2018 Subaru Impreza Premium: Review, Specs, And More!

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium. If you're in the market for a reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient compact car, the Impreza should definitely be on your radar. The 2018 model year brought some refinements to an already solid platform, making it an even more appealing choice for daily commutes and weekend adventures. So, buckle up, and let's explore everything this car has to offer!

Overview of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium stands out in the compact car segment due to its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), a feature not commonly found in its competitors at this price point. This makes it an excellent choice for those living in areas with challenging weather conditions like snow or heavy rain. The “Premium” trim level adds a touch of extra comfort and convenience features over the base model, enhancing the overall driving experience. Let's talk about what makes this car special. First off, Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive is a game-changer, providing exceptional traction and stability. Whether you're navigating slick city streets or tackling winding country roads, you'll feel confident and in control. Beyond the AWD, the Impreza Premium boasts a well-designed interior with comfortable seating and user-friendly technology. The infotainment system is intuitive, making it easy to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The ride quality is smooth and composed, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. Safety is also a major highlight, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system available, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies provide an extra layer of protection for you and your passengers. The Impreza Premium is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate power for most driving situations. While it's not a sports car, it offers enough pep for daily commuting and highway cruising. Fuel economy is also impressive, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers. All in all, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium is a well-rounded compact car that offers a compelling combination of practicality, safety, and value. It's a great option for those who prioritize all-wheel drive, reliability, and a comfortable driving experience.

Key Features and Specs

When you're checking out a 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium, knowing the key features and specs is super important. Let's break down what makes this car tick. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing around 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While it's not the most powerful engine in its class, it's adequate for daily driving and provides decent fuel economy. Speaking of fuel economy, the Impreza Premium gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it a pretty efficient choice for your daily commute. The standard transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. However, some drivers may find the CVT a bit uninspiring compared to a traditional automatic transmission. One of the biggest selling points of the Impreza is its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This provides excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The Premium trim level adds some nice features over the base model, including heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and alloy wheels. The infotainment system typically includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. Safety features are also a highlight, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system available as an option. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which can help to prevent accidents. Inside, the Impreza Premium offers a comfortable and well-designed cabin. The seats are supportive, and the materials feel decent for the price. There's also a good amount of cargo space in the hatchback version, making it practical for hauling groceries or luggage. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium offers a solid combination of features, specs, and value. It's a great choice for those who prioritize all-wheel drive, fuel economy, and safety.

Interior and Technology

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium really shines when you step inside and start playing with the tech. The interior is designed with comfort and functionality in mind, making it a pleasant place to spend your time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip. The seats in the Premium trim are a step up from the base model, offering better support and cushioning. Heated front seats are also standard, which is a welcome feature on cold mornings. The layout of the dashboard is clean and straightforward, with controls that are easy to reach and use. The materials used throughout the cabin are decent for the price point, although some may find them to be a bit basic. However, everything feels well-built and durable, which is important for long-term ownership. Now, let's talk about the technology. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a touchscreen display, which provides access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are typically included, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and use your favorite apps on the car's display. This is a huge plus for those who rely on their phones for navigation, music, and communication. The infotainment system is generally user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. However, some may find the graphics to be a bit dated compared to newer systems. The Impreza Premium also comes with a variety of other tech features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a rearview camera. These features make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. Safety is also a priority, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system available as an option. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which can help to prevent accidents. All in all, the interior and technology of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium are well-designed and user-friendly. The comfortable seats, intuitive infotainment system, and available safety features make it a great choice for those who value comfort, convenience, and safety.

Driving Experience

So, what's it like to actually drive the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium? The driving experience is where this car either wins you over or leaves you wanting more. Let's get into the details. First and foremost, the Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes a huge difference in how it handles on the road. Whether you're driving in dry conditions, rain, or snow, the AWD provides excellent traction and stability. This gives you a sense of confidence and control that you won't find in many other compact cars. The steering is responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate tight corners and winding roads. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. However, it's not overly soft, so the car still feels planted and stable at higher speeds. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for most driving situations. It's not a particularly powerful engine, but it's enough for daily commuting and highway cruising. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. However, some drivers may find the CVT a bit uninspiring compared to a traditional automatic transmission. It can sometimes feel a bit sluggish when accelerating from a stop, and the engine can drone a bit under hard acceleration. One of the downsides of the Impreza is its relatively slow acceleration. It's not the quickest car in its class, so you may need to plan your overtakes carefully. However, once you're up to speed, the Impreza cruises comfortably and quietly. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, making it a pleasant place to spend your time on long trips. Overall, the driving experience of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium is solid and dependable. The AWD system provides excellent traction and stability, the steering is responsive, and the ride is comfortable. While the engine could use a bit more power, it's adequate for most driving situations. If you're looking for a safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient compact car that's easy to drive, the Impreza is definitely worth considering.

Potential Issues and Reliability

When considering a 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium, it's crucial to be aware of potential issues and the overall reliability of the vehicle. While the Impreza generally has a good reputation for reliability, like any car, it's not without its potential problems. One common issue reported by owners is related to the infotainment system. Some users have experienced glitches, freezing, and connectivity problems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While these issues aren't universal, they're worth noting. Another potential issue is related to the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Some owners have reported experiencing CVT problems, such as shuddering or hesitation. However, these issues are relatively rare. It's important to keep in mind that these are just potential issues, and not every Impreza will experience them. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of potential problems before making a purchase. In terms of overall reliability, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium generally scores well in reliability surveys. Subaru has a reputation for building durable and long-lasting vehicles, and the Impreza is no exception. However, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that your Impreza stays in good condition. This includes changing the oil regularly, keeping the tires properly inflated, and addressing any minor issues promptly. If you're considering buying a used 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium, it's always a good idea to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase. This can help to identify any potential problems and give you peace of mind. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium is a reliable and dependable compact car. While it's not without its potential issues, these issues are relatively rare. With proper maintenance and care, the Impreza should provide you with many years of trouble-free driving.

Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium Right for You?

So, is the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium the right car for you? That's the big question! To answer it, let's recap who this car is really for. If you value safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, then the Impreza Premium is definitely worth a look. The standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is a major selling point, providing excellent traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow, rain, or other challenging weather conditions. The Impreza Premium is also a good choice for those who prioritize fuel economy. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. This can save you money at the pump, especially if you do a lot of driving. The Impreza Premium is also a comfortable and practical car. The interior is well-designed, with comfortable seats and user-friendly technology. There's also a good amount of cargo space in the hatchback version, making it practical for hauling groceries or luggage. However, the Impreza Premium may not be the best choice for those who prioritize performance. The 2.0-liter engine is not particularly powerful, and the CVT transmission can feel a bit sluggish. If you're looking for a sporty and engaging driving experience, you may want to consider other options. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Premium is a well-rounded compact car that offers a compelling combination of practicality, safety, and value. It's a great option for those who prioritize all-wheel drive, reliability, and fuel economy. If those are the qualities you're looking for in a car, then the Impreza Premium is definitely worth considering.