2023 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza sedan will come in three trim levels namely Base, Premium, and Sport while the hatchback variant gets an additional trim called Limited that sits above Sport trim. The Impreza will start at $19,800 for the Base model equipped with a manual transmission while there is an option of equipping the car with a CVT for an additional $1,000. However, the ones looking to use a manual transmission can only pick the Base trim as the other two variants come fitted with a CVT by default. Despite being in the affordable category, Subaru hasn’t restrained itself from loading the sedan with a huge list of features right from the base variant. The car will get remote keyless entry, steering adjustments, height adjustable driver’s seat, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen as standard while the list further expands on the higher trims.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a power driver's seat, and a sunroof are options for the Premium and Sport versions. A Harman Kardon audio system is also available for those picking the Sport version.

We Recommend

We advise the Impreza Premium if you're looking for the best value. This model comes with an available blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert that alerts you if a car is in your blind zone during a lane change or while you're in reverse. It also offers infotainment system updates and comfort amenities for cold weather.

Release Date

The 2023 Subaru Impreza will hit the dealers anytime during the 4th quarter of 2022 but since the model is a carryover, there would not be a public unveiling. This also means that users would not miss out on any feature if they pick the 2022 model instead of waiting for the new model.

You’ll be happy with the fuel efficiency of any Impreza with the CVT. But if you choose the manual gearbox, you'll go to the fuel station more often. The most efficient Impreza achieves 28 city mpg and 36 highway mpg while the manual transmission base model is rated for 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. This section is where the Subaru takes a massive blow from the rivals as they are all designed to push out more mileage.

The fuel mileage on the Subaru is the least in the segment and differs from its rivals by a large margin. Impreza drivers will be visiting the gas station more frequently whereas the Honda, Toyota, and Kia push out numbers that are ideal for a cross-country drive with minimum fuel breaks. The Subaru Impreza happens to be the only sedan here to offer a combined fuel economy that is below the 30 MPG mark while the highest figure stands at an impressive 35 MPG, which is offered by the Honda Civic.

Although Impreza's interior lacks aesthetics, it is practical and well laid out. This automobile is a delight to drive thanks to its straightforward controls, easy-to-read gauges, and intuitive climate control system. The cabin also has soft-touch plastics, plush armrests, and an excellent fit and finish. The model's spacious front seats and class-competitive passenger volume will appeal to tall drivers. While there is barely any wind noise, users will hear an annoying whining from the CVT transmission. Although a little too stiff for extended road journeys, the seats are supportive and comfy. The back seats are flat but do provide enough comfort. Unfortunately, a few of the main air vents are located just where you would grab the steering wheel, chilling your fingers faster than the cabin. There aren't many places to keep small personal items in the interior of the Impreza and the cargo compartment is on the smaller side for the class, but you can fold down the 60/40 split-folding back seat for more cargo room when you need it.

The Subaru offers the best front row passenger room while the Honda takes the lead for the rear passenger space. Nonetheless, both these sedans offer comfortable seating space with ample legroom. However, the same cannot be said for the cargo space on the Subaru as all its rivals offer bigger trunk space with the Kia topping the table.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Subaru Impreza include

• Cloth upholstery
• 60/40 split rear seats
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Carpeted floor mats
• Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment

How intuitive is the 2023 Subaru Impreza infotainment system?

Key infotainment options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard on every Impreza. The Sport trim comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the Base and Premium models have a 6.5-inch display. Both systems include clean graphics and logical menu layouts. Finding points of interest is simple because of the navigation command structure. However, the stereo's maximum loudness and speaker quality could be improved.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Subaru Impreza are

• 6.5/8.0-inch touchscreen
• USB ports
• 6-speaker stereo system
• Satellite radio
• Starlink connected service
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

An Impreza buyer has the option of a hatchback or a sedan with a trunk. If you desire alloy rims, you might want to look past the Base trim as it wears 16-inch steel wheels and choose the Premium model instead. Subaru chose to make no changes to the design for 2023 and carries the simple yet elegant body styling which might look dull to some considering that the rivals have been receiving aesthetic refreshes in recent times. The 2023 Subaru Impreza makes a stunning first impression because of its athletic-looking front fascia, wide, low stance, and significantly more dynamic appearance. The 4-door has a trunk lid with an aerodynamic shape. The level of excitement is further increased by available high-end options, such as a rear wing mounted on the trunk in Sport trim and a variety of eye-catching alloy wheel designs.

The Subaru is the heaviest car and also has the lowest ground clearance but the dimensions otherwise match up to its rivals. The Honda Civic however is slightly longer when compared.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• 16 or 18-inch wheels
• Heated and power exterior mirror
• Automatic headlights
• Rear spoiler
• Heated windshield wipers
• Fog lights

Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver assistance technologies is available on models with automatic transmissions. The manual buyers are out of luck. Despite not being officially rated yet, ratings from the previous model can be referred to as the 2023 model is a carryover. The Impreza was awarded top ratings by both NHTSA and IIHS. The sedan aced most of the parameters of IIHS, obtaining “Good” overall, and similar is the case with NHTSA, resulting in a 5-star rating.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Subaru Impreza are

• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist

2023 Subaru Impreza vs 2023 Honda Civic

The Subaru Impreza's main advantage over the Honda Civic is that it comes standard with all-wheel drive. Both vehicles have sedan and hatchback body types and compare favorably in terms of safety ratings, but Honda is far more advanced in terms of engineering and design. Plus, the Civic is available with a more powerful turbocharged engine choice and as a real sport compact sedan in its Si model.

2023 Subaru Impreza vs 2023 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is available in sedan and hatchback body types, just like the Subaru. The basic engine in the 2023 Corolla is more potent than the Impreza's, and you can also buy the Toyota with a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain that offers up to 52 mpg in combined driving. However, Toyota does not provide an all-wheel-drive system for the Corolla.

2023 Subaru Impreza vs 2023 Kia Forte

The Kia Forte feels like a more modern vehicle when compared to the Subaru and delivers better performance. The Kia also has better gas mileage ratings but the Subaru has the advantage of a standard AWD system. The Impreza also has better build quality but those are the only advantage the car holds over the Kia.

Despite being adequate in most areas, the Impreza's average fuel efficiency and slow acceleration cause it to rank poorly in the highly competitive compact vehicle segment. The Impreza is a cost-effective alternative, but if all-wheel drive isn't essential, there are other cars that are competitive and worth considering. Subaru hasn’t really updated the Impreza for 2023 and that could suggest a model refresh in the near future. The Impreza will not be a bad purchase but considering the kind of tech and feature the rivals hold, it might make the Impreza feel like it’s from the stone age. For those looking for a more engaging drive with performance sedan-like drive dynamics, the Subaru Impreza could be a disappointment but if composed and a reliable city commute is what you’re in the hunt for, look nowhere else, and the fact that Impreza is available under $20,000 makes it accessible for many.