What is the real mpg for Impreza?
Real-world mpg for the Subaru Impreza is typically in the low-to-mid 30s mpg combined for CVT models and in the mid-20s for manual transmissions, with results varying by year, trim, and driving conditions.
Understanding mpg measurements and what “real mpg” means
Fuel economy ratings published by the EPA are standardized estimates. Real-world mileage can differ due to driving style, load, weather, tire type, and whether the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive (the Impreza uses AWD as standard in most markets). This article summarizes current EPA figures for Impreza configurations and what drivers actually report in everyday use.
Before examining numbers, it helps to know that the Impreza uses a 2.0-liter flat-four engine (often referred to as a boxer), with most models offering a CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on most Impreza models, which can influence real-world efficiency compared with front-wheel-drive setups.
EPA estimates vs real-world results
The following list gives typical EPA fuel-economy figures for common Impreza configurations. Note that these are estimates and can vary by market and model year.
- CVT-equipped Impreza (2.0L): approximately 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined.
- 5-speed manual Impreza (2.0L): approximately 22–23 mpg city / 30–32 mpg highway / 25–26 mpg combined.
- All-wheel-drive nature and bulk from AWD can slightly affect mpg compared with non-AWD cars, particularly in city stop-and-go driving.
In practice, real-world mpg tends to deviate from EPA estimates. Urban driving with frequent stops, cold temperatures, and higher loads often lowers mpg, while steady highway cruising and light wind can push mpg toward the higher end of the range. The AWD system also adds weight, which can modestly reduce efficiency versus a lighter, non-AWD setup.
What real-world drivers typically see
To give a sense of typical experiences, here is a snapshot based on owner feedback and independent tests for recent Impreza models with 2.0L engines.
- Mixed driving with the CVT: roughly 28–33 mpg combined, with highway trips sometimes reaching into the upper 30s under favorable conditions.
- Mixed driving with a manual transmission: often around 24–28 mpg combined, with city commuting pulling toward the lower end.
- Factors that commonly push mpg higher or lower: driving speed, use of air conditioning, tire pressure, cargo load, roof racks, weather, and maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, oil quality).
These ranges reflect typical ownership experiences in North America and Europe; actual numbers can vary by year, trim, and regional specifications.
How to maximize mpg in your Impreza
If you’re aiming to squeeze more miles per gallon out of your Impreza, these practical steps can help.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; underinflation robs efficiency.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, gentle braking, and steady speeds improve fuel economy.
- Use cruise control on highways when appropriate to maintain a steady pace.
- Reduce weight: remove unnecessary cargo and roof racks when not needed.
- Climate control: use A/C judiciously; in cooler weather, preheat cabin before starting to reduce engine load at startup.
- Schedule regular maintenance: clean air filters, timely oil changes, and proper spark plugs help keep the engine efficient.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and combine errands into fewer trips.
Applying these practices can help you approach the higher end of the real-world mpg ranges discussed above, especially on longer highway drives.
Summary
In short, real-world mpg for the Impreza generally sits in the low- to mid-30s mpg combined for CVT models and the mid-20s for manual transmissions, with variations driven by driving conditions, weather, and load. EPA estimates provide a baseline, but actual fuel economy depends on how you drive and how the car is configured. By maintaining proper tire pressure, driving smoothly, and reducing weight or unnecessary equipment, you can maximize your Impreza’s efficiency.
