The 2015 Subaru Impreza continues to be an economical choice for a compact sedan with all-wheel-drive as a standard feature. This year it received a refresh which made small updates to improve the overall package.
It comes with a 2.0-liter H-4 with 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. You are not buying this car because you care about 0-60 times or high-speed cornering. This is a practical, affordable, compact sedan, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring.
The update for 2015 included a few tweaks to the exterior that give it more character and style. The headlights, grille, and bumper are slightly different and it gets a trunk-mounted rear spoiler. It’s an appealing design that takes it away from drab economy car and brings it closer to the Subaru Legacy.
Given its compact size, the engine does a fine job. Merging into highway traffic is easy, even if the sound of the engine gets a little loud to let you know it’s giving you all its got. Even pressed to accelerate for high-speed passing, the Impreza is up to the task.
A long drive in torrential rain and heavy winds proved the Impreza easy to handle. New England roads are a rutted mess of potholes right now and they can be treacherous in heavy rain. The Impreza managed it all with no problem.
It was also a very quiet ride. The rain and wind noise were kept to a minimum and I was still able to carry on a conversation with rear passengers without needing a megaphone to be heard clearly.
Pricing on the Impreza is part of what makes it such an appealing car. The Limited trim I tested starts at $22,295. This is a great deal for what is a roomy compact sedan with standard all-wheel-drive.
It’s also great at the pump with improved fuel economy this year. It will get you 28/37/31 city/highway/combined making it a nice commuter car. Rising gas prices won’t have you clutching your wallet in despair.
That price tag might have you expecting a harsh ride with an uncomfortable interior. The reality is very different with supportive and very comfy seats throughout. There is also ample space in back for two and, in a pinch, there is room for a third rear passenger who will only be up for shorter rides.
Front seats offer more space and are supportive and plush, but those over 6-feet are going to wish for more legroom. The seats don’t go back far enough to truly stretch out, which means more room in back, but decreased legroom up front.
There’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and leather trim on the seats. This is all complemented by surfaces that look and feel good, belying the Impreza’s frugal image.
The infotainment system includes a 7″ high-resolution touchscreen with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and satellite radio, with Subaru’s Smartlink smartphone integration and Bluetooth audio streaming. An upgraded package adds in navigation with real-time traffic information. The system is straight-forward and easy to use without having to break out the manual.
The EyeSight driver assist package adds modern safety features including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and sway warning. This combines with multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rear camera to keep passengers and those around the vehicle safe.
The 2015 Subaru Impreza looks looks stylish both inside and out and over-delivers on expectations. At a price point that often means all the good stuff is missing, the Subaru Impreza is a nicely equipped compact sedan with AWD and great fuel economy to boot.
2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Limited
Base Price: $22,295
Price As Tested: $25,090 (not including destination charge)
Likes
- Quality Interior
- Standard AWD
- Price
Dislikes
- Limited options
- Short on Front Leg Room
