The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1992. It was initially introduced as a sedan, but a hatchback version called the Impreza Sport Wagon followed in 1994. The Impreza hatchback has gone through five generations of redesigns over the years.
The first generation Impreza hatchback was produced from 1993 to 2001. It shared the same engine and all wheel drive components as the sedan version, but had a unique body style with a heightened roof and rear gate. This allowed for more interior cargo room while maintaining a sporty, aerodynamic shape.
The second generation launched in 2002 featured sharper, more angular styling. The model range expanded to include the sporty WRX and WRX STI high-performance trims. The hatchback continued to offer excellent utility and fun driving dynamics.
In 2007, the third generation brought more rounded styling and improvements in safety, technology, and efficiency. The versatile 5-door body style remained and a wider model range gave buyers more choices.
The fourth gen arrived in 2012 with evolutionary styling changes and upgrades to interior quality. New infotainment and driver assist features modernized the Impreza. Fuel economy and cabin refinement also improved.
The latest fifth generation launched for 2017 with Subaru’s new Global Platform. This improved chassis rigidity for better handling and safety. Exterior dimensions stayed compact while increasing interior space. Advanced safety tech and multimedia systems were included.
Over its history, the Impreza hatchback has offered sporty driving fun, all-weather capability, practicality, and continual improvements. It remains a top choice in the compact hatchback category.
Key Features
The Subaru Impreza hatchback comes standard with the automaker’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing traction and control in various road conditions. This full-time AWD system distributes power equally between the front and rear axles for optimal grip.
Subaru also equips the Impreza hatchback with its hallmark horizontally opposed Boxer engine. This provides a low center of gravity for agile handling and a smooth, balanced feel. The base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
With 5-doors and fold-down rear seats, the Impreza hatchback provides easy access to cargo space. It offers 20.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The wide opening makes loading large items convenient.
Performance Specs
The 2022 Subaru Impreza hatchback comes equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers modest acceleration, with 0-60 mph times of around 8-9 seconds depending on the transmission (via Edmunds).
For 2024 models, Subaru is expected to continue using this 2.0-liter engine in lower trims, while upgrading to a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque in higher Sport and RS variants, improving acceleration and drivability (via Car and Driver).
The Impreza hatchback utilizes Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which provides excellent traction and stability in all road conditions. The capable suspension absorbs bumps and imperfections well, delivering a smooth ride and easy handling. Steering feels precise and responsive thanks to the car’s compact size and nimble chassis (via Car and Driver).
Trim Levels
The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback is available in four trim levels – Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. Each successive trim level builds upon the previous one by adding more features.
The Base trim is the most affordable option and comes reasonably well-equipped with features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, power accessories, and more. The Premium adds creature comforts like heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power moonroof.
Those wanting more style can opt for the Sport trim which gets unique 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and blacked out exterior accents. Moving up to the Limited trim brings navigation, leather upholstery, and advanced safety technologies like blind spot monitoring.
Key differences in standard equipment by trim:
- Base: 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, keyless entry, automatic headlights
- Premium: Adds heated front seats, moonroof, leather steering wheel
- Sport: Adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, black exterior accents
- Limited: Adds navigation, leather upholstery, blind spot monitoring
Optional equipment available on higher trims includes a Harman Kardon sound system, power driver’s seat, automatic emergency braking, and more. Choosing the right Impreza trim depends on how much you want to spend and the specific features that matter most to you.
Pricing
The 2023 Subaru Impreza hatchback starts at an MSRP of $22,095 for the base model, $24,095 for the Sport trim, and $27,195 for the Limited trim. Prices increased slightly for the 2024 model year, with the base now starting at $22,995, Sport at $24,995, and Limited at $27,885.https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza/specs-trim.html
In terms of depreciation, the Impreza typically retains its value better than some competitors. According to Kelly Blue Book, the Impreza hatchback retains around 45% of its value after 5 years, which is on par with other small cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.https://www.kbb.com/subaru/impreza/ Factors like mileage, condition, options, and demand in the used car market can affect resale value over time.
Reliability
The Subaru Impreza hatchback has earned an average reliability rating according to RepairPal, scoring 3.5 out of 5.0. This ranks the Impreza 33rd out of 36 compact cars in terms of predicted reliability. Owners of the Subaru Impreza hatchback report frequent repairs related to the engine, suspension, drivetrain, electrical, and climate system components.
Repair costs for Impreza hatchback owners average $617 per year according to RepairPal data. The probability of an unscheduled repair for Impreza owners in a given year is 13%, which is about average for the class. However, owner satisfaction with Impreza reliability varies depending on model year. According to CarParts.com, some model years are better than others in terms of avoiding major issues.
Safety Features
The Subaru Impreza Hatchback comes standard with a plethora of safety tech features. This includes EyeSight driver assist technology, which bundles together pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist (IIHS).
Optional safety features available on higher trim levels include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. A rearview camera also comes standard on all models (CarBuzz).
The Impreza Hatchback has achieved outstanding crash test results, earning top scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with ratings of “Good” in all crashworthiness categories and “Superior” for front crash prevention (IIHS). The NHTSA awarded the Impreza 5 out of 5 stars overall for safety.
Interior
The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback has a spacious and comfortable interior with room for up to 5 passengers. The standard 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way manually adjustable front passenger seat provide a good range of flexibility for drivers of different heights to get comfortable (source).
With rear seats up, the Impreza hatchback has 20.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, which Subaru says is class-leading. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks down opens up to 55.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, providing versatility for hauling larger items when needed (source).
Standard interior features include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, a 6.5″ LCD infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. Available options and on higher trims include amenities like dual-zone auto climate control, leather upholstery, an 8″ touchscreen display, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Exterior
The Subaru Impreza hatchback has always had a sporty, distinctive exterior design. Over the years, Subaru has made subtle changes to keep it looking fresh while maintaining the iconic Impreza style.
For the 2024 model year, the Impreza hatchback measures 175 inches long, 68 inches wide, and 57 inches tall with a 104 inch wheelbase according to Subaru’s website. These dimensions make it a compact vehicle that’s easy to maneuver and park. The current 5-door hatchback design has been around since the 2012 redesign. It features a sloping roofline, prominent hexagonal grille, hawk-eye headlights, and pronounced wheel arches. Each new model year tends to get minor styling tweaks like updated headlights, new wheel designs, and revised color options.
While staying true to Subaru’s design language, the Impreza hatchback has evolved over the generations. The third generation introduced in 2007 had a more angular look with a reverse crease running along the side. The fourth generation Impreza unveiled in 2011 had softer body lines and a more rounded overall shape. Overall, the Subaru Impreza hatchback strikes a sporty, youthful profile with its low, wide stance, aggressive front end, and sloped rear hatch.
Competitors
The Subaru Impreza hatchback faces stiff competition in the compact car segment from rivals like the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, and Toyota Corolla. The Civic hatchback is one of the Impreza’s main competitors, offering a similar sporty driving experience, hatchback versatility, and available turbocharged engine options. The Golf is another key rival, providing a more upscale interior and refined ride. Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla hatchback competes on value, with lower pricing than the Impreza.
Compared to the Civic hatchback, the Impreza has a slightly lower starting price but less horsepower from its base engine. The Civic offers more standard tech and safety features in lower trims. However, the Impreza has better ground clearance for light off-roading. The VW Golf provides a more premium interior versus the Impreza but has less cargo space. The Toyota Corolla hatch undercuts the Impreza on pricing but doesn’t offer all-wheel drive like the Subaru.
Overall, while the Subaru Impreza hatchback competes closely with rivals, its standard all-wheel drive, hatchback practicality, and athletic handling help differentiate it in the compact segment. Sources report that the Impreza remains competitive for those wanting AWD without the higher costs of premium compact cars like the Golf.
