In a world where SUVs are taking over the roads the Subaru Impreza still stands strong as a reliable choice for those who value practicality safety and the ever-useful Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. For 2025 the Impreza is back for its second year after a full redesign making it even better while keeping its spot as one of the few compact cars out there with all-wheel drive. This guide dives into what the 2025 Impreza offers its different trims the cool features it has and why it’s still a great pick for drivers who want both capability and efficiency without having to compromise on either.
What’s New for the 2025 Subaru Impreza?
The 2025 Impreza is a carryover model following its significant redesign for the 2024 model year. This means it retains the new generation’s sharper styling, improved interior, and upgraded technology. For 2025, Subaru will likely focus on new color options and potentially new option packages, keeping the Impreza fresh and competitive in its niche.
2025 Subaru Impreza Review: The Rugged Practical Choice
The Impreza has always carved its own path, prioritizing confident driving in all conditions over outright sportiness or luxury.
Pros:
✔ Standard All-Wheel Drive: Every single Impreza comes with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical Full-Time AWD, providing superior traction in rain, snow, and on loose surfaces.
✔ Spacious and Versatile Interior: Offered as both a sedan and a 5-door hatchback, the Impreza boasts one of the most roomy and practical cabins in its class, especially in the versatile hatchback configuration.
✔ Top-Tier Safety: Comes standard with the comprehensive Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
✔ Smooth Ride Quality: Its comfortable and compliant suspension is tuned to soak up bumps, making it an excellent long-distance commuter.
Cons:
❌ Modest Engine Performance: The standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (152 hp) is adequate for daily driving but feels underwhelming compared to turbocharged rivals. It prioritizes reliability and efficiency over excitement.
❌ Fuel Economy is Good, Not Great: The AWD system adds weight, so its fuel economy, while respectable, can’t match that of front-wheel-drive competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
❌ Functional, Not Fancy Interior: While much improved, the cabin uses more hard plastics than some rivals, focusing on durability over plush luxury.
The Verdict:
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the ultimate rational choice for the practical driver. It’s for those who value security in bad weather, need hatchback utility, and prioritize proven safety tech above horsepower figures or a flashy interior. It’s a dependable, capable, and sensible daily driver.
Trims, Pricing, and Key Features
The Impreza is offered in a straightforward lineup of well-equipped trims, with both body styles available.
Base: The value-packed entry point, starting around $23,000. It includes EyeSight, a 7-inch infotainment screen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Sport: Adds aggressive styling cues, alloy wheels, and a dual-function X-MODE for enhanced traction. A popular choice for its looks and extra capability.
RS: The top-tier trim, featuring a more powerful 2.5L engine (182 hp), sport-tuned suspension, and exclusive interior accents. Starts around $26,000.
Key Specifications & Highlights
Engines: 2.0L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder (152 HP) | RS Trim: 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder (182 HP)
Transmission: Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy (EPA Est. AWD): 28/36/31 mpg (city/hwy/combined) for the 2.0L engine.
Safety: Standard Subaru EyeSight® with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Pre-Collision Braking.
Infotainment: Standard 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® touchscreen (upper trims) or 7-inch display.
2025 Subaru Impreza vs. The Competition
The Impreza’s standard AWD makes it a unique proposition.
Feature | 2025 Subaru Impreza Sport | 2024 Honda Civic Sport | 2024 Mazda 3 Select |
---|---|---|---|
Drivetrain | Standard AWD | Standard FWD | Standard FWD (AWD available) |
Horsepower | 152 HP (2.0L) | 158 HP | 191 HP |
Body Style | Sedan or Hatchback | Sedan or Hatchback | Sedan or Hatchback |
Key Strength | All-Weather Confidence, Value | Refinement, Fuel Economy | Premium Interior, Driving Dynamics |
Starting MSRP (approx.) | ~$25,000 | ~$26,000 | ~$25,000 |
Buying Guide and Expected Value
Best Trim for Most: The Sport trim offers the best blend of style, features, and value, including the useful X-MODE.
For More Power: The RS trim is the only way to get the more powerful 2.5L engine, making it the clear choice for those wanting better acceleration.
Hatchback vs. Sedan: The 5-door hatchback offers significantly more cargo versatility and is often the more popular choice.
Deals and Incentives: Subaru frequently offers competitive ** financing rates**. Look for special APR deals, especially on previous model years.
Conclusion: The Sensible All-Weather Champion
The 2025 Subaru Impreza proudly defends its territory as one of the last compact cars offering standard all-wheel drive. It may not be the fastest or the most luxurious, but it is arguably one of the most practical, secure, and trustworthy choices you can make. For drivers facing harsh winters, seeking hatchback utility, or simply valuing peace of mind, the Impreza remains an incredibly compelling and rational option in an emotional market.
Ready to find your all-weather commuter? Search local Subaru dealer inventory for the 2025 Impreza.