Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan. If you're in the market for a reliable, practical, and fuel-efficient compact car with standard all-wheel drive, the Impreza might just be the ride for you. But before you rush to the dealership, let's break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its technology and overall value. Buckle up; it’s going to be a detailed ride!

Overview of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is part of the fifth generation of Impreza models, and it brings with it a host of improvements over previous years. What makes the Impreza stand out is its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a feature that's rare in the compact car class. This gives it superior traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Beyond its all-wheel-drive prowess, the Impreza also offers a comfortable ride, a well-designed interior, and a suite of advanced safety features. It's available in several trims, including the base 2.0i, Premium, Sport, and Limited, each offering different levels of equipment and luxury. The Impreza is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate power for daily driving. While it's not the quickest car on the road, it's reliable and efficient. The exterior styling is clean and modern, with Subaru's signature hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights. Inside, the Impreza boasts a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seats, and a surprising amount of space for passengers and cargo. Safety is also a strong point, with the Impreza earning top marks in crash tests and offering available features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. All in all, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a well-rounded compact car that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a great choice for those who prioritize safety, reliability, and all-weather capability.

Performance and Handling

Let's get into how this baby drives! The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might not sound thrilling, they're adequate for most daily driving situations. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Most drivers will likely opt for the CVT, which provides smooth and seamless acceleration. However, enthusiasts might prefer the manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience. One of the Impreza's standout features is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather. Whether you're driving on dry pavement, wet roads, or snow-covered streets, the Impreza feels confident and composed. The all-wheel-drive system also helps improve handling, giving the Impreza a more planted feel in corners. Speaking of handling, the Impreza's suspension is tuned for comfort, so it absorbs bumps and potholes with ease. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, some drivers might find the steering a bit numb and lacking in feedback. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a comfortable and capable driving experience. It's not the sportiest car in its class, but it's reliable, predictable, and confidence-inspiring, especially in challenging driving conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters or frequent rain, the Impreza's all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point.

Interior Comfort and Design

Alright, let's hop inside! The interior of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The layout is clean and straightforward, with all the controls logically placed and easy to reach. The materials used are of decent quality, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing adequate cushioning for long drives. The Impreza offers plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, making it a good choice for families. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, and there's enough headroom and legroom for taller passengers. The trunk is also surprisingly spacious, with 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space. That's enough room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. One of the highlights of the Impreza's interior is its infotainment system. The base model comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, while higher trims get an 8-inch display. The system is easy to use, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other available features include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a pleasant place to be. It's not the most luxurious or stylish interior in its class, but it's comfortable, functional, and well-equipped. If you value practicality and ease of use, you'll appreciate the Impreza's interior design.

Technology and Features

Tech time! The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan comes packed with a range of technology features designed to enhance your driving experience. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer even more tech goodies, such as an 8-inch touchscreen display, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio, and a navigation system. One of the standout tech features of the Impreza is Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the road ahead and help prevent accidents. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you, while lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Lane keeping assist can even gently steer the car back into its lane if you don't respond to the warning. Automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. The EyeSight system is highly rated by safety organizations and can help make you a safer driver. Other available tech features on the Impreza include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. These features can help you avoid accidents when changing lanes, backing out of parking spaces, or maneuvering in tight areas. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a comprehensive suite of technology features that enhance safety, convenience, and entertainment. Whether you're looking for basic connectivity or advanced driver-assist systems, the Impreza has you covered.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

Let's talk about saving some green! The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is known for its fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers. The EPA estimates that the Impreza gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway when equipped with the CVT. Models with the manual transmission get slightly lower ratings, at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. However, the Impreza generally delivers excellent fuel economy in real-world driving. One of the reasons for the Impreza's good fuel economy is its efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine uses direct injection and other technologies to maximize power and efficiency. The CVT also helps improve fuel economy by keeping the engine in its optimal rev range. In addition to its fuel-efficient engine and transmission, the Impreza also has a lightweight design that helps improve fuel economy. The Impreza is made from high-strength steel, which allows it to be both strong and lightweight. If you're looking for a car that's easy on your wallet, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a great choice. Its excellent fuel economy can save you hundreds of dollars per year on gas, especially if you do a lot of driving. Plus, its reliability and low maintenance costs can help you save even more money in the long run.

Safety Ratings and Features

Safety first, guys! The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan earns high marks for safety, thanks to its strong structure, advanced safety features, and excellent crash test scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Impreza a Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor. The Impreza earned good ratings in all IIHS crash tests, including the challenging small overlap front crash test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Impreza a five-star overall safety rating, its highest rating. The Impreza earned five stars in the front and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. Standard safety features on the Impreza include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, a rearview camera, and a full suite of airbags. Available safety features include the EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Other available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The Impreza's EyeSight system is highly regarded by safety organizations and has been shown to reduce the risk of accidents. Adaptive cruise control can help you maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you, while lane departure warning can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane. Automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is one of the safest cars in its class. Its strong structure, advanced safety features, and excellent crash test scores provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Pricing and Value

Okay, let's talk numbers! The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers excellent value for the money, with a starting price of around $18,500. That's a competitive price for a compact car with standard all-wheel drive. Higher trims, such as the Premium, Sport, and Limited, cost more but offer additional features and amenities. The Premium trim adds features like heated front seats, a sunroof, and alloy wheels. The Sport trim adds sporty styling cues, a larger touchscreen display, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Limited trim adds leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. Even the base Impreza comes well-equipped with features like a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. The Impreza also has a good reputation for reliability, which can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. Plus, its excellent fuel economy can help you save money on gas. When you add it all up, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient car with standard all-wheel drive. It's a great value for the money and offers a lot of features for the price. If you're looking for a compact car that can handle all kinds of weather and road conditions, the Impreza is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

To wrap things up, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan:

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather.
• Excellent safety ratings: Earned top marks in crash tests from IIHS and NHTSA.
• Good fuel economy: Gets up to 38 mpg on the highway.
• User-friendly infotainment system: Easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Spacious interior: Offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

Cons:

• Engine power: The 2.0-liter engine can feel a bit underpowered, especially when accelerating or climbing hills.
• CVT transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the CVT, which can be noisy and unresponsive at times.
• Steering feel: The steering can feel a bit numb and lacking in feedback.
• Interior materials: While decent, the interior materials aren't as luxurious as some competitors.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word? The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a solid choice for anyone seeking a dependable, safe, and fuel-efficient compact car with the added benefit of standard all-wheel drive. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, its practicality, safety features, and value make it a standout in its class. If you prioritize all-weather capability and reliability, the Impreza should definitely be on your shopping list. Just be sure to weigh its strengths against its minor shortcomings to determine if it's the right fit for your needs. Happy driving, folks!