2018 Subaru Impreza Review and Road Test in 4K UHD!

The Subaru Impreza has long been one of the least expensive ways to get AWD in America but previous versions struggled when it came to value if AWD wasn't on your "must have" list. With that in mind, Subaru completely redesigned their compact sedan for 2017 and 2018 tossing in more standard equipment, new entertainment systems with CarPlay and Android Auto, and a more premium interior. There are still trade-offs to be found for that standard AWD system but Subaru has worked hard to make them less obvious than in the past. You'll still find a manual transmission in the base model and fewer creature comforts than in a comparable Corolla or Civic, but Subaru's standard AWD system compensates enough to make the Impreza one of the best compact vehicle values in North America.
0-30 : 3.5 Seconds
0-60 : 9 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 16.8 Sec @ 90 MPH
60-0 Braking : 124 Feet
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[@NashKetchum]

I went and test drove the 2018 sport today, thanks in part to your review. I agree with everything you've said, the car's chassis and suspension are very well sorted, and feel very confident. Handling is tremendous and it feels very nimble, despite having a suspension soft enough to glide comfortably over broken, potholed roads. Power is low, but you don't need anymore. It's plenty for all purposes, and plenty to have good fun. If you live in the North or in an area with bad, broken roads, you'd be doing yourselves a disservice if you don't check out the impreza

[@MsVS1221]

I purchased a Subaru Impreza SPORT hatchback and LOVE it!. The car rides like a dream, is very quiet and gets great gas mileage. The stereo system is fantastic, the infotainment system is great, the big screen is wonderful for traveling. We test drove the Honda Civic and the Corolla, we decided the Subaru was the one for us.

[@GOONMOTORSPORT]

Subaru is a small company, they build good car at good price, great reviews by the way :)

[@planetina1145]

I liked Toyota for a long time, but even with a 813 credit score TFS denied my upgrade to a 2022 TRD Camry... got a new impreza and I was truly loved and welcomed. Thank you subaru! Oh no rattles! No road noise! Steering is tight and CVT is pretty descent... thought I'd hate it, but love it. Subaru... I don't know what to say... good job

[@PowerShellWizard]

This is how to do a review, not just a car review I love this channel. Now. Thank you so much.

[@mj28inpa]

Alex, just want to share that your video reviews are some of the most professional ones out there. Love your reviews man! Awesome job as always…

[@wagakamakoyo7309]

Alex, thanks so much for your reviews. Geez, Ive never seen such thorough and complete reviews before. Excellent work and very helpful!

[@coverttwenty]

It's the first time I watch a review of yours and I commend you for the most comprehensive compact reviews I've ever seen. 12 out of 10 for this. I'm an Outback owner and you've nailed Subaru as I experience my vehicle. Also appreciate the onscreen comparison figures. You're great.

[@user-rs1ky2uc8c]

Alex, your review is detailed, reliable, clear and nice to watch, thank you for the good work you are doing! !

[@fir8550]

Your video may be a year old, but it's still as relevant as the day you recorded it. I just bought the hatchback version of Subaru Impreza 2018 in London 14 days ago. So your video has been very helpful. This is my first Subaru experience, so I'm still learning about the car. Thank you for a great deatiled video. Your insight is appreciated.

[@ricoaks7198]

Great reviews as always Alex👍🏾 Now, there is a car for everyone. This Subi is for those who need AWD in this segment at this price point. Those who need tons of other features there are other brands with higher prices to accommodate your pockets. One cannot expect car makers to get it all in when the average person need something reliable and safe to get from point A to B without much headache.

[@ingenunis5003]

Ric Oaks I totally agree with you👌🏼

[@TodayWithDustin]

Great review Alex. Props to Subaru. Simplicity is key and this is it. I like this 👍🏻

[@whitewaterkayaker]

Always great reviews, Alex! I just bought a 2019 Impreza Sport Hatch and agree with every point you made. I think Subaru improved on some of the 2018 short comings, making that car an amazing value.

[@remitremblay2091]

Hello Alex Great video! Great idea with the data info on top! Easy to read and understand. I drive a Forester 2015 with 75,000 miles on it, already. Mix of snow (living in Montréal, Canada) and highway. First Subaru but certainly not the last! It is amazing in the winter, and amazing in the rain. A bit hard on tires, but that's the AWD system tradeoff I believe. My mother just bought the new Impreza Sport Tech model (top line in Canada). Beautifull inside, great handling and most of all, great looking! Subaru = quality! Remi, Montreal, Canada.

[@toufuelo]

Excellent review sir! I kept coming back to your review over and over again while considering this car.

[@carrion_man3700]

You are the best at reviews! I'm looking at a 2018 Sport model with eyesight, et al, right now. Surprised how much I like this car. It's unassuming, which I love, but has great everyday drivability and road trip potential. Plus, it's fun to drive!

[@1717jbs]

Another outstanding review. Thanks Alex!

[@Kokopuracan12]

The best reviewer for me. So detailed.

[@cometcal2]

A review with real substance. Well done.

[@KrishnaKumar-hd1qg]

Great review. Thanks. Enjoyed watching it.

[@Seventh-day]

Best car review I have come across.

[@A_guan]

Yes! Thanks Alex for the review, I'm waiting for you to review the 2017/18 mazda 3 now

[@schmo7777]

You are my car superhero Alex!!!

[@avanti2k]

great review as always, but I hope Alex will add some comments about Subarus' eyesight safety system

[@alcobra88]

Patiently waiting for the WRX STI to be moved to this platform. Test drove a 2017 impreza. Loved the look, comfort, visibility, and AWD, but taking off from a stop light is arduous even at 90% throttle. No car is enjoyable if you have to floor it everywhere to keep up with normal traffic.

[@boboutelama5748]

The last WRX STi was a catastrophy. It seems that this car becomes worst every generation.

[@villasantamaria1]

It' s more fun to drive a slow car fast then ............

[@jongarcia8408]

great review. very informative 👍

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

0-60 in 9 sec. is a bit slow, but how many faster competing cars have AWD?

[@stevenjames1138]

Hope you do a review of the new Crosstrek too. I'd really like to see how that compares to the regular Impreza.

[@armandojuan64]

Alex is such a good reviewer .

[@paulhenry913]

The sport model is a excellent value. Disagree with Ales's comment on quietness and refinement. This car is completely different from the last gen Impreza in those categories . This car is super solid, safe and very quiet for a small car. Also , it aced the crash test with perfect scores. In JNCAP test it scored higher than any car.

[@jamessimonds4458]

Alex, we enjoy your videos. We always watch for you. We have 3 Subarus. And many times, you point out things that we didn’t realize that we have.. when we purchased our first Subaru, we had little knowledge. If I had to do it over again, instead of purchasing the 2018 base Impreza, I would have at minimum, stepped up to a premium trim. Those steel wheels and hubcaps, is a huge zonk. We lost 12 hubcaps. The car has 69,000 miles on it right now. We purchase the service contract. And if I had to do it over again, I would not do that. If the service contract was good up to say, 75,000 miles. I would do it. 800 dollars for spark plug replacement, is a bit much. The owners book says to replace at 60,000 miles. I have not done it yet. Only because of the price. I had to spend that much, just to replace the wheels on that car. However, I still purchased the service in my other 2 Subarus. We have a 2020 premium trim forester, and a 2022 premium trim Impreza sedan.

[@sacandinavidave7183]

I wish you had compared the Impreza with the golf. The golf is definitely in the same class and can hold its own in this segment.

[@Maheenstar1]

Great video as always Alex! Do you know when you'll get your hands on the new redesigned 2018 Subaru Crosstrek? Would really love to see a detailed one from you as there isn't any from others!

[@rallysauruswrex]

Yes!!!! Review a 2018 crosstrek please!!

[@tsizzle]

Thanks for the review. Will you be reviewing the 2018 Crosstrek or is it too similar to the Impreza that it will be skipped?

[@ProductBreaks]

Alex, please include the cargo capacity breakdown from the competitors, like you do for the rear seat accommodations.

[@glenvictor028]

I really enjoyed how you review cars with all these numbers. I wanna see your review on Mazda 3 17/18.

[@built2last31]

got to love the fuji heavy industries airplane look in the grill

[@SG-sz5vh]

As usual, good review, but perhaps in future reviews you could mention things like crash safety ratings or headlight effectiveness? Also, you mention how popular subarus are in maine, colorado and the PNW. They are wildly popular here in northern NYS and VT and NH, as well. Our local subaru dealers cannot keep them on the lot

[@jamessimonds4458]

We now have our 2022 premium trim Impreza sedan. We still have our 2018 Impreza 5 door. And we still have our 2020 premium Forester. We are happy with all 3 vehicles. Like I stated earlier, it would be nice to have the option of getting the 2.5 engine. When the new crosstrek comes out, we are hoping that Subaru will have the wilderness crosstrek.. we will probably trade the 2018 Impreza. Great review.

[@jluis1975]

Good video review new continental next

[@MR-gn4cg]

Alex is there going to be a review for a regular camry 2018 v6 may be?

[@balwindergill5486]

Damn good review

[@renaudgiguere7496]

Hi Alex, is there a cd player in the base infotainment system of the Impreza? i can't seem to find the info on the web.

[@dennisscipio]

Interior for the Impreza is basically the same in the new 2018 Crosstrek which makes sense considering it's based on the same platform as the Hatchback.

[@KG370]

I actually have this car in the limited hatchback version. Previously I came from a mazdaspeed3 ( I miss that car so much) Like Alex was saying this car is excellent for its fuel economy, and otherwise is pretty solid. I have about 2500 miles my car. My only complaint is that the engine is a bit under powered as many have already pointed out. So yes driving this car on long stretches of open highway can a bit of a chore. But people who are looking at this car already know it's not the fastest. What I've found is that this car is slow fast. Miata owners know what Im talking about. The steering ratio is the same as the brz. So on shorter windy roads this car is pretty fun.

[@bradcomis1066]

Wow, the CVT has 19% better fuel mileage on the highway. That is a huge difference.

[@jamessimonds4458]

We really like the seat warmers. But if you are getting into a freezing car, it would be nice to have a heated steering wheel, as well. Very nice review

[@loomingeverdrums]

Hi Alex. Do you know why Subaru North America does not provide Levorg model?

[@wigenite]

in the video you say you observe 34 mixed, but the post text says 16.5mpg?

[@bethannrodde3647]

Yes!! Ive been waiting so long for this

[@marve6969]

Alex great job as always but I noticed a discrepancy in your video. At 17 minutes, 27 seconds into the video, you say the Impreza gets 34 mpg but near the end of the video, at 27 minutes, 46 seconds you state that the Impreza gets 16.5 mpg Observed fuel economy. I'm unsure of the wildly different figures??? Again, good job otherwise... I really do look forward to your videos and have been so impressed with them all that I've contributed to your Patreon account. Take care.

[@smonkey001]

A Hatch FOR $500. Take my money!

[@johnnydoggs]

If the older impreza has more hp and torque than the new impreza but both do 0 to 60 in about the same time does the older impreza still feel more powerful because of its extra hp and torque or is it just a wash?

[@larryd7878]

Can you please do a review on 2019 subaru impreza? Thanks

[@mbeutel5854]

Could you shoot videos of black cars closer to early evening, say 2 hrs before sunset? Highlights(ground) and shadows(Car) would be closer in line with each other. As you take your cuts, just check on ISO possibly needing a bump to keep the histogram similar.

[@demianreith8719]

3:55 Alex, I found another easy way of describing a boxer engine by crossing my wrists and doing this boxer move. Very similar to a normal boxer engine, but cool too.

[@dry509]

Help..can’t make up my mind. Need a car. Looking at Subaru’s and the Mazda CX-5 awd. What would you buy with your own money Alex?

[@truckergilligangilligan5877]

I'm thinking by the time you spend a little more for the ones above base model might as well spend the extra $3-4 grand on the base WRX. I've always wanted a Subaru but I heard the burn oil on the new models? Is this true for the new ones? I've read it has bigger tolerance within the engine to get better fuel mileage but the burning oil with probably be worse than saving mpg. Even if the catalytic converter burns it off you will be stuck having premature catalytic converter replacement. Also do the new ones have problems with the head gaskets? I read if that being a problem on Subaru and especially non turbo models. Bad head gasket will for sure kill the catalytic converter and cause other problems which will be expensive to repair. uggh I so want a Subaru I'm just hoping they have solved those problems.

[@commonpeasant8792]

I live in Maine, can confirm. Most of us drive them!

[@stuntmonkey00]

I just tried this the other day. It's very obviously a car for the TTAC crowd, not so much the Jalopnik demo. Everything is functional and well laid out, and Alex is right about the trend with sloping roof's. I'm 5'9" and in the back seats if i sit up straight my head brushes up into the the roof of cars like the Civic. The new platform is very quite and composed. Power isn't there but is fine for driving at legal speeds in an adult-manner. Its not a class leading car, but its one that fills many circles in an overlapping Venn diagram chart... kinda reminds me of how Honda's used to be in the hey-days of the 4th and 5th gen Civic.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Headroom has been seriously reduced in almost every mainstream car on the market. It is getting to the point where people over 5'10" will be forced into a pickup or SUV.

[@yegutierrez87]

hi alex please review the new forester!!!

[@PM-mz8ub]

I agree with you, but now I am loving the Civic hatchback more. Always a great review very in depth.

[@easternpa2]

Another excellent review, Alex, thank you. I'm considering replacing my '15 Sonata with this. I recently started commuting over 400 miles a week. I needed a car that works well with OpenPilot (the aftermarket LKAS by Comma.ai) so I picked up an Accord. It's working great through the summertime, but I'm not looking forward to driving those long commutes through the winter. Time to look at replacing my other car with a Subaru. Like all Subarus 2015 and beyond, any Impreza outfitted with the Eyesight system (at 11:56) is fully compatible with OpenPilot, giving drivers a stunning Level 2 autonomous vehicle experience. Search KZbin for OpenPilot Subaru if you haven't seen what it's like to drive with OP. Once you try it, you will add OP compatibility to your list of must-haves! And when it comes to Subarus, just look for the trademark stereo cameras surrounding the rearview mirror. See them and you're good to go.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

At this price level, an engine temp gauge should be included.

[@watershed44]

Agreed.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

By the time that idiot temp light goes on and you notice, the boxer is down for the count.

[@watershed44]

pedro fernandez I wonder if the central display can be made to display a digital water temp gauge? Some cars will do this.

[@TreesandStuff69]

I have an Impreza and can confirm you can show a representation of water temp & oil temp on the center screen. However, it goes in increments and won't show you something exactly. At least it's something.

[@alexp.6145]

Aftermarket OBD2 Temp Gauge.

[@matthewyim1736]

Alex, under the Premium Sedan list, you spelled "headlamps" incorrectly.

[@joespittle1]

Looking at one for my first car

[@WilliamB.D.]

Does the entry-level model have eyesight?

[@litmixer1751]

Other than the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Impreza, are there anymore compact/midsize sedans with AWD

[@alexramos1502]

Cris Henriquez nope

[@Beach5and]

off the top of my head: Legacy, Fusion, 200

[@alexramos1502]

Beach5and Automakers need to invest in awd on compact sedans. Other than people in law enforcement do people even buy the 200 or Fusion?

[@glenvictor028]

Some german cars. :D

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

Cris Henriquez Well if you are not completely set on a sedan, there is the VW Sportwagen 4Motion. It's cheaper then a crossover.

[@jonasjung7501]

Something seems wrong... how is the Mazda 3 sedan bigger than the VW Golf Sportwagen? 🤔

[@A_guan]

Alex what are the quiet entries for compact hatchbacks?

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

Tech Defender VW Golf.

[@xnopyt13]

11:15 they gave you a slot to fit the cable thru lol

[@efavuzza73]

I only wish there is an option like Mazda 3 with larger 2.5 from legacy

[@enosakwaboah753]

Is this car hybrid please. If yes, does SUBARU hybridize all it’s cars?

[@breezy_basil]

Is the braking on the 2017 Subaru Impreza better than the 2016 Subaru Legacy?

[@dillonh321]

Yes

[@noobwow2009]

ALEX YOU ARE MY FAVORITE REVIEWER, PLEASE REVIEW SUBARU WRX PLEASE!!!!!

[@dkphantomdk]

I really wonder about the "7-speed" - CVT.. I know they made it "7-speed" to sound, eh.... better... But would it be possible to get a software upgrade for the car to make it a CVT with optimal performance in mpg and acceleration with out fake gear shifts. !

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

While I am a fan of Subaru in general, especially the Impreza Sport Hatch, I don't understand Subaru's logic in engineering a CVT that mimics a conventional torque converted automatic transmission because that's what people prefer. Why not just design that in the first place?

[@julianeccleshall8397]

all new 2018 crosstrek xv please!!!

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Alex. Subaru needs to upgrade their engines and transmissions. This car needs to have like 180 or more hp/tq along with a DCT option. Also, the exterior styling is pretty terrible.

[@alexrussia7561]

Get a luxury car stop bitching.

[@sarkisseywaz2127]

ALEX this is Impreza review !!!, not other cars from other company reviews, hello

[@gianfrancoa]

Halogen reflector headlights? Are we in 1990?

[@watershed44]

gianfrancoa If they do a good job of lighting up the road wouldn't you prefer them over LEDs that are less effective, and when they fail it will cost a FORTUNE to replace them.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

But it's got all wheel drive!

[@bigb252]

watershed44 projectors with halogens would be preferable

[@watershed44]

bigb252 In some markets this probably is available, just order the lights from a source and have them installed the dealer will probably oblige you for a reasonable price to get you to buy the car.

[@panzer_TZ]

Actually, good headlights depend more on design and how they're mounted. Look at IIHS' ratings. There are vehicles with the fancy projectors with shit distance. A good reflector is better than a shitty projector. Same goes for Halogen vs LED. Some LED headlights in higher trims perform noticeably worse than their halogen counterparts.

[@andrufink4630]

This car it i great for los angeles all the broken roads and crumbling highways

[@curtis1951]

Does anyone have one of these and could tell me the real world fuel mileage on the highway? Cvt vs manual?

[@brewster1233]

Check out Fuelly dot Com for real users mileage. 2018/2017 models are averaging 35 mpg imperial or so. Several are achieving plus 37 mpg imperial. Very solid.

[@mollygrubber]

Most car reviews: 5 minutes begging for likes and subs, 10 minutes of meaningless fluff, 5 minutes reading specs from the manufacturers website.Your reviews: 27:53 of actual useful material.

[@seriouscatisserious]

I've never seen alloy wheels try so hard to look like hubcaps.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Six years ago today!!! Still my car to afford.

[@A_guan]

I wished he compared it with mazda 3

[@samriijack]

Does Subaru still suffer from weak paint?

[@demetribeard7959]

Yes. I own a 18 and various people on forum's complain about the chipping. It seems to be a bigger issue on the "sunshine orange"

[@robertsmith1860]

I drive a 2000 Impreza Hatchback, which last year is losing a paint layer on the roof & the hood...also, the windshield now has a large crack...otherwise, it runs great, considering the 240,000 miles. I’m presently shopping for a more recent model.

[@TheMichaellister]

What is worse - driving a slow car fast or a fast car slow? I think the comments are funny - everyone is buying this car or any other car for personal reasons. I am willing to forgive the lack of power seats for the Apple Car Play (looking at you Toyota). The AWD and fuel mileage is important to me. I’m paying more for the Subaru than I would be for an EX-L with honda sensing for a Impreza Sport with eyesight - because the radio is better (Harmon Kardon) and the infotainment system does not suck. My commute is 160 miles daily - almost all of it is at 80 mph with little braking or acceleration. Doesn’t matter how many HP you have under the hood when the cruise is on. People should refrain from attacking any car - because there is always someone who finds the feature that they are bashing attractive. Sort of like if you asked me wether I’d want the Impreza or a M3. I’d still take the Impreza because I think its more practical for what I’m doing with a lower 5 year total cost of ownership than the BMW. Sure I’d rather have the BMW to drive, but for commuting - I mean, unless you live somewhere like the PCH or a really awesome road to drive, 99% of commuters just want something cheap practical and meets THEIR creature comforts.

[@boboutelama5748]

No Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is not a "con", it's a "pro". Depending on the cars they are on, could allow unwanted persons to access your car systems. In the best case, your every words can be recorded. In the worst case, the car can be made to turn or accelerate where you don't want to and you die. Pro or Con ?

[@kristianhermann5971]

Where are the Korean competitors? I'd put the new Elantra and Forte up there, and they can both be had with hatchbacks. Albeit, no AWD.

[@informationretrieval5896]

What is the 0 to 60 in the Impreza Sport Manual?

[@watershed44]

Joao Alvarez My guess is probably around 8 sec. That's really not bad for the extra AWD weight it carries around. Sadly this new Impreza doesn't handle as well as prior iterations.

[@Phrancis5]

I tested the CVT and manual Sport hatch and both felt painfully slow with not that great mpgs. It's too bad because it drove nicely otherwise and was a big improvement in design overall. Decided not to get the Impreza or Crosstrek and ended up buying the Awd turbo CR-V - bigger, faster, equal mpgs, and similar price with full active safety gear if you got a similar subaru with the same options...

[@swanblake]

Joao Alvarez slow

[@paulhenry913]

Subaru is a much better choice. Everybody is hooked on more HP when in real world driving it is a moot point. I drove the CRV and felt the small displacement turbo was a dog unless you really got on to then the mpg was bad on top of that it still had the typical excessive Honda road noise

[@dion24B]

Joao Alvarez I got 7.3 in mine

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

You mention that the engine is placed "long ways in the vehicle and not across the front". You also say this is why the hood / bonnet is relatively long. Both statements are incorrect. You then say that this has meant that some Subaru models in the past have had less interior room!!! Seriouisly??!! It's like you're making this stuff up!! The engine is placed across the engine bay, I.E. it sits parralel to front of the car. The relatively long bonnert / hood is part of the styling of the vehicle.

[@chrisbrownaz]

I don't understand why most of the cars on dealer lots are in greyscale (white, grey, silver, black). Blue, red, green, and orange are much better-looking colors.

[@Pikminiman]

Rolling specs at the end of the video get the fuel economy *very* wrong, at 16.5 MPG. Great video, as ever, though!

[@Piznick64]

I think they put all their effort on the WRX and sti and not the Impreza

[@sirloinofbeef9683]

Mah hart Mha sole What happened to the best rally car line of the 90s? It's a civic now

[@jamessimonds7362]

Give it the 2.5.

[@swanblake]

If only the IM had hid lights like the Corolla. Also a better engine option would seal the deal for me. Such a missed opportunity by Toyota

[@jamessimonds7362]

I bought a new 2018 Impreza. I like the car, but it would be so much better if it had the 2.5 engine. The 2.0 is just too weak.