2023 Subaru Impreza Sport: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport review and see what this compact car has to offer. If you're in the market for a reliable, sporty, and practical vehicle, the Impreza Sport might just be the ticket. We’ll cover everything from its performance and handling to its interior features and overall value. Buckle up, because we're about to take a comprehensive look at whether the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport is worth your hard-earned cash.

Performance and Handling: A Sporty Ride?

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport aims to deliver a sporty experience, but let’s be real, it’s not exactly a WRX. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this isn't a mind-blowing amount of power, it's adequate for daily driving and provides enough pep for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, which is a joy for those who prefer to row their own gears. However, most models come with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance. The CVT does a decent job of mimicking gear changes, but it can sometimes feel a bit sluggish, especially when you're trying to accelerate quickly.

One of the Impreza Sport's standout features is its symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), which comes standard. This gives the car excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or gravel, the Impreza Sport feels planted and confident. The handling is also commendable, with precise steering and minimal body roll. The sport-tuned suspension helps to keep the car composed in corners, making it fun to drive on twisty roads. The Impreza Sport also features active torque vectoring, which further enhances its handling capabilities by distributing torque to the wheels that need it most. This results in improved grip and responsiveness, especially when cornering. Overall, the Impreza Sport offers a balanced driving experience that is both engaging and practical. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but its all-wheel-drive system and sporty handling make it a joy to drive in a variety of conditions. The inclusion of features like active torque vectoring and the sport-tuned suspension demonstrate Subaru's commitment to providing a fun and capable driving experience in the Impreza Sport.

Interior and Features: Comfort and Tech

Stepping inside the 2023 Impreza Sport, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior. The materials are generally of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The Impreza Sport comes standard with a 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use and responsive. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other standard features include a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.

For those looking for more tech, you can opt for available features such as a sunroof, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and Subaru's Starlink connected services. The Starlink system includes features like automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and remote services such as remote start and door unlocking. In terms of safety, the Impreza Sport comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind. The interior of the Impreza Sport is also surprisingly spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate adults, making it a practical choice for families. The cargo area is also generous, with enough space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Impreza Sport is well-appointed and comfortable, with a good balance of features and functionality. The inclusion of standard features like the 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the EyeSight driver-assist system make it a compelling choice in its class. The availability of optional features such as the sunroof, premium audio system, and Starlink connected services further enhance its appeal. The spaciousness and practicality of the interior make it a great choice for both daily commuting and longer trips.

Fuel Economy: Thrifty or Thirsty?

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport delivers respectable numbers. With the CVT, the Impreza Sport is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for the compact car segment, especially considering that the Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive. If you opt for the manual transmission, the fuel economy drops slightly to 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. While the manual transmission may be more engaging to drive, the CVT is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world driving, you can expect to achieve fuel economy figures that are close to the EPA estimates. However, your actual mileage may vary depending on your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive. For example, aggressive driving or frequent stop-and-go traffic can reduce fuel economy. On the other hand, smooth and consistent driving on the highway can improve fuel economy.

The Impreza Sport also features a fuel-saving start-stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when you release the brake pedal. This system can help to improve fuel economy in city driving. However, some drivers may find the start-stop system to be intrusive, and it can be disabled if desired. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport offers good fuel economy for its class, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. The CVT provides the best fuel economy, while the manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience at the expense of slightly lower fuel economy. The fuel-saving start-stop system can further improve fuel economy in city driving. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the Impreza Sport can help you save money at the pump. The combination of fuel efficiency and all-wheel-drive capability makes it a practical and versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.

Value and Pricing: Bang for Your Buck?

The 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport offers great value for its price. The base price for the Impreza Sport starts at around $23,000, which is competitive with other compact cars in its class. Considering that the Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive, it represents a particularly good value. Other cars in this price range typically offer front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive being an optional extra that adds to the price. In addition to its standard all-wheel-drive system, the Impreza Sport also comes with a host of other features that enhance its value. These include the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the EyeSight driver-assist system. These features are often optional extras on other cars in this class, but they come standard on the Impreza Sport.

The Impreza Sport also holds its value well over time, which is an important consideration for many car buyers. Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability and durability, and the Impreza is no exception. This means that you can expect the Impreza Sport to retain a good portion of its value over the years, which can save you money in the long run. Of course, the actual resale value of your Impreza Sport will depend on a number of factors, such as its condition, mileage, and the overall market conditions. However, in general, you can expect the Impreza Sport to hold its value better than many other cars in its class. Overall, the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport offers excellent value for its price. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, generous list of features, and strong resale value make it a compelling choice for buyers looking for a reliable, practical, and affordable compact car. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or a seasoned driver, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering. The combination of value and features makes it a standout in its segment.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport? If you're looking for a compact car that offers a blend of practicality, sportiness, and value, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering. Its standard all-wheel-drive system gives it excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions, while its sporty handling makes it fun to drive on twisty roads. The interior is well-designed and comfortable, with a good balance of features and functionality. And the fuel economy is respectable, especially considering the all-wheel-drive system.

However, the Impreza Sport is not without its drawbacks. The engine could use a bit more power, and the CVT can sometimes feel sluggish. But overall, the Impreza Sport is a well-rounded package that offers a lot for the money. If you prioritize all-wheel drive, safety, and reliability, the Impreza Sport is a great choice. It's a car that you can depend on to get you where you need to go, no matter the weather conditions. And with its sporty handling and comfortable interior, it's a car that you'll actually enjoy driving. So, if you're in the market for a compact car, be sure to check out the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport. You might just find that it's the perfect car for you. Its combination of features, value, and reliability make it a standout in its class. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, the Impreza Sport is a versatile and capable car that can handle it all. Give it a test drive and see for yourself what the Impreza Sport has to offer. You won't be disappointed.