2012 Subaru Impreza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2012 is the fully redesigned, fourth-generation Impreza 2.0i sedan and hatchback. The WRX and STI do not get the redesign; they carry over on the earlier performance platform.
About the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Regular Impreza 2.0 models: fourth generation, first year (2012-2016). WRX and WRX STI models: previous-generation performance branch, sold alongside the new Impreza in 2012 and effectively a carryover year for those turbo models.
Subaru positions the Impreza as a compact car for people who want all-weather confidence without moving up to a larger vehicle. The core non-turbo models lean on standard AWD, useful sedan or hatchback packaging, good fuel economy for an AWD car, and everyday safety and durability. In the same family, WRX and STI serve the performance side of the brand, turning that AWD foundation into rally-inspired turbo cars for drivers who want much stronger acceleration and sharper handling.
The regular Impreza is a practical, more efficient AWD compact offered in sedan and hatchback form, with a simpler base model and better-equipped Premium and leather-trimmed Limited versions. Sport Premium and Sport Limited hatchbacks add roof rails, gray-finish 17-inch wheels, and a more adventurous look. The carryover WRX delivers 265 horsepower, while the 305-hp STI adds a driver-adjustable AWD system, a six-speed manual transmission, and Brembo performance brakes.
What changed, by category
2012 Subaru Impreza specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 36 mpg | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 23 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 148 hp | 305 hp | 265 hp | 265 hp | 265 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp | 305 hp | 265 hp | 265 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp |
| Torque | 244 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 244 lb-ft | 244 lb-ft | 244 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 244 lb-ft | 244 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.3 cu-ft | 12–52.4 cu-ft | 11.3–44.4 cu-ft | 44.4 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft | 12–52.4 cu-ft | 12–52.4 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft | 44.4 cu-ft | 44.4 cu-ft | 52.4 cu-ft | 52.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 35.4 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | |||||||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza a full redesign?
Yes, the regular 2012 Impreza 2.0i sedan and hatchback are fully redesigned on a new fourth-generation platform. The WRX and STI are exceptions and remain on the previous-generation performance platform.
What engine does the redesigned 2012 Impreza use?
The redesigned regular Impreza uses a new 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in place of the previous 2.5-liter setup. The WRX keeps its 265-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, and the STI keeps its 305-hp version.
Did the 2012 Subaru WRX and STI get redesigned too?
No, the 2012 WRX and STI did not receive the regular Impreza’s redesign. Both performance models carry over on the earlier platform without major mechanical or equipment changes.
What replaced the Subaru Outback Sport for 2012?
The new Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium and Sport Limited hatchbacks take over the Outback Sport’s role. They combine the redesigned hatchback body with roof rails, gray-finish 17-inch wheels, and sportier exterior details.
Is the 2012 Impreza meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Yes, the regular 2012 Impreza is substantially different from the 2011 model, with a new platform, a new 2.0-liter engine, more cabin room, redesigned bodywork, and better fuel economy. The 2012 WRX and STI are largely unchanged from their 2011 counterparts.