Used 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Excellent MPG for AWD, disappointing electronics
Chris J, The Dalles, OR, 02/15/2016
2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I bought this 2015 Impreza Sport Limited in August of 2015 and it is now February of 2016. I live on a hill, in an area that gets snow and I had a 2003 AWD BMW 325xi with the sport package and premium package. The Impreza seems like a less expensive (especially maintenance) and better MPG option.
The Impreza is a lot louder inside on the freeway and not quite a sporty, but that was … kind of expected. The initial test drive of this car was very good. I liked the fit, finish and overall handling. The power was adequate, especially considering it gets 35 mpg on the highway. The front seats are comfortable and the winter package is very nice. I like the windshield defroster, the mirror defrosters, push button start and backup camera. It is easy to drive and has good visibility. I have been getting 30+ mpg on the freeway going about 70 on average. Around town is more like 24-26. Not bad and I have a lot of stop signs around my neighborhood.
This engine is a bit different. It takes a long time to warm up and idles high for sometimes over 5 minutes. It can be annoying to wait so long for the blue temperature light to turn off. Even if I drive somewhere, like a store, and when I get back out to the car it will idle high again. Feels like a lot of wasted fuel, but I guess Subaru wants to stay away from head gasket problems.
So far, the driving experience has been fine (other than the increased noise) and the Subaru handles well in the rain. The stock tires are Yokohama Avid S34 -- more of a highway/3 season type of tire and did not perform very well in the snow. I will get be getting dedicated snow tires for it next winter. The AWD works very well, but with those tires, it was constantly kicking in the traction control and sliding to a stop even at very low speeds. I am surprised Subaru doesn't match their AWD cars with a better true all season tire like the Toyo Celsius or Nokian WRG3. Most people buy these for snow driving.
This car has a CVT with paddle shifters. The CVT is alright and don't like the shifters. I preferred the BMW system, where you move the shifter to the left and use the shifter to go up and down, more like a manual transmission. Maybe I will be used to it in a few thousand more miles. I don't use manual mode much, anyway. The paddle shifters add to a fairly cluttered steering wheel.
I did not really test out the stereo and other electronics initially, but now that I have owned it a while, I am disappointed in those. The stereo sound is below average for a newer car, especially a "limited" model. I did not want to pay so much extra for the Eyesight and thus, I could not get navigation. Everyone gets in my car the first time and thinks it has nav because of the large touchscreen -- nope. Just a fancy looking radio with bluetooth. Subaru does have upgraded speaker options, but they are very high priced. They offered me the subwoofer for over $500 installed. No thanks.
The overall touchscreen and stereo module looks impressive, but it is not very good. It has a Pandora app, but it has not always connected properly. The bluetooth is slow with audio and messages. If someone sends a text, the car will "speak" the message, but it takes sometimes up to 5 minutes from when my phone gets the text. The phone functions work well, but most cars with bluetooth phone systems are pretty easy to use. I am not super tech savvy, but I would like to be able to maybe utilize the huge screen for a navigation app like waze.
This is a very good commuter type car for someone that has to deal with snow fairly often. I don't know what my plans are, if I want to keep it long term or find something in a few years that I might like better. There are always trade offs, so this is good for me right now.
Update:
I had zero problems with the Subaru, but I felt like something a bit different. I recently traded it in on a 2017 Infiniti QX30. The Subaru was a solid trusty commuter car. The QX30 is much quieter inside, has much more power over 200 hp and 250 lb feet of torque) plus, it is a turbo and still gets 30 mpg. It's not as thrifty as the Subie, but it is nicer fit and finish. It has a Mercedes Benz drivetrain.
little problems
Patty, Vienna, OH, 09/06/2015
2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Things are starting to fall apart. In the driver's area a cover fell off some wiring, the seats are not wearing well at all.
My first Subaru
Miss B, Oakland, CA, 09/28/2020
2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2015 Subaru Impreza Sport Ltd. hatchback (wagon) with 145K miles and still runs like new. Reliable, low-maintenance and versatile with built-in safety features that really work to help avoid accidents. Excellent rear legroom and cargo space for your Costco and Target runs! So much more car for the money, HIGHLY recommend Subaru.
Sham
Lucy, Boulder, CO, 02/12/2019
2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
If you live in a snowy icy hilly area it’s great considering other types of snow vehicles don’t get this excellent gas mileage. Interior is terrible, falling apart, and I’m very easygoing and respectful with my vehicles. Climate control is awful, barely heats, cools, or defrosts.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited PZEV Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Standard all-wheel drive
- Pro:spacious interior
- Pro:secure handling
- Pro:compliant ride quality.
- Con:Lackluster acceleration
- Con:tiresome engine noise, especially with the CVT
- Con:substandard sound systems.
Full Edmunds Review: 2015 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2015 Subaru Impreza in New York is:
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