2017 Subaru Impreza

Overview

Those expecting the Impreza to play the role of a junior WRX will be disappointed. The Impreza is no rally-inspired hot rod. It rides and handles adroitly, but its flat-four engine’s limited grunt and unsatisfactory transmission choices—a clunky, poorly geared five-speed manual and a tactful but boring continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)—prevent the smallest Subaru from being particularly fun to drive. While it’s not among the quickest compact cars, it is the only one with standard all-wheel drive. All new for 2017, the Impreza is available as either a sedan or a hatchback. Add in top safety ratings and a host of available active safety features, and the Impreza is worth considering.

What's New for 2017?

The redesigned Subaru Impreza is longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor. It sits on an all-new chassis that’s 70 percent stiffer than the prior car’s. Now built at the company’s plant in Lafayette, Indiana, the fifth-generation Impreza features Subaru’s latest Starlink touchscreen infotainment system and mild revisions to the carryover 2.0-liter flat-four, which now makes 152 horsepower—a barely noticeable gain of four horses compared with last year’s Impreza.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $19,215
• Premium: $22,015
• Sport: $22,815
• Limited: $24,915

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Although the new Impreza’s flat-four is carried over from the previous-generation model, revisions to the 2.0-liter engine add four additional horses to the stable, bringing the total sum to 152. Alas, with little low-end punch, the Impreza requires considerable goading to keep the engine in the meat of its powerband. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base and Sport models, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional on those trims and standard on Premium and Limited models. The CVT is fine, if uninspired. The Impreza’s apathetic acceleration is exacerbated by the clunky feel of the standard five-speed manual transmission. Nevertheless, Subaru’s rally-car heritage shines through in the Impreza’s chassis, which is willing and happy to be tussled about on back roads and serves up a compliant ride in the bargain. Built on Subaru’s stiff new Global Platform, the Impreza strikes a near-perfect balance between ride and handling.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Impreza’s interior emphasizes ergonomic friendliness over style. Simple secondary controls and minimal blind spots make for an intuitive and comfortable behind-the-wheel experience. Clear gauges, simple controls, and an intuitive climate-control system make the Impreza easy to operate. Additionally, the Impreza’s cabin benefits from swaths of soft-touch plastics, cushy armrests, and impressive fit and finish. The cargo holds of both the sedan and hatchback are on the smaller side of the class. Still, both Impreza body styles benefit from a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat that allows for additional cargo room. But limited in-cabin storage cubbies leave few places to hide various personal items.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

While base and Premium-level Imprezas feature a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Sport and Limited models come equipped with a bigger 8.0-inch unit. Both systems boast logical menu structures and crisp graphics. Every Impreza includes key infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An in-dash navigation system is exclusive to the top-end Impreza Limited trim, bundled into a package that also includes a premium audio system, a sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, and the latest active safety features.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Subaru Impreza’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.