The 2020 Subaru Impreza lasts around 200,000 miles, with some minor brake and paint issues reported. At $16,875 to $24,998, it’s a great value for a practical compact car with some advanced technology features available.
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Subaru Impreza since it offers impressive reliability ratings and a spacious cabin. Owner reviews praise the safety technology, low running costs, and the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively luxurious for a budget-friendly car, the seats are comfortable, but cargo space is smaller than average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems reported on the 2020 Impreza. Models from 2014–2022 are all reliable with no major issues mentioned by owners.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine, although it’s not very exciting to drive since it focuses more on efficiency.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Impreza is safe, earning a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include a rearview camera, while adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, offering 422 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $6 cheaper than average at $219 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Subaru Impreza is cheaper than some other small cars on the market with low depreciation rates, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Impreza?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Subaru Impreza offers a comfortable ride and a user-friendly driving experience, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Subaru Impreza at 4.1/5, and enjoys the roomy cabin, but doesn’t like the lower-quality interior materials compared to some other small cars.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Impreza a 4.3/5, praising the standard all-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the lackluster performance from the engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Subaru Impreza include windshield wiper issues, worn out brakes, along with some chipping paint. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other small cars on the market, leading to lower repair costs as the Impreza ages.
Windshield wiper issues are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Impreza owners, showing up at around 10,000 miles. The wiper motor is known to wear out quickly, and has to be replaced. Installing a new wiper motor is a pretty straightforward process, and costs around $200.
Worn-out brakes have also been mentioned by some 2020 Subaru Impreza owners within the first 15,000 miles. The brake pads tend to wear down quicker than in some other cars. A new set of brake pads costs around $250, while rotors are an additional $400 if they have been damaged.
Chipping paint is another problem that shows up on some Impreza models within the first 1,000 miles. Paint on the front bumper and hood is particularly susceptible to chipping when hit with stones and debris. The only way to fix the problem is by repainting the affected panels at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
There’s only one recall on the 2020 Subaru Impreza, which is better than other small cars from the same year. The recall covers the fuel pump, which may fail, and cause the engine to stall. Subaru will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Subaru Impreza Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Impreza can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other small cars like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $613 per year.
As a used 2020 Subaru Impreza sedan reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the brake fluid for around $150, front shocks costing $550, along with the radiator, which costs about $750.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system along with a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic, and only features a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Impreza is a good value if you’re in the market for a small car with some practicality. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,875 to $24,998, making it less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $18,695 to $26,295. Depreciation is better than some other small cars, only losing around 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Impreza?
There are four different models of the 2020 Impreza offered, from the entry-level Base through to the more luxurious Limited. It’s offered as a sedan or a hatchback. All-wheel drive is also standard across all models.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- Keyless entry
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto capability
- Apple CarPlay capability
- Single USB port up front
- Available Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aids (includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, automatic reverse braking, and lane departure warning and mitigation)
Premium is a step up, adding:
- Alloy wheels
- Heated seats
- Additional USB port
- Upgraded audio system
- Hatchbacks feature roof rails
- Hatchbacks include a cargo cover
- Standard Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aids
Sport is a popular choice, which adds:
- Larger wheels
- Sporty suspension tuning
- Larger touchscreen
- Unique visual touches for added flair
- Inherits features from the previous trims
Limited is the flagship model, which has:
- LED headlights
- Leather upholstery
- Automatic climate control
- Retains some of the Sport’s feature upgrades
- Additional premium features not mentioned in the previous trims
What Engines Come In the Subaru Impreza?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four BOXER engine that produces 152 horsepower at up to 32 MPG. Paired with this engine is either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). As for acceleration, when equipped with the CVT, the Impreza takes around 9.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH. Those opting for the manual transmission might find the acceleration a tad brisker, but it’s still in the ballpark of the CVT-equipped models.
What Colors Does the Subaru Impreza Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Impreza?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza is designed with both driver and passenger comfort in mind, providing a pleasant experience on the road. The seats in the Impreza are supportive and cushioned, suitable for long drives without inducing fatigue. For those in colder climates or seeking a touch of luxury, higher trims offer heated front seats. The cabin is adorned with quality materials, and while it might not reach the opulence of some luxury brands, it provides an upscale feel for its class.
The suspension system effectively absorbs most road imperfections, delivering a smooth and stable ride. Furthermore, noise insulation is commendable, with minimal road and wind noise intruding into the cabin. The spacious interior, ample legroom, and headroom in both the front and rear guarantee that passengers of all sizes can ride in comfort. Additionally, the user-friendly infotainment system and logically arranged controls contribute to an overall stress-free driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Impreza Have?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza offers a generous amount of storage space that varies slightly depending on the body style you opt for. In the sedan version, the trunk provides about 12.3 cubic feet of space, which is enough to fit a couple of medium-sized suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries. If you opt for the hatchback, you get an even roomier 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.
When you fold the rear seats down in the hatchback, this space expands to a commendable 55.3 cubic feet, allowing for larger items like bicycles, camping gear, or a significant amount of luggage. Additionally, the Impreza boasts various small interior storage solutions, including door pockets, a center console compartment, and cup holders, making sure that passengers have plenty of spots to stow smaller items for easy accessibility.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Subaru Impreza was launched for the 2017 model year.
2015: Standard rearview camera and cruise control, new optional 6.2-inch screen available, and an optional advanced safety package is offered.
2016: Subaru’s Starlink Cloud applications now offered on all models.
2017: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with improved exterior styling, more technology, and new engine choices.
2018: Standard automatic wipers on the Premium, Sport, and Limited models.
2019: Additional features added to the EyeSight safety system, manual transmission has improved short-throw shifters.
2020: Small exterior styling changes, including new headlights, EyeSight driver assistance is now standard on Premium and Sport models.
2021: Better engine management software now offered on the Premium model.
How Does the Subaru Impreza Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza is a nice small car offering a great all-wheel drive system paired with a practical cabin that is comfortable for drivers and passengers.
The Honda Civic is another compact car, which can be found for about $2,500 more. Ownership costs are lower on the Honda Civic, while the Subaru Impreza offers better driving performance in the snow and dirt. We recommend the Honda Civic, although both are good cars worth testing to see which you prefer.
The VW Jetta is a popular competitor, available for about $1,000 more. Passenger room is a bit better in the VW Jetta, while the Subaru Impreza is a more efficient choice. We recommend the VW Jetta, but both are similar cars and worth trying out to see which fits your style better.
