How roomy is a Subaru Impreza?
Yes. The Impreza is a surprisingly roomy compact car, and the hatchback version is markedly more practical thanks to its larger cargo area and flexible seating. This article reviews passenger space, cargo capacity, and real-world usability for the latest models.
What to know about interior space
Interior space in the Impreza is shaped by two body styles (sedan and hatchback) and by how Subaru integrates passenger comfort with cargo versatility. In general, the cabin prioritizes easy ingress, good visibility, and adaptable storage, which matters for daily commuting and trips with gear.
Passenger space: front and rear comfort
Front-seat comfort
The front row offers ample shoulder and hip room with a relatively high seating position, which many drivers find comfortable for daily use and longer drives alike.
Rear-seat comfort
The rear seat accommodates adults reasonably well on shorter trips, and the hatchback’s taller roofline helps headroom. Taller passengers may notice tighter space on long journeys in the sedan, but the overall design remains competitive for the class.
Cargo space and practicality
The Impreza’s practicality is most evident in the hatchback, where the cargo area is wide, accessible, and easy to configure for different loads. The sedan offers a traditional trunk with less flexibility for cargo expansion.
The figures below come from Subaru’s official specifications for the latest models and vary by body style:
- Sedan (4-door): approximately 12 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats.
- Hatchback (5-door) with rear seats up: approximately 20–21 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Hatchback (5-door) with rear seats folded: up to roughly 55 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on trim and seat configuration.
In everyday use, the hatchback’s cargo area is notably more versatile, able to accommodate larger items and stacked gear, while the sedan remains a solid choice for those who prefer a conventional trunk and a compact footprint.
Real-world usability: how buyers use the space
For families, active individuals, or anyone who frequently transports equipment, the hatchback layout is the more practical option due to its larger, more flexible load floor and bigger opening. The sedan provides adequate passenger space and a quieter trunk environment but limited room for bulky items when seats are up.
Bottom line
In terms of interior room, the Subaru Impreza holds its own in the compact class. The hatchback version clearly leads in cargo practicality, offering substantial space with seats up and a very large expansion when folded. The sedan remains comfortable for everyday use, with a traditional trunk that is smaller but perfectly usable for typical shopping and trips.
Summary
The Impreza delivers about 100 cubic feet of passenger space, with the hatchback providing the most practical cargo capacity: roughly 21 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to about 55 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The sedan offers around 12 cubic feet of trunk space, with less overall cargo flexibility. For buyers prioritizing cargo versatility, the hatchback is the clear winner; for those who want a traditional trunk and compact footprint, the sedan remains a competent option.
Is the Subaru Impreza compact or midsize?
compact car
The Subaru Impreza length and its other measurements work together to deliver a compact car that excels in both city and highway driving.
Is the Subaru Impreza roomy?
With up to 20.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, the Impreza hatchback provides ample room for luggage, groceries, or gear. Fold the rear seats down to expand the cargo area to 55.3 cubic feet. A roll-up cargo cover is standard on the RS trim to keep your belongings out of sight.
Can I fit a full mattress in my Subaru Impreza?
Q: Can I sleep on a mattress in my Subaru Impreza? Yes, your Subaru Impreza has space for a mattress! Mattress Insider offers affordable custom mattress options that will ensure you get a fantastic night's sleep and that will maximize your vehicle's interior space.
What are the negatives of Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems. The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability.
