2022 Subaru Impreza

　　

2022 Subaru Impreza Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The Impreza is Subaru's long-running small sedan and hatchback, serving for years as the Japanese automaker's smallest and most affordable model. The current-generation Impreza made its debut in 2017, and while that doesn't seem all that long ago, Subaru has updated most of its other models since 2017, including the Outback and Forester SUVs and the Legacy sedan.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$144/mo  for Impreza Base

　　Impreza Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $19,295 MSRP4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $19,795 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $20,595 MSRP4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $21,095 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $22,695 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $23,195 MSRPSport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $23,495 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $24,095 MSRPSport 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $24,595 MSRPLimited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $26,895 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　For 2022, the Impreza is essentially unchanged, though we predict a full Impreza redesign next year. However, if you need a compact sedan or hatchback with all-wheel drive before the all-new model arrives, we think the Impreza is a smart option. You might also check out the Mazda 3 or the Nissan Sentra. Explore all the details on the Impreza in our Expert Rating below.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We spent a year and 20,000 miles with a 2017 Subaru Impreza to get a sense of what we liked, what we didn't like, and what surprised us. Plenty has changed in the five years since we've owned an Impreza, but we think a lot of our impressions hold up, so head over to our 2017 Subaru Impreza to get an in-depth look at the sedan.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Impreza drive? The weak engine is one of the Impreza's biggest failings. Its 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds is near the bottom of the class, and the transmission can exacerbate the engine's buzzy and relatively unresponsive nature. Passing on the highway or merging into traffic requires more time and planning than it should.

　　It's not all bad news. The brakes are firm and easy to control, meaning you can bring the car to a smooth stop with ease. The steering is quick and responsive without feeling unsettled, and it's sportier relative to the steering in most competitors. Body roll is well controlled, and standard all-wheel drive helps the Impreza feel more sure-footed than some other small sedans.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Impreza? With a relatively quiet and smooth ride, the Impreza is a breeze to drive on the highway. It's comfortable and compliant without feeling too soft or floaty. There's no wind noise, but the continuously variable automatic transmission does result in some unpleasant whine. The seats are comfortable and well bolstered even if they are a bit on the firm side for long road trips. The rear seats are flat but comfortable.

　　The available automatic climate control is easy to operate, but the vents aren't well placed. A couple of the main air vents are right next to the steering wheel, right where you would grip, unfortunately cooling your fingers quicker than the cabin.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below