Overview

What Changed for the 2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan/Wagon:

The Subaru Impreza is a compact 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback famed worldwide for its successful rally racing history. The Impreza is sold as an economical family sedan, a turbocharged hot hatchback, and as variations of both in between. The three models-Impreza, WRX and WRX STI-receive minor changes for 2010.

• Minor changes for 2010
• New Impreza Special Edition package includes moonroof, fog lights, heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer and heated exterior mirrors
• New grille design for Impreza 2.5i, Impreza 2.5GT and Impreza Outback Sport models
• Optional navigation system adds Bluetooth phone connectivity on Impreza 2.5i Premium, WRX and WRX STI models
• Redesigned side sills for WRX models
• New Black Alcantara upholstery with red stitching replaces gray upholstery on WRX STI

The Subaru Impreza is a 5-passenger compact car with standard all-wheel drive, available as a sedan or a hatchback. It competes with the Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, and many others. For 2010, the Impreza is offered in seven trim levels, with a wide variety of option packages allowing for maximum customization.

The entry-level Impreza 2.5i trim features 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, some power accessories, and a 4-speaker sound system. Other trim levels gradually add features, topping out at the high-performance WRX STI model. The WRX STI features a highly charged version of the standard engine, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, Brembo brakes, limited-slip differentials in both the front and rear, sport suspension and seats, premium leather upholstery, sunroof, and a long list of luxury options.

The standard power plant in the 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i and Outback Sport trims is a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with 5-speed manual (featuring hill-start assist) or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, which produces 170 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (26 mpg on the highway with automatic transmission), according to the EPA. The Impreza 2.5GT trim features the same engine, turbocharged to produce 224 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. of torque. It delivers 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with its standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The WRX's version of that engine produces 265 horsepower and 244 lb.-ft. of torque. The WRX STI's version is coupeed with a 6-speed manual transmission, and produces 305 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Subaru Impreza include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints, front side air bags, and side curtain air bags. In government crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Impreza 5 out of 5 stars for front-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Impreza its highest-possible "Good" ratings in front- and side-impact tests.

Starting MSRPs for the 2010 Subaru Impreza ranged from $17,495 to $28,995.