Subaru Impreza trim comparison
2026 Subaru Impreza Sport vs RS
The Impreza Sport starts at $26,595 while the RS is $29,495. That $2,900 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L flat 4 to 2.5L flat 4. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 2.5L flat 4 every week, the RS makes sense. If not, the Sport is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the Sport to the RS is about $51/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $3,060 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Sport and RS are mechanically identical where it counts: the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,900 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $725 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 2 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Sport | RS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,595 | $29,495 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L flat 4 | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,500/yr | $1,500/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,249 lbs | 3,275 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
| Length | 176.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.1" | 70.1" |
| Height | 58.3" | 58.3" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Subaru Impreza Sport vs RS Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Subaru Impreza lineup, the Subaru brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Impreza RS cost than the Sport?
The RS starts at $29,495 compared to $26,595 for the Sport. That is a $2,900 difference, or approximately $51/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport and RS have the same engine?
No. The Sport uses a 2.0L flat 4 (152 hp, 145 lb-ft), while the RS has the 2.5L flat 4 (180 hp, 178 lb-ft). That is 28 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do the 2026 Impreza Sport and RS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2026 Subaru Impreza come with?
All 2026 Subaru Impreza trims, including both the Sport and RS, come with Subaru's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS worth $2,900 more than the Sport?
The $2,900 buys the 2.5L flat 4. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Sport does the same job for less.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $2,900 Gets You
The Impreza RS is a clear upgrade over the Sport. The $2,900 price increase gets you the 2.5L flat 4 engine (+28 hp) -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
Sport vs. RS: Day-to-Day
The RS comes with the 2.5L flat 4 instead of the Sport's 2.0L flat 4. That means 28 more horsepower and 33 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers.
Summary
The Impreza RS costs $2,900 more than the Sport (about $51/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $725 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Subaru Impreza Sport
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Sport best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Subaru Impreza RS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the RS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Subaru or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.