Subaru Says They'll Make A New FWD Impreza - No Worries, It’s Not For The U.S.

The Subaru brand is known for its all-wheel-drive Impreza compact car, but the Japanese automaker makes a two-wheel-drive (FWD) model other than the BRZ sports coupe. Check out the next-generation 2024 Impreza hatchback that comes in front-wheel-drive.

Subaru Corporation announced pricing on the all-new Japanese-specification 2024 Impreza hatchback, which comes in FWD and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Subaru offers three new 2024 Impreza trim levels, and Japanese customers can get them in FWD and AWD versions.

All-wheel-drive vehicles account for 98 percent of Subaru's global sales volume. The other two percent are FWD versions, but not to worry, the 2024 Impreza with FWD won't be sold in North America.

Surprisingly, the Japanese automaker offers all three new Impreza trims with FWD. Japanese customers can buy a next-generation Subaru Impreza ST, ST-G, and ST-H trim with FWD. The ST-G and ST-H are e-Boxer hybrid models.

It's not the first time Subaru has offered a Japan-spec Impreza with front-wheel-drive. In 2020, Subaru offered the Impreza STI Sport With FWD. Subaru also had a 2018 Impreza Sport G4 in either FWD or AWD for Japanese consumers.

Surprisingly, Subaru offers its Japanese customers the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV with FWD. But not in North America.

Why doesn't Subaru offer the FWD Impreza in the U.S.?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza and 2024 Crosstrek come standard with all-wheel-drive in North America. It's Subaru of America's calling card, which sets the automaker apart from the competition.

Why does Subaru offer the FWD Impreza and Crosstrek in Japan?

Subaru is trying to appeal to a broader audience of Japanese urban dwellers who use the vehicle for commuting and won't take the Crosstrek on a steep mountain trail. The 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza with FWD will get better fuel mileage than the all-wheel-drive trim levels. It gives buyers an option according to their lifestyle. Like, Impreza, the FWD Crosstrek will likely only be offered in Japan.

By offering a front-wheel-drive Impreza and Crosstrek in Japan, the compact hatchback and subcompact SUV will appeal to those with active lifestyles who will use the subcompact SUV for a commuter during the week and occasional "soft-road" (unpaved roads that are not challenging) excursions on the weekend.

Subaru of America knows the FWD models would not sell in North America. So look for Subaru to stay with the all-wheel-drive configuration in the new 2024 Impreza and Crosstrek and not offer a front-wheel-drive trim level to its U.S. customers.

What is the U.S. Specification 2024 Impreza price?

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 has a starting price of $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090). All trims come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

Do you like the changes coming to the all-new next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza? Give us your feedback in the comments below.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru