2017 Subaru Impreza

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Rating7.6

Ranked #5 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$18,395 - $24,595
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Improved design and styling

Low on Power

new Subaru Global Platform

Comfortable and Spacious interiors

Uninspiring powertrain

improved suspension

Agile and responsive Handling

upgraded engine

predecessors by 1.6 inches and wider by 1.5 inches

luxury features

Specs & Features

$19,395

price

152 hp

horsepower

145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

A few decades ago, the Subaru Impreza enjoyed much acclaim, all thanks to its great performance at the World Rally Championships. Sold widely, it was a car that was at the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Soon, it kick started a legacy of numerous race-inspired special edition cars, which has become a huge market segment today. But over time, after the range split in two, the nameplate lost its charm.

But, Subaru is all keen to make a comeback. Entering its fifth generation, the 2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan comes with an upgraded engine and a longer, spacious and stronger body. Claiming to be 100% more rigid than its predecessors and featuring a 5mm drop in ride height, it ensures a fun and safe drive.

Buying Advice

The Premium trim is the one to go for as it gets all the features of the base trim along with the CVT transmission as standard. Also, it gets advanced safety features like lane assist, blind spot monitoring that too at a low price.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Priced at $19,395 the Subaru Impreza Sedan 2.0i comes loaded with a 152-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine with direct injection and a 5-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), there is no doubt that this model is better than its predecessors by leaps and bounds

Features
6.0/10

"The 2017 Subaru Impreza is as all-new as a car can be, but it’s still all-Subaru, with standard all-wheel drive, sporty handling and a funky-sounding flat-4 engine." - Kbb

For the 2017 model year, the Subaru Impreza is offered in four trim variants. The base 2.0L trim is priced at $19,395, the Limited trim is priced at $24,095, the Premium trim is at $22,795, and the Sport trim is at $21,195. All the trim variants come with an AWD drivetrain.

A 152 hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine with direct injection is the common powertrain. The 2.0i and the Sport trim have 5-speed manual transmission as standard with an option of CVT transmission whereas the Premium and Limited trims get CVT as standard.

Trim 2.0i Limited Premium Sport
MSRP $19,395 $24,095 $22,795 $21,195
Key Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) Active Torque Vectoring 16-inch alloy wheels
Features 5-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic CVT Fog lights Body-color door mirrors with integrated turn signals Body-color side mirrors
  Cloth upholstery 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat Trunk spoiler and Body-color side rocker spoilers 6 speakers
  Black simulated carbon fiber interior accent trim Leather-trimmed upholstery LED Daytime Running Lights Welcome lighting
  6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way manually adjustable front passenger’s seat. Shifter handle with leather boot and gloss black trim Active grille shutter Auto-on/off headlights
  Auto-up/down driver’s and front passenger’s power windows Gloss simulated carbon fiber and silver interior accent trim Sport cloth interior with red stitching All-Weather Package: Heated exterior mirrors, dual-mode heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer
  Manually adjustable CFC-free air conditioning with air filtration High-grade instrument cluster with color LCD display Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle with red stitching  
  Electronic cruise control Automatic climate control system with air filtration Gray simulated carbon fiber interior accent trim  
  Rear-Vision Camera Active grille shutter Sport instrument cluster with color LCD display  
  16-inch steel wheels with covers Body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals Keyless Access with Push-button Start and PIN-code vehicle access  
    Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle with silver stitching 18-inch alloy wheels  
    Keyless Access with Push-button Start and PIN-code vehicle access Sport-tuned suspension  

We Recommend

With the most advanced features equipped, we would recommend the Premium trim. It is priced at an MSRP of $22,795. It also gets advanced safety features like line keep assist, Starlink Safety plus, Symmetrical AWD eyesight.

Fuel Economy
7.7/10

"The 2017 Impreza earns good fuel economy estimates for a compact car, even though it has all-wheel drive" - Cars.USnews

Though loaded with great power, the 2017 Subaru Impreza's 152 horsepower engine is highly praised for its good fuel performance in its price range. Thanks to its Continuously Variable Transmission. At present, it is one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive compact sedan sold in the US.

Model

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i

2017 Ford Focus S

2017 Honda Civic LX

2017 Chevrolet Cruze L

MPG (city)

28

26

31

28

MPG (highway)

38

40

40

39

MPG (combined)

32

31

34

32

The Subaru Impreza's fuel economy ratings are not the best. While it offers 24 MPG in the city, the Honda Civic LX offers up to 28. On the highway too, while the Impreza offers 32 MPG, the Honda Civic LX offers an impressive 40 - the highest among its competitors. This leaves the 2017 Subaru Impreza's combines fuel ratings at 27, which is one short of that of the Ford Focus

Interior
8.7/10

"The new Impreza's interior is a big leap forward for Subaru, but it's still not as nice as the Honda Civic or Mazda 3." - Edmunds

On the inside too, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is much more expressive than its previous models. With a plain, yet striking dashboard, console and other materials the car radiate a comfortable vibe. The gauge cluster, the touchscreen display, and the console come enclosed in varying rectangular shapes with beveled edges. And above the center stack sits the secondary display. All in all, the interiors add a dash of character to the car.

Model

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i

2017 Ford Focus S

2017 Honda Civic LX

2017 Chevrolet Cruze L

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.8/56.7/43.1

38.3/55.6/43

39.3/57.0/42.3

38.9/54.9/42.0

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38/55.6/36.5

38.0/53.7/33.2

37.1/55.0/37.4

37.3/53.2/36.1

In short, from the multi-panel seats to the seats and the stitching along the doors, the Impreza's cabin is lovely. As always, Subaru has tried to keep it simple. Almost everything inside this car can be easily operated without diverting the attention of the driver. While all its competitors can seat 5 people comfortably, the dimensions of the Impreza will go on to show that it offers the most spacious interiors.

Interior Features of the 2017 Subaru Impreza

Here is a list of the standout features in the 2017 Nissan 370Z Coupe:

  • Cruise control
  • Six-way power adjustable driver's seat
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen display
  • Interior and exterior embellishments in matte silver, carbon-fiber, and chrome
  • Keyless ignition
  • Automatic climate control
  • Leather-trimmed upholstery
  • Navigation
  • AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input
  • keyless entry
  • Seven airbags
  • Rearview camera
  • Standard remote steering-wheel audio controls
  • Automatic hill-holder

Infotainment of the 2017 Subaru Impreza

There is just about enough inside the 2017 Subaru Impreza to make your ride comfortable and smooth. While the 16-inch touchscreen display in the dash and a multi-formation display sits between the gauge, here's where all the standard controls are. While there are basic utilities like audio jacks, a four-speaker audio system and more room for accessories.

  • 16-inch touchscreen
  • Secondary touchscreen
  • Four speaker audio system
  • Steering-wheel audio controls

Cargo space offering of the 2017 Subaru Impreza

The 2017 Subaru Impreza offers enough cargo space to get you going but it still is pretty small if you are looking to carry luggage for a weekend getaway. Additionally, the improved body style allows for additional cargo rails in the roof. One can add a variety of accessories to these rails, thereby creating more space.

Model

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i

2017 Ford Focus S

2017 Honda Civic LX

2017 Chevrolet Cruze L

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

20.8

13.2

15.1

14.8

The Civic LX provides a cargo space better than any other cars in the competition and can adjust the luggage of a family of 4 pretty easily. Every rival car has a trunk bigger than the Impreza but there's one advantage that Impreza has is the 60/40 splitting seats allowing you to carry more luggage easily.

Exterior
8.7/10

"Curb weights range from 2,974 to 3,135 pounds and depend on the body style, transmission, and trim level." - Cars.USnews

The Subaru Impreza blends great road manners with great style. Sleeker and crisp in shape, it is 1.5 inches longer and wider and about an inch lower than its previous models. While the trademark hexagonal grille still features, the body lines along each side rise over the wheel well and fall along the doors. The window line also rises at the back and the lights, both front, and rear, appear slightly big thanks to this new design. With a shape that is more fluid and the incorporation of accent lines to allow for a more 'sculptural' design of the body. This makes the 2017 Subaru Impreza a bit more fashion-forward than its predecessors.

Model

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i

2017 Ford Focus S

2017 Honda Civic LX

2017 Chevrolet Cruze L

Curb weight (lbs.)

3034

2935

2751

2835

Length(in)

182.1

178.5

182.3

183.7

Width(in)

70.0

71.8

70.8

70.5

Height(in)

57.3

57.7

55.7

57.4

Ground clearance (in)

5.1

4.7

5.9

6.4

Wheelbase (in)

105.1

104.3

106.3

106.3

Track width (in) F/R

60.6/60.8

61.2/60.4

60.9/61.5

60.1/61.1

In terms of the exterior dimensions, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is the heaviest among its competitors, with a curb weight of 2955 lbs., just 20 lbs. more than the Ford Focus. While it is the slimmest among its competitors with a width of just 70 inches, it is almost 2 inches taller in height than the Honda Civic LX.

Exterior Features of the 2017 Subaru Impreza

  • Rigid body structure
  • LED headlights
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels

Safety
9.1/10

"The 2017 Subaru Impreza has perfect crash test scores." - Cars.USnews

You leave all your worries at home when it comes to the safety of this car. The 2017 Subaru Impreza comes standard with front, side, and curtain airbags. Loaded with a plethora of safety features like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and thanks to the new global platform, there are many just enhancements that ensure the driver's safety.

Not just that, the rigid structure and the shape of the car itself have been designed to withstand high-pressure impacts. With its own suite of automated safety systems that include adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, Subaru wants to be at the forefront of safety in the automotive industry.

Safety features of the 2017 Subaru Impreza

  • Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) EyeSight
  • Driver Assist Technology
  • Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
  • Rear-Vision Camera
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • STARLINK Safety Plus enabled
  • Automatic Collision Notification
  • SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance
  • Maintenance Notifications Monthly Vehicle Health Report
  • Diagnostic Alerts Subaru advanced frontal airbag system with driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS)12
  • Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags (SRS)12
  • Side-curtain airbags protecting the front and rear outboard occupants (SRS)12 Driver's knee airbag (SRS)12
  • Rollover sensor (SRS)12 Whiplash protection front seats with height-adjustable head restraints Three individual rear-seat head restraints Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts with dual pretensioners and force limiters
  • 3-point seatbelts at all rear seating positions. LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children

Competition
6.0/10

2017 Ford Focus S vs 2017 Subaru Impreza

The Ford Focus is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft of torque. The Focus runs on a front-wheel-drive system, which limits the driver's ability in certain weather conditions. Though the Impreza offers more spacious interiors and almost similar braking performance, the Ford Focus beats the Impreza when it comes to acceleration.

2017 Honda Civic LX vs 2017 Subaru Impreza

The Honda Civic LX is a few hundred dollars less expensive than the 2017 Subaru Impreza and comes with higher horsepower. While it is more efficient than the Impreza in acceleration, the Subaru Impreza offers more space. The Civic's fuel efficiency, braking performance, and other performance-related statics are all slightly better than the 2017 Subaru Impreza, but Subaru cars are known for their commitment to the drivers' safety. No wonder, the Impreza comes with a long list of safety features.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze L vs 2017 Subaru Impreza

WhileSubaru comes with a 2L 4-cylinder engine, the Chevrolet Cruze L comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. And this justifies the slight hike in the price of the Subaru as compared to the Chevrolet. Yet, the Chevrolet beats the Subaru with ease when it comes to acceleration. When it comes to braking, both cars perform almost the same. But when it comes to fuel economy, the Chevrolet does a much better job than the Subaru.

Final Verdict

The 2017 Subaru Impreza is a mix of great control and impressive performance. Boasting off great enhancements as compared to its previous models, its global system and the list of enhancements it brings along with it seems promising and is sure to make driving more fun. Designed to function on entirely new underpinnings, this car blends agility and comfort. A name that one can reckon with for safety, the 2017 Subaru Impreza comes from a rich legacy, reputation for reliability, and featuring some promising technological enhancements, this is a car that is definitely worth buying.

Trims

    Base
    $18,395 onwards
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seat
    • Cloth upholstery
    • Cruise control
    • Driver information display
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Rearview camera
    • Remote locking and unlocking
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    Premium
    $21,195 onwards
    • Automatic headlights and wipers
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    • Six-Speaker audio system
    • Sound-Reducing windshield
    • Windshield wiper de-icer
    Sport
    $21,995 onwards
    • 8-Inch touchscreen
    • Daytime running lights
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Rear spoiler
    • Satellite radio
    • Two USB ports
    Limited
    $24,095 onwards
    • Adaptive LED headlights
    • Automatic climate control system
    • Leather upholstery
    • Six-Way power driver seat

Compare to similar cars

Price

$18,395- $24,595

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.59

Horsepower

152 hp

Torque

145 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$27,990- $34,980

Gasoline

6.57

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,450- $60,450

Gasoline

7.23

310 hp @ 6500 rpm

272 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,065- $26,555

Gasoline

6.65

180 hp @ 6700 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,975- $25,395

Gasoline

7.17

153 hp @ 5600 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,680- $30,975

Gasoline

7.8

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$13,660- $21,140

Gasoline

6.78

120 hp @ 6350 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,775- $36,120

Gasoline

7.37

160 hp @ 6500 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,610- $38,750

Gasoline

8.39

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,355- $34,930

Gasoline

8.47

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

2017 Subaru Impreza vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9 sec17 sec-
    6.1 sec12.7 sec116 mph
    6.8 sec14.3 sec126 mph
    7.4 sec15.4 sec116 mph
    7.7 sec15.9 sec-
    7.8 sec15.5 sec118 mph

    2017 Subaru Impreza vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg13.2 gal.316.8/422.4 mi.
      28 mpg40 mpg33 mpg14.5 gal.406/580 mi.
      28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg13.7 gal.383.6/534.3 mi.
      28 mpg36 mpg32 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/475.2 mi.
      22 mpg40 mpg32 mpg12.4 gal.347.2/496 mi.
      2017 Mazda 3

      Ranked #3

      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/488.4 mi.

      2017 Subaru Impreza vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        182.1 in.70 in.57.3 in.5.1 in.105.1 in.
        196.1 in.74.4 in.57.7 in.3.8 in.112.2 in.
        193.8 in.73 in.57.6 in.6 in.111.4 in.
        192.5 in.72.8 in.57.7 in.5.8 in.109.3 in.
        191.9 in.72.2 in.58.5 in.5.4 in.110.4 in.
        191.7 in.72.9 in.58.1 in.6 in.112.2 in.

        2017 Subaru Impreza vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          12.3 cu.ft.99.8 cu.ft.-
          15.8 cu.ft.103.2 cu.ft.256.5 cu.ft.
          14.4 cu.ft.95.8 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          16.3 cu.ft.106.1 cu.ft.104.6 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.102.8 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.
          12.8 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.224.5 cu.ft.

          2017 Subaru Impreza vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            -12.3 cu.ft.--
            12 cu.ft.12.3 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.12.8 cu.ft.224.5 cu.ft.-
            43 cu.ft.15 cu.ft.43 cu.ft.-
            148.9 cu.ft.14.4 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.60 ft.
            13.5 cu.ft.12.3 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.-

            2017 Subaru Impreza vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1265 lbs.2955 lbs.
              1500 lbs.908 lbs.3093 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3300 lbs.
              1000 lbs.1091 lbs.3263 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3431 lbs.
              --2835 lbs.

              2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              7

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              123

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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