Flash Drive

2017 Subaru Impreza

August 21, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport

The standard all-wheel-drive makes the 2017 Subaru Impreza sedan a blast on curvy country roads.

Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer, 152 horsepower 145 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/36-mpg highway/30-mpg combined

Base Price: $21,995

As Tested: $26,560

Performance:

Nimble handling

Fun to drive

Good acceleration for horsepower rating

CVT has 7-speed manual shift mode

The Subaru Impreza styling is crisp and contemporary including the handsome alloy wheels.

Seamless all-wheel-drive

Great rainy/snowy weather car

Sport tuned suspension

Paddle shifters

Blind spot monitor

Lane keeper feature

Incline start assist

Good fuel economy for a non-hybrid

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Excellent adult rear seat room even with front seats all back

Ample shoe room under seats

Interior room and comfort are excellent both front and back.

Very good headroom

Tall rear floor hump

Firm, but comfy rear seats

Adult space in center, but must straddle floor hump

No rear armrest

Two temperature heated front seats

Contrasting red stitching on seats, dash, steering wheel

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Lots of very good auxiliary controls

Driver seat height pump

No lumbar or power adjustments

Utility:

Wide trunk opening

The Subaru Impreza steering wheel has lots of easy to use auxiliary controls.

Approximately 6-inch lift-over

Flat trunk floor

Ample cargo space

Split folding rear seats

Seats fold flat, but 2-3-inches higher than trunk floor

Carpet on trunk lid and hinges

One seatback pouch

Medium locking glovebox

Small, but deep console bin

Smallish sunvisors with center extenders

Large infotainment screen

Very good sound system and radio

Medium size sunroof

WOW Factors:

Handsome styling, sharp 18-inch alloy wheels

The 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport looks and acts like a car that should cost much more than it does.

Confident all-weather handling

Lots of safety features

Very roomy interior

Active grille shutter

Built in Indiana

Whines:

Cheap trunk carpeting

Inexpensive headliner

Headrests pretty hard

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza sedan is an impressive value. You get world-class all-wheel-drive safety and performance at an economy car price. The Impreza Sport looks and is pretty sporty. Interior space and comfort are impressive, better than many physically larger cars. The Impreza Sport is safe, practical, and affordable while still being handsome and fun to drive.