Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Impreza beats their 26.3 mpg average by 2.7 mpg, about $136 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 2L 4-cyl (2012–2026), does 30.9 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2000–2011), 21.9: $510 a year apart.
Every Subaru Impreza engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 27.6 / 35.7 | 2012–2026 | $1,243 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21.4 / 28.4 | 1993–1997 | $1,600 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 20 / 27 | 1998–2001 | $1,692 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 19.7 / 25.5 | 2000–2011 | $1,753 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Soul gets 31 mpg, the Kia Niro 50.5 mpg and the Volvo V60 28.5 mpg, next to 29 mpg for the 2026 Impreza.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$136 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,460 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru Impreza gives up 6 mpg in town: 33 on the highway against 27 in the city, $258 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (22%) | Typical for its type |
How the Impreza changed over the years
The Impreza peaked in 2023 at 32 mpg (28 city, 36 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 21 — 11 mpg apart, or $629 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 29. The biggest single-year change came in 2012: 22 to 30 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2025 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2023 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2022 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2021 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2020 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2019 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2018 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2017 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2016 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2015 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2014 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2013 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2012 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2011 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 19 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1999 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1998 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1997 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 34 EPA ratings of the Subaru Impreza — 4 engines across 1993–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,460. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Subaru Impreza get?
29 mpg combined, 27 city and 33 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1993 the Impreza has averaged 26.3 mpg.
Is the 2026 Impreza more efficient than the 2025?
No: 29 against 30 mpg combined, about $44 a year more to run.
Which Impreza year has the best gas mileage?
The 2023, at 32 mpg combined (28 city, 36 highway).
Does the Impreza get better gas mileage than the Kia Soul?
No: 29 mpg for the 2026 Impreza against 31 for the 2025 Kia Soul, about $85 a year more to run.
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