2019 Subaru Impreza Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Available either as a sedan or hatchback, the 2019 Subaru Impreza is a strong contender in today’s compact car segment. There’s definitely a lot to like about the new 2019 Subaru Impreza. Unlike virtually every competitor, it comes standard with a sophisticated AWD system. This is a major selling point for the drivers who must deal with snowfall during the winter. Because of the Impreza’s roomy design and excellent crash scores, it proves to be a more than worthy family car. High fuel economy is another plus for the new Impreza.

You’ll have four trims to choose from: base Impreza 2.0i, Impreza Premium. Impreza Sport, and Impreza Limited. Let’s find out which trim is right for you.

 

Compare the 2019 Subaru Impreza Base 2.0i vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The base Impreza 2.0i is the least expensive AWD-equipped car on the market. Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Boxer engine. While some drivers will like the base Impreza’s five-speed manual gearbox, a continuous variable transmission is available for an extra $1,000. You can choose between a sedan and a hatchback body style.

Expect the base Impreza 2.0i’s list of features to reflect its lower sticker price. In comparison to some of today’s other entry-level models, it’s lightly equipped. Nevertheless, there are enough modern features on the base Impreza to keep you content. The standard 6.5-inch touch screen integrates your phone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s help ensure everyday comfort. Some of the other notable standard features include Bluetooth, a USB port, and remote locking/unlocking.

Available as an option, Subaru’s EyeSight safety package is definitely a feature worth getting. Forward and reverse automatic braking help prevent you from crashing into other vehicles. Lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control are included as well. Along with the EyeSight advanced safety package comes an upgraded driver information display.

When comparing the base Impreza 2.0i to the other trims, you’ll notice that it’s not quite as stylish. A plain set of steel wheels with hubcaps come standard. Luckily, daytime running lights are found on the base 2.0i trim.

While the base 2.0i trim is inexpensive, you’ll find the Impreza Premium to be a much nicer ride. It comes loaded with a number of great features. You will especially appreciate the standard 4G Wi-Fi hot spot, which provides internet access for all of your passengers. Meanwhile, a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio replaces the standard four-speaker unit. A standard All-Weather package with heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer further readies the sedan for wintry conditions. Some of the other upgrades include an additional USB port, a sound-reducing windshield, and heated mirrors.

Like the base Impreza 2.0i, the Impreza Premium offers an EyeSight safety package. However, it adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. You’ll also receive cornering fog lights for improved visibility on misty nights .

Both the base Impreza 2.0 and the Impreza Premium come equipped with the same engine and transmission. However, the Impreza Premium benefits from steering-wheel-mounted paddles with seven simulated gears. A far more attractive set of 16-inch alloy wheels help bolster the Impreza Premium’s curb appeal. To have more fun in the summer, opt for the Premium trim’s power sunroof.

Compare the 2019 Impreza Premium vs Sport Trims. What is the difference?

The Impreza Sport is geared towards the drivers who want the maximum fun. Although the Impreza Sport doesn’t pack any extra power under the hood, it does deliver sharper handling on the road. Sports-tuned shocks and performance tires give the Impreza Sport a more athletic character. Active torque vectoring also helps when carving corners.

To make the Sport model even more entertaining to drive, Subaru has installed a short-throw gear shifter for the manual transmission. It’s taken directly from the high-performance Subaru WRX STI. If you don’t like manually changing gears, a CVT is available as an option.

Subaru also gave the Sport trim some racy styling tweaks. Body-color rocker spoilers and a rear spoiler highlight the Sport trim’s more powerful look. A larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels add to the Impreza Sport’s coolness factor.

On the inside, sport seats with red itching help keep you planted when going around curves. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle are also found on the Impreza Sport. Other upgrades include an 8.0-inch touch screen, keyless ignition/entry, and a color multifunction driver display. Available as an option, the eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium system will make music fans jump for joy. All of the EyeSight safety technologies are offered.

Compare the Impreza Sport vs. Limited Trims. What is the difference?

While the Subaru Impreza Sport is more stimulating to drive, some buyers may prefer the range-topping Impreza Limited’s more luxurious interior. It goes without the Sport trim’s performance upgrades, including the stiffer suspension dampers. In contrast to every other trim, the Impreza Limited comes with leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Automatic climate control is also found on the Limited trim. For an extra $2,750, you can add a package that includes the more entertaining Harman Kardon sound system and an 8.0-inch touch screen with navigation.

Aside from the highly recommended EyeSight safety package, the Impreza Limited also adds LED adaptive headlamps. A unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels enhance the Limited trim’s appearance. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional.

 

Final Thoughts

If you don’t care about style, the base Impreza 2.0i will be a good option. You won’t find a better AWD-equipped car for the price. A standard 6.5-inch touch screen with smartphone integration and a backup camera also help make it a solid daily-driver. Don’t hesitate to spend the money on EyeSight safety package. It will make your drive a lot more secure.

Not only does the Impreza Premium look more stylish with its 16-inch alloy wheels, but it also packs some great cold-weather features. The heated mirrors and heated seats will be more than welcomed.

If driving fun is a top priority, you should surely choose the Sport trim. While Active Torque Vectoring and a sports-tuned suspension enhance handling, a high-performance shifter enables you to quickly sort through the gears. Although you can opt for an automatic CVT, you will have more fun with the manual gearbox.

With an MSRP of roughly $22,500, the Limited trim is more expensive than the other trims. While the Impreza Limited does provide some extra creature comforts, it’s not drastically better than the Impreza Premium. Furthermore, you still have to pay extra for blind-spot monitoring and the Harman Kardon sound system.

2019 Subaru Impreza Key Features

When shopping for a new 2019 Subaru Impreza, you must decide which body style you prefer. While some people want the security of the sedan’s trunk, others will desire the hatchback’s higher cargo capacity. In terms of performance and available features, the sedan and hatchback are virtually the same. However, roof rails do come standard on the Premium and Limited hatchback models.

There’s only one engine available for the new 2019 Subaru Impreza. While the Impreza models equipped with the standard suspension deliver excellent ride comfort, driving enthusiasts should take the Impreza Sport for a spin. A sports-tuned suspension enables it to drive with more preciseness. You’ll also enjoy the Impreza Sport’s Active Torque Vectoring feature, which further improves handling. Remember, all versions of the new Impreza come standard with a Symmetrical AWD system. It enables the Impreza to deliver a far better performance in bad weather.

You can get the 2019 Subaru Impreza with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuous variable transmission. Unfortunately some drivers have found the CVT to be slow to react. This issue contributes to the car’s leisurely acceleration. However, it does help bolster the Impreza’s fuel economy. The manual transmission gives the Impreza more life. By installing a short-throw gear shifter in the Sport trim, Subaru was able to really give it a more fun driving character.

Even the low-priced base Impreza comes equipped with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system. Standard Pandora app integration enables music lovers to surf through different songs. The redesigned touch screen is far better than the previous display. Automotive critics also like how well the voice controls work. You’ll be able to easily operate the stereo and make phone calls by making voice commands. The integrated navigation system is a must for the drivers who plan to do a great deal of traveling.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a safer car in the 2019 Subaru Impreza’s price range. Aside from the Impreza’s solid impact protection, it also offers some valuable driver-assist technologies. Even the base model can be equipped with an EyeSight safety package. The peace of mind is certainly worth the extra $845. Very few cars in this segment offer forward and reverse automatic braking. Testers found the forward collision warning system and lane-keep assist to work remarkably well. Standard on the range-topping Impreza Limited, Subaru’s LED Steering Responsive Headlights make driving on rural roads a lot safer.

Don’t expect the Impreza’s standard four-speaker sound system to provide much inspiration. While the available six-speaker system is a tad better, music fanatics will want the eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. A 432-watt GreenEdge amplifier helps the system to sound clear and precise. Although a subwoofer isn’t included, it still manages to produce good bass.