Key Features of the 2026 Subaru Impreza

Standard All-Wheel Drive

All 2026 Impreza models feature all-wheel drive as standard equipment, setting it apart in the compact class. The system seamlessly allocates traction to the wheels with grip, enhancing stability when roads turn wet, slushy, or uneven. Beyond foul weather, all-wheel drive supports a planted feel in everyday driving, from tight urban corners to winding rural roads. The chassis strikes an agreeable balance—calm, predictable, and well-mannered—so the Impreza stays composed even when pavement quality changes. If your daily travel takes you across bridges, rolling hills, or shaded lanes that can stay damp in cooler months, standard all-wheel drive is a confidence booster you will appreciate on the first rainy commute near Owings Mills, MD and for years afterward.

11.6-inch Touchscreen and Wireless Connectivity

The cabin centers around an 11.6-inch touchscreen that is both easy to see and intuitive to use. Subaru keeps tactile convenience with familiar volume and tuning knobs plus dedicated climate buttons around the screen—so common adjustments remain quick and distraction-light. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simplify your routine by bringing maps, music, podcasts, and messaging onto the display without a cable. Prefer a wired connection? USB-C and USB-A ports are on hand, making device compatibility effortless. The available Harman/Kardon 10-speaker audio system on RS models adds richer sound staging for music enthusiasts. Whether you stream on your commute, navigate to weekend hikes, or keep the family entertained on longer drives, the Impreza’s infotainment makes it feel natural and responsive.

EyeSight Driver-Assist Technology

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite is standard on every 2026 Impreza, adding helpful layers of support when you want them most. Adaptive cruise control can help maintain distance on the highway, lane-centering assist works to keep the vehicle positioned in its lane, and automated emergency braking can help reduce or avoid frontal impacts in certain situations. Available features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and evasive-steering assist expand situational awareness when merging, backing, or reacting to sudden changes ahead. The goal is not to replace your attentiveness, but to amplify it—especially during busy rush-hour stretches and longer weekend trips. EyeSight’s calm, consistent behavior is a strong asset for daily driving in variable regional traffic patterns around Baltimore, Glen Burnie, and Newark.

2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Performance (RS)

The RS model’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 180 hp and pairs with a smooth CVT, giving the Impreza more confident acceleration for passing and merging. In independent testing, an Impreza RS reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, reflecting the added responsiveness you can feel at the on-ramp or when overtaking. While some rivals employ turbocharged options, Subaru focuses here on linear power delivery and real-world drivability. The RS also benefits from the chassis tuning that helps the Impreza feel steady and reassuring at speed. If your routes include hilly terrain or you frequently carry passengers and gear, the RS’s extra power is a welcome upgrade without compromising the Impreza’s easygoing character.

Flexible Hatchback Cargo Space

The 2026 Impreza’s hatchback design is a difference-maker for active lives. With a wide opening and low liftover, loading bulky items is simple. Rear seats fold in a 60/40 split to accommodate longer cargo while preserving a spot for a rear passenger, or fold them both to unlock a cavernous 56 cubic feet. Subaru even builds in thoughtful touches—like a handy plastic step in the second-row door sills—to make accessing rooftop cargo easier. Keep the seats up and you’ll still find a practical area for groceries, gym bags, or a week’s worth of work gear. If you regularly swap between city errands and weekend outings, this utility is the kind of convenience you feel every day.