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The Subaru Impreza is a solid option for car shoppers looking for a sensibly priced sedan to take on the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. However, the Mazda3 offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD) and a hatchback model. As a result, it’s a solid prospect for potential owners who want sure-footed traction compared to front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) alternatives. Still, is the Subaru Impreza good enough in the snow to take on competitors like the Mazda3 AWD?

Does the Subaru Impreza offer AWD?

The 2023 Subaru Impreza has standard AWD. That’s good news for car shoppers who want a sensible sedan to handle inclement weather like snow more easily than FWD applications. Of course, AWD isn’t a magic solution to driving in the snow; drivers should always pay attention to tire pressure and use seasonally appropriate tires. However, the Impreza’s standard AWD system is good in the snow, especially compared to vehicles that don’t send power to all four wheels. 

The Subaru Impreza Hatchback is good enough in the snow to warrant consideration in bad climates.
2022 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

Also, the little Impreza offers a hatchback with 20.8 cubic feet of cargo volume, according to TrueCar. That means the Subaru is practical and sure-footed, a solid combination for potential owners who don’t want to compromise for the low starting price. 

What is the most inexpensive Subaru?

The Subaru Impreza is the most inexpensive Subaru in the lineup, with a starting price of $20,815. Not only is the Impreza affordable, but it’s also cheaper than the Mazda3 and nearly $3,000 less than a comparable Honda Civic. Furthermore, the Mazda3 offers AWD as an optional extra, meaning potential owners will have to spend more for that snow-friendly feature. That’s not the case for the Subaru Impreza and its standard AWD.  

The 2022 Subaru Impreza is good in the snow and offers a sedan as well as a hatchback.
2022 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

What other safety features does the Subaru Impreza offer?

In addition to being good in the snow, the Impreza offers several driver-assist features. First, the Impreza has an optional EyeSight suite. Owners who upgrade can expect lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Another helpful feature of the affordable sedan and hatchback offer is a rear-seat reminder to help parents and pet owners remember to collect their loved ones. 

In addition to safety technology, the Impreza has a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The Subaru Impreza comes in a hatchback application as well as a sedan.
2022 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

Which other cars are good for snow?

The Mazda3 and the new 2023 Toyota Corolla also offer AWD to tackle inclement weather like rain or snow. However, both of those vehicles offer AWD as a more expensive option rather than a standard feature. Still, the 2022 Mazda3 and 2022 Toyota Corolla earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Subaru Impreza did not secure a Top Safety Pick+ rating.  

However, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Hatch earned a Top Safety Pick rating, although it missed the “+” award. Either way, if the Subaru Impreza isn’t your first choice, the Mazda3 AWD is a solid alternative for snow and rain with better styling and a higher IIHS safety rating. Scroll down to the following article to read more about sensible sedans and hatchbacks!

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