Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport. If you're eyeing this compact car, you're probably wondering if it lives up to the hype. We'll break down everything from its performance and handling to its interior, tech features, and overall value. Let’s get started and see if the Impreza Sport is the right fit for you!

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport offers a reliable but not particularly exhilarating experience. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this might be adequate for daily commutes and city driving, you might find yourself wanting more power when merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Most reviewers note that the CVT, while fuel-efficient, can sometimes feel sluggish and detract from the driving experience, especially when trying to accelerate quickly. However, the manual transmission provides a more engaging feel for those who prefer greater control over the car's performance.

Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system is standard on the Impreza, which is a significant selling point, especially if you live in an area with challenging weather conditions. The AWD provides enhanced traction and stability, making the car feel confident and secure on slippery or uneven surfaces. In terms of handling, the Impreza Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and agility. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections effectively, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. At the same time, the car feels relatively composed in corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate through city streets. Overall, the Impreza Sport offers a competent and predictable driving experience, but it may not satisfy those seeking a sporty or thrilling ride.

For everyday driving, the Impreza Sport's performance is generally sufficient. The engine delivers enough power for most situations, and the AWD system provides added confidence in adverse weather conditions. However, if you frequently drive on the highway or require brisk acceleration, you might find the Impreza's performance lacking compared to some of its competitors. The CVT transmission, while efficient, can sometimes feel unresponsive, and the engine can become noisy under hard acceleration. Despite these shortcomings, the Impreza Sport's overall driving experience is pleasant and comfortable, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and errands. The car's compact size and nimble handling also make it easy to park and maneuver in urban environments.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes functionality and simplicity over outright luxury. The design is clean and straightforward, with easy-to-reach controls and a logical layout. While the materials used are generally durable and well-assembled, they don't necessarily exude a premium feel. Hard plastics are prevalent throughout the cabin, but they are textured in a way that prevents them from feeling cheap or flimsy. The seats in the Impreza Sport are comfortable and supportive, providing adequate cushioning for long drives. The front seats offer good adjustability, allowing drivers of various sizes to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats are also reasonably spacious, with enough legroom and headroom to accommodate adults on shorter trips. However, taller passengers might feel a bit cramped on longer journeys.

One of the standout features of the Impreza Sport's interior is its user-friendly infotainment system. The standard system includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to navigate. The menus are logically organized, and the icons are large and clear, making it easy to find the desired function while driving. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation services. Higher trim levels offer an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen display, which provides even more screen real estate and enhanced functionality. The larger display also includes additional features such as voice recognition and multi-touch gesture control.

In terms of comfort and convenience, the Impreza Sport comes standard with a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. These include automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, a rearview camera, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Higher trim levels add amenities such as heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a sunroof. The Impreza also offers ample storage space throughout the cabin, with a large glovebox, door pockets, and a center console storage bin. The cargo area is also reasonably sized, with enough room to accommodate groceries, luggage, or other gear. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space, making the Impreza a practical choice for those who need to haul larger items.

Technology and Features

The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport doesn't skimp on technology, offering a range of features that enhance both convenience and safety. The centerpiece of the tech setup is the infotainment system, which, as mentioned earlier, includes a user-friendly touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This allows seamless smartphone connectivity, enabling you to access navigation, music, and communication apps directly from the car's display. The system is responsive and intuitive, making it easy to use while on the go. The standard 6.5-inch screen is adequate, but the available 8-inch screen is a worthwhile upgrade for those who appreciate a larger display and additional features like voice recognition.

In terms of safety technology, the Impreza Sport comes standard with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the car when backing up. Higher trim levels offer Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes a suite of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the car's surroundings and provide alerts or intervention to help prevent accidents. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set distance from the car in front, automatically adjusting the Impreza's speed to match the flow of traffic. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver if the car begins to drift out of its lane, and the automatic emergency braking system can apply the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.

Beyond infotainment and safety, the Impreza Sport offers other tech features that enhance the overall driving experience. These include keyless entry, push-button start, and a premium audio system. The keyless entry system allows you to unlock and start the car without using a key, while the push-button start system makes it easy to start the engine with the push of a button. The premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound quality, making it a pleasure to listen to music while driving. Overall, the Impreza Sport's technology offerings are competitive for its class, providing a good balance of convenience, safety, and entertainment features. While it may not have all the latest and greatest tech gadgets, it offers a solid set of features that enhance the driving experience and provide peace of mind.

Fuel Efficiency

For many car buyers, fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration, and the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport delivers respectable numbers in this area. According to EPA estimates, the Impreza Sport with the CVT transmission achieves around 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg. These figures are competitive for the compact car segment and make the Impreza a reasonably fuel-efficient choice for daily commuting and long road trips. However, it's worth noting that the Impreza's fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions and habits. Aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and hilly terrain can all negatively impact fuel efficiency.

The Impreza's fuel efficiency is aided by its relatively lightweight design and its efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine incorporates technologies such as direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to optimize combustion and reduce fuel consumption. The CVT transmission also plays a role in maximizing fuel efficiency, as it continuously adjusts the gear ratio to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range. However, as mentioned earlier, the CVT can sometimes feel sluggish and unresponsive, which can detract from the driving experience. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, the Impreza is also available with a five-speed manual transmission. However, the manual transmission version typically achieves slightly lower fuel economy numbers than the CVT version.

Compared to its competitors, the Impreza Sport's fuel efficiency is on par with most other compact cars in its class. Some competitors may offer slightly better fuel economy numbers, while others may fall slightly short. However, the Impreza's standard all-wheel drive system is a significant advantage that many of its competitors don't offer. The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability, which can be especially beneficial in inclement weather conditions. While the AWD system can slightly reduce fuel efficiency compared to front-wheel-drive cars, the added safety and security it provides may be worth the trade-off for many drivers. Overall, the Impreza Sport offers a good balance of fuel efficiency and all-weather capability, making it a practical and sensible choice for those who prioritize both economy and safety.

Overall Value

So, is the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport worth it? Considering everything we've discussed, the Impreza Sport offers a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, reliable, and safe compact car. Its standard all-wheel drive system is a major selling point, providing enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. The Impreza also offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a range of available safety features. While its performance may not be the most thrilling in its class, it's adequate for daily commuting and errand running.

One of the key factors in determining the Impreza Sport's value is its price. The Impreza is typically priced competitively within the compact car segment, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, it's important to consider the cost of ownership beyond the initial purchase price. Factors such as fuel efficiency, insurance rates, and maintenance costs can all impact the overall value of a car. The Impreza's fuel efficiency is respectable, and its reliability record is generally good, which can help keep ownership costs down. However, insurance rates for the Impreza may be slightly higher than some of its competitors, due to its all-wheel drive system and its popularity among younger drivers.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the Impreza Sport is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize all-wheel drive, safety, and practicality over sporty performance and luxurious amenities, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering. However, if you're looking for a more thrilling driving experience or a more upscale interior, you may want to explore other options in the compact car segment. It's always a good idea to test drive several different cars before making a final decision, and to carefully consider your budget and your driving needs. By doing your research and weighing the pros and cons of each car, you can make an informed decision and choose the car that's right for you. I hope this helps you in your car-buying journey!