Consumer Reports 10 Best Cheap Cars - New Subaru Impreza Rises To The Top

Is the Subaru Impreza one of the best new cars you can buy today? According to a new ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2023 Impreza is the second-best, most affordable new car for shoppers. 

The only problem with CR's report is the 2023 Subaru Impreza is sold out. But it's not a problem because the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza is significantly improved over the 2023 models.

The new models must adhere to strict guidelines to make CR's most recommended cars. They must have the lowest transaction price and not sell over the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). CR analyzed the average transaction price for new cars using data from TrueCar and sorted all models based on their selling price.

But the cars must also meet CR's stringent standards for road-test performance, owner satisfaction, reliability, and safety to make the list. Here are the ten best cheap cars that Consumer Reports recommends listed, starting with the vehicle with the least expensive transaction price.

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The Volkswagen Jetta is ranked the least expensive, followed by the second-best Subaru Impreza. The Kia Soul is the third best, followed by the Nissan Kicks, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Ford Maverick, and Buick Encore.

What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Impreza?

CR ranks the Impreza number three overall of all compact cars and the second least expensive new car with the lowest transaction price. The 2023 Subaru Impreza with a manual transmission has an average transaction price of $21,836. The average spent over MSRP is $2,041, and the average MSRP is $19,795 on all trim levels.

As mentioned above, the 2023 Subaru Impreza is sold out as Subaru makes the model change from 2023 to the all-new next-generation 2024 Impreza hatchback.

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Subaru discontinued the Impreza sedan and the Impreza with a 5-speed manual transmission. But no one objected because the new 2024 Impreza hatch is sportier and gets significant upgrades over the 2023 model year. The new 2024 Impreza RS with a 2.5-liter engine upgrade is worth checking out.

What is the price of the 2024 Impreza?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine starts at $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).

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Why should you consider the Impreza, and what sets the new Impreza hatch apart from the other nine models listed above?

The completely remodeled 2024 Impreza offers exceptional value. The Impreza comes standard with the Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which means it's all-weather capable, and you won't get stuck in the snow, mud, dirt, or sand. 

The Impreza gets the highest safety score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned the highest crash scores. All 2024 Impreza trims come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety technology and will keep you safer than other small cars in the event of a crash.

What is the 2024 Impreza fuel mileage?

The Impreza is fuel efficient. The EPA says the fuel mileage rating for the 2024 Impreza RS with the new 2.5-liter engine is 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The 2024 Impreza with the 2.0-liter engine's EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

Most Subaru retailers are charging MSRP for the new 2024 Impreza rather than raising the price over the sticker price. Consumer Reports says the 2023 Impreza is the second best, most affordable new car, and you can also expect the 2024 models will be at the top of the list.  

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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