Canadians have always had a fondness for Subaru's Impreza. Despite being the most affordable brand-new Subaru, every 2021 Impreza comes with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard, which makes it a standout along with the Mazda3 in a compact segment dominated by front-wheel-drive cars. It's also a definite asset for Canadian drivers who deal with slippery roads and foul weather regularly.
But with a choice of two body styles, two transmissions, and four trim levels, which 2021 Subaru Impreza is right for you?
For 2021, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder making 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque is the only Impreza engine choice. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. Opt for the continuously variable automatic (CVT), and Subaru’s laudable EyeSight system—that employs twin windshield-mounted cameras as digital “eyes” to monitor driving conditions constantly—is included. Maximum cargo space in the Impreza 4-door sedan’s trunk is 348 litres, while the Impreza 5-door hatchback can carry up to 1,565 litres.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $19,995 (all prices in Canadian dollars) for the base Convenience 4-door sedan with a 5-speed manual. The base 5-door hatchback is $1,000 more. If you want an Impreza with the CVT/EyeSight combination, prices start at $21,995 for the Convenience 4-door. Pricing tops out with the Impreza Sport-Tech trim, which includes the CVT/EyeSight and leather seating, among many other features. Pricing starts at $30,795 for the Impreza Sport-Tech sedan and $31,795 for the hatchback.
To help you decide which 2021 Impreza is right for you, here's a breakdown of the Subaru compact's trim levels:
2021 Subaru Impreza Convenience
5MT 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $19,995/$20,995
CVT with EyeSight 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $21,995/$22,995
Even the base Convenience has all-wheel drive as standard, plus an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split/folding rear seats, and keyless entry are also standard equipment.
Key Convenience trim features include:
- Air conditioning with air filtration
- Halogen fog lights
- Standard auto door lock/unlock
- 6.5-inch touchscreen AM/FM/MP3/WMA infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality
2021 Subaru Impreza Touring
5MT 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $22,795/$23,795
CVT with EyeSight 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $24,795/$25,795
Convenience trim features plus:
- Subaru Starlink Connected Services
- Automatic climate control
- Heated steering wheel and front seats
- 16-inch, 15-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
2021 Subaru Impreza Sport
5MT 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $25,395/$26,395
CVT with EyeSight 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $27,995/$28,995
Touring trim features plus:
- LED steering response headlights
- Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD) with Blind Spot Detection, lane change Assist and rear Cross Traffic Alert
- 8-inch touchscreen AM/FM/MP3/WMA infotainment system Sirius Satellite Radio/Travel Link, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality
- 17-inch, 10-spoke two-tone aluminum alloy wheels
- Power tilting and sliding glass sunroof (CVT/EyeSight)
- Proximity key with pish button start (CVT/EyeSight)
2021 Subaru Impreza Sport-tech
CVT with EyeSight 4-door/5-door - Starting MSRP $27,995/$28,995
Sport trim features plus:
- EyeSight Driver Assist technology with High-beam Assist (HBA) and Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
- Leather seating surfaces with silver and red stitching
- 8-inch touchscreen with Navigation, AM/FM/MP3/WMA infotainment system Sirius Satellite Radio/Travel Link, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality