues: Models with the Lineartronic CVT can experience slipping, stalling, growling, or erratic shifting, especially as they age.
- Slipping Transmission: Reported in some newer models, potentially due to issues with the transmission computer or sensors.
- Cracked Driveshaft: A recall exists for some 2024 Impreza models where the front driveshaft assembly's outer race may crack and break.
This video discusses common transmission problems in Subaru Impreza models: 59sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 11, 2023
Electrical and electronics
- Engine Control Module (ECM) Issues: A recall for 2017-2019 models involved an ECM that could keep power to the ignition coil after the engine was off, leading to a fuse blowing or stalling.
- Passenger Seatbelt Light/Alarm: Some owners have reported this issue persisting even without a passenger.
- Brake Light Switch: Can fail, preventing the brake lights from illuminating.
This video explains electrical issues affecting Subaru Impreza vehicles: 57sAutomotive AnticsYouTube · Nov 1, 2019
Other common problems
- Oxygen (O2) Sensor: A recall and common complaint is a faulty O2 sensor.
- Paint and Body Issues: Some owners report fading, chalking, or peeling paint, as well as loose trim.
- Suspension: Issues with the steering rack bushes have been reported, leading to sloppy handling.
- Brakes: Some models may have under-specified brakes, resulting in shorter braking distances and poor response.
Model-specific concerns
- 2012 Impreza: Has been identified as a model to potentially avoid due to a high number of complaints regarding head gaskets and transmissions.
- 2017-2019 Models: Subject to a recall for the electrical issue described above and a recall for the positive crankshaft ventilation valves.
