“Good car but lack of power and acceleration. Maybe because I came from a mustang and a Tacoma. Great handling and control.”
2018 Subaru Impreza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Subaru Impreza is mostly a carryover after its 2017 redesign. The main change is wiper-linked automatic headlights on Premium, Sport, and Limited trims.
About the 2018 Subaru Impreza
5th generation (2017-2023), second model year after the full redesign.
Subaru positions the Impreza as the compact car for shoppers who want everyday practicality with standard all-wheel drive, something most rivals in this class did not offer. Available as either a sedan or a 5-door hatchback, it blends all-weather traction, a roomy cabin for the class, strong safety credentials, and easy smartphone-friendly infotainment. Its core appeal is simple: compact-car size and efficiency with Subaru’s usual bad-weather confidence and a more secure, planted feel than many front-wheel-drive competitors.
The 2018 Impreza comes as a sedan or five-door hatchback, with standard all-wheel drive and a 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across the lineup. The Premium focuses on cold-weather comfort, the Sport adds sharper suspension tuning and an 8-inch touchscreen, and the Limited brings leather upholstery, LED headlights, and a power driver’s seat.
What changed, by category
Tech
Premium, Sport, and Limited trims add automatic headlight activation when the windshield wipers are turned on.
2018 Subaru Impreza specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 22–23 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31–32 mpg | 30–31 mpg | 37–38 mpg | 37–38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3–55.3 cu-ft | 12.3–55.3 cu-ft | 12.3–55.3 cu-ft | 12.3–55.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Subaru Impreza compared with the 2017 model?
The main change for 2018 is automatic headlight activation tied to windshield-wiper use on Premium, Sport, and Limited trims. The rest of the Impreza largely carries over from the 2017 redesign.
Was the 2018 Subaru Impreza redesigned?
No. Subaru redesigned the Impreza for 2017, and the 2018 model is the second year of that generation with no major structural or styling changes.
Do all 2018 Subaru Impreza trims have headlights linked to the windshield wipers?
No. Wiper-linked automatic headlights are included on the 2018 Premium, Sport, and Limited trims, but they are not identified as an added feature on the base 2.0i.
Did the 2018 Subaru Impreza get a new engine or all-wheel-drive system?
No. The 2018 Impreza keeps its 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with no major powertrain change from 2017.
Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza come as both a sedan and a hatchback?
Yes. The 2018 Impreza comes in sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, including the base 2.0i model.
2018 Subaru Impreza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Subaru Impreza.
4.1
2018 Subaru Impreza
(441 reviews)
“Personally I see it as in investment, it's a great car. Run really smoothly, they're super safe. Love the design and they're just great. I really like it.”
“It is a fairly comfortable car, very quick, accelerates well. Good value for the money.”