2018 Subaru Impreza Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

- Standard all-wheel drive delivers secure handling and wet-weather traction
- The cabin is quiet, comfortable and surprisingly roomy for a compact car
- A healthy selection of advanced safety features is available on most trims
- Available manual transmission for those who want to row their own gears
- Slow acceleration, even with this generation's more powerful engine
- Transmission is loud under heavy loads
- Interior materials are of a lower quality than many rivals
- Hard to match fuel economy estimates in the real world
What’s new
Vehicle overview
First off, if you're in the market for a traditional compact car with the stable traction provided by all-wheel drive, you can end your search with the 2018 Subaru Impreza. It's the only car in its class to offer it. But you don't need to live in a climate with a lot of rain or snow to appreciate the Impreza. Redesigned just last year, the current-generation model's build quality and technology interface are vastly superior to its predecessor's. Compared to other models in this class, the Impreza is a standout for its stellar handling, roomy cabin, available hatchback body style, and a number of widely available advanced driver aids.
Still, shortcomings in a few key areas might give shoppers pause. The Impreza's most significant drawback is its lackluster powertrain. Though 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque look healthy on the spec sheet, we've found the Impreza is one of the slowest cars in its class. Matters aren't helped by the car's continuously variable automatic transmission. It isn't quick to react to driver inputs, and when it does finally rev the engine high enough for a speed burst, there's not enough power on tap to muster any meaningful acceleration. Constantly shoving the gas pedal just to keep up with traffic means the Impreza also has a hard time meeting its fuel economy estimates in the real world.
If you can overlook the Impreza's engine and transmission deficiencies, though, you'll find a capable small car with plenty of room, a comfortable ride and that enviable all-wheel-drive system.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Subaru Impreza as one of Edmunds' Best AWD Sedans for 2018.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds owned a Subaru Impreza for one year and nearly 20,000 miles. To learn more about our experiences, visit the long-term page for our 2017 Subaru Impreza Limited. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy. All-wheel-drive performance was a staff favorite, but we were less impressed with its engine responsiveness and interior materials. If you have questions, chances are good we've answered them during our long-term test. There are no significant differences between the 2018 Subaru Impreza and our long-term car, so our observations still apply.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.4 / 10Trim tested
Scorecard
Overall | 7.4 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 7.5 |
Interior | 8.5 |
Utility | 7.0 |
Technology | 8.0 |
Driving
7.5Acceleration
6.0Braking
8.0Steering
8.0Handling
8.0Drivability
6.5Off-road
8.0Comfort
7.5Seat comfort
7.5Ride comfort
8.0Noise & vibration
7.0Climate control
7.0Interior
8.5Ease of use
8.0Getting in/getting out
8.5Driving position
8.0Roominess
8.5Visibility
9.0Quality
7.5Utility
7.0Small-item storage
6.0Cargo space
6.5Child safety seat accommodation
6.5Technology
8.0Audio & navigation
8.0Smartphone integration
7.0Driver aids
7.5Voice control
8.0Which Impreza does Edmunds recommend?
2018 Subaru Impreza models
Like many compacts, the 2018 Subaru Impreza is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback. Features on the four available trims are identical between the two body styles. The base 2.0i is sparsely equipped, but it does have power windows and a touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay capability. The Premium counts alloy wheels and heated seats among its additions. Upgrade to the Sport and you get larger wheels, sporty suspension tuning, keyless entry and ignition, and a larger touchscreen. The Limited keeps some of the Sport's luxury features and adds leather and automatic climate control.
Every Impreza is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. (The related, high-performance WRX and WRX STI are reviewed separately.) A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.0i and Sport models, and a continuously variable automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters is optional on those and standard on Premium and Limited trims.
The base 2.0i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, remote locking and unlocking, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a driver information display, a height-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a four-speaker audio system with a USB port and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The Premium trim is better equipped, with alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a sound-reducing windshield, heated front seats, Subaru Starlink services and a six-speaker audio system. The hatchback also adds roof rails and a cargo cover.
An available package combines blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, cornering lights and Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids (adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic reverse braking, and lane departure warning and mitigation). A power sunroof is available as a stand-alone option or bundled with the above package.
For drivers who want a more exciting version of the Impreza, there's the Sport. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, unique suspension tuning, keyless entry and ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior and exterior trim, active torque vectoring for improved traction, a CD player, satellite radio and two USB ports.
A package with the blind-spot monitor and sunroof is also available; on the Sport, it further adds an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. This package can be ordered with or without EyeSight.
At the top of the Impreza range, there's the Limited model. It combines the Premium's features with the Sport tech equipment, further adding 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, leather upholstery, a six-way power driver seat and automatic climate control system.
EyeSight, blind-spot monitoring and the sunroof are bundled into a package; it can be ordered with or without the Harman Kardon system and navigation.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Subaru Impreza.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
Our experts like the Impreza models:
- 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- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.5%
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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Used 2018 Subaru Impreza Overview
The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza is offered in the following submodels: Impreza Hatchback, Impreza Sedan. Available styles include 2.0i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), 2.0i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), 2.0i Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0i Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0i Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0i Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), 2.0i Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0i Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), 2.0i 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0i Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 2.0i Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and 2.0i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Pre-owned Subaru Impreza models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 152 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual, continuously variable-speed automatic. The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Subaru Impreza?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Subaru Impreza trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i is priced between $19,499 and$23,998 with odometer readings between 3640 and62507 miles.
- The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium is priced between $15,995 and$28,998 with odometer readings between 8759 and102438 miles.
- The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Limited is priced between $22,499 and$31,998 with odometer readings between 9041 and74278 miles.
- The Used 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport is priced between $22,590 and$26,998 with odometer readings between 30115 and70284 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2018 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) 2018 Subaru Impreza for sale near. There are currently 98 used and CPO 2018 Imprezas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $15,995 and mileage as low as 3640 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned 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 Used 2018 Subaru Impreza.
Can't find a used 2018 Subaru Imprezas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Subaru Impreza for sale.
Find a used Subaru for sale.
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Find a used certified pre-owned Subaru for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 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.
Check out Subaru lease specials
Check out Subaru Impreza lease specials
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