Used 2020 Subaru Impreza

#8 in Best Small Cars of 2020

The 2020 Subaru Impreza is the least-expensive vehicle in the automaker’s lineup, yet it is a standout among compact cars. That’s because unlike rivals such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra, the Subaru comes standard with all-wheel drive, a real boon for drivers who regularly deal with slippery roads and foul weather.

And the Impreza is far more than a one-trick pony. It is available as both a sedan or hatchback, offers the choice of a manual transmission in addition to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and can be had with Subaru’s laudable EyeSight system of safety and driver-assistance features.

Unlike some competitors, the Impreza doesn’t have a turbocharged engine, and its standard 4-cylinder isn’t all that powerful with only 152 horsepower (if performance is your thing, look to the sedan-only Subaru WRX). Still, for most buyers, the Impreza makes up for any performance deficits with its compliant and easy-driving manners, friendly nature, and history of excellent reliability and resale value.

As we’ve noted, the Subaru Impreza isn’t exactly white lightning on the road. With only 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, there’s only so much its engine can do, especially since it is powering all four wheels. And the CVT transmission doesn’t help matters. While Subaru’s continuously variable transmission continues to improve, it can still feel — and sound — taxed under hard acceleration. The manual transmission can rectify at least the latter issue.

Performance, or lack thereof, aside, the Impreza is a solid car. It feels and is more planted, literally, than competitors thanks to its boxer engine that lowers the Impreza’s center of gravity. And thanks to Subaru’s superb all-wheel-drive system, the Impreza simply outgrips the competition. When pavement turns slick and slippery, the Impreza is the compact car you want on your side. Need proof? Just look at the number of Subarus that reside in places like Colorado and the Pacific Northwest.

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Like the Impreza in general, its 5-passenger cabin is practical, inviting and easy to use. Cloth upholstery is what you’ll find in most models, although Limited trims get leather. Lower variants have a 6.5-inch touch-screen system, while Sport and Limited editions get a larger, crisp 8-inch screen. We appreciate that, no matter whether you’re adjusting the volume, climate or side mirrors, controls are easy to reach and distinguish.

Rear-seat legroom is impressive for a compact car, and it’s the same whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback. At 12.3 cubic feet, the sedan offers a reasonable trunk. For the most versatility, opt for the hatchback. It boasts 20.8 cubic feet of storage, and when you fold the rear seats it opens up over 55 cubic feet — nearly that of some small SUVs.

One of the biggest choices you have when buying an Impreza is whether you want a sedan or hatchback. We think each model is handsome, if not overly styled. They both have just the right amount of flair, and for 2020, get a mild tweak of the grille and fascia.

While each has the same wheelbase (the distance between axles) the Impreza sedan is the longer of the two, at 182.1 inches. The hatchback has more space inside, yet is shorter at 175.6 inches. If you’re limited on garage or parking space, this Subaru hatchback will be a better fit. Wheels range in size from 16 to 18 inches. The Subaru Impreza’s ground clearance, by the way, is a modest 5.1 inches. If you need more, check out the Subaru Crosstrek, which is basically a higher-riding, more rugged version of the Impreza hatchback.

STANDARD ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Subaru and all-wheel drive go hand in hand, and while it works almost invisibly, that’s part of its magic. Push the Impreza through a sharp curve or down a snow-covered road, however, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Best of all, the system doesn’t adversely affect the Impreza’s fuel economy or price.

EYESIGHT DRIVER ASSIST
Now standard on every 2020 Impreza with an automatic transmission, Subaru’s EyeSight system employs windshield-mounted stereo cameras that act as digital eyes to constantly monitor driving conditions. The system can maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, warn when you’re drifting from your lane and even slow or stop the car in the event of an impending collision.

In sedan or hatch form, the Impreza comes in four trims: base, Premium, Sport and Limited. Even a base model gets all-wheel drive standard, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and remote keyless entry. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; most buyers will opt for the CVT automatic, and for 2020 it also includes the previously optional — and highly recommendable — EyeSight system (see Favorite Features).

If you can swing the extra $3,000, we recommend stepping up to the Impreza Premium model. It includes the automatic transmission (a $1,000 option alone on base models), and thus the EyeSight assist system, alloy wheels, upgraded 6-speaker audio system with CD player, heated front seats, dual rear USB ports, 4.2-inch LCD instrument display, halogen fog lights, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer.

Continuing the trim climb, Subaru Impreza Sport models get the SI-Drive engine mode control, 18-inch alloy wheels, active torque vectoring, snazzy red stitching in the interior, rocker panels, sport-tuned suspension, and the 8.0-inch upgraded infotainment system.

Top-line Limited models include leather interior, 6-way power-adjust seat and blind-spot-monitoring system (both now available in Premium and Sport models), reverse automatic braking safety feature, push-button start and PIN code interior access, LED headlights, and the SI-Drive system. Other options include a moonroof and an 8-speaker/432-watt Harman Kardon audio system.

If you’re a driving enthusiast who wants a manual-transmission hatchback or sedan, consider the Impreza’s short-throw shifter (it comes standard on Sport models with the manual).

The Impreza uses a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter flat-4 boxer engine with 145 lb-ft of torque. While not big on power, the Impreza’s engine is easy on gas, especially when paired with the CVT automatic. Only the base 2.0i and Sport offer a 5-speed manual, a pairing that allows drivers more control for passing and merging, but lower fuel-economy numbers.

Other compact cars share similar horsepower and torque numbers for their base models, but the Subaru’s added weight of its all-wheel-drive system can make the Impreza feel like it’s struggling to keep up. By design, the Impreza’s horizontally opposed (“flat” or “boxer”) engine sits lower in the vehicle. This enables the Impreza to feel more planted and have a lower center of gravity.

2.0-liter flat-4
152 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
145 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (manual, base sedan), 24/31 mpg (manual, base hatchback), 28/36 mpg (automatic, sedan and hatchback), 23/31 mpg (manual, Sport sedan), 27/36 mpg (automatic, Sport sedan), 22/30 mpg (manual, Sport hatchback), 27/36 mpg (automatic, Sport sedan), 27/35 mpg (automatic, Sport hatchback)