Makes›Subaru›Impreza›2018

2018 Subaru Impreza

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

Subaru Impreza
Pictured: 2024 Subaru Impreza Base, front right, 03-02-2024. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine152 hp2.0L 4-cyl
TransmissionCVT · 5-speed manual
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

BasePremium+ES+BSDPremium

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims
Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningSome trims
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan182.3 in70.1 in57.5 in105.1 in60.6 / 61 in3,034 lb60/40
5dr Hatch175.6 in70.1 in58.3 in105.1 in60.6 / 61 in3,047 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Impreza 4-Door2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+18%$2,100282
Impreza 5-Door2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive28 / 37 / 31+4%$2,150282
Impreza Sport 4-Door2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+10%$2,250291
Impreza Sport 5-Door2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive27 / 35 / 30+1%$2,250292
Impreza 4-Door2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27-1%$2,500331
Impreza Sport 4-Door2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26-4%$2,600337
Impreza 5-Door2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 26-12%$2,600335
Impreza Sport 5-Door2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25-16%$2,700351
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.2 MPG2018 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.5%
2018 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Subaru Impreza (this car)32 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Honda Accord47 MPGNot rated6
2018 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated0
2018 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Subaru Impreza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

152Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
18,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting64
Visibility/Wiper34
Unknown Or Other25
Electrical System12
Engine11
Power Train5
Structure › Body5
Visibility › Windshield5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/04: 423/05: 623/06: 523/07: 523/08: 623/09: 423/10: 423/11: 523/12: 424/01: 724/02: 224/03: 224/04: 224/05: 224/06: 524/08: 224/11: 125/05: 125/11: 226/01: 126/02: 126/05: 126/09: 226/10: 123/0423/0723/1024/0124/0424/0825/1126/05max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Subaru Impreza buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 64 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Visibility/Wiper — 34 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Impreza29–Not rated00
2026 Impreza29176 inNot rated01
2025 Impreza30176 in★★★★★05
2024 Impreza30176 in★★★★★232
2023 Impreza32182.3 in★★★★★24
2022 Impreza32182.3 in★★★★★114
2021 Impreza32182.3 in★★★★★214
2020 Impreza31182.3 in★★★★★185
2019 Impreza32182.3 in★★★★★5194

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →