CR’s 10 Best Cheap Cars - Don’t Believe What You Read About The Subaru Impreza

Consumer Reports updated its cheap, safe, reliable cars with the lowest transaction price. According to a new ranking by Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2023 Impreza is the sixth-best, most affordable new car for shoppers. There's a problem with CR's report because the 2023 Subaru Impreza is sold out, and you won't find one sitting on retailers' lots. 

The report should have said that the 2023 Subaru Impreza was one of the best new cars you can buy. So, with that in mind, I will cover the 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback, which is available for new car shoppers.

Is the next-generation 2024 Impreza affordable? 

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback is significantly improved over the 2023 models and is at Subaru retailers now. 

I have covered the new next-generation 2024 Impreza in detail and have included additional articles related to the Subaru Impreza in the links at the end of this report. 

Before I cover the 2024 model Impreza, the new models listed here from Consumer Reports 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.

The 10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

The 2023 Toyota Corolla ($21,700 - $27,425) is ranked the least expensive, followed by the second-best 2023 Nissan Kicks ($20,590 - $23,150). They are followed by the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid ( $21,700 - $27,425), 2023 Mazda 3 ($22,550 - $35,300), 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback ($23,155 - $26,580), 2023 Subaru Impreza ($19,795 - $27,395), 2023 Volkswagen Jetta ($20,655 - $28,385), 2023 Kia Soul ($19,890 - $24,190), 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ($24,550 - $29,150), and 2023 Kia Seltos ($23,340 - $28,840).

What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Impreza?

CR ranks the Impreza as the sixth least expensive new car with the lowest transaction price. The 2023 Subaru Impreza has an average transaction price of $19,795 - $27,395. The average spent over MSRP is $1,313, and the average MSRP is $23,195 for the Impreza Premium trim level.

Consumer Reports covers the 2023 Impreza pricing data, but you'll be looking at a used model because the 2023 model year is no longer available. 

What is the price of the 2024 Impreza? 

Here is the new pricing information for shoppers checking out 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).

Head-To-Head 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Vs. Crosstrek Sport - Hot Hatch Or Off-Road Warrior, which new model would you pick? via @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto #subaru #impreza #crosstrek https://t.co/LSVIlQNioJ pic.twitter.com/oPddB33Hox
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) August 31, 2023

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 the highest crash score. 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.

Consumer Reports says the 2023 Impreza is the sixth best, safest, most reliable and most affordable new car for shoppers. CR should have mentioned that it's no longer available. For the most up-to-date Subaru information, I will inform shoppers of the latest new Subaru best model picks. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Impreza story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to the Subaru Impreza, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy.

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The New 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport Vs. All-New Impreza RS Hatch Head To Head
• 7 Things Consumer Reports Doesn’t Like About The All-New Subaru Impreza RS
• The All-New Next-Gen Subaru Impreza - 8 Things You Didn’t Know

Also check out the 2024 Subaru Impreza | Review & Road Test YouTube video from KBB

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA