The 2022 Impreza is roomy and provides extra wet-weather traction because of its standard all-wheel-drive system. But the engine and transmission are a bit of a letdown.
Part of the fifth Impreza generation introduced for 2017
What is the Subaru Impreza?
The Impreza is Subaru's long-running compact sedan and hatchback, serving for years as the Japanese automaker's smallest and most affordable model. The current Impreza made its debut in 2017, followed soon by the Impreza-based Crosstrek hatchback. While that doesn't seem all that long ago, Subaru has updated most of its other models since 2017, including the Outback and Forester SUVs and the Legacy sedan.
We expect to see changes from those vehicles to trickle down to the Impreza. In addition to updated styling, the Impreza should feature a more modern interior with improved tech. It would be a shock if standard all-wheel drive was dropped, so the Impreza should be the popular all-weather car it's been for years.
Edmunds says
The Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback are due for a redesign. Look for tech, driver aids and an overall design drawn from newer Subaru models such as the Forester and Legacy. If the redesign is as successful as those, the Impreza might move up from its middling spot in our rankings.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Impreza from 2008-2022.
$514/yr
vs. $416/yr for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
1x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
16.4%
vs. 10.4% for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2020 Subaru Impreza Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I recently bought a 2020 Impreza Sport hatchback with manual transmission. Compared to my 2017 base model Impreza, this one is MUCH nicer. I notice road and wind noise is significantly quieter, and the sound of the boxer engine is softer as well, so Subaru must have added more insulation to the car to make it quieter. My wife and I also love the heated front seats. My old Impreza took … forever to warm up in the winter, and now I am able to get warm within 2 minutes of getting into the car. The heated mirrors are nice to have in winter as well.
The amount of and ease-of-use of the technology is great. Since I opted for the manual transmission, I don’t have the EyeSight safety features, but the 8-inch LCD screen is great and comes with STARLINK as well as lots of info about the performance of the car (gas mileage, oil temp, tire pressure, etc). And the backup cam is my favorite of any car I’ve ever driven. Also, the sport cloth is a classy and unique touch, as are the 18-inch alloy wheels. I don’t mind that the gas mileage doesn’t compare to rival car brands because I like having all-wheel drive all the time. If you’re comfortable with manual transmission, I’d recommend going with it over the more popular CVT transmission because acceleration feels sportier and less sluggish than the CVT. If you want a sporty, fun car with all-wheel drive, I’d definitely recommend this car.
Have the base model with CVT. Handling and stability is excellent. No torque steer, even in the wet, due to symmetrical AWD, outstanding traction in wet and snowy conditions. Live in Minnesota, so AWD is primary reason for getting the car. Plenty of room inside, (got the 5 door so can fold down rear seats), excellent for highway cruising with adaptive cruise, and is quiet for the class. … Relatively small dimensions and nimble handling make it also very good for city driving.
Now to the negatives that almost every road tester beats on the car for.
First, interior quality. Often is criticized, but is adequate IMO. Easy to use entertainment system, materials are fine for the class. Seats could be a bit better, but I once did 800 miles in one day, mostly in heavy rain, without undue discomfort, and felt totally confident of traction.
Finally, engine performance. Roundly criticized by almost every tester, but it more than adequate, IMO. Fuel economy is also very good considering AWD is active all the time. Currently am averaging 32 mpg in mixed, mostly freeway driving, with heavy use of the A/C. Average in mid 20s in winter, with balance more toward stop and go driving. Feels plenty quick in city driving, can cruise 80 mph all day on the interstate(have the ticket to prove it). Occasionally feels flat in light throttle acceleration at moderate speeds, but other than that is more than adequate. The rest of the car is so outstanding, though, that it is unfortunate that it does not have a bit more power. Supposedly the Forester 2.5 L engine is coming to some Crosstrek models in 2021, so hopefully will eventually filter down to the Impreza.
Smooth Ride
4 out of 5 stars
Ryan Smo, 03/21/2021
2021 Subaru Impreza Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Smooth, responsive, and good on gas. I got black exterior and black interior. It looks extremely crisp.
Update March 2025
Car is over six years old now with 54K miles. Still very satisfied with the vehicle. Last summer replaced the OEM tires with Cross Climate 2s. Have about 3500 on the tires, and like them a lot. They were great in our recent 9 inch snowfall. Only non scheduled service was a wheel bearing replace under warranty.
Great car for snowy Minnesota winters. Love the hatchback … body style. I have a 2019 model. Safety and driver assist system was far ahead of its time, although other makers are finally catching up.
Have to disagree with all the bashing concerning lack of horsepower. I find it totally adequate in day to day driving, even freeway merging.
My only regret is getting the base trim. I would strongly recommend moving up to the premium. It is only slightly more expensive, and includes heated seats and mirrors, as well as a better tuned suspension.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Subaru Impreza, so we've included reviews for other years of the Impreza since its last redesign.
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