DecodedCars2023 Subaru Impreza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 175.6–182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,034–3,047 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2023 midsize car (27 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 152 hp, versus about 201 hp for similar 2023 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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 / 36 highway), 19% better than the 2023 midsize car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the tires.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Impreza — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Impreza →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lafayette, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 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 / 36 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 280 |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +1% | $2,150 | 285 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +11% | $2,250 | 291 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | -3% | $2,250 | 292 |
| Impreza 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 | -16% | $2,600 | 335 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -19% | $2,700 | 351 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
| 2023 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
Similar 2023 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Impreza (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Subaru WRX | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Sep 21, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V647000 · 4,311 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- Risk
- Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 25, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V292000 · 4,030 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
- Risk
- An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-23.
Not every 2023 Subaru Impreza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Subaru Impreza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Tires — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 48,541 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 2023 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 |
| 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 |
| 2018 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 152 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →