What's New
The 2021 Subaru Impreza sees the addition of selectable driving modes to the mid-level Premium trim. Otherwise, the all-wheel-drive sedan and hatchback are unchanged following last year's refresh.
The current Impreza hit the streets in 2017. A total redesign is expected for 2022.
Choosing Your Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is available in four trim levels: Impreza, Premium, Sport, and Limited. The sedan starts at $19,720 including destination and goes to $26,820 for the Limited. The hatchback costs $500 more at each trim level.
Engine Choices
Every Impreza comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on all models. The Premium and above come with two selectable driving modes: Intelligent (for efficiency) and Sport.
Most Impreza models run with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base sedan and Sport hatchback come standard with a six-speed manual, and the CVT is available for $1,300 on the sedan and $1,100 on the Sport hatchback
With the CVT, the Impreza is EPA-rated at 28 miles per gallon city, 36 mpg highway, and 32 combined. The manual transmission reduces these figures to 24/31/26 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Impreza provides room enough for five, although the rear middle seat is best reserved for short trips. The sedan's trunk measures 12.3 cubic feet, which is typical for this class. The hatchback offers 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and an excellent 55.3 cubic feet with it folded. In terms of utility, the Impreza hatchback ranks near the top of its class.
Safety Features
Models equipped with the CVT come with Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available on the Premium and Sport in option packages. This features is standard on the Limited, along with automatic high beams and rear automatic braking.
The Impreza is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and earns a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Connectivity
Impreza starts out with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, four speakers, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The stepping up to Premium brings six speakers, HD and satellite radio, a second USB port, and wi-fi capability.
The Sport and Premium get an 8-inch touchscreen and two rear USB ports. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon is optional on these trims, and navigation is available on the Limited.
The base Impreza comes with basics like power windows and locks, manual climate control, cloth seats, keyless entry, and 16-inch steel wheels.
The Premium gains heated front seats, automatic headlights, fog lights, heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. The hatchback also gets roof rails.
For $1,970, buyers can add an equipment bundle consisting of a sunroof, a power driver seat, push button start, proximity key access, and the blind-spot monitoring system.
The Sport takes on a more aggressive appearance with aerodynamic lower side moldings, 18-inch wheels, red seat stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedal covers. Other upgrades include the 8-inch touchscreen, standard push button start, and turn signal indicators in the side mirrors
The sunroof, Harman Kardon system, power driver seat, and blind-spot monitoring come bundled for $2,470.
The Limited features leather upholstery, a standard power driver seat, adaptive headlights, chrome door handles, and 17-inch wheels.
The Harman Kardon system, navigation, and the sunroof are available together $3,250.
Compare Impreza Trims Side-By-Side
Most buyers go for the 2021 Subaru Impreza Premium, and we can't quibble with their decision. It covers all the bases at a very friendly price. For folks who want to indulge a little, we prefer the leather-trimmed Limited over the Sport, which doesn't offering anything extra in the way of actual performance.