2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan: Review, Features & More

by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan. If you're in the market for a reliable, compact car with a reputation for safety and all-weather capability, this might just be the ride for you. Let's break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its tech features and overall value.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a balanced experience. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 152 horsepower. Now, this isn't going to win any drag races, but it provides adequate power for daily driving and merging onto highways. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Most reviews and drivers find the CVT to be the smoother and more fuel-efficient option, although some enthusiasts might prefer the engagement of the manual.

One of the standout features of the Impreza is its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Subaru's symmetrical AWD provides excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or even gravel roads. This makes the Impreza a great choice for those living in areas with unpredictable climates or those who simply want the added confidence of AWD. Handling is also commendable, with the Impreza offering a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering is responsive, and the car feels planted on the road, making it easy to maneuver through city streets or winding roads. While it's not a sports car, the Impreza offers a secure and predictable driving experience that's perfect for everyday use. Fuel economy is another strong point, with the CVT-equipped models achieving impressive numbers for an AWD vehicle. This combination of AWD capability, decent power, and good fuel economy makes the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan a practical and versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior. While it may not be the most luxurious in its class, the Impreza prioritizes comfort and usability. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making them suitable for long drives. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate four adults comfortably, with decent legroom and headroom in both the front and rear. The overall design is clean and straightforward, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly layout. The quality of materials is decent for the price point, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. However, some hard plastics are present, which is typical for cars in this segment. Visibility is excellent thanks to the large windows and relatively thin pillars. This makes it easy to see your surroundings and enhances overall safety.

The Impreza also offers a good amount of cargo space for a compact sedan. The trunk is large enough to hold luggage, groceries, or other everyday items. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more room for larger items. In terms of noise, the Impreza's cabin is relatively quiet, although some road and wind noise can be noticeable at higher speeds. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for daily commuting and longer trips. It may not be the most stylish or luxurious interior in its class, but it offers a functional and user-friendly environment for both the driver and passengers. With its comfortable seats, spacious cabin, and ample cargo space, the Impreza is a great choice for those who prioritize practicality and comfort.

Technology and Features

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan comes with a range of technology features designed to enhance the driving experience. The base model typically includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation services. Higher trims offer an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with additional features such as satellite radio and a more advanced infotainment interface. The infotainment system is generally easy to use, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. However, some users may find the graphics and interface to be a bit dated compared to some of its competitors.

In terms of safety technology, the Impreza offers a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Subaru's EyeSight suite. This suite includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. Other available technology features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a good balance of technology features for its price point. While it may not have the most cutting-edge technology, it includes all the essential features that most drivers are looking for, such as smartphone integration, advanced safety systems, and a user-friendly infotainment system. With its focus on safety and convenience, the Impreza is a great choice for those who value technology in their vehicles.

Safety and Reliability

Subaru has always been known for its commitment to safety, and the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is no exception. It has earned high marks in crash tests from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Impreza comes standard with a variety of safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. As mentioned earlier, it also offers Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient.

In terms of reliability, the Impreza has a good track record. Subaru vehicles are generally known for their durability and longevity, and the Impreza is no exception. However, like any car, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it stays in good condition. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and regular inspections. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a safe and reliable car that's a great choice for those who prioritize safety and dependability. With its high crash test scores, standard safety features, and available advanced driver-assistance systems, the Impreza provides peace of mind for both the driver and passengers. Its reputation for reliability also makes it a great long-term investment.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The base model is the 2.0i, which comes standard with features such as all-wheel drive, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. Moving up to the 2.0i Premium adds features such as alloy wheels, heated front seats, a sunroof, and an upgraded infotainment system with satellite radio. The 2.0i Sport trim adds sporty styling cues, such as a rear spoiler, side rocker panels, and sport-tuned suspension. It also includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and keyless entry. The top-of-the-line 2.0i Limited trim adds luxury features such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a power driver's seat. It also includes Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

In terms of options, the Impreza offers a variety of packages and individual options that allow you to customize the car to your liking. These include things like a navigation system, a premium audio system, and blind-spot monitoring. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a good range of trim levels and options to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for a basic and affordable commuter car or a well-equipped and luxurious sedan, there's likely an Impreza trim that's right for you. With its variety of features and options, the Impreza is a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan:

Pros:

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Good fuel economy
  • High safety ratings
  • User-friendly technology
  • Comfortable and spacious interior

Cons:

  • Engine performance could be better
  • Some interior materials feel cheap
  • Infotainment system graphics are a bit dated

Overall Value

In conclusion, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a well-rounded and practical compact car that offers a lot of value for the money. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, good fuel economy, and high safety ratings make it a great choice for those who prioritize safety and reliability. While its engine performance and interior materials may not be the best in its class, the Impreza offers a comfortable and spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and a variety of trim levels and options to suit a wide range of budgets and preferences. If you're looking for a dependable and versatile compact car that can handle all types of weather conditions, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is definitely worth considering.