Performance
With strong four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and light and responsive steering, the Impreza drives like a sports car. Under its hood is a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, which produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque and is pinned to a five-speed manual transmission for complete control of gear shifting.
Westchester customers who want a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a smoother and more convenient driving feel should go with the Premium model or higher. The CVT also helps the Impreza achieve its peak fuel economy numbers, which are 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Interior
Go for the hatchback version of the Impreza for more interior space. While the sedan provides 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the hatchback provides 20.8 cubic feet, which can be maximized at 55.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. Regardless of body style, though, the Impreza can seat up to five people. For front-seat heating, go with at least the Premium. The aptly named Sport comes with distinctive racing-style seats with red contrast stitching and aluminum pedal covers. Only the Limited gets the leather seat treatment.
Comfort and Convenience
For infotainment, the 2021 Impreza relies on the Starlink multimedia system, which combines a four-speaker AM/FM stereo system, Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free phone calling and audio streaming, a USB port for playing media from mobile devices, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen.
At the Premium trim level, Subaru adds a second USB port, a Wi-Fi hot spot for 4G LTE Internet access in the car, a trial subscription to SiriusXM Radio, and proximity keyless entry with push-button start.
The Sport gains HD Radio for digital tuning, an 8-inch touchscreen that replaces the 6.5-inch), a navigation system, and a pair of rear USB ports to charge mobile devices. Only the Limited gets an automatic climate control system.