Just the very name of the Subaru Impreza leads you to believe it’s impressive in nature. But does it live up to its name when it comes to safety? Experts seem to think so. 

Subaru has a reputation for safety and reliability as a brand. Its SUVs have outstanding marks in safety, durability, and owner satisfaction and have become a mainstay in American culture. Additionally, the Impreza has been praised for its superior ride quality, making it an impressive competitor in the compact car segment. But just because a car rides smoothly doesn’t necessarily make it safe. 

So does Subaru put forth the same effort it does for its compact cars as it does for its SUVs? It’s a common misconception that diminutive vehicles aren’t as safe as larger ones. So, shoppers shouldn’t dismiss the Impreza just because it’s Subaru’s smallest model.

Great things often come in tiny packages, which is the case for the Subaru Impreza. That’s why the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named it a Top Safety Pick for 2020. 

So what makes the Subaru Impreza stand out? Let’s look at everything the Impreza has to offer and just what the experts say about this compact car. 

Subaru’s Eyesight technology watches out for you

It’s incredible how far safety technology has come over the past few years. It wasn’t long ago when rearview cameras mesmerized the automotive industry. Today, we take that for granted as standard equipment in new cars.

These days, manufacturers pack vehicles with smart safety systems. The 2021 Subaru Impreza is no exception. Subaru offers Eightsight technology, a suite of driver-assist technologies, as standard equipment on all CVT-equipped Impreza models.

Eightsight includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. These technologies help the driver have a better sense of their surroundings. These systems activate audible or visual alerts when a potential crash is detected. Meanwhile, automatic emergency braking may take over to mitigate the damage if the driver is unable to react to an impending collision.

Other available safety systems include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Experts weigh in on the Subaru Impreza 

It’s no wonder why those who make safety their top priority love the Subaru Impreza. Unlike the other vehicles in its class, the Impreza comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system, which provides better traction on slippery surfaces. In fact, the vast majority of compact cars don’t offer AWD at all.

The Subaru Impreza’s AWD system, combined with its robust structural integrity and a laundry list of driver-assist tech, makes it one of the safest compact cars on the road. Plus, it doesn’t matter which body style you choose, as Subaru offers the Impreza as a sedan or a wagon. Both versions earned Top Safety Pick recognition from the IIHS, provided the model is equipped with optional front crash prevention features and specific headlights.

The IIHS isn’t the only safety-focused organization to recognize the Impreza. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Subaru Impreza a five-star overall safety rating. This score included top marks in frontal and side crash ratings and a relatively low rollover risk of just 9.5%.

Should the Impreza be on your shortlist for your next car purchase?

The Subaru Impreza disproves the stereotype that smaller cars aren’t as safe as SUVs. It’s no easy feat to earn recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It’s even more impressive that the Subaru Impreza was able to do so in its sedan form and its wagon variant.

Those who want to maximize fuel efficiency with a compact car without sacrificing safety should consider the Subaru Impreza.