Best Subaru Impreza Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Subaru Impreza Model Years (Ranked)
The Subaru Impreza has been a compact mainstay since 1993, and across its generations it has offered standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, a flat-four boxer engine, and a rare blend of practicality and bad-weather security. This ranking focuses on the modern Impreza generations most relevant to today's used buyers, spanning the third generation (2008-2011), the fourth generation (2012-2016), and the fifth generation (2017-2023) built on the Subaru Global Platform.
Note that this list covers the standard Impreza, not the high-performance WRX and STI, which split into their own model line. The best Impreza years pair refined boxer engines and standard all-wheel drive with the chassis and reliability improvements that arrived later in the run.
Buyers in snowy and rainy regions especially value the Impreza because every single trim and model year includes all-wheel drive, a rarity in the affordable compact class.
Direct Answer
The best overall Subaru Impreza is the 2020 model year, a fifth-generation car on the stiff Subaru Global Platform with the refined 2.0-liter direct-injection boxer, standard EyeSight driver assistance, and a much-improved interior. The best value Subaru Impreza is the 2014 Impreza 2.0i Premium, a fourth-generation car that introduced the efficient FB20 boxer and now sells for a fraction of newer examples while still offering standard all-wheel drive and strong economy.
Below are the ten best Impreza model years ranked, with real engines, real specs, and the reasoning behind each placement, weighing refinement, safety technology, fuel economy, and known trouble spots across the generations.
1. 2020 Subaru Impreza 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2020 Impreza is the most polished version of the nameplate. It rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which sharply improved rigidity, ride quality, and crash performance, and it uses the 2.0-liter FB20 direct-injection boxer making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a CVT or a five-speed manual.
EPA ratings reach about 28 city / 36 highway with the CVT. For 2020, Subaru made EyeSight driver-assist technology standard on CVT models, adding adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, and the cabin gained a better infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Available as a sedan or a genuinely practical hatchback, with standard all-wheel drive across the board, the 2020 is the Impreza to buy. By this year the early teething issues of the fifth generation had been resolved, making it the most refined and trouble-free version.
2. 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2014 Impreza is the value champion. This fourth-generation car uses the 2.0-liter FB20 boxer making 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft, and the fourth-gen Impreza was a fuel-economy leader for an all-wheel-drive car, rated up to 27 city / 36 highway. The 2.0i Premium trim adds alloy wheels, a better audio system, and heated seats while keeping the price low on the used market.
Because fourth-gen cars are now well-depreciated yet still modern enough to live with daily, the 2014 2.0i Premium offers standard all-wheel drive and Subaru reliability for the least money of any Impreza worth recommending. It is roomy for its class, returns excellent economy, and provides the same all-weather security as far pricier examples, making it the smart-money pick for a budget-conscious buyer who still wants a dependable daily driver.
3. 2021 Subaru Impreza
The 2021 Impreza is a refined fifth-generation car that, like the 2020, benefits from the Global Platform and the 152-horsepower FB20 boxer. It carries standard EyeSight on CVT models and a well-equipped cabin with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It ranks just behind the 2020 because the two are nearly identical and 2021 examples command a slightly higher price for being a year newer.
As a low-mileage modern Impreza with standard all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, the 2021 is an excellent and safe choice, and buyers who want the newest possible example with the fewest miles will be very well served.
4. 2019 Subaru Impreza
The 2019 Impreza is another strong fifth-generation year on the Global Platform with the 2.0-liter FB20 (152 hp, 145 lb-ft) and available standard EyeSight. The 2019 brought minor equipment upgrades over the 2017-2018 launch cars. It ranks here because it predates the 2020 model's broader standardization of EyeSight and infotainment refinements, but it is still a thoroughly modern, safe, and efficient compact with standard all-wheel drive.
A clean 2019 hatchback is one of the most practical small cars you can buy used, combining genuine cargo room, all-weather traction, and strong crash-test results in an affordable package.
5. 2016 Subaru Impreza (Fourth Generation, Final Year)
The 2016 Impreza was the last of the fourth generation, meaning it received the running improvements made over that platform's life. It uses the 2.0-liter FB20 (148 hp, 145 lb-ft) with a CVT or manual and offered available EyeSight. EPA economy remained strong at up to 28 city / 37 highway with the CVT.
It ranks mid-pack because the older fourth-gen platform is less rigid and refined than the Global Platform cars that followed, but as a final-year version of a proven generation it is dependable and efficient, with standard all-wheel drive. A well-maintained 2016 represents a sweet spot between affordability and modern features for value-focused shoppers.
6. 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport
The 2015 Impreza 2.0i Sport adds a slightly sportier appearance package and standard equipment to the fourth-gen formula, with the 148-horsepower FB20 boxer and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. Economy is excellent at up to 28 city / 37 highway with the CVT. It places here because it shares the fourth generation's less-rigid platform and modest power, but it is a sensible, efficient, all-weather compact.
A well-maintained 2015 Sport hatchback makes a great affordable daily driver with genuine winter capability, and the Sport trim's extra visual flair and equipment give it a bit more appeal than the base car for only a small price difference.
7. 2017 Subaru Impreza (Fifth Generation, First Year)
The 2017 model year launched the all-new fifth generation on the Subaru Global Platform, a major leap in rigidity, handling, and safety, with the 2.0-liter FB20 making 152 horsepower. It introduced the modern interior and available EyeSight. It ranks here rather than higher because, as a first-year redesign, some 2017 cars saw early infotainment and assembly teething issues that later years resolved, and EyeSight was not yet as broadly standard.
Still, a sorted 2017 delivers most of the goodness of the 2020 for less money, and the Global Platform's improvements in quietness and ride quality are immediately apparent compared with the fourth-generation cars.
8. 2012 Subaru Impreza (Fourth Generation, First Year)
The 2012 Impreza introduced the fourth generation and the efficient FB20 boxer (148 hp, 145 lb-ft), a big economy improvement over the previous engine. It brought standard all-wheel drive and surprisingly strong fuel ratings for the class. It ranks lower because, as a first-year design and one of the earliest CVT applications for the Impreza, a small number of cars experienced CVT and early-build concerns later addressed.
As a well-cared-for, affordable all-wheel-drive compact, a clean 2012 still represents reasonable value, but buyers should confirm the CVT has been serviced and inspect for any history of driveline issues before purchase.
9. 2011 Subaru Impreza (Third Generation, Final Year)
The 2011 Impreza was the final third-generation car, using the older 2.5-liter EJ253 boxer making 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. It offers more outright power than the FB20 cars but worse economy, rated around 20 city / 26 highway.
It ranks near the bottom because the older EJ engine is thirstier and the third-gen platform feels dated next to later cars, plus the EJ25 has known head-gasket history on high-mileage examples. For buyers who want a torquier, simpler Impreza with the older boxer's character, a well-maintained 2011 still has appeal, and the available manual transmission adds engagement that the CVT cars lack.
10. 2009 Subaru Impreza (Third Generation)
The 2009 Impreza is an older third-generation car with the 2.5-liter EJ253 boxer (170 hp, 170 lb-ft) and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. It is a comfortable, capable compact for its era but ranks last here because of its age, lower fuel economy, dated interior, and the head-gasket maintenance the high-mileage EJ25 can require.
It remains a tough all-weather car if priced low and well-documented, but newer FB20 and Global Platform Imprezas outclass it in efficiency, refinement, and safety. Consider a 2009 only if the price is right and the maintenance history is thorough, paying particular attention to any record of head-gasket service.
How to Choose
Begin with the generation. The fifth-generation cars (2017-present) on the Subaru Global Platform are the most rigid, refined, safe, and efficient Imprezas, and among them the 2019-2021 model years are the sweet spot thanks to standard EyeSight and resolved early-build issues.
If your budget is tighter, the fourth generation (2012-2016) introduced the economical FB20 boxer and offers excellent value, with the 2014-2016 years being the most sorted. Decide between sedan and hatchback by your cargo needs; the hatch is far more versatile, and every Impreza includes standard all-wheel drive regardless of body style.
Avoid the older third-generation EJ25 cars (2008-2011) unless you want more low-end power and accept worse economy and potential head-gasket maintenance. Across all years, prioritize service records, CVT fluid history on later cars, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection over chasing one specific year, since condition matters more than the exact model year within a given generation.
FAQ
Which Subaru Impreza year is the most reliable? The 2019-2021 fifth-generation cars are the most reliable modern Imprezas. They run the proven FB20 boxer on the rigid Global Platform with standard EyeSight, and early-generation teething issues had been resolved by these years, giving them the fewest reported problems.
Does every Subaru Impreza have all-wheel drive? Yes. The Impreza comes with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive on every trim and every model year, which is a major reason it remains popular in snowy and rainy climates and sets it apart from most affordable compact rivals.
Is the Subaru Impreza CVT reliable? The fourth- and fifth-generation Impreza CVTs are generally reliable when maintained, but regular CVT fluid service is important. The earliest fourth-gen CVTs (around 2012) had some early concerns that were addressed in later years, so confirm service history on older examples.
What is the difference between the FB20 and EJ25 boxer engines? The FB20 (2012-present) is a 2.0-liter making about 148-152 horsepower with much better fuel economy, while the older EJ25 (through 2011) is a 2.5-liter making 170 horsepower with more torque but worse economy and a known head-gasket history on high-mileage cars.
Bottom Line
The Subaru Impreza has only gotten better, and the fifth-generation 2019-2021 cars are the best all-around choices: rigid, refined, efficient, and packed with standard safety tech, all with standard all-wheel drive. The 2014 2.0i Premium is the value standout from the economical fourth generation.
Older third-generation EJ25 cars trade efficiency for power and carry more maintenance risk, so reserve them for buyers who specifically want that character. Whichever you choose, the Impreza's standard all-wheel drive and Subaru durability make it one of the most sensible used compacts for buyers who face real weather, so buy the cleanest, best-documented example your budget allows.
Sources
- Subaru Impreza overview and generations — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Impreza
- EPA fuel economy ratings for Subaru Impreza — https://www.fueleconomy.gov
- Subaru Impreza specifications and trims — https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza
- Subaru Impreza reliability and owner reviews — https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/impreza/
- Subaru Impreza model-year reviews and rankings — https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/subaru/impreza
- Subaru Impreza engine and platform specifications — https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/impreza