2022 Subaru Impreza Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Impreza has had the distinction of being the most affordable Subaru out there for quite some time. It is available as both a sedan and a hatchback, and it has many of the perks associated with this brand. The 2022 Subaru Impreza has a lot going for it and will likely catch consumers' eyes with its low price. At the same time, it is moving into the new year with a lot of the same flaws that people have been complaining about for years. Overall, is the Impreza a worthy option in 2022?

What's New for 2022?

The Impreza is currently in its fifth generation, which debuted way back in 2017. This year, the most significant change involves the top Limited trim, which will only be available as a hatchback now. There is also a new paint color known as Sapphire Blue Pearl. Other than adding standard safety features to CVT models back in 2020, the Impreza has not really changed since launching the current generation.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Subaru Impreza – The Pros

1. Standard All-Wheel Drive

Like most Subaru models, the Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive on all trim levels. This is especially impressive when taking a look at the low starting price. Considering how many sedans and hatchbacks out there do not even offer AWD, this is a major selling point for the Impreza. Those who live in areas with rough winters and would rather not drive a truck or SUV may find that the Impreza is the way to go.

2. Comfortable and Spacious Cabin

The Impreza is praised for its comfortable and spacious cabin, no matter which body style drivers choose. The sedan and hatchback both have enough room for up to five adults to be relatively comfy, at least for short journeys. Despite being a compact car, there is ample legroom in both rows. The headroom is respectable as well. Although the standard interior features are not terribly impressive, the Impreza does offer things like genuine leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces on its higher trim levels.

3. Plenty of Driver Aids

When buyers choose an Impreza with the optional continuously variable transmission, they get a complete suite of driver assistance features. Adaptive cruise control, rear automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are all included. CVT models also get forward-collision mitigation, which is a combination of forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive LED headlights, a rear-seat reminder, and more can be found on select trims.

4. User-Friendly Infotainment System

A clear menu structure makes the Subaru infotainment system one of the quickest to learn. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, but most models will upgrade drivers to an 8-inch option instead. The smartphone integration options include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. Buyers who opt for higher trim levels will find tech upgrades like navigation, rear USB ports, and voice recognition.

5. Low Starting Price

Buyers can get a brand-new sedan model of the Impreza for around $19,000, making it an incredibly affordable option. The hatchback costs a few hundred extra but is still very reasonable. Even with this low price tag, the Impreza comes with highly desirable features, such as AWD and smartphone integration. The Impreza Sport sedan, which is the highest trim in that body style, starts out at only $23,600. As for the hatchback Impreza Limited, it will cost buyers around $26,400, which is a great value considering the amount of standard equipment found here.

6. Two Body Style Choices

The Impreza appeals to a broad range of consumers. Part of the draw comes from the two body styles available. The hatchback is incredibly versatile, making it a popular option. As for the sedan, it makes an excellent daily commuter. Although a few of the main rivals of the Impreza also give buyers a choice, they do not have the standard AWD that Subaru is known for.

7. Available with Manual Transmission

There are some drivers who are dedicated to the control that comes with manually shifting their cars. For them, Subaru has a five-speed manual transmission. To get this underneath the hood, drivers will need to stick with the base model. All other models get the CVT standard, which is also an option for the entry-level trim if preferred.

8. Good Fuel Economy with the CVT

The CVT version of the 2022 Impreza is estimated to get 28mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway. At first glance, these numbers may seem merely average. When comparing the Impreza to the AWD versions of its rivals, however, buyers can see how good these estimates really are. Going with the manual transmission will have a pretty significant impact, dropping the Impreza down to 24mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway.

9. Balanced Ride and Handling

While not incredibly fast, the Impreza is an enjoyable car to drive. The steering is responsive, making for a sporty experience at the wheel. Drivers can tackle corners confidently, especially with the standard all-wheel drive. This vehicle also boasts responsive braking and incredible stopping power.

10. Strong Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the 2022 Subaru Impreza excellent scores. In fact, it received five stars in every single category that it was tested in. The list includes frontal crash, side crash, and rollover testing. As for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, they gave the 2022 Impreza the top "Good" rating for everything except the standard headlights, which received the rating "Marginal."

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Subaru Impreza – The Cons

1. No Hybrid Available

Hybrid powertrains are not going anywhere. That is why it is surprising that the Impreza has not been made available with one. It is possible that Subaru is holding off in order to keep the price of the Impreza low. Still, they will eventually need to make a hybrid model if they want this vehicle to stay relevant in the future.

2. Manual Models Have No Driver Aids

The base model of the Impreza with the five-speed manual transmission comes with no advanced safety features. Granted, it would be hard to give it things like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision mitigation. Still, things like blind-spot monitoring or rear parking sensors could be added. Currently, the entry-level Impreza comes with only a rearview camera.

3. Base Engine Lacks Power

The Subaru Impreza looks fast, especially in its hatchback form. This just proves that looks can be deceiving, however. The only available engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder that will make 152-horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this is good news for fuel economy, it is bad news for those who like quick acceleration.

4. Sedan Lacks Trunk Space

With only 12.3 cubic feet of space, the 2022 Impreza has one of the smallest trunks in its class. On the plus side, the trunk opening is fairly wide, making the sedan easy to load. If cargo space is a priority, drivers will definitely want to choose the hatchback, which offers 20.8 cubic feet behind the second-row and over 55 cubic feet with that row folded flat.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Subaru Impreza vs. 2022 Mazda3

The Mazda3 is another small vehicle that can be had as either a sedan or a hatchback. Unlike the Impreza, the Mazda3 does not come standard with AWD. It can be found on select models, however. The Mazda3 has a more luxurious look and feel, especially in the cabin. It also is available with two engine options, both of which are more powerful than the only one that the Impreza offers. When it comes to space in the back seat, the Impreza comes out ahead.

2022 Subaru Impreza vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is not offered as a hatchback in 2022. It also does not even offer all-wheel drive. In just about every other way, however, it is the superior small car of the two. It has a low starting price, a strong list of standard features, and a refined cabin. The Elantra also has an incredibly long warranty and better fuel economy. Unless AWD is a priority, buyers may find they get more bang for their buck if they choose the Elantra over the Impreza.

Conclusion

Those looking for an affordable small car for commuting will likely be satisfied with the 2022 Subaru Impreza. There are many things to like when taking a closer look at this vehicle. Moving forward, Subaru should consider giving the Impreza more engine options to help it appeal to different driving styles. A redesign of the sedan version to add more trunk space would be beneficial as well.