Subaru Appears to Be Spicing Up a Popular Mainstay with Some Go-Fast Goodies

A new trademark filing suggests a peppy in-betweener.

Rear section of a red Subaru Impreza RS with visible taillight and badges.

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Published June 26, 2026

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Updated 24 hours ago

Subaru may be readying a slightly spicier version of its popular base Impreza hatchback. A new trademark filing unearthed by blogger Creative311 shows the Japanese automaker moving to protect the name, “Impreza TX.”

While trademark filings aren’t necessarily hard confirmations of new models (nor very telling at all, for that matter), the application has the internet abuzz with speculation. Some suggest it could be a sportier, enthusiast-oriented variant other than a WRX or STI.

A peppier, six-speed manual-equipped Impreza? Sign us up

Red Subaru hatchback driving on a coastal highway at sunset. — A next-gen Impreza is on the way, which may include an even sportier variant below the WRX.

According to said speculation, some believe this new “Impreza TX” trademark filing may indicate a sportier variant based on the impending next-gen model. Today, Subaru of America only sells a base, five-door hatchback version of the Impreza.

It’s rather mundane, too, with its two engine options and trim levels. At least, when compared to the hi-po WRX sedan.

USPTO trademark status page showing application for "IMPREZA TX" with serial number 99873903, filed on June 9, 2026, currently awaiting examination. — A new trademark filing with the USPTO suggests a new Impreza variant is on the way.

The Impreza hatch also only comes in two trims, named Sport and RS. The Sport comes with a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated boxer-four with 145 pound-feet. The more expensive RS features a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four.

But both only come with a CVT automatic. As such, while Subaru touts “sport-tuned suspension,” neither the Sport nor the RS is particularly sporty or peppy.

Black and red fabric car seats with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stitching and a large touchscreen infotainment system. — Today, the Impreza hatchback comes with two engine options, but it’s stuck with a soul-sucking CVT.

This supposed new Impreza TX could change that. Rumors say the TX could come with a turbo engine and a six-speed manual and other sportier appointments. However, it’ll likely be one step below the WRX.

Reenergizing Subaru as an enthusiast brand

Red Subaru hatchback driving on a coastal highway at dusk with ocean and hills in the background. — Subaru touts “sport-tuned” suspension for the base Impreza Sport, but it seems hardly so when compared to the WRX.

The supposed new Impreza TX may also be another sign of Subaru’s intent to reinvigorate the brand with some more enthusiastic vibes. The brand moved away from its performance endeavors after the 2008 financial crisis, in a bid to focus on more family-friendly and commuter-centric automobiles.

But because buyers appear to want more fun cars, Subaru is jumping on the bandwagon. This was further exemplified by its latest efforts to revive STI as its performance brand.

Furthermore, if one dissects the logic behind the “Impreza TX” name, one will see that Subaru used the “TX” badge once before. Specifically with the older Forester and Outback TX models.

Three cars covered with blue satin cloths on a dark concrete floor. — Subaru has been trying to revamp its image as an enthusiast brand and bring back STI.

Previously, the TX badge designated the use of a turbocharged engine (T) while the “X” also indicated all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Additionally, Subaru in Japan teased three new models on the horizon. One had the silhouette of the current WRX sedan, while another clearly looked like a BRZ under the sheets.

The third, however, appeared hatchback-like, suggesting it could be a new Impreza five-door variant in the works.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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