Is a Subaru Impreza a sedan or SUV?
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car available as a four‑door sedan or a five‑door hatchback, not an SUV.
In practice, the Impreza emphasizes carlike packaging, all‑wheel drive as a standard feature, and practical interior space. For those seeking true SUV styling and higher ground clearance, Subaru offers the Crosstrek, which shares the Impreza’s underpinnings but is classified as a crossover SUV.
Body styles and classification
Two primary body styles have been offered for the Impreza in the U.S. market, both based on the same platform and drivetrain.
The following bullet list summarizes the official Impreza body styles:
- 4‑door sedan
- 5‑door hatchback (often described as a hatch or wagon)
These options show that the Impreza remains a compact car and not a traditional sport utility vehicle. For SUV‑style versatility, look to the Crosstrek, which is the crossover/SUV in Subaru’s lineup built on the Impreza platform.
How the Impreza compares to the Crosstrek
The Crosstrek uses the same underlying engineering as the Impreza but adds higher ground clearance, rugged styling cues, and available features aimed at off‑road or weather‑tolerant driving. While the Impreza focuses on fuel economy and driving dynamics typical of a compact car, the Crosstrek targets SUV buyers who want more capability in challenging conditions.
Summary
Bottom line: The Subaru Impreza is a compact car offered as a sedan or 5‑door hatchback, not an SUV. If you want an SUV‑style vehicle built on the same platform, consider the Crosstrek for its higher ride height and crossover design. Both models share the same AWD heritage and practical interior, but they are aimed at different vehicle classifications and customer needs.
Is the Subaru Impreza a sedan?
Yes, the Subaru Impreza has been offered as a sedan, though Subaru discontinued the sedan body style for its most recent generations, and it is now sold exclusively as a hatchback. Older models, such as those from 2023 and earlier, were available in both sedan and hatchback forms.
- Recent models: The current and most recent Impreza models (starting with the 2024 model year) are only available as a 5-door hatchback.
- Older models: For many years, Subaru sold the Impreza in both sedan and hatchback body styles. For example, the 2022 model year was offered in both formats, notes Hunter Subaru, and earlier models from the late 1990s and early 2000s were also available as sedans.
Is the Subaru Impreza a sedan or SUV?
sedan
The Subaru Impreza is a sporty sedan that offers the kind of traction and versatility you'd normally find in an SUV. It features standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and includes both a Traction Control System and Vehicle Dynamics Control.
What is a Subaru Impreza classified as?
A Subaru Impreza is a compact car, historically offered as either a sedan or a five-door hatchback, known for its standard all-wheel-drive and rally-racing heritage. For current models, it is exclusively available as a five-door hatchback, with the sedan variant now sold as the WRX.
- Vehicle Class: The Impreza is classified as a compact car.
- Body Styles:
- Past: It was available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, and in some past generations, as a two-door coupe or station wagon.
- Current: It is only offered as a five-door hatchback in the current generation. The sedan is now part of the Subaru WRX lineup.
- Key Features:
- All-Wheel Drive: It comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a distinguishing feature in its class.
- Engine: It is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine.
- Transmission: A 5-speed manual transmission is available on some models, though a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is also common.
- Performance: It offers a balance of capability, safety, and a comfortable ride, with some models featuring a sport-tuned suspension.
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...
