Can you fit skis in an Impreza?

Yes — in practice, the Impreza, especially the 5‑door hatchback, can carry skis inside when the rear seats are folded; typically two pairs of standard-length skis with poles fit, and longer skis or more gear may require roof-mounted storage.

Understanding how skis fit depends on the model year and body style. This article explains interior loading options for the Impreza, the benefits of roof-mounted solutions, and practical packing tips to help you plan for winter trips.

Interior fit: hatchback vs sedan

Here's what you can expect when loading skis inside the car. The hatchback generally offers more usable interior space, making it easier to fit multiple skis, while the sedan provides a smaller cargo area that is more limited but can still handle a basic ski setup with careful packing.

• Hatchback models: with the rear seats folded, you can typically fit two pairs of standard-length skis (around 170–180 cm) plus poles, or arrange longer skis diagonally across the cargo floor if needed.


• Sedan models: when folding the rear seats, you may fit a single pair, and possibly two shorter pairs depending on ski length and how you arrange the bags.

Bottom line: If you regularly carry more than one ski setup, the hatchback is the more versatile option for interior loading. The sedan is workable for a lighter or shorter ski load.

Roof options: carry-on storage for skis

For larger ski loads or to keep the cabin clear, roof-mounted solutions are common and practical on the Impreza. Options include factory or aftermarket roof rails with crossbars, plus dedicated ski carriers or roof boxes.

• Roof rails/crossbars: Many Impreza models support roof rails or crossbars, enabling a ski carrier or roof box installation.


• Ski carriers and roof boxes: A dedicated ski rack can hold multiple sets (often 4–6 pairs depending on the carrier), while a roof box offers weather protection and a compact ensemble for gear.


• Securement and safety: Always clamp skis firmly, use tie-downs, and observe the vehicle’s weight limits and height restrictions for garages and parking structures.

Conclusion: Roof storage is versatile and helps preserve interior space, especially for teams or long trips, but it adds wind resistance and can affect fuel efficiency and overall vehicle height.

Practical packing tips

Protecting your gear and keeping the interior organized makes loading easier and safer. These practical tips help you maximize space and minimize damage.

• Use ski bags or sleeves to protect edges and bindings and to reduce noise and wear on upholstery.


• Bundle ski poles together and store them with the skis or in a separate bag to prevent loose items from moving around.


• Fold the rear seats evenly and secure any loose items to prevent shifting during transit.


• Place a blanket or towels between skis and interior surfaces to prevent scratches and keep the cabin clean.

With careful packing, you can transport your skis efficiently while protecting both your gear and your Impreza’s interior.

Summary

The Impreza handles ski trips well, especially the hatchback, which offers more interior loading space for two pairs of skis or more when the rear seats are folded. The sedan is more limited inside but can support a basic ski setup. For larger loads or longer trips, roof-mounted racks or roof boxes provide a flexible alternative. By using protective bags and secure packing, you can keep both your gear and your car in good condition on winter journeys.

How big is the cargo space on a Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza hatchback has 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expands to a maximum of 56 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This versatile space is suitable for daily needs like groceries or luggage, and larger items when the seats are folded, such as camping equipment.
 
You can watch this video to see the real-world size of the Subaru Impreza's cargo area: 59shoohoohoblinYouTube · Nov 22, 2023

• Behind the rear seats: 20.420.420.4 cubic feet 
• With rear seats folded down: Up to 56.056.056.0 cubic feet 
• Features: The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide flexibility for carrying long items. 

This video compares the trunk space of the Subaru Impreza with the Subaru Crosstrek: 0:53Williams Auto GroupYouTube · Apr 9, 2024

What is the biggest issue with a Subaru Impreza?

Top Subaru Impreza Problems

• Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall.
• Improved Spark Plug Wires for Misfire Issues.
• Check Engine Light Due to Failed Knock Sensor.
• Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure.
• Subaru Impreza passenger seatbelt light and alarm issue persists with no passenger present, potentia...

Can you fit skis in a full-size car?

Long Skis: A Tight Squeeze for Most Cars
A pair of 67-inch skis won't fit unless you fold down the rear seats. Even then, they might encroach into the front passenger area, making things cramped.

Is a Subaru Impreza good for snow?

Yes, a Subaru Impreza is good in the snow due to its standard all-wheel drive (AWD), but factors like tires and ground clearance are crucial for performance in deep snow. Its Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction by sending power to all four wheels. For optimal performance, it's best to equip it with good quality all-season or winter tires, as the car's low ground clearance can become an issue in very deep snow.
 
This video reviews the Subaru Impreza's performance in the snow: 56sIgorRyltsevYouTube · Dec 21, 2017
Key factors for snow performance

• All-wheel drive (AWD): The Impreza's standard symmetrical AWD system is a major advantage in snowy conditions, constantly transferring power to the wheels that have the most grip. 
• Tires: The type of tires is critical. While all-season tires are often sufficient, having dedicated snow tires or all-weather tires will significantly improve traction and safety, especially in icy or heavy snow conditions. 
• Ground clearance: The Impreza's ground clearance is lower than Subaru's SUVs, which can be a limitation in deep snow, potentially causing the vehicle to act as a plow. 
• Driving habits: Even with AWD, safe driving practices are essential. This includes going slow, leaving ample braking room, and avoiding sudden movements with the steering wheel, accelerator, or brakes. 
• Safety features: The Impreza is also equipped with safety features like EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes functions like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. 

You can watch this video to learn why Subaru AWD is considered one of the best for snow: 57sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jan 11, 2025