2017 Subaru Impreza Reviewed and Driven

[@FoodyTunes]

Really excited about this car. As a guy in his 20s, I find this new generation of Impreza much more attracted than the last gen. Was going to look at another SUV because I need AWD for the snow where I live in Canada, but this would be lots of fun instead, and still have AWD. Plus looks so much better than the old gen.

[@EllysaE]

Autos Fan I live in Canada and a forester would be ideal I think. I'm just afraid I'll buy one and in 2018 they do a whole new look 😔

[@craigt9415]

Skip the 09-12 model.. but 13+ you can't go wrong!

[@djizzah]

its too slow unfortunately, youll be disappointed.wait for the levorg station wagon with the wrx motor, very nice drive!

[@SameBasicRiff]

in the same situation and went with a loaded impreza for the cheaper price. Upgraded from an old nissan x-trail so was going to go for another small suv but am liking all the tech you get for the price, along with awd, in the impreza. It does lack power, but im no race car driver, I can deal. Its tuned really well despite not having a gillion hp. Did you end up with an suv? an impreza? something totally different?

[@FoodyTunes]

I like that this has the attitude of what the best compact cars had in the late 90s early 2000s but this time with the updated refinement and tech that completely keeps up to date with 2017

[@TheAndrewMARGOLIN]

I like it. I would rock a 5 door white 5 speed sport. Great daily

[@LOPANindustries]

It's not for speed freaks this car. I don't know why people always focus on speed so much. 0-60 is 8.6 secs sounds fine with me for normal city and highway driving.

[@Rc.Rc33]

Exactly! They wont even noticed that 0-60 thing when daily driving in heavy traffic lol

[@mollygrubber]

Yup. I researched a LOT to replace my wife's aging Honda Fit, and this car was the winner. She absolutely loves it, and I'm happy she's driving the safest car out there.

[@jtralongo1]

Can't wait to see this chassis on the 2018 Crosstrek. I really wish they'd drop in the 2.5 as an option, or the Forester's 2.0-turbo, but I'm not holding my breath.

[@craigt9415]

Agreed, I'd love a 2018 crosstrek with 200hp+. Forester turbo motor if even slightly detuned would be perfect.

[@Ragna___]

A calm and to the point review. Good job!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Civic killer! Impreza ftw!

[@lukehoisington4236]

buildmorefarms100 all wheel drive for the north

[@russellfrancis813]

Just over 3 more weeks til' I get my 5 speed 2.0i hatch! I'm super excited.

[@mfmf100]

It's nice a manual is still available, but 5 speed is pretty out of date at this point. Also, wing is a bit ridiculous w/ 150 hp.

[@cheungman83]

Will this be available in the U.K.?

[@dborked]

I wish they would bring back a 2.5RS model...

[@drivingsports]

This chassis with a modern 2.5 would be a nice alternative to the WRX. -RD

[@cobra454tim]

So you're saying theirs a chance...for the FA20 turbo????? !!!

[@masterful7574]

There's

[@d0rkiishchris]

ThaReal CLo the new 2.0i makes the same power as the 2.5 did. With the direct injection and variable valve timing the NA motors at 2.0 perform roughly the same. And I've driven a 2.5 and got back into my 2.0 and it was quite a bit more fun to zip around in. Gotta stay away from the new CVT tho.

[@d0rkiishchris]

Oh another 0 to 60 test with the cvt.

[@mj1234321]

Best looking Subaru since the 4th gen Legacy! I hope the next gen Legacy looks more like this, and comes in a GT variant. This car too screams for a turbo, and a non-CVT transmission. It's cool that Subaru still offers a manual. I kinda wish you could get a non-CVT sport shift auto as well.

[@dkphantomdk]

Best looking impreza ? its a matter of opinion, I prefere the Hawkeye from 2006/7 and I would fit the Rear Wing from the S204 version.

[@LoveMyZJ]

Looking to sell my BRZ in the next year or so and just test-drove a '17 Mazda3 2.5 GT 6spd hatch...I've been a Subaru guy for a long time but this car will really have to impress me after driving the Mazda.

[@Ronn58]

I just ordered the new Impreza Hatchback....I also drove the Mazda 3 2.5.......awesome as well, but it lacks the space that the Impreza has, and honestly the new Impreza is just as fun as the Mazda, better radio, and the resale is much better on Subaru than Mazda. The leather seats in the new Impreza are the best of any Subaru thus far as we have a 2016 Outback as well. I went with the idea the Mazda would win over the Subaru, and I was wrong. Fit my needs much better. The Mazda would be the 2016, but not the new one IMO

[@ravenstylea2]

Didn't the base Imprezas used to have a larger 170hp motor? Next that 0-60 time was something comparable to a Kia Rio from last decade.

[@Siper2]

The EJ25 engine was abandoned for the FB20 in 2012. The only car still using the EJ-series is the WRX STi using the EJ257, though I suspect it'll switch to the same FA20 that the WRX has been using, soon. The FB20 has less horsepower than the EJ251/EJ253 however MUCH improved fuel economy, which is what buyers wanted.

[@Rc.Rc33]

People are so into 0-60 thing, in real world you won’t even recognize this 0-60 thing in daily driving. This car promotes Safety, versatility and fuel economy, also it’s almost the same handling as the brz (almost) which is great.

[@Tonezorz]

Small error, but the sport model does *not* have reverse automatic braking. I'm assuming it's something to do with the torque vectoring rear diff, because the models without that, do.

[@swanblake]

it has a 5 speed

[@AWDfreak]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the sport-tuned suspension as well as larger front brakes specific to the Sport trim levels.

[@Dinty51]

is the manual 6 speeds? other sites claim it's a 5 speed.

[@drivingsports]

Correct. It's a 5-speed. Error on our part.

[@ixstreetxi]

The wrx's and sti's are 6 speed

[@Ronn58]

Actually, I just ordered a limited 2017 Impreza hatchback......it is a 7 speed using the paddle shifters, and it's awesome ! So much more fun than the previous.

[@danieljohn589]

5??? Is that not behind times? My 1998 Liberty Wagon had a 5 speed manual, how hard can a 6 speed be? Shame.

[@danieljohn589]

Agreed I wouldn't bother with the manual either, the CVT is good, just wish it was a 7 speed auto, but its about the best CVT out there. It is very unfortunate that they couldn't slide the 6 speed into the lineup but all well, I'll stick with my Legacy GT with the 6 speed manual.

[@mj1234321]

So, I hear you can't get fog lights on the sport model, and if you go up to the Limited with fog lamps you can't get the 18" wheels or active torque vectoring. Why, Subaru, do you make it so hard?! The CVT and low hp too make it a tough call...great platform screaming out for a decent powertrain!

[@seanquertinmont2760]

The only reason it's so slow 0 to 60 is bc it has a cvt if you use the paddle shifters it's faster

[@koss9488]

I test drove an Impreza Sport with a manual transmission and was VERY Disappointed with it's acceleration. It felt very sluggish. I own a 2007 Corolla which feels faster despite having less HP. The handling, ride and quietness are very, very good however.

[@samael1981]

I'll be getting the 2020 WRX which should be based on this car.

[@EuroTrashLife]

It looks pretty good, the ones with better engines and a manual box are gonna be the next "1st gen Impreza-level of fanbase" car

[@345firee]

I fucking love my 2018 Impreza sport.

[@djmay5588]

is the torque vectoring only on sport models?

[@Eeaotc02]

Yes sir.

[@drivingsports]

+Dj May yup

[@717dash_cam]

Dj May it's worth getting though. My 16 legacy limited has it, and I love it.. it adds a touch of oversteer at times.

[@djmay5588]

Ryan Slemmer mazdas g vectoring is standard so paying extra would sucks. but still cool that it is a new option

[@717dash_cam]

Dj May True, but the awd may have a slight advantage since it uses traction control along side the ABS and can send extra power to a rear wheel as well. Subaru may just be honing before going across the board. Either way they're both too small for my comfort, which is why I have a Legacy. Personally, as long as I have eyesight and adaptive cruise control for my work commute I'm a happy camper. It has cut down on my road rage issues.

[@josuedepaz4282]

Nice car and review.

[@xFlared]

Really need that big spoiler for a 0-60 of 13 seconds.

[@jjacob25101]

BS about the 0-60 times. Closer to 20 seconds, not over 13, though yes, acceleration is probably the only thing it really lacks now to keep up with it's rivals. If it could get at least 20-30 more HP and comparable torque, it would be great. The Sport hatchback with Eyesight and the Harman Kardon or available Rockford Fosgate stereo upgrade would be almost perfect, especially if you could get the above mentioned power increase with some aftermarket add ons and/or tuning.

[@BCabral43]

when is the wrx and sti getting their update?

[@zdubas]

WRX/STi were updated in 2015 with the Outback and Legacy. They should get a mid-model refresh in MY2018 and another full face-lift again in 2020.

[@AWDfreak]

I'm pretty sure the WRX and WRX STI will be on this new 5th generation platform in 2020, not as a facelift.

[@Elephant_Thoughts]

I would like to know the difference between this FB20 and the last generation FA20.

[@EUC-lid]

+Elephant The FB20 is the same weak little droning engine as before. The FA20 was only in the BRZ and WRX.

[@RichardJoashTan]

Except that it has Direct injection found on the FA20DIT engine.

[@BernonCars]

Thought the pic on the thumbnail was a WRX... that's not good lol

[@danieljohn589]

No it's not! Hahaha

[@BeastMan12016]

It's a 5 speed manual or cvt

[@bosse641]

Nice.

[@biddyhound]

Video states the car has a 6-speed option, this is incorrect. It is a 5-speed option.

[@drivingsports]

+biddyhound as noted in an earlier comment.

[@v60polestar88]

It should have good fuel economy, 150hp really. It's a great first car but it's not an enthusiasts car by any means.

[@benliu6420]

Did he just call CVT constantly variable transmission?

[@seven203]

Could Subaru share Toyota platforms ?

[@djizzah]

toyota quality control is light years ahead of this brand, toyota management would never agree

[@cb638]

That's funny, because Subaru had also been making Camrys for Toyota at Subaru's plant in Lafayette, Indiana up until just recently. Quality studies showed that Subaru made better Toyota Camrys than Toyota themselves.

[@djizzah]

C B subaru are very good but not outstanding like toyota

[@Billy28376]

Nobody testing the manual?

[@717dash_cam]

I want to love this car... I do. But to get it how I would want it, I'm paying the same for a legacy the way I would want it.

[@Youtubepoiuytre]

Ryan Slemmer This car, fully loaded, is the same as a base WRX (26k). So i definitely think they need to drop pricing down a wee bit. Granted, the WRX never gets the 8 inch screen and Apple play, but for 28k or 29k, you get heated seats, moonroof, H/K speakers, etc.

[@717dash_cam]

End of Darkness For the same 29k I got a fully loaded 2.5 Limited Legacy Which got me all of that (minus the updated head unit which isn't available on the legacy... but still gives me siri handsfree capability so no biggie). However the base Limited and sport are yes 26k is respectively, but to get the tech I want yes it would be 28/29 because eyesight is amazing, and their packaging and dealer ordering system basically sets it up with either base limited or fully loaded with all options.

[@joejoejohnson8207]

IV owned Subaru s.After putting in the CVT I sold my last one.I hate a CVT.

[@TheGuyinthePurpleCar]

STATION WAGON IS NOT A BAD WORD

[@TheGuyinthePurpleCar]

ThaReal CLo what has more sex appeal than knowing you can actually have sex in it?!

[@djizzah]

check the levorg wagon with wrx motor, really cool car

[@csabanagy9201]

0-60=13,26 sec ??? 2016 this year not 1986. This is absolut not good. Lazy car.

[@yogaexe]

Did you even read the disclaimer that he put? anyway Car and Driver page says 8.6 seconds. read more about it here www.caranddriver.com/subaru/impreza

[@danieljohn589]

True, but that's 5 seconds off what he got????

[@ZineSG]

Could be the CVT aswell

[@jp_0118]

Altitude and Uphill. C&D got 8.6 secs.

[@csabanagy9201]

Solo_Drift_Pixy thanks.

[@TakumiBunta86]

I feel the only reason some may not buy this car is because it does not have LED headlights as standard.

[@RichardJoashTan]

AND YOU ARE A BULLSHIT!

[@fraxonthefurry21]

TakumiBunta86 That's stupid.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

TakumiBunta86 That's stupid.

[@djizzah]

no, people wont buy it because its a slug and gutless, nice chassis though

[@fraxonthefurry21]

dji zzah I bought the previous model and it's just as gutless but it's still a good car.

[@danieljohn589]

Yep, 0-40 in 6 seconds if fine, then to take another 7.5 seconds to get another 20 under its belt is poor. I see what you mean.

[@777Balt]

Model by model, Subaru becomes less of a Subaru. Trend that started with 21st century.

[@craigt9415]

Pls elaborate.

[@717dash_cam]

Craig Tschirhart subarus were always 'quirky' and not mainstream. Legit wagons available for legacy outback and Impreza. They were loud but the owners didn't care, because they did what they needed and did it well. The mainstream styling is a negative to some but is working for them in being one of the few companies to have numbers continue to go up every year.

[@woohunter1]

This car is $26,500!!!!???? My 16 wrx cost me just under $27,000 brand new.

[@JulianKapa]

In Australia the most expensive model (2.0i-S hatch) costs 33k (AUD) drive away. I'm surprised at how much it costs in the US especially considering it's made there.

[@danieljohn589]

Exactly!!!

[@sean636]

It's because this is the upgraded model with maxed out features, while the 27,000 wrx is a base model with not as many features (ex. moonroof, Eyesight, keyless entry, heated seats..anything premium you can think of)

[@zzhihong]

In Singapore it cost SGD$96900 to get one... That's like USD $70000...

[@tailt]

It's a 5 speed manual not a 6 speed.

[@d0rkiishchris]

Geez test one with the 5 speed. Too many of these videos.

[@dkphantomdk]

I love the Subaru Brand, but I HATE the idea that cars will be fittet with "apple" connections.. some people actually dont have a Iphone / Ipad or I-whatever from Apple. They should go for "nothing but Aux/USB input or All operations systems supported Apple / Win / Android + more"

[@bigchuck707]

dkphantomdk it doesn't have any proprietary apple inputs, it has 2 USB and a 3.5mm input under the arm rest. And it will play music from any kind of device, it just has apple car play and android auto software to utilize those two platforms

[@dkphantomdk]

Ok.. its just because, my car radio / player supports apple and can control ex an Iphone from the funktions on the screen on the radio. - its annoying that they dont do the same for other systems. I need to use the simple Aux input to play music from my phone, rather than using the USB.. the USB can charge the batteri and control Iphone :( - but does nothing for the windows phone But ok, they did include Android as you say, on the new car, but why not windows ? ( I actually have a Windows phone ) ( I do drive subaru )

[@bigchuck707]

dkphantomdk I just looked up the percentage of windows based phones in use today, and they comprise less than 1%. So for Subaru to incorporate software that over 99% of people have no use for isn't very practical. Not to mention that android and apple have car integration systems built in, does windows have that on their phones?

[@danieljohn589]

Yes overall its better, but so not looking forward to WRX and STi now. :-( RIP sporty Subau's.

[@johnennis7349]

to slow for entering highway or just getting out of its own way

[@mollygrubber]

So buy a WRX. For commuting and daily tasks this car is perfect. And it merges onto highways just fine btw.

[@danieljohn589]

Count me out if its going to take almost 14 seconds to hit 60, that's pathetic at best, 10 seconds I can live with, even 11 if the rest is really nice! I bloody hope its peppy enough around town.

[@drivingsports]

Our 0-60 is always from when the pedal hits the floor and we make a point of making that obvious in every video we do it in. All magazines and manufacturer claims measure 0-60 after a roll-out time period or distance, which is always significantly faster than a real-world 0-60. Based on those measurements, I would expect the new Impreza CVT to be around 11. Just like dyno figures, you can't look at a 0-60 without looking at how it was measured.

[@danieljohn589]

Exactly right, I understand thanks! :) I was just a little taken back, these cars have been complained about for there lack of power, our XV is better with the manual, but too keep up for Mazda it can't have these acceleration numbers. It doesn't have to be outrageous fast like a WRX, that's not what people buy these cars for, it does need to have something to get it up the hills and overtake though.

[@RockwoodJoe]

Get the manual. CVT is awful.

[@kdubb81]

I'd prefer a manual, but I live in the SF bay area, traffic is horrible, so I would be dancing through traffic and burning out clutches.

[@AWDfreak]

If you're burning out clutches completely in SF, you're doing it wrong. I live in the SF Bay Area, and used to commute to Sacramento from the SF Bay Area with a manual transmission. Does the traffic suck? Yeah, it does, but the clutch on most modern cars are so light, I don't consider it a valid excuse unless you have some kind of medical condition that makes driving a stick shift a problem. Sometimes I would deliberately drive through San Francisco for a change of scenery on my commute home. That'd add 10 miles of heavy traffic to my commute and driving stick was a non-issue.

[@BahamutEternal]

I want to like this car, but i can't. It's nice as in it's new and more refined, but Subaru has lost its genuine feel that attracted everyone to the brand.

[@jaimeprado23]

for that much money Subaru could of a least up horsepower to 170

[@jbeesgames6154]

And American will only get a 5 speed manual gear box

[@มัลคอล์ม]

looks like a camry to me.

[@exionem]

Agreed. They made it so big now that it´s a far cry from the spunky and compact AWD it was once...

[@jbeesgames6154]

I would not drive a Porsche

[@djizzah]

come' on, nothing to complain about? performance dozy, pedestrian and non existent. extremely underpowered, you could have mentioned that to prospective buyers

[@gerhang3759]

who does these reviews....

[@johnledbetter7618]

This car can't get out if its own way.

[@sergiobeltran9402]

mts

[@hamzaAzherAli]

Best looking? I Douthit.

[@drivingsports]

Mike Tyson, is that you?!

[@kendelion]

looks plain to me too. Unlike the prev model

[@xDRAN0x]

theres no "performance" in this model..

[@danieljohn589]

Nope, just a "slow" model and a "still slow but slightly better cooler looking" model! Haha

[@xDRAN0x]

The WRX trim will be the best value, lets just hope it'll come sooner than later

[@danieljohn589]

It sure will be, let's just hope its just a tiny bit more aggressive then the present model. No doubt though it will be great value. Over here in Australia we bought a Legacy GT that had 30k on it. Top model, 2.5l turbo manual, all the specs you could ask for, heated seats, sunroof, leather everything on a 2016 legacy. 17,000 USD!!! In saying that it lost value VERY quickly because new they are $39,000 USD.

[@xDRAN0x]

yeah but here we have a lot of snow, they are the car that keep their value the most :]

[@kdubb81]

13 seconds to 60 is dog slow, borderline dangerously slow, it definately needs more power.

[@drivingsports]

+kdubb 81 0-40 isn't bad. It's just that last stretch that's painful.

[@717dash_cam]

kdubb 81 the Subaru setup prefers mid throttle for 0-60 I've found. If you gun it from go the cvt bogs down, but if you gun it while already moving it doesn't feel as bad. 55-110 in my 2016 2.5 legacy is pretty good. For now though Subaru is still working on getting small displacement turbos stateside. Expect that probably around a mid cycle refresh.

[@kdubb81]

If they get a base turbo, I'd buy it, but I want the rumble.

[@kdubb81]

All 4 cylinders run out of juice around 40-45 mph.

[@danieljohn589]

Sounds about right yeah, but as Ryan said, don't gun it, it does fine when moderately pushed, it will get up to speed well, plug the throttle that bit more and as he said it bogs down and whines to the high heavens, + you probably make no extra power. Good point, I've noticed the same, drive them smooth and they are fine.

[@marinoint]

Wow that's one outrageously slow car.

[@Ulieq]

Style doesn't belong in 2017

[@shamrock32]

Im pretz za

[@DEVILTAZ35]

Why wouldn't you buy it? hmm lets see 115 crappy kw of power which is way too low for today. I am really annoyed they didn't start the new platform with the Subaru Legacy with the 3.6R as that really would have been amazing. This thing might be alright for ferrying people around but come across a few steep hills and it is absolute rubbish lacking power and torque. In WRX or STI guise sure it would be stunning but this is a totally missed opportunity not to have a small turbo engine in this car right now at the very least. Nice looking car but people will just choose a Mazda 3 Sp25 or a Honda civic instead as they offer better engines and far better acceleration.

[@exionem]

Impreza´s are now on a daily diet of fries, burgers and pizzas. This vehicle is A FAR CRY from the spunky, compact and cool AWD it once was ... Now they´ve made them so big, so bland looking. It looks like a freaking full-size sedan... fuck that shit...

[@MZBallistic]

152 hp MEHH.

[@westwindsailer]

2.0 CVT is a dog ...