There’s nothing remarkable about the 2023 Subaru Impreza, except that it’s a decent compact car. The smallest in Subaru lineup, the Impreza, is available as both a sedan and a hatchback.
Buyers can choose from a manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While we admire that Subaru offers a manual, its five-speed stick isn’t the one we’d recommend, as it lacks precision.
Fuel economy, too, is worse with the stick. But even with the CVT, the car struggles to compete on fuel mileage with its more efficient competitors.
Overall, the 2023 Impreza is a suitable choice for most purposes despite these hang-ups, but rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3 simply have more to offer.
Engine & Performance
The Impreza is a tortoise in a class of hares, with a four-cylinder engine that makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, of course.
With little low-end punch, both the sedan and hatchback require considerable goading to keep the engine where it needs to be to make power.
The five-speed manual transmission on our Impreza Sport sedan performed less lethargically than the CVT of our long-term Sport hatch, but we actually prefer the automatic, due to the manual’s notchy and imprecise nature.
The Impreza strikes a near-perfect balance between ride and handling. The body doesn’t lean in turns, and the quick steering gives the compact car an additional sense of verve.
We found the Impreza Sport’s relatively firm brake pedal and short stopping distance during emergency-braking situations to be exemplary for the class.
Fuel Economy
Choose any Impreza with the CVT and you’ll be pleased with its fuel economy. Opt for the manual transmission, though, and you’ll visit your local gas station more frequently.
The most efficient Impreza earns 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, per the EPA; the least-efficient model, a hatchback with a manual transmission, is rated for 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The manual-equipped Impreza Sport sedan can cover 30 mpg in a real-world highway fuel-economy test.
Interior
The Impreza’s interior may be short on style, but it has a more outstanding design. Easy-to-read gauges, simple controls, and an intuitive climate-control system make this car a breeze to operate.
Additionally, the cabin benefits from soft-touch plastics, cushy armrests, and impressive fit and finish. Passenger volume is class competitive, and tall drivers will appreciate the model’s ample front-seat legroom.
The cargo areas of both the Impreza sedan and hatchback are on the smaller side of the class and there aren’t a lot of places to store small personal items in the cabin, but you can fold down the 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space when you need it.
Safety & Driver-Assistance Features
Subaru equips automatic-transmission models with its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies. Buyers of the manual are out of luck. The features you should look out for are rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automated emergency.
At VIP Auto Lease, we’ll help you choose a ride that befits your style and budget. Visit us today at VIP Auto Lease, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305. 718-477-7888 https://viplease.com for the best lease deals.
