Is a Subaru Impreza good on fuel?
Yes. The Impreza remains one of the more fuel-efficient options in the compact segment that offers all-wheel drive, typically posting combined mpg in the low 30s depending on year and transmission.
How fuel economy works in the Impreza
Several design choices shape the Impreza’s real-world efficiency. Here are the key factors that influence how far you can go on a tank of gas.
- Drivetrain and weight: The Impreza is equipped with Subaru’sSymmetrical AWD, which improves traction but adds weight and drivetrain losses compared with front-wheel-drive rivals. This naturally tempers fuel economy, especially in city driving.
- Engine: A relatively small, purpose-built 2.0-liter boxer engine helps keep the consumption in check for an AWD hatchback.
- Transmission: Most recent Impreza models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) designed to optimize efficiency; a traditional manual transmission was offered in older generations but is rarely available on current models.
- Aerodynamics and packaging: A compact hatchback body with modest weight contributes to respectable highway efficiency, particularly when cruising at steady speeds.
- EPA estimates vs. real-world: Official mpg numbers (EPA) provide a baseline, but real-world mileage depends on driving style, climate, and vehicle maintenance.
Taken together, these factors mean the Impreza delivers competitive numbers for an AWD compact, with highway driving typically giving the best mileage while city driving will show more variation based on traffic and stop-and-go conditions.
Fuel economy by model-year and trim
The Impreza’s efficiency has remained fairly steady in recent years, with the main variation coming from transmission choice and how the vehicle is driven. Here’s what to expect on current and recent models.
- Current CVT-equipped Imprezas: EPA estimates commonly fall in the ballpark of 28–29 mpg in the city, 37–39 mpg on the highway, for a combined roughly 32–33 mpg.
- Transmission note: A traditional 5-speed manual was available on some older generations, but is no longer offered on most current models; all newer Imprezas rely on CVT (or, in some markets, a CVT-only lineup).
- All-wheel drive: The standard AWD setup helps with traction in poor weather but tends to keep mpg lower than similarly sized front-drive hatchbacks.
For buyers comparing years, the biggest difference tends to be the transmission choice and the driving environment, not dramatic shifts in the engine itself.
Recent efficiency numbers (by year) and what they mean for buyers
As a rule of thumb, if you’re shopping the latest models, expect modern Impreza mpg in the 32–33 mpg combined range with a CVT, and higher highway numbers when you’re cruising on long trips. If you’re looking at older models with a manual transmission, the numbers may differ slightly, but the overall efficiency profile remains similar for an AWD compact hatchback.
In practice, highway driving—steady speeds, minimal wind resistance, and light cargo—often yields the best mileage. City driving, stop-and-go traffic, and heavier loads will reduce the average mpg compared with highway-only conditions.
Real-world driving tips to maximize efficiency
Drivers who want to squeeze the most miles out of their Impreza can follow these practical tips. Each tip is designed to contribute to better fuel economy in day-to-day use.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure; under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and hurt mpg.
- Maintain steady speeds on highways and use cruise control when appropriate to avoid excessive acceleration and braking.
- Remove unnecessary weight and roof-mounted cargo when not in use; weight and aero drag affect fuel consumption.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including air filters, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors, to keep the engine operating efficiently.
- Use the appropriate octane as recommended by Subaru; premium fuel is not required for the 2.0-liter engine.
These habits can yield noticeable gains, particularly on longer trips or during cold-weather driving when engines are less efficient.
Bottom line for prospective buyers
For a compact hatchback with standard AWD, the Impreza strikes a solid balance between capability and efficiency. Its mpg is competitive within its class, especially on highway trips, but it isn’t as fuel-efficient as some front-wheel-drive rivals. If AWD is a priority, the Impreza remains a prudent choice for those who value traction and safety alongside reasonable fuel economy.
Summary
In summary, the Subaru Impreza is a practical option for buyers who want all-wheel drive without sacrificing too much fuel economy. Expect real-world efficiency generally in the low-to-mid 30s mpg combined with a CVT, especially on highway driving. Year, trim, and driving style will influence numbers, but the model remains one of the more efficient AWD compact hatchbacks on the market today.
Are Subaru Imprezas fuel efficient?
Subaru Impreza running costs and value
With a combined fuel efficiency of 7.5L/100km, the Impreza ensures efficient fuel consumption, helping owners save on refuelling expenses.
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.
How far can a Subaru Impreza go on a full tank?
If you get an Impreza with the base level 2-liter flat-four, you can expect an EPA-estimated full-tank range of 498 miles. The top-tier RS trim has a bigger and stronger 2.5L flat-four under its hood.
Are Subaru cars good on gas?
Yes, many Subarus are good on gas, with models like the Impreza and Legacy offering up to 36 mpg highway, while the Crosstrek and Forester also provide competitive fuel economy for SUVs. Their fuel efficiency is supported by engineering advancements like the Boxer engine, Lineartronic CVT, and lightweight, aerodynamic designs.
Fuel-efficient models
- Subaru Impreza: Can achieve up to 36 mpg highway and 28 mpg city with its standard engine.
- Subaru Legacy: Offers up to 35 mpg highway and 27 mpg city, making it one of the most efficient sedans in the lineup.
- Subaru Crosstrek: A compact SUV that can get up to 34 mpg highway and 27 mpg city.
- Subaru Forester: Delivers up to 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg city.
- Subaru Outback: Provides up to 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg city, a solid rating for a midsize SUV.
Factors contributing to efficiency
- Boxer engine: The flat-mounted Boxer engine's design creates a lower center of gravity and reduces vibration, which helps with balance and efficiency.
- Lineartronic CVT: The continuously variable transmission is engineered to keep the engine in its most efficient power band.
- Lightweight materials: Using lighter materials in construction helps reduce the vehicle's overall weight, which improves fuel economy.
- Aerodynamic design: Subaru's focus on aerodynamics helps reduce drag, further boosting fuel efficiency.
