Standard all-wheel drive delivers secure handling and wet-weather traction
The roomy cabin is quiet and comfortable
Plenty of advanced driver safety features
Available manual transmission for those who want to row their own gears
Slow and noisy acceleration
Interior materials are lower-quality compared to many rivals
Hard to match fuel economy estimates in the real world
EyeSight Driver Assist is now standard on Premium and Sport sedans
Revised headlights, grille and front bumper on hatchbacks
Other features are now standard for select trims
Part of the fifth Impreza generation introduced for 2017
The fifth-gen Subaru Impreza has been on sale for a few years. Now, for 2020, Subaru is giving it a minor update to help keep things fresh. The changes include more standard equipment and updated front-end styling. As before, you get standard all-wheel drive, which is rare for this class of car. The increased traction can be compelling to those who live in wet or snowy climates and don't want to own a crossover SUV.
That said, the basic package of the 2020 Impreza is still the same. That means most of our praises and complaints about the 2019 model carry over to 2020. The engine is noisy and still feels underpowered for the class, and the lackluster real-world fuel economy makes it worse. The quality of the interior also comes across as a little low buck, especially compared to some of the newer competitors.
Do some test drives and you'll likely find rivals such as the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra more well-rounded. But that's not to say we don't like this Subaru. It's comfortable and roomy and comes with lots of advanced driver safety aids. Add in the standard all-wheel drive and you've got a pretty compelling small car, especially if you frequently drive in poor weather.
Which Impreza does Edmunds recommend?
The Impreza in Base trim is pretty spartan and lacks a lot of features most people have come to expect. We recommend stepping up to the Premium trim. The extra money gets you features such as heated seats, an extra USB port and a better audio system. Some other little things, such as the Premium's extra sound insulation, painted exterior trim and alloy wheels, help make it feel like far less of a budget model.
Subaru Impreza models
Like many compacts, the 2020 Subaru Impreza is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback. Features on the four trims are roughly identical for both body styles. The trims — base, Premium, Sport and Limited — are all powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower, 145 lb-ft) and pack all-wheel drive. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic.
As the name suggests, the base model is sparsely equipped. Highlights include keyless entry, a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and a single USB port up front. The Premium counts alloy wheels, heated seats, an extra USB port and an upgraded audio system among its additions. Hatchbacks get roof rails and a cargo cover.
Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver aids is available on the base Impreza and standard on the Premium and above. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic reverse braking, and lane departure warning and mitigation.
Upgrading to the Sport primarily gets you larger wheels, sporty suspension tuning, and a larger touchscreen. Some unique visual touches also give it a little more flair. The Limited keeps some of the Sport's feature upgrades and adds LED headlights, leather upholstery, and automatic climate control among other features.
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.
I recently bought a 2020 Impreza Sport hatchback with manual transmission. Compared to my 2017 base model Impreza, this one is MUCH nicer. I notice road and wind noise is significantly quieter, and the sound of the boxer engine is softer as well, so Subaru must have added more insulation to the car to make it quieter. My wife and I also love the heated front seats. My old Impreza took forever to warm up in the winter, and now I am able to get warm within 2 minutes of getting into the car. The heated mirrors are nice to have in winter as well.
The amount of and ease-of-use of the technology is great. Since I opted for the manual transmission, I don’t have the EyeSight safety features, but the 8-inch LCD screen is great and comes with STARLINK as well as lots of info about the performance of the car (gas mileage, oil temp, tire pressure, etc). And the backup cam is my favorite of any car I’ve ever driven. Also, the sport cloth is a classy and unique touch, as are the 18-inch alloy wheels. I don’t mind that the gas mileage doesn’t compare to rival car brands because I like having all-wheel drive all the time. If you’re comfortable with manual transmission, I’d recommend going with it over the more popular CVT transmission because acceleration feels sportier and less sluggish than the CVT. If you want a sporty, fun car with all-wheel drive, I’d definitely recommend this car.
5/5 stars, Great car for the price
Jerry,
4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
For an all wheel drive Subaru, the price is low compared to many others on the market. Very tight care with a sporty feel.
1/5 stars, 4 trips to dealer to fix problems
Alex,
Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Bought premium version in September 2020. It is November 2020 now. So far 5 trips to the dealer to replace remote engine start module, central console unit (I do not know what it is called), and rear callipers. The radio keeps rebooting itself while driving. The front suspension makes noise that mechanics, so far, cannot replicate. And all of this is in less than 2 months if ownership. So far, the car spent about 16 days at the dealership being fixed. I guess I drew the short straw when I was dealt a car...
4/5 stars, Excellent car, could use a bit more power
ed,
4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Have the base model with CVT. Handling and stability is excellent. No torque steer, even in the wet, due to symmetrical AWD, outstanding traction in wet and snowy conditions. Live in Minnesota, so AWD is primary reason for getting the car. Plenty of room inside, (got the 5 door so can fold down rear seats), excellent for highway cruising with adaptive cruise, and is quiet for the class. Relatively small dimensions and nimble handling make it also very good for city driving.
Now to the negatives that almost every road tester beats on the car for.
First, interior quality. Often is criticized, but is adequate IMO. Easy to use entertainment system, materials are fine for the class. Seats could be a bit better, but I once did 800 miles in one day, mostly in heavy rain, without undue discomfort, and felt totally confident of traction.
Finally, engine performance. Roundly criticized by almost every tester, but it more than adequate, IMO. Fuel economy is also very good considering AWD is active all the time. Currently am averaging 32 mpg in mixed, mostly freeway driving, with heavy use of the A/C. Average in mid 20s in winter, with balance more toward stop and go driving. Feels plenty quick in city driving, can cruise 80 mph all day on the interstate(have the ticket to prove it). Occasionally feels flat in light throttle acceleration at moderate speeds, but other than that is more than adequate. The rest of the car is so outstanding, though, that it is unfortunate that it does not have a bit more power. Supposedly the Forester 2.5 L engine is coming to some Crosstrek models in 2021, so hopefully will eventually filter down to the Impreza.
JOSH SADLER: This is Josh Sadler for Edmunds, and if you're looking for all wheel drive in a compact package, the Subaru Impreza is one to watch. You're looking at the distinctive grille of the 2017 Subaru Impreza and although this may look like a refresh, it's actually an all new car. There's a new platform underneath. Got more length in the wheelbase, should translate to a roomier back seat. Under the hood there is still a two liter, flat four cylinder. Boxer four as they call it. Making four more horsepower than it used to. Subaru claims a number of internal enhancements designed to improve responsiveness and fuel economy. The transmission and most 2017 Imprezas will continue to be Subaru's CBT on top level trims. It will have a seven speed manual simulation mode. There will be a manual transmission available, as well, a proper one with a clutch pedal for the Subaru faithful who would otherwise start a riot. Inside the 2017 Impreza you won't find anything revolutionary compared to the previous Impreza. You'll see similar gauges with Subaru's familiar red illumination and still an odd trip computer at the top under that plastic hood. Moving on down the center panel you see a high resolution touchscreen on the sport model. The new trim level for 2017, you get an eight inch touchscreen, which is nice. That's Subaru's Starlink infotainment interface. Other available features include a Harmin Cardan premium stereo and keyless access and ignition. Inside this Impreza Sport you also see some unique interior trim elements, including red stitching that you see there, unique black cloth upholstery. Moving to the back of the 2017 Impreza, we mentioned that there is a longer wheelbase for this new design. It's about an inch longer to be specific. And an inch and a half longer from nose to tail for both the Sudan and the five door hatch. What that means is even better rear leg room than before. The Impreza was already a standout in the class for providing pretty reasonable adult space in back, and the new one should be even better. Expect trunk space to be about average for the compact segment in the 2017 Impreza sedan, but unlike many rivals, the Impreza also comes as a hatchback. So if you do want to carry more stuff, there it is. That's your option the five door version of the Impreza with plenty of cargo space. Fold those seat backs down and you can carry just about anything you want. Competitors for the new Impreza include the usual suspects. The Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3, but the Impreza, as usual, stands out with its standard all wheel drive and for 2017 it's got a number of improvements that make it well worth considering in the segment. For more on the new Impreza and its competitors, go to edmonds.com.
2017 Subaru Impreza Review
NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Subaru Impreza, but since the 2020 Subaru Impreza is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Edmunds' Josh Sadlier takes you on a walk around of the 2017 Subaru Impreza. He goes over specs, design, the interior and more.
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%
Subaru Impreza vs. the competition
2020 Subaru Impreza
2020 Subaru Legacy
Subaru Impreza vs. Subaru Legacy
The Legacy is the Impreza's larger sibling. Like most of Subaru's lineup, the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that's not available in most of the competition. Other standard equipment is similar. The Legacy features more room for passengers and cargo, but expect to pay more for the space.
The Crosstrek is basically an Impreza hatchback with extra ground clearance and more aggressive styling. Otherwise, aspects such as the engine and interior design are all the same. You'll pay a little more to get a Crosstrek, but the distinctive outdoorsy character is certainly worth it.
The Civic is our top-ranked sedan for a good reason, and, like the Impreza, it's available as both a sedan and a hatch. There's even a coupe version, which is a rarity these days. The Civic nails just about everything you want from a small car, including plenty of room, lots of features and pleasing performance. But if you want all-wheel drive, the Impreza is the way to go.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Impreza both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Subaru Impreza fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 25 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 20.8 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 2020 Subaru Impreza?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Subaru Impreza:
EyeSight Driver Assist is now standard on Premium and Sport sedans
Revised headlights, grille and front bumper on hatchbacks
Other features are now standard for select trims
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 2020 Subaru Impreza a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Subaru Impreza is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Impreza is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Subaru Impreza?
The least-expensive 2020 Subaru Impreza is the 2020 Subaru Impreza 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $19,195.
Other versions include:
4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $20,495
Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,595
Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,995
Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,295
4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $19,195
Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $22,895
If you're interested in the Subaru Impreza, the next question is, which Impreza model is right for you? Impreza variants include 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Impreza models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2020 Subaru Impreza
2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Overview
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback is offered in the following styles: 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M), and Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M).
What do people think of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback and all its trim types.
Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Impreza Hatchback
3.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
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 2020 Impreza Hatchback.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Impreza Hatchback featuring deep dives into trim levels including Base, Premium, Sport, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $21,904. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,416 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,416 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,488.
The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 11% below the MSRP.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,981. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,990 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,990 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,991.
The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Premium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 12% below the MSRP.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,497. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $3,152 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,152 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,345.
The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Sport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 11.5% below the MSRP.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,545. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $3,630 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,630 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $25,915.
The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 12.3% below the MSRP.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new 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 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchbacks are available in my area?
2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Listings and Inventory
Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a
car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you.
Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the
2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap
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Find a new Subaru for sale - 7 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $25,041.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback and all available trim types: Premium, Sport, Base, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback?
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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