2018 Subaru Impreza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 152 hp
- Transmission
- CVT, 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 175.6–182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,034–3,047 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Subaru Impreza is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,034 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 18% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lafayette, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Impreza configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 105.1 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,034 lb | 60/40 |
| 5dr Hatch | 175.6 in | 70.1 in | 58.3 in | 105.1 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,047 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +18% | $2,100 | 282 |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +4% | $2,150 | 282 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +10% | $2,250 | 291 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +1% | $2,250 | 292 |
| Impreza 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | -1% | $2,500 | 331 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -4% | $2,600 | 337 |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | -12% | $2,600 | 335 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -16% | $2,700 | 351 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |

Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Impreza (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 12, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V624000 · 188,397 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 175,968 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · 466,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
- Risk
- A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Electrical System › Software · Oct 18, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · 466,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
- Risk
- If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Oct 17, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V744000 · 205,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
Not every 2018 Subaru Impreza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Subaru Impreza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 64 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Visibility/Wiper — 34 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impreza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Impreza | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Impreza | 29 | 176 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Impreza | 30 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 5 |
| 2024 Impreza | 30 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2023 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 4 |
| 2022 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 14 |
| 2021 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 14 |
| 2020 Impreza | 31 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 85 |
| 2019 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 194 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →