2017 Subaru Impreza: The Ultimate Balance of Performance, Reliability, and Versatility in Compact Cars

The 2017 Subaru Impreza delivers a rare blend of agility, all-weather capability, and consumer trust rarely seen in the compact segment. As Honda’s Civic and Toyota’s Corolla dominate market share, the Impreza asserts its identity with Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive, sharp handling, and commitment to safety—making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a refined, capable, and dependable compact car. With its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, refined interior, and thoughtful tech integration, the 2017 model stands out not just as a reliable commuter, but as a dynamic small car designed to perform across urban grids and open roads alike.

At the heart of the 2017 Impreza lies a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Unlike forced-induction engines that sometimes sacrifice low-end response, Subaru’s turbocharging delivers crisp power delivery from as low as 3,000 RPM, ensuring confident acceleration even in city traffic. The engine’s robust reliability—bolstered by Subaru’s well-known finisher powertrain—provides peace of mind, particularly important for owners relying on the Impreza for daily commuting and seasonal versatility.

Subaru’s EDAdvanced driver assistance system marked a meaningful upgrade in 2017, enhancing safety without overwhelming the driver. Adaptive cruise control kept pace with changing traffic at comfortable intervals, lane-centering guidance maintained steady steering through highways, and automatic emergency braking added a critical safety net. These features collectively reinforced the Impreza’s reputation as a progressive, driver-focused car—not just a mechanical platform.

“The Impreza’s powertrain paired with intelligent safety tech offers more than capability; it delivers a calm, connected driving experience,” noted one technician from a lot assessment in late 2017.

The Impreza’s structural precision translates directly into outstanding handling. Suspension geometry optimized for balanced responsiveness, the car exhibits minimal body roll and predictable understeer characteristics—qualities that resonate with both daily commuters and enthusiast drivers.

Traction Management System continuously modulates power delivery based on wheel grip, enabling confident cornering through twisty mountain roads or wet, leafy suburban streets. Front-wheel steering, though subtle by grand tourer standards, enhances agility in tight urban maneuvers, while rear-wheel steering—a rare feature in this class—assists with parking precision and high-speed stability.

Offering convenience without compromise, the 2017 Impreza’s cabin merges practicality with modern sophistication.

Production seats in multi-contour positions support long drives, and a 7-inch touchscreen delivered interactive navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay—though version availability varied by trim and region. Ubiclips for the iPod significantly improved infotainment accessibility, while available Sony Audio system enriched audio fidelity. Cargo space competes with rivals at 15.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded, proving surprisingly generous for its class.

Safety and durability were core pillars of the 2017 Impreza engineering. With a comprehensive suite of standard airbags, electronic stability control, and improved crash test performance, Subaru consistently ranked the Impreza among the safest compacts. Whipple-protected front rails and reinforced passenger cell structure delivered excellent crashworthiness ratings, reassuring owners in collisions.

The OTEC system—graced with a hard-code transmissions upgrade in later 2017 models—further solidified reliability, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Trim Levels and Total Package Options

The 2017 Impreza offered three primary trims: E-Limited, Limited and LE—each tailored to different priorities without unnecessary complexity. The E-Limited grounded the lineup with premium features like heated front seats, a wireless charging tray, and mammal-hide upholstery, signaling Subaru’s commitment to value even in base packages.

The Limited elevated the experience with larger wheels, leather accents, and a power driver’s seat, while the entry LE retained essentials like cruise control and rear Wi-Fi with a more accessible trim.

Available AWD configurations, including the air- and all-weather-capable Symmetrical AWD system, ensured consistent traction across terrain—critical for buyers in regions where winter snow or afternoon summer rain define the weather cycle. This system, uniformly applied across trim levels, eliminated speculation about handling differences between AWD and 2WD, reinforcing the Impreza’s reputation for balanced performance.

Market Position and Buyer Favorite Points

Within a crowded compact sedan landscape, the 2017 Subaru Impreza earned a loyal following driven by its unshakeable all-wheel drive advantage, proven reliability, and engagement-oriented driving dynamics. While front-wheel-drive rivals benefited from lighter weight and lower entry price, the Impreza’s AWD capability, quietly robust engine, and safety-forward tech package appealed to buyers who value capability without compromise.

Annual sales data from 2017 reflected steady demand, particularly among younger drivers, families seeking all-weather utility, and early adopters of Subaru’s connectivity and safety systems.

Megan Blake, a Seattle-based fleet manager, summarized the sentiment: “The Impreza’s blend of real-world performance and long-term reliability made it our go-to for daily commutes and weekend outings. It’s rare to find a car that scales so easily from a rainy city drive to a rugged backcountry trip.”

Technically, Subaru’s boxy, low-slung design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency and ground clearance—features that enhanced both fuel economy and ride comfort on uneven