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2020 Subaru Impreza review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Subaru Impreza highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Standard AWD
  • Roomy and comfortable
  • Advanced driver-assist features standard on CVT-equipped (continuously variable transmission) models

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Unrealistic fuel economy numbers
  • Low-quality interior materials

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined

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The 2020 Subaru Impreza is a compact all-wheel-drive car available as a sedan or hatchback

The entry point to the Subaru lineup, the 2020 Impreza is one of the lowest-priced all-wheel-drive vehicles available in America. While there are no significant changes for 2020, the Impreza gets a face-lift with updates to the grille and front fascia as well as updated headlights for the Limited trim. Subaru has also made the EyeSight® driver-assist system standard on all Imprezas with a continuously variable transmission. Other new available features for 2020 include a Rear Seat Reminder and standard automatic door locks. Available as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, the Impreza is offered in four trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. All-wheel drive is standard on all Imprezas, and for those who like to be more engaged when driving, there is an available manual gearbox. Subaru only offers the Impreza with one engine option. It’s a little short on power but does get a high EPA rating. Better performance is available by moving up to the higher-performance WRX.

All Subaru Impreza years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Impreza generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2020 Subaru Impreza?

  • The Impreza is available in a variety of new trims, including the Limited and Premium.
  • The 2.0I Limited and 2.0I Premium trims have been discontinued for 2020.
  • Impreza trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.

2020 Subaru Impreza trims

Curious how Subaru Impreza trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 2.0L
  • 152-hp, 145-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Rear View Camera
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • View our Subaru Impreza inventory

Premium:

Sport:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Sport
  • Parking Sensors
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor

Subaru Impreza photos

What We Like

Interior: It might not be fancy, but the Impreza's interior is well designed. The controls are intuitive and well placed, with clear, easy-to-read gauges. There's good legroom for front and rear seat passengers, and the space feels wider thanks to the slim door panels. Higher trims feature leather seats and dashboard stitching for a more premium vibe.

Technology: The main display in the Impreza features a home screen with large, easy-to-use icons similar to a smartphone. Hard buttons below the screen allow for quick access to navigation, audio, and other often-used features. A secondary screen at the top of the dashboard provides a quick view of trip information and climate control settings.

Performance: The Impreza's engine is not the strongest in the segment, but overall the small car performs quite well on the road. Steering is precise and quick to respond, and the all-wheel drive provides excellent grip on dry or slick pavement. The brakes are firm and predictable, and the Impreza's suspension delivers a comfortable ride with confident handling.

What Needs Improvement

Engine: It is unfortunate that the Impreza's engine does not deliver at the same level as its excellent steering, brakes, and suspension. With just 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, the Impreza feels underpowered most of the time, even when teamed with the available manual gearbox. The performance is even less impressive with the continuously variable transmission. However, this engine-transmission combination does deliver better fuel economy.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

11 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru Impreza an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Impreza 35th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza features and specs

Curious how Subaru Impreza trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Sport 4WD/AWD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rockford Fosgate Sound
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

152

Torque (ft-lbs)

145

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

105.1"

Overall length

175.6"

Width

70"

Height

57.3"

Leg room

F 43.1"/R 36.5"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 38"

Front tires

P225/40VR18

Rear tires

P225/40VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 5

2020 Subaru Impreza FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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