2025 Subaru Impreza review

Subaru made big changes to the sixth generation of the Impreza, dropping both the sedan body style and the manual transmission. The automaker also brought back the RS model that served as the precursor to the WRX in the 1990s. 

The engines are 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter flat four-cylinders that both make modest power. All models come with a continuously variable automatic transmission. In the new RS and GT models, the transmission has eight simulated gear ratios. Like most Subarus, the Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive. 

Inside, the Impreza has a seven-inch or 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The hatchback body style gives the Impreza functional cargo space, though it’s a tad less than the previous generation.

Subaru makes a few driver-assist features standard and offers more as options. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear-seat reminder system. Also available are lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with steering assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Subaru redesigned the fifth-generation Impreza as a slightly larger car available with both four-door sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. Both versions were about 1.5 inches longer and wider, and they rode on a new, stiffer platform for better handling.

Under the hood, the 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder returned, but with direct injection for slightly more power and slightly improved fuel economy. All-wheel drive continued as standard.

Fuel economy checked in at 31 mpg combined (28 city/38 highway) for the sedan, and the hatchback was about 1 mpg less efficient

New driver-assist features included reverse automatic braking, automatic high beams, and adaptive headlights. The available EyeSight® system also included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and lane departure warning.

Subaru made the fourth-generation Impreza a much more competitive compact car by cutting weight, greatly improving fuel economy, increasing interior space, and giving it a more attractive design. Of course, it also continued to be the only compact car to come standard with all-wheel drive. 

Several factors contributed to a 30% increase in fuel economy. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was the main factor, and a new continuously variable automatic transmission was a contributor. Cutting 110 pounds of weight helped, too. As a result, the fuel economy came in as high as 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined

While the new sedan and hatchback were about the same size as the outgoing car, the wheelbase was an inch longer, and designers worked to carve out more interior space to make passengers more comfortable and allow the Impreza to haul more cargo. The interior also benefited from additional soft-touch materials.