Hey everyone, let's dive into the awesome 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport specs! If you're in the market for a compact car that doesn't skimp on performance, safety, or all-weather capability, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth a look. Subaru has a reputation for building solid, reliable vehicles, and the 2018 Impreza Sport is no exception. This model year brought some really cool updates and features that make it stand out in a crowded segment. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its powertrain and handling to its interior comfort and tech. Whether you're a seasoned Subaru fan or just curious, stick around, because we're about to unpack what makes this car a fantastic choice for so many drivers out there. Get ready to learn about a car that’s built to handle whatever life throws at you, from daily commutes to weekend adventures.

Engine and Performance

Let's kick things off with the heart of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport, its engine and performance capabilities. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. Now, what's so special about a BOXER engine? Well, its horizontally opposed cylinders mean a lower center of gravity compared to traditional inline engines. This translates directly into improved stability and better handling, especially when you're navigating winding roads or dealing with less-than-ideal weather conditions. This engine is rated at 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might not sound earth-shattering on paper, they provide more than enough pep for daily driving and highway merging. It’s a well-balanced engine that delivers power smoothly and efficiently.

Paired with this engine is Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This is a HUGE selling point, guys. Unlike many competitors that offer AWD as an option or only on higher trims, Symmetrical AWD is standard on all 2018 Impreza models, including the Sport trim. This system constantly monitors traction and distributes power between the front and rear wheels, and even side-to-side, to maximize grip. Whether you're facing rain, snow, ice, or just loose gravel, the Impreza Sport gives you a significant confidence boost. It’s this combination of the BOXER engine and Symmetrical AWD that truly defines the driving experience of the 2018 Impreza Sport, making it a capable and secure choice year-round.

For transmission choices, the 2018 Impreza Sport typically came with either a 5-speed manual transmission or Subaru's Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The manual offers a more engaging driving experience for those who love to feel connected to the road, while the CVT is designed for optimal fuel efficiency and a smooth, seamless acceleration. Both options work well with the car's overall character, offering a pleasant ride whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps effectively while still providing good feedback from the road. It strikes a great balance between comfort and sporty handling, which is exactly what you'd expect from the 'Sport' trim. The steering is responsive and accurate, making the Impreza Sport feel agile and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the performance package is robust, offering a solid foundation for a safe and enjoyable drive.

Exterior Design and Features

Moving on to the outside, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport specs also include a distinctive exterior design that blends sporty aesthetics with practical functionality. The Sport trim specifically gets some unique touches to set it apart. You'll notice sportier front and rear bumpers, and side skirts that give it a more aggressive stance. The wheels are also a key feature; the Sport trim usually sports 18-inch alloy wheels, which are larger than those found on lower trims and contribute to both the car's look and its handling dynamics. These larger wheels fill out the wheel wells nicely, giving the Impreza Sport a more planted and athletic appearance.

Up front, the car features Subaru's signature hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights, which give it a recognizable and somewhat aggressive face. The overall body lines are clean and modern, avoiding overly fussy styling. It’s a design that is both timeless and appealing. For those who enjoy a bit more utility, the Impreza Sport comes with roof rails, which are incredibly handy for carrying bikes, skis, kayaks, or even just extra luggage for a road trip. This adds a layer of versatility that many compact cars lack.

Visibility is another strong point. The large greenhouse and well-placed pillars ensure that you have a good view of your surroundings, which is crucial for both safety and confident driving. The side mirrors are also generously sized, helping to eliminate blind spots. The rear of the car features a subtle spoiler integrated into the liftgate, adding to the sporty look without being over the top. The taillights are modern and wrap around the rear, enhancing the car's visual width and stability. When you walk around the 2018 Impreza Sport, you get the impression of a car that’s well-built, practical, and has a bit of an edge to its styling. It doesn't scream for attention, but it has a confident presence that many people appreciate. It’s a car that looks ready for anything, whether it's a daily drive to work or a weekend getaway to the mountains.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Now, let's talk about the inside – because the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport specs really shine when it comes to interior comfort and technology. Subaru has really stepped up its game in this area, and the 2018 Impreza offers a cabin that's both comfortable and user-friendly. The Sport trim often comes with unique interior accents, like sport cloth seating with contrast stitching, which adds a premium feel. The seats themselves are supportive and comfortable, designed for longer journeys. You'll find that the driver's seat offers good adjustability, allowing you to find that perfect driving position. The steering wheel is also a nice place to rest your hands, often wrapped in leather and featuring controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth.

Space-wise, the Impreza is surprisingly roomy for a compact car. Both front and rear passengers have ample legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable choice even for families or if you frequently carry adult passengers. The rear seats offer a good amount of space, and they often fold down in a 60/40 split, which is fantastic for expanding cargo capacity when you need to haul larger items. The trunk itself offers a decent amount of space for groceries, luggage, or gear, and the wide opening makes loading and unloading easy.

When it comes to technology, the 2018 Impreza Sport is well-equipped. The infotainment system typically features a touchscreen display – usually 6.5 inches on the Sport trim. This system integrates your smartphone seamlessly, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This is a game-changer, guys, allowing you to access your navigation apps, music, and make calls safely through the car's interface. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming is standard. You'll also find USB ports for charging your devices and an auxiliary input. Higher trims or optional packages might include features like satellite radio, HD Radio, and even a premium audio system for a more immersive listening experience.

Safety tech is also a big part of the Impreza's appeal. While the full suite of EyeSight® driver-assist technologies might be optional or on higher trims, many models come with a rearview camera as standard, which is a huge help when backing up. The overall interior design is clean and functional, with physical buttons and knobs for essential functions like climate control, which many drivers prefer over having everything buried in a touchscreen menu. The materials used feel durable and well-assembled, contributing to a sense of quality that punches above its weight class. It's a cabin designed to be a pleasant and connected space for drivers and passengers alike.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is paramount, and the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport specs boast an impressive array of safety features and accolades. Subaru has consistently prioritized safety, and this generation of Impreza is a prime example. It's built on Subaru's Global Platform, which is designed for enhanced rigidity and crash energy absorption. This platform contributes significantly to the car's overall safety performance, providing a strong foundation for occupant protection.

As mentioned earlier, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, which is a crucial active safety feature. By providing superior traction in various conditions, AWD helps the driver avoid accidents in the first place. Beyond the standard AWD, the 2018 Impreza Sport comes with a comprehensive list of passive safety features. These include multiple airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin – front, side-curtain, and knee airbags – to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and brake assist are also standard, ensuring effective stopping power.

For those looking for advanced driver-assistance systems, Subaru's EyeSight® suite was available on the 2018 Impreza Sport, often as part of an optional package or on higher trims. This technology is truly remarkable. It includes features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and lane departure warning. These systems act as an extra set of eyes on the road, helping to prevent or mitigate accidents. The availability of a rear-view camera as standard further enhances safety during low-speed maneuvers. The 2018 Impreza also received excellent safety ratings from independent testing agencies. It earned top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), often achieving a TOP SAFETY PICK designation, and performed very well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These high ratings are a testament to Subaru's commitment to engineering safe vehicles. When you consider the standard AWD, the robust construction, and the availability of advanced safety tech, the 2018 Impreza Sport stands out as a particularly safe choice in the compact car segment.

Fuel Economy and Practicality

Let's talk about the practical side of things – fuel economy and overall usability – because the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport specs are pretty solid here too. For a car equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive, the Impreza Sport achieves respectable fuel economy figures. When paired with the Lineartronic® CVT, you're typically looking at an EPA-estimated fuel economy of around 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. If you opt for the 5-speed manual transmission, those numbers drop slightly, usually to around 24 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. These figures are quite competitive, especially considering that most rivals don't offer AWD as standard, and those that do often see lower MPG ratings. So, you get the benefit of superior traction without a massive penalty at the pump, which is a big win for drivers in areas with inclement weather.

Beyond fuel efficiency, the Impreza Sport offers excellent practicality for everyday life. The hatchback body style (available on the Sport trim) provides remarkable versatility. With the rear seats up, you have a usable cargo area for groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. But when you fold those seats down, you unlock a significantly larger space, capable of handling larger items like furniture, camping gear, or even a small bicycle. The liftgate opens wide, making loading easier, and the load floor is relatively low. This makes the Impreza Sport a great option for those who need more utility than a traditional sedan but don't want to step up to an SUV.

The compact footprint of the Impreza makes it easy to navigate through crowded city streets and park in tight spots. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior feels surprisingly spacious and airy, as we touched upon earlier. The materials are durable and easy to clean, adding to its practicality for families or those with active lifestyles. The relatively simple mechanical design and Subaru's reputation for reliability also contribute to its practicality, suggesting lower long-term ownership costs compared to some more complex vehicles. Maintenance is generally straightforward, and parts are readily available. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport strikes an excellent balance between being an economical daily driver and a versatile vehicle ready for weekend adventures, all while providing the added security of standard AWD.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! We've taken a deep dive into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport specs, and it's clear that this car offers a compelling package. It’s a compact car that punches well above its weight, offering a fantastic blend of performance, safety, comfort, and practicality. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a standout feature, providing confidence and capability in all driving conditions, something you rarely find as standard in its class. Coupled with the smooth 2.0-liter BOXER engine, it delivers an engaging yet efficient driving experience. The Sport trim adds stylish exterior enhancements and a touch of sportiness to the already well-designed Impreza.

Inside, you'll find a comfortable and user-friendly cabin with modern technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making your drives more connected and enjoyable. Safety is, as always with Subaru, a top priority, with excellent crash test ratings and the availability of advanced EyeSight® driver-assist features. And let's not forget the practicality – the versatile cargo space, especially in the hatchback version, and competitive fuel economy make it an ideal choice for a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you're a commuter, a student, a young family, or an outdoor enthusiast, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport is a versatile, reliable, and safe vehicle that truly delivers on its promise. It's a smart buy for anyone looking for a well-rounded compact car that’s ready for just about anything. Highly recommended!