The 2017 Subaru Impreza hatchback made a strong impression during a test drive through Oakland, California, on the way to San Francisco. Navigating the notorious Bay Bridge traffic, the Impreza’s adaptive cruise control proved to be a standout feature, smoothly handling stop-and-go conditions even at speeds as low as 10 mph. This unexpected capability set the tone for a week filled with surprises, both pleasant and less so, revealing a vehicle with sporty handling alongside a somewhat basic infotainment system.
The Good
Standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and an excellent adaptive cruise control system make the Subaru Impreza a top contender in its class. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add to its appeal.
The Bad
The interior design is unremarkable, and the Starlink infotainment system lacks advanced features.
The Bottom Line
The Subaru Impreza is a practical and affordable hatchback (and sedan) ideal for those who need all-weather capability and appreciate a bit of sportiness.
The Impreza’s all-wheel drive system is a key selling point, providing confidence across various terrains and weather conditions.
What’s New for the 2017 Impreza?
The 2017 model year marked a significant update for the Subaru Impreza, built upon the new Subaru Global Platform. This update brought increased length and width to the vehicle without adding weight. The chassis stiffness saw a remarkable 70 percent improvement over the previous generation, enhancing both handling and safety. Under the hood, the engine received a boost with the addition of direct fuel injection, contributing to a more responsive driving experience. Revised steering and suspension further differentiate the 2017 Subaru Impreza from its predecessors, making it a noticeably different car on the road.
While the Subaru Impreza is available as a sedan, the five-door hatchback configuration is the more popular choice, offering superior versatility. With the rear seats folded down, the Impreza hatchback boasts over 55 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Mazda3 and Ford Focus in overall capacity. Even with the rear seats in use, the 21 cubic feet of space is practical, although slightly less than the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The redesigned tailgate for 2017, featuring a split taillight design, widened the fifth door opening by four inches, making it easier to load larger items and outdoor equipment.
Inside, the 2017 Subaru Impreza provides ample room for five adults, even in the rear center seat. While Subaru interiors are known for their practicality, the Impreza’s cabin represents a step up in quality, though it still doesn’t quite reach the level of sophistication found in the Mazda3 or Golf SportWagen. The Impreza offers four trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. The Premium trim, as tested, featured comfortable and heated cloth seats. Material quality is generally good, although the faux carbon-fiber trim might not appeal to everyone.
Standard all-wheel drive is a major draw for buyers in regions with challenging weather conditions.
Under the hood, the 2017 Impreza retains the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but refinements have increased horsepower to 152, up from 148 in the previous model year. Torque remains at 145 pound-feet. For those seeking more power, the Mazda3 offers a stronger 184-horsepower engine, but the Impreza’s output is comparable to the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus.
Fuel economy for the Impreza is EPA-rated at 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. However, real-world driving in the Bay Area yielded an average of 26.5 mpg during the test week. The Chevrolet Cruze, particularly with its available diesel engine in the sedan version, can achieve higher fuel economy figures.
Driving Dynamics of the 2017 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza’s all-wheel drive system sets it apart from many competitors in its price range, which primarily offer front-wheel drive. While all-wheel drive alternatives exist, such as the Mini Countryman, Clubman, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, or Sportwagen, they typically come at a higher price point.
Taking the Impreza to backroads revealed improvements in handling. While not a sports car, the 2017 Impreza feels more responsive and engaging than the previous generation, thanks to a quicker steering ratio borrowed from the Subaru BRZ. Through a series of corners, the Impreza maintained composure and felt planted, a benefit of the stiffer chassis. Quick changes in direction are handled without unsettling the car, and the all-wheel drive system effectively distributes torque for optimal grip and control.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base and Sport trims, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on the Limited and Premium trims and optional on the others. The tested Premium model featured the CVT, which Subaru has refined to reduce noise compared to previous versions. Paddle shifters on the Premium trim allow drivers to simulate seven stepped gear ratios, adding a degree of driver engagement, though enthusiasts will likely prefer the manual transmission.
Technology and Safety Features
For tech-savvy drivers, the Starlink infotainment system in the Premium trim Impreza might be a point of compromise. The 6.5-inch touchscreen is responsive and includes basic features like iPod connectivity, Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free calling, and integration with Aha and Pandora apps. However, the inclusion of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compensates for Starlink’s limited functionality, providing a more familiar and feature-rich smartphone integration experience, even on the smaller screen.
Upgrading to the Sport or Limited trims brings an 8-inch touchscreen and adds satellite radio, along with apps like iHeartRadio, Magellan Navi, and Glympse. These higher trims also include six speakers, a CD player, voice-activated controls, and hands-free text messaging. Built-in navigation is available as an option only on the top-tier Limited trim.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance package is optional and utilizes stereo cameras for a wide and long detection range. Positioned inside the windshield, the system is less vulnerable to damage compared to bumper-mounted systems. The adaptive cruise control system is particularly effective, functioning even in stop-and-go traffic down to very low speeds, a significant advantage over many competitors’ systems. It also resumes smoothly after brief stops.
EyeSight also incorporates lane-departure warning with audible and visual alerts, and lane-keeping assist, though the steering correction is subtle. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist is included, alerting the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes when signaling a lane change. Rear cross-traffic alert, enhanced with automatic braking, further enhances safety, especially in parking situations.
Emme’s Comparable Picks
The 2017 Subaru Impreza offers a compelling value proposition, starting just above $18,000 for the base sedan. The Premium five-door trim tested starts at $21,695, reaching $24,910 with EyeSight and destination charges. Comparably equipped Ford Focus or Chevrolet Cruze hatchbacks are similarly priced but lack adaptive cruise control and standard all-wheel drive. Considering that a front-wheel drive Mazda3 hatchback with comparable safety features approaches $29,000, the 2017 Subaru Impreza emerges as a highly attractive and practical hatchback choice, especially for those prioritizing all-weather capability and value.
