DecodedCars2021 Subaru Impreza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 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
- Seats
- 5
- 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 — 17% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 152 hp, versus about 201 hp for similar 2021 models.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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), 17% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 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 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Impreza — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Impreza →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lafayette, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 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 | +17% | $2,100 | 281 |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | 0% | $2,150 | 284 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +9% | $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 | -5% | $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 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Impreza (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
Recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Aug 30, 2021 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 21V675000 · 802 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
- Risk
- A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jan 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · 383 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
- Risk
- A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Not every 2021 Subaru Impreza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Subaru Impreza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Visibility/Wiper — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,700 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 2021 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 |
| 2023 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 4 |
| 2022 Impreza | 32 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 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 →