2018 Subaru Impreza

2018 Subaru Impreza Highlights

The 2018 Subaru Impreza offers minor upgrades on the previous year's complete redesign. This compact car continues to stand out in its segment with standard all-wheel drive and a focus on safety.

2018 Subaru Impreza Specs/Key Details

• Compact sedan and hatchback body styles
• Seating for five passengers
• Standard all-wheel drive across all trims
• 2.0-liter flat-four engine standard on all models
• Choice of manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Enhanced headlight functionality on higher trims

Benefits

• Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent traction
• Available EyeSight driver assist technology enhances safety
• Spacious interior for its class, particularly in the hatchback variant
• User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Competitive fuel economy despite standard all-wheel drive
• Strong safety ratings and advanced safety features are available

Related: Here Are The Subaru Impreza Years To Avoid

2018 Subaru Impreza Overview

Performance

A 2.0-liter flat-four engine across all trims powers the 2018 Subaru Impreza:

• 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque
• Available with a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all models

Key performance features include:

• Active torque vectoring (standard on Sport trim)
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Electric power-assisted steering

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Impreza a top five-star overall safety rating. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2018 Impreza a Top Safety Pick+, the group’s highest designation, when equipped with EyeSight and specific headlights

Standard safety features on all 2018 Subaru Impreza trims include:

• Seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag
• Ring-shaped reinforcement frame
• Whiplash-reducing front seats
• Brake assist and brake override systems

The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package, available on CVT-equipped models, includes:

• Pre-collision braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Lane keep assist

Additional available technology features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• Steering-responsive headlights
• Automatic high beams

Driving

The 2018 Subaru Impreza balances comfort with capability thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and well-tuned suspension. The car's compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while its all-wheel drive provides confidence in foul weather.

While not particularly powerful, the 2.0-liter flat-four engine delivers adequate performance for daily driving. The horizontally opposed engine contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing the car's stability and handling characteristics.

Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience, while the CVT prioritizes fuel efficiency. The CVT includes a seven-speed manual mode with paddle shifters on higher trims, allowing for more driver control when desired.

The Impreza's suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a double-wishbone design in the rear, provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The Sport trim enhances this with a sport-tuned suspension, offering sharper handling for enthusiast drivers.

Interior

The 2018 Subaru Impreza's interior showcases a functional, straightforward design emphasizing spaciousness and practicality.

Key interior features include:

• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
• Available leather upholstery (Limited trim)
• Available power moonroof

The Impreza's front seats offer good comfort and support, with ample headroom and legroom for most drivers and passengers. The rear seat is exceptionally spacious for the compact car class, comfortably accommodating adult passengers.

Cargo space is generous, especially in the hatchback variant:

• Sedan: 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space
• Hatchback: 20.8 cubic feet behind rear seats, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded

The interior layout is user-friendly, with controls logically arranged and easily accessible to the driver. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is well-integrated into the dashboard, contributing to a clean and modern look.

Technology

The 2018 Subaru Impreza comes equipped with a range of technology features, including:

• STARLINK Multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen (base trim)
• Available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability
• Available Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Available built-in navigation system

Fuel Economy

The 2018 Subaru Impreza offers competitive fuel economy ratings, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. According to the EPA, the Impreza achieves the following fuel economy estimates:

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine:

• AWD Sedan/Manual (mpg): 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined
• AWD Sedan/CVT (mpg): 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined
• AWD Hatchback/Manual (mpg): 24 city / 31 highway / 26 combined
• AWD Hatchback/CVT (mpg): 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined

2018 Subaru Impreza Reviews

2018 Subaru Impreza consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The Impreza gets especially good owner scores for value, reliability, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Standard all-wheel drive across all trims
• Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles
• Spacious interior, particularly in the hatchback variant
• Strong safety ratings and available EyeSight driver assist technology
• User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Competitive fuel economy despite standard all-wheel drive
• Comfortable ride and competent handling
• Good visibility due to large windows and thin pillars

Problems

• The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• A five-speed manual transmission may feel dated compared to six-speed competitors
• Some engine noise is noticeable, especially with CVT under heavy acceleration
• Interior materials in lower trims may not feel as premium as some competitors
• Slightly higher starting price compared to some front-wheel-drive competitors

Explore: How Used Subaru Impreza Models Stack Up Against New – and Each Other

CoPilot's Take

The 2018 Subaru Impreza stands out in the compact car market, focusing on all-weather performance and safety. Unlike most rivals, it comes with standard all-wheel drive, giving drivers better control in challenging conditions.

One of the Impreza's key strengths is its spacious and practical interior. Both the sedan and hatchback variants offer generous passenger room, with the hatchback providing impressive cargo versatility. The user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto adds to the car's everyday usability.

Safety is another standout feature of the Impreza. With top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS and the available EyeSight driver assist technology, it offers peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers. The addition of automatic headlight activation with wiper use for 2018 further enhances this focus on safety.

However, potential buyers should be aware of a few drawbacks. The base engine may feel underpowered for those accustomed to turbocharged competitors, and the five-speed manual transmission might feel outdated. Some may also find the interior materials in lower trims less premium than in some rival vehicles.

2018 Subaru Impreza FAQs

Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza a good car?

Yes, the 2018 Subaru Impreza is generally considered a good car. It offers several strong points:

• Standard all-wheel drive, which is unique in its class
• Excellent safety ratings and available advanced safety features
• Spacious interior, especially in the hatchback version
• User-friendly technology features
• Good fuel economy for an all-wheel drive vehicle

What is the downside of a 2018 Subaru Impreza?

While the 2018 Subaru Impreza has many positive attributes, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• Engine Performance: While adequate for daily driving, the 2.0-liter engine may feel underpowered compared to some turbocharged competitors, especially during highway passing or when fully loaded.
• Transmission Options: The five-speed manual transmission may feel dated compared to the six-speed manuals offered by some competitors. The CVT, while efficient, can be noisy under heavy acceleration.
• Interior Quality: Lower trims may have interior materials that feel less premium than some rivals in the compact car segment.
• Fuel Economy: While good for an all-wheel-drive vehicle, fuel economy may be lower than that of some front-wheel-drive competitors.
• Road Noise: Some owners report noticeable road noise at highway speeds.
• Electrical Problems: While not a widespread problem, some owners have reported various electrical glitches.

How many miles will a 2018 Subaru Impreza last?

With proper care, a 2018 Subaru Impreza can last 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report their Imprezas lasting well beyond 200,000 miles. However, the actual lifespan of any vehicle depends on following the recommended maintenance schedule, driving habits, environmental elements, and other factors.

Check Out: Are Subarus Reliable? Reasons For Their Reliability