2018 Subaru Impreza: What's Changed

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Most significant changes in the 2018 Subaru Impreza: On most trims, headlights turn on when you activate the wipers

Price change: $140 over the 2017 Impreza

On sale: Fall 2017

Which Subaru should you buy, 2017 or 2018? The 2017 Subaru Impreza

Redesigned one model year ago, the Subaru Impreza sedan gets a $140 bump — a combination of increases to the MSRP and destination fee — in price for the 2018 model year across all trim levels. It’s essentially a carryover, the only significant change being automatic headlight activation on most trim levels when you turn on the wipers.

The base Impreza, called the 2.0i, starts at $19,355 with a manual transmission for 2018. It remains well-equipped at that, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and power windows with one-touch front operation. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) adds another $1,000.

Here are the major additional features by trim level. All prices include an $860 destination charge (a $40 increase from the previous model year) in 49 states; it’s another $150 in Alaska for a total of $1,010.

• The automatic-only Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium ($22,155) has the headlight-wiper function, 16-inch alloy wheels and heaters for the front seats, mirrors and windshield.
• The 2.0i Sport ($22,955 with the manual) gets unique suspension tuning and 18-inch wheels plus sportier styling cues, active torque vectoring to improve handling, keyless access with push-button start, a larger (8-inch) dashboard display and on manual models a short-throw shifter. The optional automatic runs another $800.
• The automatic-only 2.0i Limited ($25,055) gets a more upscale-themed exterior with 17-inch rims. Atop the Sport model’s interior features, the Limited adds leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat and automatic climate control.

Although the Impreza lacks the 2017 Toyota Corolla’s boatload of standard safety tech or the bargain-bin starting price of a 2017 Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze or Hyundai Elantra, it has one key differentiator: all-wheel drive, a feature seldom offered in the segment. Every Impreza comes equipped with AWD. If you want more off-road chops, the redesigned Impreza-based Crosstrek hits dealers this summer.

All but the Impreza’s base trim level offer optional features, including Subaru’s EyeSight system, which has a bevy of safety and driver-assist features. Optioned to the hilt with Harman Kardon premium audio, EyeSight, a moonroof and a navigation system, an Impreza 2.0i Limited hatchback tops out around $30,000.