The Subaru Impreza is an entry-level compact hatchback. It serves as the basis for the higher and more rugged Subaru Crosstrek crossover, and competes with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla hatchback, Volkswagen GTI, and Mazda 3.
Yes. It’s not fancy or powerful, but it’s smooth, quiet, refined, and a decent value. The Impreza features all-wheel drive across the lineup, as well as good standard safety fare and a big touchscreen. The 2025 Impreza earns a 6.5 TCC Rating on our 10-point scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The Impreza carries over unchanged for 2025 following a full redesign last year. That overhaul shed both the sedan version and the base manual transmission, but added a more powerful RS version.
The Impreza features a traditional hatchback profile with a hexagon-shaped grille, distinctive front fog lights, and wide fenders. Practical, thoughtful touches abound, like the step plate built into both rear door frames for easy access to the standard roof rack brackets. Subaru dresses up the more powerful RS version with gloss-black exterior trim and dark gray alloy wheels, as well as aluminum pedals and sport seats with red bolsters.
A surefooted all-wheel-drive system comes standard across the lineup. Subaru powers the base and Sport Impreza models with a 152-hp 2.0-liter flat-4 engine that makes 145 lb-ft of torque. In RS form, a 2.5-liter flat-4 upgrades power to 182 hp and 178 lb-ft. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission, though the Sport and RS get eight gear ratios that simulate a traditional automatic. The RS is a good match for the Impreza’s planted chassis, but don’t mistake it for a WRX.
That said, the Impreza shines when it’s cruising at highway speeds. It’s much more quiet and composed than the WRX, which tends to jitter and jostle.
The Impreza features a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen display, though the Sport and RS get a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen mounted in the center stack.
The Impreza gets generally good safety scores, including a NHTSA five-star overall rating, though an updated IIHS front collision test for 2024 knocked that organization’s rating down from a Top Safety Pick+ to the next-best Top Safety Pick. Subaru equips the Impreza with a rear-seat reminder system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control, while rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitors, and steering assist are optional.
How much does the 2025 Subaru Impreza cost?
The 2025 Impreza base model starts at $24,665, including Subaru’s $1,170 destination charge. That gets keyless entry, cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport, $26,665, adds an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a stiffer suspension system, and paddle shifters. A $1,900 package adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a handful of safety features, such as as automatic emergency steering, blind-spot monitors, and rear-cross traffic alert. The $29,555 RS adds features like heated front seats, LED headlights and fog lights, and rear USB ports. Add options, and price wise, you might as well buy a Subaru WRX.
Where is the 2025 Subaru Impreza made?
It’s built in Gunma, Japan.