“It gets the job done. It is a cute car. It doesn't accelerate quickly but can keep you safe. Get the higher trim level if you can afford it. Or maybe a Crosstrek instead.”
2021 Subaru Impreza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Subaru Impreza is standard SI-DRIVE selectable drive modes on the Premium trim. Otherwise, it is a quiet carryover from 2020, with no major lineup-wide updates.
About the 2021 Subaru Impreza
5th generation Impreza (2017-2023), second year after the 2020 refresh.
Subaru sells the Impreza as the compact car for drivers who want all-weather confidence without moving to a small SUV. Its biggest differentiator is standard AWD on every trim, paired with a roomy cabin for the class, easy smartphone connectivity, and the choice of sedan or hatchback body styles. The overall pitch is practical and reassuring rather than fast: everyday transportation with extra traction in rain and snow, solid safety credentials, and useful passenger and cargo space.
The 2021 Impreza remains a practical compact car in sedan and hatchback forms, with standard AWD and the same 152-hp 2.0-liter engine across the range. Sport emphasizes sharper handling and style with firmer suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels, and an 8-inch touchscreen, while Limited focuses on comfort and safety with leather upholstery, steering-responsive LED headlights, and extra driver aids.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Premium trim gained standard SI-DRIVE, which provides selectable drive modes. The 2.0-liter engine and transmission lineup otherwise carried over.
2021 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 Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–24 mpg | 22–27 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30–36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 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 | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Subaru Impreza compared with the 2020 model?
The main change is that the Premium trim gained standard SI-DRIVE selectable drive modes. The rest of the Impreza lineup largely carried over after the 2020 refresh.
Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza a redesign?
No, the 2021 Impreza is not a redesign. It remains part of the fifth generation and carries over the platform, body styles, basic suspension layout, and exterior design used for 2020.
Does the 2021 Subaru Impreza Premium have SI-DRIVE?
Yes, the 2021 Impreza Premium has SI-DRIVE as standard equipment. It provides selectable drive modes and is the year’s main trim-level update.
Did the 2021 Subaru Impreza get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Impreza did not get a new engine or transmission. It keeps the 152-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the existing manual and automatic transmission arrangements carried over by trim.
Did the 2021 Subaru Impreza get new safety or infotainment features?
No major lineup-wide safety or infotainment features were added for 2021. Automatic-transmission models retain the EyeSight driver-assist suite, while touchscreen sizes remain 6.5 inches on base and Premium and 8 inches on Sport and Limited.
2021 Subaru Impreza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Subaru Impreza.
4.2
2021 Subaru Impreza
(189 reviews)
“The automatic driver's side window control is erratic; it does not operate as it should. When pressing the "up" button, the window does not go all the way up; it goes down again. I have to press the up button in stages to make it go all the way up. Also, when driving over bumps and potholes, the rear shocks make noise as if the vehicle is quite old, not relatively new! Both are concerns.”
“The car is basic but has everything you need to drive comfortably while feeling safe and in control.”