Subaru Impreza Review (Entry Hatches Pt. 1) -- Everyday Driver 

I own a 2005 STi, and my girlfriend just purchased a 2015 Impreza hatch. I have to say, I shut the review off when they started talking about how the car doesn't have enough power and "has trouble holding a line". Well no shit. It's not a sports car, it's an every day car with a low price point. It's meant to be a safe, reliable, economy car. It's like criticizing your dog for not being as good a swimmer as your goldfish.

i have a 2015 impreza sport and i live in the north west and with the freezing rain and snow this car is king. get in and drive around like the roads are nice and dry. try that with the other two cars. the cvt does take getting used to and the gas mileage is better than i expected, I find no lack of power when i head up the mountain to do some snow boarding. no need for chains like the other two. it handles nicely and is super comfy. quiet and roomy and is partial zero emissions. everyone always complains about power and acceleration but seriously what percentage of people race around in their cars like they are in high school and under their parents insurance. most of us drive to and from work and want to be safe, comfortable, and stylish, and the 2015 subaru is all that.

Try it again on wet/snowy/muddy/gravel/bumpy roads and see which one is more fun. The real world doesn't consist of perfectly paved, dry canyon roads where the sun shines 365 days a year.

Ok. You failed to mention that the Impreza is the Safest of all 3 vehicles.

the awd on subaru makes it stands out, the awd makes it so superior if you live in a place has snow/rain season.

You guys should change your channel name to "everyday performance driver" if its gonna be reviews like this. There are reasons people buy non Turbo cars other then being too poor you know. Sitting in City traffic all day does not require a premium fuel burning, 10mpg less then the N/A version car. If you have only one car, ok maybe get turbo. You need to be a little more "everyday" then "everyday I want fastest car" driver to review these cars in the way they are meant to be reviewed. Then review fast cars in the Canyon and comment on its performance, drive a CVT subaru in stop and go and then tell me if you notice how slow it is or you notice what superb MPG it has over the previous 2.5. Keep up the good work!

Sometimes a car just needs to be good basic reliable transportation. we don't all speed around on winding mountain roads. The Subaru Impreza (as with a Subarus) is not pretentious, and is designed for drivers who are not, as well.

I've driven this car, the 2013 model, and even though it's a CVT with a 140hp it's reasonably quick. Sport mode engaged even more so. Don't listen to these quacks, it's a general commuter car, not a race car

you buy the subaru for the AWD, and if you can't afford an SUV! Not to be a race car, otherwise you buy an STi

VERY NEGATIVE GUYS. I HAVE A SUBARU IMPREZA 2015 AND I LOVE IT

Love the fact that you guys are testing entry level cars from an enthusiast's perspective.

You’re reviewing these cars for their fun to drive factor and you test the automatic/cvt version of each one when each one has a manual option. Just terrible.

Subaru hand's down.

thanks guys. I'm looking for an affordable sweet ride. this gave me an idea of which way to go.

Very disappointed with that review guys, c'mon and realize that we are not all F1 drivers and that fuel efficiency, and safety should always be the priority. You are influencing uninformed/misinformed customers and because of the ever growing numbers of cars on the road these decisions have a great impact on the environment. The average driver which probably over 98% of drivers would be very happy to drive that car, so please grow and get responsible and use your influence to good use.

This is funny, these clowns are trying to compare a $22,000 Subaru with a Bugatti Veyron. "Needs more power, needs more power" lol that's all they saying. You want more power get the Bugatti. This Impreza is basic transportation to get you from point A to point B, not a racing car to get you up a winding steep road in record time. Come on guys, get real.

In My 2014 Impreza sport I have passed lots of cars and it is a excellent car for city driving. It's really fun considering in the winter seeing front wheel drive cars having a really hard time. If you get this car, take it in city driving and you will like it.

soooooo... they take a 90% city hatchback, 10% go-skying-biking in normal non-swirvy roads car and they they go in a crazy road in the mountains to "race it" and say "it's too soft". Jesus, compare it with what 99% of ppl, 99% of the time will do with it. And this design is the best design Subaru has ever had, by far (ok, the round headlights ones were cool). I absolutely love that design. And from what i can tell in my snowy winter city, everybody loves it i see this model everywhere while the previous generation was rare.

If you think Subaru is the official car of Colorado you need to come to Alaska. Literally, people up here either drive a lifted truck or a Subaru.

Nice vid, guys! I like the new graphics! Can't wait for the next two!

these two guys are great, really enjoy their videos....

can't wait to see what you guys think of the mazda

not to defend the car but the reason it understeer is because you have the cvt version wich have a 60/40 front/rear tires with active torque split, if you have the 6 manuall transmission it has a 50/50 with visko differential.

Good vid! I enjoy your insight on any car. (Also the humor!) Keep up the good work!

Thanks guys! Love the hard work and quality you do! It's sad the "top line" Impreza is just shy money wise of the entry level WRX. If you're being frugal then the entry level Impreza but hey if anyone is considering to go for the higher end I think they should get the WRX.

This review was very well done!

In case it gets missed because it's a reply, I'd love to see a driver's comparison between the low-end hatches - Mazda 2, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, and perhaps the Chevy Sonic and Kia Rio (I care most about the first three). You guys have a great channel and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.

If you guys lived in the midwest driving through the crap we have been here for the past 3 months you would probably appreciate the Impreza a lot more. Canyon road in California? Yeah, I get it, not the car you want to be driving. I will say the interior on these cars have come a long way. The biggest issue I have here with Subaru (and wished you guys would have touched on this) is they killed the WRX hatch and there is no turbo Outback or Crosstek.. So if you want a fun, more sporty Subaru 5 door, well, you have to hope they bring the Levorg to the US because there ain't one...

You don’t buy a Subaru Impreza for dry payments and speed. You buy it for dependability, safety, and most important the AWD system! I love my Subaru living in the Northeast and having harsh winters.

I have a 2015 Impreza in the UK. Great workhorse and fun to drive. The engine sounds fantastic.

I have a 2015 Impreza 5 Speed Manual. It is sluggish but it's perfect for what I need. If you want a fun car get a WRX STI.

Every day driver? Drives like a maniac on windy roads. There are speed limits for a reason and cars were not necessarily built to be fun but rather to help one get to locations faster. What do I know though.

Finally ! A review of economy cars. I think you guys should be doing the Corolla vs Civic vs etc. review as they are one of the most important segments for the US markets.

The new mazda 3 is really impressive. I have a feeling these guys are going to love it

For the price point, the value of the Subaru is FAR better. Keep in mind, the ownership will be world's better than a Ford. The Focus will be a mechanical wreck in 75k, whilst the Subie will be trouble free likely until 175k. That CVT is great, we have one in our new Forester. Granted this is the 2.0 so it is less powerful. But you can get a Impreza for bout 16k after negotiation (with a 5 speed, and that is what you should get for a little fun). Base model has a crap load of stuff. Or go Nuts and get that Premium (like we got with the Forester), and it would be more like 21 grand. Add suspension upgrades and tire upgrades later if you want to make it more fun in the turns. It would be a great option to invest in this one over anything else in this class. I might consider Mazda, but I know form Experience having owned our 04 Forester and not one. single. issue... in over 140k.. that Subaru is a much better bet. Regardless of model you chose. It is also roomier and nicer fit and finish. Built better.. it goes on...

A CVT seems to make way more sense to the enthusiast than a conventional automatic. I drove the impreza with a CVT and I loved it. YOU tell the car what to do with your right foot, period. No waiting for the economy transmission logic of your economy car to engage a lower ratio when you put your foot down. Direct injection allows you to use a less powerful motor because you have torque all the way from the bottom. I actually think it was a very reassuring drive, and pretty zippy if you aren't trying to floor it and flog it constantly. I guess it depends how much you want to wrench, but if you're talking about suspension tuning, your options are limitless in the subaru. You could even install a Torsen rear diff. Don't like the understeer? Sway bars will fix that.

Can't wait to watch that Mazda 3 video.

Well dude that hatch ain't no fucking ferrari

Everyday Driver, what would you guys say about this current 2012~present Impreza 2.0i vs the older 2008~2011 Impreza 2.5i? From what I'm getting, the current model is a better car...for commuting & cruising about, but the older 2.5i with 170hp is a better enthusiast choice without resorting to the expensive turbo WRXes?

Been driving Subaru for about a decade now. I am in the process of buying a 13 impreza wagon much like this one. Just in 5 speed. I am basically going for daily reliable transportation that is safe for the wife and kids to be in. If I want a fast car sure there is the wrx/sti, but if I really want a fast car; hate to say it...but the focus RST is even faster then the wrx/sti...

I own a '13 Impreza sedan and I will agree on the complete lack of power; you have to use the CVT in manual mode in certain situations. If I recall, the early '00s Imprezas used the 175 hp 2.5 boxer, so not sure why Subaru went with a weaker engine in the more recent Imprezas. However, handling and whatnot, I cannot imagine a more competent car in its class, and even in other classes. I drive mine in the local L.A. mountains on the same kinds of roads as the video, utilizing manual mode, and more sporting cars cannot keep up when it gets really twisty, especially coming down the mountain (lack of power combined with twists and turns=really neutral car that stays put that can reach speeds I would not try in cars with more power under the same conditions).

It's about durability and affordability I have one it runs well for me I got a base model and less than 24000 I got it for 19500 I got a base model no leather seats or anything like that I don't need that stuff I went with the most base model fully loaded not needed got the all wheel drive and the safety with the good airbags and the all symmetrical all wheel drive

Awesome; welcome back!

Great video series! Will we get a multi-part series on premium hatches? I have the new A3 Sportback Quattro 2.0 TDI here in Europe, and would be awesome to hear your take on it. Though, I guess you only have the sedan version over there.

I'm seriously confused how they got the car to under steer. Do they even know that they only thing you have to control in an AWD car is entry speed? Just don't go barreling into the corner, then apply the power full throttle and the car will hold the line without any problem. Secondly, if they really were understeering we would see the VSD kicking in. Didn't see that once.

Thank you for looking at cars we might actually want to buy. For the most of us driving an automatic transmission (yeah, less control and engagement), could you put an effort to tell us how good/bad it is compared to other automatics? e.g. how long it takes to down shift, how smart it is selecting gears, what it is doing wrong etc.?

Let me tell you the Impreza actually does some magic on back roads. (PA Backroads not canyons)

Im buying this car but the premium version... I don't need a fun car or a fast car as long as its safe and reliable.

I´m about to buy a Impreza Limousione with a 2.5 Boxer Engine (no Turbo). It has 152 Hp. pretty good.

To bad you guys didn't try the sport in manual transmission,...much much nicer. 🏹🤠👍

Lmao! When Todd compared the Subbie to asking a whiner to go out, I almost lost my breath from laughing so hard! Good one bro! Lol!

i feel as though the interior camera got better

We have a 13 Premium with CVT and a 14 Sport with 5sp...two completely different cars to drive. The viscous coupling in the 5sp eliminates understeer - just pour on the power in mid-corner and the power to the front pulls the car around as if on rails. Forego the CVT - no real improvement in mpg, and save $1000. Not quite sure what the electronic torque system in the CVT is ever going to do.

I have a 2015 imprezza and i think its the best of the 3 its not the most fun to drive ill give them that but mechanically its the best and the only AWD in the segment. And for a CVT its not that bad unless you really floor it. But it gets good fuel economy for an AWD.

i chuck this thing into corners it does very well but the only other cars ive driven are an outback, prius, mdx and a disaster without power steering, maybe ive just adapted to driving cars that hate turning? if you can get over the fear it has great handling :)

I recently got a 2014 Subaru Impreza, the sport premium that was mentioned in this video. This is coming from someone who is used to driving v6 engine cars like my old 2002 Blazer, or my 2010 Camaro that I had to give up, so for me I can feel that loss of power, though with the 5 speed, and higher rpms, you can start to get some push out of her. It's not a bad car like you say, but definitely could be more fun to drive, and me getting this in 2021, my 2010 Camaro had more tech on the dash with a premium sound system. This one has an aftermarket deck and I upgraded the front door speakers so that helps, I'll enjoy this car while I have it, but i'll be trading it in soon as I can pay it off for something more fun, now I've never experienced an STi but can imagine it's night and day.

"The Subaru is boring" Yeah I bet it is with an automatic trans. I kinda feel this isn't far to the car. If someone wants sporty they need to bump up to a WRX

The Impreza also comes in FWD in my country making it lighter and faster than your test version.

Luke warm hatches , hell yeah!

This review was so terrible. I have one myself and it is a blast and is powerful. If you think the other cars are better than the subaru, your way off. Can the ford and the Mazda do threw 1ft of snow, Nope! If you think that your price of crap Mazda and ford can beat the subaru in snow your wrong also.

when we are talking power, this car is plenty in the city right? Especially if its snows in the city this should be enough?

So is there no more Subaru Impreza WRX STI wagon?

So if we should buy the premium with manual why you didn't test that ?

What if I had some snowboards on the roof and had to drive up a snowy mountain to get to the slopes.

25K as tested, wow, that's right at what a WRX will start at and I loved my base WRX so much I kept it for 9 years before selling it to try something different.

I like the general looks of mazdas. Especially the 3 is how the bmw 1 should have looked like imo.

Ok... First off, the cvt sucks no matter what brand or type of vehicle it's installed in. Second... As a mechanic, I've driven nearly everything from a Geo metro to a school bus. As such, each vehicle is golden when used as designed. I'm a Ford fanatic despise gm vehicles love diesel trucks and prefer rear wheel drive in all conditions. I just picked up a 2008 outback sport and can't believe that I have waited so long to get one. And I just got out of a Corolla with a manual transmission and 35 mpg. Should have gotten a Subaru years ago

Paul and Todd, how about a used 328xi wagon with the sport pack? Would that be a nice alternative to these, IMO, snoozewagons?

So it has paddle shifters ? Or are those tuners ?

So much time between episodes... I understand why... but still good episode thank you!

based on the introduction i signed up. Im looking for a simple vehicle.

THE 2018 SUBARU ASCENT 3 ROW SUV WILL BE OUT SOON.

but how does it compare to the previous impreza's

I have this exact car. It's a great daily car honestly. I do want something more fun so the next car I get is probably going to be a Miata or a Tesla.

Nice video guys. But, you should've picked the manual version. No one wants to watch or drive a car with a CVT.

Great comparison and review. I look forward seeing the focus and the 3... I bet the Mazda will be the most fun car to drive.

I take it these were 2014 models? I didn't see where it said the years.

Had the sedan version of this and I regret so much buying it I had to sell even before a year and bought a mazdaspeed 3 which is an awesome car for the money.

AWD LUXURY SPORTS CAR OR SUBARU IMPREZA 2.Oi??? WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET???

You guys produce excellent content, as good at motortrend imo.

Do they know they are in an impreza , not wrx?

Could you compare these to the Mazda 2? I've heard that they're great driver's cars despite their low power and price.

This is the old generation now I think. Isn't it being replaced soon

I hate to say I agree. I bought this car knowing it's would be a commuter car and it is. But I thought it would be a lot more fun around a twisty road but it's not. It just understeers a lot. (I have a sport 5 speed)

Um... I think that you should rather keep your opinion about styling to yourself, this is the category that you cannot measure. I don't agree that the Impreza is boxy and I don't agree that it is bland outside. It is somewhat traditional inside, but I like this about it, I hate the madness of buttons, screens and fake aluminum on modern Fords, Hyundais and even Toyotas. This is a handsome, well-proportioned, roomy, economical, AWD hatchback. If it is not fun enough it is because it has 2-liter engine. If you want fun then get the WRX.

just be sure what you are looking for and where...

- Mr Mock - The guys always rate every car we drive. The ratings are between 1 and 4 wheels, similar to a 1-4 Star rating. If you'd like to understand our ratings further, try this: everydaydriver.com/about/ratings/

Not trying to be something it's not (4:39)? It has a sport badge. I know a lot of manufacturers do that, but that doesn't make it right. There are plenty of models that upgrade tires, brakes, suspension, and so on just to add a bit of performance feel, etc., so I don't see why Subaru couldn't. Does it cost more? Sure. But I want more than new gauges and some rocker panels if-- like you said-- I had to compromise from the hot version because of practicality.

It seems like the only thing going for this Subaru over the previous generations is increased fuel efficiency. Although the last gen Impreza had love it or hate it looks, I prefer it over this new body work. The 2.5 engine, despite being a little thirsty sounded much better and put up better numbers. 170hp &170lbs-ft. 0-60 in 7.6 sec not too shabby for this segment. Would have to pick the hatchback though, the previous sedan was just as forgettable as this new iteration.

The reason I drive manual transmission!

If you need 4wd you don't realy have much choice. Otherwise, I'd get a Focus, the 2015 is growing on me

Actually, the Impreza is not the cheapest AWD you can get. That would be the "Jeep" Patriot which is about $700 cheaper (AWD Patriot starts at $17200)

from the looks of it these guys were expecting it to be a sports car, for that you want the wrx

understeer ?? WIth Full Time AWD ? Ha completely off review

Although they say that these cars can be a first car i plan on have a 04 wrx for a first car now that idea has been tossed around as in if i really do want it but really i can't find a car that can beat it (for all year purposes) like I was looking at 03 350z. Awesome cars but only a 2 seater and they slide like crazy so you can say fuck that to winter while the wrx with its awd and 4 door means I'll be able to take my friends places and still be able to drive it on the road. But now now I have a question for you guys ""will I be able to afford it?"" I plan on getting a job in summer this year and I will be 15 and plan on buying the car in my mid 16s and although hard work and determination goes a long way idk if a fast food job would cut it. Thanks for responding if anyone does I'll be sure to read it!

But compared to the 09 corolla I have this must be sporty

I just purchased a 2017 Impreza 2.0i. Because of AWD and because there's no other non luxury compact cars in AWD. If I had the income I would've bought a Mercedes Benz C43 AMG 4matic for speed and AWD.

How come this car is the sae price in $ as £ in the UK?

Maybe a tighter suspension, six speed manual and a turbo-charger to resolve the gripes in this review. I don't know, do what VW did for their 2015 Golf (sans their reliability ratings). Hey, and even they should've went with a six speed and five door offering for the TSI, all gas version. Beyond all, don't know why hot hatches aren't more popular or offered more in the states. I'd like to think that most would rather have a four cylinder, 2.0 turbocharged hatch/wagon with ample room for four to five tall adults over a sedan or small SUV.

Don't usually comment but you should know I liked this one