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.

Edmunds’ Expert Rating

Rated for you by America’s best test team

Our verdict

7.4 / 10

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 it 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 modulate, 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 it?

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 CVT 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 are ill-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 it?

6.0

The EPA estimates the Impreza sedan with the CVT automatic, its most fuel-efficient configuration, will get 31 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 it a good value?

6.5

At base 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 out in the class.

Wildcard

7.0

Being one of the few cars in the class with all-wheel drive is certainly a plus. 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?

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.

2020 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.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2020 Subaru Impreza.

5 star reviews: 80%

4 star reviews: 0%

3 star reviews: 0%

2 star reviews: 20%

1 star reviews: 0%

Average user rating: 4.4 stars based on 5 total reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

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Features & Specs

4dr Sedan AWD features & specs
4dr Sedan AWD 2.0L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$19,995
MPG	28 city / 36 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm

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Premium 4dr Sedan AWD features & specs
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD 2.0L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$22,095
MPG	28 city / 36 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm

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Sport 4dr Sedan AWD features & specs
Sport 4dr Sedan AWD 2.0L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$23,495
MPG	27 city / 36 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm

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Limited 4dr Sedan AWD features & specs
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD 2.0L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$25,795
MPG	28 city / 36 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm

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See all 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan features & specs

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.

Subaru Impreza vs. the competition

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.

Compare Subaru Impreza & Subaru Legacy features

Subaru Impreza vs. Subaru Crosstrek

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.

Compare Subaru Impreza & Subaru Crosstrek features

Subaru Impreza vs. Honda Civic

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.

Compare Subaru Impreza & Honda Civic features

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FAQ

Is the Subaru Impreza a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 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 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

Learn more

Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?

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. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 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 2020 Impreza is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2020 Subaru Impreza?

The least-expensive 2020 Subaru Impreza is the 2020 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $18,695.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,995
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,095
Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,495
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,795
4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $18,695

Learn more

What are the different models of Subaru Impreza?

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 Limited 4dr Sedan 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 Sedan Overview

The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan is offered in the following styles: 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M).

What do people think of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Impreza Sedan 4.4 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 Sedan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Impreza Sedan 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.

Read our full review of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan here.

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 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan?

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,395. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,520 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,520 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,875.

The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 10.3% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 6 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,995. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,337 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,337 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $20,658.

The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 10.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 14 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20,996. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $1,942 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,942 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,054.

The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 9.2% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 6 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26,695. The average price paid for a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is trending $2,847 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,847 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $23,848.

The average savings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) is 10.7% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 5 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

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 Sedans are available in my area?

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Listings and Inventory

There are currently 94 new 2020 [object Object] Impreza Sedans listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $20,895 and mileage as low as 0 miles. 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 Sedan. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $1,990 on a new, used or CPO 2020 [object Object] Impreza Sedan available from a dealership near you.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 [object Object] Impreza Sedan for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan Impreza Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Subaru Impreza Sedan for sale - 4 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $17,112.

Find a new Subaru for sale - 3 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $9,043.

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 Sedan and all available trim types: Base, Sport, Limited, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan 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 Sedan?

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

2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan