The Subaru Impreza has been a favorite for Subaru loyalists and driving enthusiasts, for a while now. Subarus of the past has always been associated with reliability, practicality and great resale value. The Impreza adds on to the same heritage and has been offering these set of values for a while now.
For 2020, Subaru is introducing a facelifted version of its mighty popular Impreza sedan. Starting at just $18,595 for the base 2.0i variant, the Impreza is the only car in the segment that offers AWD across all variants as standard. This makes it one of the best sedans, to drive in the cold and unforgiving conditions that are present in certain parts of the country.
Powering the Impreza is the same 2.0L boxer engine generating 152hp and 145lb-ft of torque. The best part of this package being the fact that the Subaru offers a manual transmission not only in the base variant but in the sport trim as well, which makes it further more engaging and fun to drive.
Eyesight Driver Assist System available on All Trims
Comfortable Seats and Ergonomics
Cons
Dull and Cheap Quality Interiors
Unenthusiastic Engine Performance
Lower Cargo Space than the Rivals
What's New?
Eyesight Driver Assist made available on all Trims and Standard on the Limited Trim
Automatic Reverse Braking
High Beam Assist
Debut of the Sirius XM Radio on the Premium Trim
New 6.5” Starlink Infotainment System
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$18595
bodystyle
4dr Sedan
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
AWD
engine type
displacement
122 cu.in.
horsepower
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
torque
145 lbs.-ft @ 4000 rpm
transmission
5-speed manual
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear double wishbone suspension
brake rotors (f/r)
60.6/60.8
dimensions
wheelbase
105.1 in.
length
182.1 in.
width
70 in.
height
57.3 in.
curb weight
2974 lbs.
ground clearance
5.1 in.
capacity
passenger volume
37.2 cu ft.
performance
zero to 60 mph
7.4 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
24/27/32 mpg
highway range
422.4 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
powertrain warranty
60 months. / 60000
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Crimson Red Pearl
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Subaru is a legendary name in the world of Automobiles due its rallying heritage from the past. They wanted to give the same rallying attributes to their road going cars and hence the Impreza was born. A testimonial to this rallying heritage is the fact that the Subaru Impreza is the only car in its segment that offers AWD as standard on all the trims of its 2020 Impreza Sedan.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza starts at $18,595 for the base variant and goes over $25,000 for the top of the line Limited Variant. The famed 2.0L Subaru Boxer 4 Cylinder engine provides its services in the 2020 Impreza Sedan.
The Impreza, over its years of existence in the US has been loved by the consumers because of its low depreciation value, great reliability and practicality. The Impreza does seem to do replicate the same qualities but let’s go deep into the review, to find out more about the Sedan.
2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan front three quarters
2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan rear three quarters
5.2/10 Features
6.7/10 Engine and Performance
6.5/10 Fuel Economy
7.0/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
6.5/10 Safety
2020 Subaru Impreza Features
5.2/10
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan comes in a Total of 4 Trims, starting from the base Sedan followed by the ‘Premium’, ‘Sport’ and the Top of the Line ‘Limited’ trim. Prices start from $18,595 and goes over $25,000 with a variety of add-ons available to be added on to the Sedan.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan comes in a Total of 4 Trims, starting from the base Sedan followed by the ‘Premium’, ‘Sport’ and the Top of the Line ‘Limited’ trim. Prices start from $18,595 and goes over $25,000 with a variety of add-ons available to be added on to the Sedan.
Trim
Sedan
Premium Sedan
Sport Sedan
Limited Sedan
MSRP
$18,595
$21,595
$22,195
$25,190
Features
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Adds these to Base Trim
Adds to or Upgrades from Premium Trim
Adds to or Upgrades from Premium Trim
6.5” Starlink Multimedia System with 4 Speakers with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
6.5” Multimedia PLUS system with 6 Speaker
8.0” Multimedia System with 6 Speaker
8.0” Multimedia System with 6 Speakers
Incline Start Assist
Heated Front Seats
Body Colored Side Rocker Spoilers
Eyesight Driver Assist Technology
Tire Pressure Monitor
Starlink Safety, Security
Stainless Tip Exhaust
Fog Lights
Rear Vision Camera
Paddle Shifters
Trunk Spoiler
Powered Driver’s Seats
Electronic Power Assist Steering
Heated Side mirrors & windshield wiper de-icer
Active Torque Vectoring
Folding Rear Seat Armrest with 2 Cupholders
16” Steel wheels with Covers
16” Aluminum Alloy Wheels
18” Aluminum Alloy Wheels
17” Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Multi Reflector Halogen headlamps with DRL’s
Auto On/Off Headlamps
Roof Crossbar Mounting points
LED Steering Responsive Headlamps
60/40 Split Flat folding rear seats
Lineartronic CVT transmission
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Lineartronic CVT transmission with 7 Speed Manual Control via Paddle Shifters
Power Windows and Side mirrors
Integrated Turn Signal on ORVM
Automatic Climate Control
Electronic Cruise Control
Red Contrast Stitching
High Beam Assist
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
Body Colored Side Folding Mirrors
Leather Wrapped Steering wheel and Gear Shift Handle
Leather Trimmed upholstery
Manual Tilt/Telescopic adjust Steering wheel
Aluminum Alloy Pedal Covers
Front, Front Side Impact, Curtain and Driver Knee Airbags
Keyless Access with Push Button Start
Chrome Door handles
Trim to Choose
The Base Trim would be a fabulous purchase if you are looking for a Car with AWD. That said, if you live in areas where it is cold most of the Time, we would suggest the Premium Trim as it gives features like Heated Seats and Mirrors, which we feel is a must have in those situations.
2020 Subaru Impreza Engine and Performance
6.7/10
Subaru offers only one engine for the Impreza: a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This is about average for the compact class, although competitors offer optional engines that are more powerful. However, unlike any other stablemate, the Impreza comes with all-wheel drive standard –Cnet.com
Engine and Transmission
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan on sale in USA comes powered with a Trademark 2.0L Subaru Boxer 4 Cylinder motor that generates 152hp and 145lbs-ft of Torque. The power does seem comparable to the other Sedans in the segment but may disappoint drivers, who wanted an enthusiastic drive.
Models
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze LS Sedan
MSRP
$19,595
$20,240
$18,100
$18,700
$20,250
$20,240
$20,400
Engine
2.0L Boxer 4
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
2.0 L inline-four
1.8 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
Transmission
CVT
8 Speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
CVT
CVT
6-speed Auto
6 Speed Automatic
Horsepower
152hp@6000rpm
147hp@5000rpm
147hp @ 6200 rpm
132hp @ 6000 rpm
158hp @ 6500 rpm
155hp @ 6000 rpm
153hp@5600rpm
Torque
145lbs-ft@4000rpm
184lbs-ft@1400rpm
132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
128 lb-ft@4400
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm
177lbs-ft@2000-4000
The Impreza is however, one of the few cars in the segment that offers a manual transmission in more than one trim. The Manual is standard on the base trim and on the “Sport” trim. The Manual control in the Sport trim does add to the sportiness of the car.
The Standard CVT transmission offers “dull” acceleration but this may be due to the fact that the same has been tuned for extracting better efficiency out of the Motor. Aside from this, the top end ‘limited’ trim comes with Paddle Shifters coupled to the CVT that allows the driver to take control of the gears via a 7 Speed Gear Mechanism.
Acceleration
The 2020 Subaru Impreza Sedan is on the Higher Power band Side of the Compact Sedan which means that the acceleration should be decent. This would have been the case if the Weight of the Impreza sedan were a bit low as compared to the segment it is in. The Impreza is let down by its heft and the Motor isn’t powerful enough, to compensate for that weight.
Models
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
0-60 MPH(sec)
8.4
7.7
8.3
9.4
8.2
8.0
7.7
Quarter mile(sec)
17.1
16.0
16.4
17.2
16.3
16.2
16.3
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
5.5
5.2
10.2
9.8
8.4
11.2
5.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3034
2959
2767
2840
2742
2899
2870
One of the good things about the engine of the Subaru is the fact that despite not being turbocharged like the Cruze or the VW, the Impreza delivers similar emission figures which is “Impressive” to say the least.
Ride and Handling
The Subaru Impreza is the only car in the compact sedan segment that comes with a Standard AWD setup. This fact undoubtedly makes it one of the best Handling Cars in the segment. There is minimal Body Roll and the Chassis feels well balanced to contain the roll.
The Steering is well sorted as well, offering great feel and feedback at all times. It precisely turns in the direction you want it to without offering much fuss and drama.
The Ride comfort on the Impreza is “Impressive”. The Suspension has been well tuned to handle most pot holes and speed humps with relative ease and comfort without being too bouncy. The Wind Noise is well contained at all speeds but the Road Noise may creep it at higher speeds without being unsettling at any time.
Braking
The 2020 Subaru Impreza comes with a great set of Brakes that offer Stupendous Feedback as soon as you press the Pedal. The Brakes offer great stopping power when there is need to cut down from highway speeds to School zone speeds or a dead halt.
Models
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Brake Front (in.)
11.6
11.5
10.3
10.8
10.2
10.7
10.8
Brake Rear (in.)
10.8
10.8
9.7
9.1
9.8
9.5
10.4
70-0 MPH (ft.)
120(60-0MPH)
191
182
183
180
179
110(60-0MPH)
The Honda Civic does have one of the best brakes in the segment but the Subaru with its AWD system, adds tremendous amount of Confidence while Braking in Rainy Conditions and Snowy/Slippery Conditions.
2020 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
6.5/10
The 2020 Subaru Impreza doesn’t fail to impress, when it comes to MPG Figures. The Overall MPG figures for the Impreza betters/matches the rest of the Segment despite being the only Car in the Segment, to feature an AWD setup.
Models
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
MPG (city)
28
30
28
28
32
27
30
MPG (highway)
38
39
37
35
42
36
39
MPG (combined)
32
34
32
31
36
30
33
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.)
13.2
13.2
14
13.2
12.39
13.2
13.7
The 422.4 Mile Range may not match the Chevy Cruze’s 450+ Mile range but is better than top selling cars like the Corolla and the Mazda 3 Sedan.
2020 Subaru Impreza Interior
7.0/10
The Impreza's interior is pleasant, but not revolutionary. Subaru uses extensive upscale materials and soft-touch surfaces on the dash and doors –KBB.com
Layout, Seating and Comfort
In terms of Interior Design, the Impreza continues to sport a similar design as the 2018 version and Subaru hasn’t changed it much. That being said, the Buttons for Radio and Climate are Easy to access and use and it is evident that they have been thoughtfully laid out.
In terms of Seating, the Impreza seats 5 people with Ease and without much discomfort. There is oodles of Space inside the Cabin and plenty of Headroom and Legroom in the front and rear for most passengers. Taller passengers however, may find the rear a little tight but this is a condition existent in all other competitors.
Models
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.8/56.7/43.1
38.5/55.9/41.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
39.3/57.0/37.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
38.8/56.2/42.3
38.9/54.8/42
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.2/55.6/36.5
37.2/54/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.6/54.4/35.8
37.3/55.0/35.7
37.3/53.7/36.1
The Seats have been well cushioned and have been bolstered adequately for providing good support to passengers over long rides or daily commutes. The Rear Seats are relatively flat as compared to the competition but are comfortable enough to not tire you out over long commutes.
Cargo Capacity
The Cargo Capacity of the 2020 Subaru Impreza ranks amongst the lowest in its class. That being said, the Boot is good enough for Carrying Groceries and Luggage for Weekend Commutes. People looking for more Cargo space also have the option of going for the Hatchback variant of the Impreza that offers higher Cargo space.
Models
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Cargo Capacity (lbs.)
12.3
14.1
15.2
12.4
13.0
14.4
14.8
Despite having a lower Cargo space, the Impreza offers a wider Cargo loading bay than last year that offers easier access to the Boot Area. The Cabin has a decent number of cubby holes and storage space inside the Cabin but they may not be Deep enough or big enough to store standard size bottles and cups.
Infotainment System
Subaru has completely redesigned the Infotainment System for the 2020 Impreza. The Infotainment System now has a bigger 8” display and a 4.2” Secondary Driver’s information Display. The System has got a major revamp in its Layout and Interface and now offers a host of Connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The Infotainment System feels very easy to use and learn and Voice Recognition works well, when the System has got accustomed with the voice of the passenger/driver. One slight niggle maybe the Magnitude of the Sound produced by the Speakers that could have been higher.
Interior Features
The 2020 Impreza has improved on the features offered on the inside. Subaru has added features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto, to keep itself at pace with the competition. Some other Features include
8” Touchscreen infotainment System
Android Auto and Apple Car Play
Voice recognition and Control for Audio Controls and Telephony
Adaptive Cruise Control
Powered Driver Seats
Push Button Start
Steering Mounted Audio, Cruise and Telephony Controls
Heated Front Seats
2020 Subaru Impreza Exterior
7.0/10
The fifth generation Subaru Impreza debuted for 2017. The 2020 model carries over -- an unsurprising fact, given that Subaru isn’t known for making updates for the sake of making updates –Cargurus.com
Design
There isn’t much to talk about the design of the 2020 Subaru Impreza. That’s because the Impreza carries forward more or less unchanged from the 2018 edition.
The Designs stays conservative and simple, which doesn’t make the Subaru standout from the rest of the Competition.The new 18” Alloy Wheels and an Exterior Body Kit in the “Sport” Trim differentiates it from the rest of the trims of the Impreza and helps it stand out from the rest of its family.
Dimensions and Weights
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has remain unchanged in terms of the dimensions from its 2018 iteration. The Impreza remains one of the shortest cars in the segment and this gives it an advantage while parking it in tight areas or moving through crowded spaces. The Low Ground Clearance on the Impreza improves its Center of Gravity but makes its lower body, prone to scraping while passing over speed bumps.
Model
Subaru Impreza
VW Jetta
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Curb weight (lbs.)
2974
2767
2840
2724
2899
2844
2870
Length(in)
182.1
185.1
183.1
182.3
180.3
181.9
183.7
Width(in)
70.0
70.8
69.9
70.8
70.7
70.9
70.5
Height(in)
57.3
57.4
57.3
55.7
57.3
56.5
57.4
Ground clearance (in)
5.1
5.6
6.7
6.3
6.1
5.3
6.4
Wheelbase (in)
105.1
105.7
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
The 2020 Subaru Impreza is the heaviest in its Class and this aids it’s High Speed Stability. However, the Mileage takes a small hit and we feel that the Subaru could have yielded Class leading figures, had the weight been a bit lower.
Exterior Features
Since the 2020 Impreza remains mostly unchanged from the 2018 version, there are few visual distinctions between the 2 models. Some of the Exterior features that stand out in the Impreza includes
18” Aluminum Alloy Wheels
LED Steering Responsive headlamps
Heated Side mirrors with de frosting feature
Chrome Door Handles
Roof Crossbar mounting points
Trunk Spoiler
Single exhaust outlet with Stainless Tip
2020 Subaru Impreza Safety
6.5/10
Subaru EyeSight bundles a host of active safety features and driver assistance technologies including:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward-Collision Warnings With Automatic Emergency Braking
Blind-Spot Monitors
Active Lane Control
Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts
The EyeSight is now available as an option from the base trim while the top end limited trim gets it as Standard. The 2020 Subaru Impreza gets the following safety features:
Engine immobilizer
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Keyless entry system
Dual-stage deployment driver’s and front passenger’s front airbags(SRS)
Subaru advanced frontal airbag system(SRS)
Anti-theft security system
4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS)
LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
Brake Override System
Rear-vision camera
2020 Subaru Impreza Competition
Subaru Impreza vs. Honda Civic Sedan
The Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact sedans of the segment. It's practical and Spacious Cabin coupled with a Powerful motor has been its reason of its popularity. The Civic also offers great Handling and a decent ride quality. The Subaru however trumps the Civic in pricing as it is cheaper than the Civic and also offers AWD, which is a boon while driving in Frosty or Slippery conditions.
Subaru Impreza vs. Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda 3 is one of the best performing Sedans in the segment and the Manual Transmission in the Mazda is probably the best in the Segment. Mazda is however yet to update the Mazda 3 for 2020 and is showing its age of late. The Subaru offers a Better infotainment System than the Mazda and the Mazda just can’t match the space offered by the Impreza on the Inside.
Subaru Impreza vs. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the most selling cars of all Time in the World. The Low Cost of Ownership, Fantastic Reliability and Low Pricing. The Corolla however is getting a big facelift in 2020 and the current Gen Corolla looks “Ordinary” and common due to sheer numbers on the Road. The Impreza is by far, a better handler than the Corolla and has been proven to be a Reliable Machine in the past. The Subaru doesn’t depreciate like its other competitors and also offers AWD as a Standard, which we feel is a big Trump card of the Subaru.
2020 Subaru Impreza Final Verdict
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has improved by Leaps and Bounds over its predecessors. It has most features what a Consumer would look for from a Compact Sedan. It has Great Fuel Economy, Copious Amount of Space inside, Good Infotainment System, Nimble handling and an AWD as standard. However, the Impreza suffers from a dull, underpowered engine which dampens the Spirits of Enthusiastic Drivers. For the price at which it is offered though, we feel that the Subaru is a good buy considering the fact, that it is the only car that comes with AWD as standard in this segment.