For a compact car, the 2020 Subaru Impreza is pretty solid. Its safety ratings make it a stand out and the fact that it comes standard with all-wheel drive makes it an even more compelling option. You have two body style options for the Impreza: the sedan which starts at $18,695 and the hatchback which starts at $19,195.

High Marks

The standard AWD makes the Impreza more capable on the road without much compromise to its fuel efficiency. The 2020 exterior design has been updated with a sportier front bumper and grille which gives the model a more commanding presence The interior cabin is quite pretty simple but still offers modern styling. You’ll also appreciate that the cabin is nice and quiet which can be a pain-point for many compact cars. The seating space is also pretty accommodating and comfortable. 

Each Impreza trim comes with expected infotainment features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  The standard model and the Premium trim model has a 6.5-inch touchscreen while the Sport and Limited versions feature an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The infotainment systems are pretty straightforward so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about there. 

Another standout aspect of the Impreza is the available driver-assist features known as Subaru EyeSight. The dual cameras are the foundation of EyeSight and include forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. 

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Even with AWD, models with the CVT have an EPA rating of 28 mpg and 36 mpg highway which further distinguishes it from the rest of the models in the compact class. However, available manual transmission is less efficient. Overall, the Impreza has great handling and predicted owner satisfaction scores are high.

Lows

Even though the Impreza offers exceptional performance features in its class including AWD and its high fuel economy, you can’t help but feel that the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is underpowered. Both the sedan and hatchback models offer limited cabin storage space and there isn’t much cargo space available either. With this in mind, you might not have enough extra room to place small items. 

For more cargo capacity, you would want to go for the Impreza hatchback version which has more SUV- like space. The sedan model’s cargo capacity is among the smallest in the compact class with dimensions at 12.3 cubic feet of space. 

The Final Verdict

The Impreza is a tempting buy because of its bargained price, especially for a Subaru. Its in-car electronic features and driver-assist functionality make it an even better compact option. The Impreza’s fuel economy stands out from others in its class and the standard AWD makes it a viable option for commuters who are in wet climates. Still, its lack of basic functionality makes it less desirable. It’s also hard to overlook the scooting engine and lack of interior storage space.  

For a better overall value, it’s worth looking into Impreza model competitors like the Volkswagen Golf, Mazda3, or the Toyota Corolla hatchback which offer added force and agility.