Available manual transmission for those who want to row their own gears
Slow and noisy acceleration
Lower-quality interior materials compared to many rivals
Hard to match fuel economy estimates in the real world
Premium trim level now comes with Subaru's SI-Drive engine management
Part of the fifth Impreza generation introduced for 2017
The Subaru Impreza offers two body styles: sedan and hatchback. Both come standard with all-wheel drive, which could be appealing if you live in a cold-weather region and need the extra traction. Furthering the niche appeal here is the car's available manual transmission. Few automakers bother to offer one these days, so credit to Subaru for keeping the flame alive for people who enjoy the more tactile feeling of a clutch and manual shifter.
In other aspects, however, the Impreza is pretty average. Rivals such as the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3 have more refined interiors and better powertrain choices. So is the Impreza for you? Read our full Edmunds rating of the Impreza to see how it rates in regard to performance, comfort, utility and more.
The 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.
How does the Impreza drive?
7.5
The weak engine is one of the Impreza's biggest failings. Its 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds is near the bottom of the class, and the transmission can exacerbate the engine's buzzy and relatively unresponsive nature. Passing on the highway or merging into traffic requires more time and planning than it should.
It's not all bad news. The brakes are firm and easy to control, meaning you can bring the car to a smooth stop with ease. The steering is quick and responsive without feeling unsettled, and it's sportier relative to the steering in most competitors. Body roll is well controlled, and standard all-wheel drive helps the Impreza feel more sure-footed than some other small sedans.
How comfortable is the Impreza?
7.5
With a relatively quiet and smooth ride, the Impreza is a breeze to drive on the highway. It's comfortable and compliant without feeling too soft or floaty. There's no wind noise, but the continuously variable automatic transmission does result in some unpleasant whine. The seats are comfortable and well bolstered even if they are a bit on the firm side for long road trips. The rear seats are flat but comfortable.
The available automatic climate control is easy to operate, but the vents aren't well placed. A couple of the main air vents are right next to the steering wheel, right where you would grip, unfortunately cooling your fingers quicker than the cabin.
How’s the interior?
8.5
The Impreza's interior is definitely functional. The controls are clear and easy to use, and the secondary screen on the top of the dash is more useful than it may seem at first.
The Impreza is easy to see out of, especially in hatchback form. There's plenty of room for passengers, though those over 6 feet tall might find the rear seats a little tight. The large door openings make it easy to get in and out. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, offering plenty of adjustment for drivers of any size or shape.
How’s the tech?
8.0
The touchscreen is laid out much like a smartphone homescreen. It's familiar, easy to see and understand, and responsive to touch inputs. The navigation command structure is simple, and finding points of interest is easy. But the stereo's speaker quality and max volume could be better.
The EyeSight system's adaptive cruise control works well. It maintains a proper distance and doesn't slam on the brakes when you get cut off or follow too far behind. The lane keeping assist system also works well.
How’s the storage?
7.0
Between the two available Impreza bodies — sedan and hatchback — we'd recommend the hatch. The sedan has limited trunk space compared to class leaders such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3. Storage for small items is fine, but some competitors do better. There are plenty of cupholders, all capable of fitting a standard water bottle or soda can.
Child seat accommodation is excellent. The latches are easy to access, and you'll find three anchor points behind the rear seat. The roomy interior means there's a good amount of room for bulky rear-facing child seats.
How economical is the Impreza?
6.0
The EPA estimates the Impreza sedan with the CVT automatic, its most fuel-efficient configuration, will get 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's right on target for the segment's top competitors. But real-world fuel economy is disappointing; our test Impreza struggled to yield even 28 mpg.
Is the Impreza a good value?
6.5
In lower trim levels, the Impreza is a good way to get all-wheel drive without a big price premium. But as you move up the trim-level ladder, the rising cost makes the Subaru a less compelling offering. The interior isn't as nice as what you'll find in some other small sedans, and no features help the Impreza stand out in the class.
Wildcard
7.0
It's certainly a plus that the Impreza is one of the few cars in the class with all-wheel drive. But the lackluster engine reduces desirability. The Impreza is simply too slow compared to some rivals. It's a good car but lacks the desirability of the class leaders.
Which Impreza does Edmunds recommend?
Check out the Impreza's midlevel Premium trim. Rather than feeling bare-bones like the base trim, it comes with a few creature comforts such as heated front seats and Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver safety aids. Tech-savvy buyers will want to consider the Sport or Limited trim level for the upgraded 8-inch infotainment system.
Subaru Impreza models
The 2021 Subaru Impreza is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback. Features on the four trims are broadly similar for both body styles. The four trims available are the base, Premium, Sport and Limited.
Base
The Impreza starts you out with:
Four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower)
Five-speed manual transmission or continuously variable automatic (CVT)
All-wheel drive
16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
Cruise control
Cloth upholstery
Power windows and door locks
6.5-inch touchscreen
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability
Four-speaker stereo with a single USB port
Premium
Has some more desirable equipment such as:
Limited
Compared to the Premium, the top-line Limited has:
Standard CVT
LED headlights
Keyless entry and push-button start
8-inch touchscreen with navigation
Automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Automatic climate control
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Premium and Sport trims are also available with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a sunroof. Sport and Limited models have the option of the sunroof plus a Harman Kardon stereo.
MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. Certain equipment may be required in specific states, which can modify your MSRP. See your retailer for details. 2021 Subaru Impreza Sport 5-door in Lithium Red shown has an MSRP of $19,295.
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Impreza safety features:
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Sounds an audible warning when vehicles are approaching from the side, such as when backing out of a parking space.
Subaru EyeSight
Bundles several driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
Reverse Automatic Braking
Applies the brakes automatically if a collision is deemed imminent while reversing.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
9.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good
Subaru Impreza vs. the competition
Subaru Impreza vs. Mazda 3
Much like the Impreza, the Mazda 3 is offered in both sedan and hatchback configurations. The Mazda 3 doesn't come standard with all-wheel drive like the Impreza, but Mazda does offer it as an option on certain trim levels. The Mazda 3 is also more refined on the inside. In the Impreza's favor is its more spacious rear seating. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda 3.
Some shoppers might pass up the Honda Civic because it doesn't offer all-wheel drive before even giving it a chance. But if you don't need the all-weather capability, the Civic is our favorite small car. It's spacious and refined and comes as both a sedan and a hatchback. Its turbocharged engine has more power and better fuel economy too.
If you're looking for a bit of driving fun in an affordable package, the Kia Forte (specifically in the GT trim) is a great place to start your search. The Forte doesn't offer all-wheel drive, but it does have a spacious trunk, an easy-to-use interior interface, and lots of features for the money. It rides a bit stiff compared to the Subaru, however.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Impreza both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. You probably care about Subaru Impreza fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg to 31 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Impreza has 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Impreza. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Subaru Impreza:
Premium trim level now comes with Subaru's SI-Drive engine management
Part of the fifth Impreza generation introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Subaru Impreza is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Impreza. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Impreza's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Subaru Impreza is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Impreza and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Impreza is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Subaru Impreza?
The least-expensive 2021 Subaru Impreza is the 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $18,795.
Other versions include:
4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $20,095
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,195
Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,595
4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $18,795
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,895
If you're interested in the Subaru Impreza, the next question is, which Impreza model is right for you? Impreza variants include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M). For a full list of Impreza models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza Overview
The 2021 Subaru Impreza is offered in the following submodels: Impreza Hatchback, Impreza Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), and Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2021 Subaru Impreza and all its trim types.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Impreza.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Subaru Impreza and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Impreza featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Subaru Impreza?
2021 Subaru Impreza Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Subaru Impreza Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,266. The average price paid for a new 2021 Subaru Impreza Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,093 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,093 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $23,174.
The average savings for the 2021 Subaru Impreza Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 8.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 6 2021 Subaru Impreza Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Subaru Impreza Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Subaru Impreza Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $23,474. The average price paid for a new 2021 Subaru Impreza Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,029 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,029 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,445.
The average savings for the 2021 Subaru Impreza Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 8.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 17 2021 Subaru Impreza Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $21,148. The average price paid for a new 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $1,592 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,592 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,556.
The average savings for the 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 7.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 10 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Subaru Impreza Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Subaru Impreza Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,566. The average price paid for a new 2021 Subaru Impreza Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,273 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,273 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $25,293.
The average savings for the 2021 Subaru Impreza Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 8.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 5 2021 Subaru Impreza Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
The 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20,338. The average price paid for a new 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) is trending $1,493 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,493 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $18,845.
The average savings for the 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) is 7.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 1 2021 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Subaru Imprezas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings
of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Subaru Impreza for
sale near. There are currently 285
new 2021 Imprezas listed for sale in your area, with list
prices as low as $20,318 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the
type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to
find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle
you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find
out what other owners paid for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of
your choice and save up to $2,289 on a used or CPO 2021 Impreza available
from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2021 Subaru Imprezas you
want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Subaru for sale - 9 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $15,856.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.
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