2017 Subaru Impreza Review

With a good combination of available features and a low price point, we recommend the Impreza wagon in Premium trim. It comes with tech features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto just like the base model, but it also adds Subaru's Starlink services and standard roof rails. The Premium is al...

Between the lack of engine power and the lazy feel of the continuously variable transmission, the Impreza doesn't comes across as particularly quick or responsive around town.

We haven't been able to do an instrumented test with the new Impreza yet, but what we've experienced on-road isn't promising. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine only gets 4 additional horsepower, and it just isn't enough to make it feel quick.

Brake performance is strong, especially around town. You get lots of pedal pressure up high in the travel, and the brakes inspire confidence when you're driving fast on a back-mountain road.

The steering is quick and responsive and doesn't require much effort. There isn't a very direct connection between the steering wheel and the tires, but for most shoppers, the overall feel is just right for most types of driving.

Handling is a strong point for this Impreza regardless of trim. Even in the Premium model, it corners flat and doesn't push wide in corners.

Between the lack of engine power and the lazy feel of the continuously variable transmission, the Impreza doesn't comes across as particularly quick or responsive around town.

While it's not a true off-road vehicle, the Impreza does come with all-wheel drive as standard, and in that regard it outclasses many compact sedans.

A relatively quiet and smooth ride (especially on the Premium's 16-inch wheels and tires) makes the Impreza a breeze to drive on the highway. The seats are comfortable and well bolstered, but they are a bit firm for long road trips.

The base cloth seats are comfortable, well bolstered and filled with a good amount of seat foam. They're a bit firm, though, and can get tiring after a few hours.

Ride comfort is especially good with the wheels and tires that come on the base and Premium trim levels.

Wind noise is very minimal on the highway. Road noise is a bit more pronounced, however, even with the base tires. There is a pronounced whining from the engine under full throttle, but there's also a nice rumble as it moves up to higher engine speeds.

The knobs are large, legible, tactile and easy to use, with a quiet fan (even on full blast). On the downside, the vents are right next to the steering wheel, so your hands easily block the airflow.

The new Impreza's interior is a big leap forward for Subaru, but it's still not as nice as the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Those two vehicles sit right at the head of the class and edge the Impreza out in most categories.

The radio controls, touchscreen interface and climate control knobs are generally easy to read and use. Most controls are well laid out too.

The seats are mounted high enough that sliding in and out isn't a problem for most average-height adults. Also, the Impreza's roof, while lower than the outgoing model's, is still high enough that you don't have to duck your head too much to get in.

The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows for a lot of adjustment, and the seats are adjustable four ways, so there's plenty of wiggle room to get a good fit.

Massive amounts of headroom, along with tons of front and rear legroom. Even when you've got one 6-foot adult sitting behind another, there's space to spare. This Impreza is bigger than ever before, and it's noticeable on the inside.

Forward visibility is great thanks to a big windshield, thin windshield pillars and small sectional windows near the windshield. A big rear window in both the sedan and the hatchback makes for excellent rear visibility as well.

While the interior of this redesigned Impreza is a big improvement, it still isn't a class leader, especially not on lower trim levels.

Of the two available Imprezas (sedan and hatchback), we'd definitely go with the hatch. The sedan we tested has merely average trunk space, but child seat accommodation is excellent.

Small item storage is good but limited compared to similar storage in class leaders such as the Civic. The center storage console and door pockets aren't as deep or long as we'd like. There are several cupholders, though, all capable of holding a standard water bottle or soda can.

Access to the trunk is much wider this year (4 inches wider on the hatchback, 5 inches wider on the sedan), but the trunk still offers only 12.4 cubic feet of storage. That's less than in the Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. If you want a utilitarian Impreza, go for the hatchback.

Car seat accommodation is as excellent as it ever was in the Impreza. There's easy access to rear latches through Velcro straps, and there are three anchor points behind the rear seats. There's plenty of space for a big rear-facing seat, too.

Tech is much improved with an all-new touchscreen interface as well as the addition of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. Our preproduction test car had some issues with Apple CarPlay, but otherwise the base touchscreen is easy to operate and responds quickly to inputs.

Device integration is promising with the new Impreza, but our preproduction tester had some issues. Bluetooth took quite a few attempts to connect, and Apple CarPlay froze the system altogether.

The optional adaptive cruise control system does pretty good work. It doesn't slam on the brakes when you get cut off, and it also doesn't follow too far behind. The underpowered engine, however, makes keeping up on hills a bit difficult. Lane keeping assist also works well.