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2016 Subaru Impreza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2016 Subaru Impreza gets a light tech update rather than major mechanical changes. The headline addition is STARLINK Connected Services on certain higher trims equipped with EyeSight.
About the 2016 Subaru Impreza
4th generation (2012-2016), final year before the all-new 2017 redesign.
Subaru positioned the 2016 Impreza as a compact car for people who wanted year-round confidence without moving to a crossover. Its core pitch was simple: standard all-wheel drive on every trim, strong fuel economy for an AWD car, a roomy cabin, and a choice of sedan or practical 5-door hatchback bodies. Compared with front-drive compact rivals, the Impreza leaned on bad-weather traction, everyday usefulness, and Subaru’s strong safety reputation more than sporty speed.
The 2016 Impreza lineup ranges from the practical 2.0i sedan and hatchback to the leather-trimmed 2.0i Limited and the sport-styled Sport hatchbacks. Every version has standard all-wheel drive and a 148-hp 2.0-liter engine, while upper trims add features such as heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, fog lights, and roof rails.
What changed, by category
2016 Subaru Impreza specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp | 148 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12–52.4 cu-ft | 12–52.4 cu-ft | 12–52.4 cu-ft | 52.4 cu-ft | 52.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Subaru Impreza?
The main change for 2016 is expanded infotainment technology. Every trim gains additional STARLINK Cloud Applications, while certain Sport Premium and Sport Limited models add STARLINK Connected Services.
Did the 2016 Subaru Impreza get a new engine or all-wheel-drive system?
No, the 2016 Impreza keeps the previous year’s 148-hp 2.0-liter engine and standard all-wheel-drive layout. Its meaningful updates are limited to infotainment and connected-service features.
Which 2016 Subaru Impreza trims have STARLINK Connected Services?
STARLINK Connected Services is offered on the 2016 2.0i Sport Premium and 2.0i Sport Limited when equipped with EyeSight. The expanded STARLINK Cloud Applications are included across the full lineup.
Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza much different from the 2015 model?
No, the 2016 Impreza is mechanically very similar to the 2015 model. Its main advantages are additional STARLINK apps across the lineup and connected services on certain higher-trim cars with EyeSight.
Is 2016 the final year of this Subaru Impreza generation?
Yes, 2016 is the final model year of the fourth-generation Impreza. It retains the same basic sedan and five-door hatchback lineup before the all-new 2017 model arrives.
2016 Subaru Impreza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Subaru Impreza.
“Subaru has always been a good reliable car good resale value high safety concerns”
“I had owned a used Subaru before, so I considered them a reputable brand, but when I tried my Impreza, I thought it had a lot of zip. Fun to drive, handled incredible, and feels solid, great value, sleek appearance.”