30 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl, especially when you consider this car: a compact sedan (or hatchback) offering standard all-wheel drive. It’s a good choice for drivers in climates where snow and ice are regular concerns, a group more interested in surefootedness than fuel savings.

City and highway performance

The Impreza’s EPA ratings are 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. That highway number is important, as many Impreza owners use their vehicles for weekend trips and longer commutes, often loaded with gear. While some competitors might get slightly higher MPG on the highway, they lack the Impreza’s all-weather confidence. The city rating reflects the nature of the engine. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder prefers to be driven smoothly and deliberately, not aggressively.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport at $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive and where you live, as regional gasoline prices change. $1,450 provides a good benchmark for understanding the Impreza’s ongoing running costs. When calculating your own expenses, consider driving conditions, cargo weight, and even tire pressure, all of which have an impact. You can also find all Subaru fuel economy data on FuelEconomyHub.com

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are useful for comparison, but real-world MPG often differs. Many Impreza owners report achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates, but several factors will change your personal results. Winter driving, with colder temperatures and increased rolling resistance from snow tires, can decrease fuel economy. Short trips, where the engine doesn’t reach optimal operating temperature, also impact efficiency. Aggressive driving, while tempting in the sporty-looking Impreza Sport, rapidly diminishes fuel economy.

How it compares

The Honda Civic, a front-wheel drive competitor, achieves up to 42 MPG on the highway in its most fuel-efficient trim, while the Toyota Corolla can reach 40 MPG. Both are better than the Impreza’s highway rating. However, these fuel-sipping versions don’t have all-wheel drive. The Mazda3, praised for its driving dynamics, gets around 36 MPG highway in front-wheel drive models, matching the Impreza. For those prioritizing all-wheel drive, the Nissan Rogue Sport, a small crossover, offers similar combined MPG to the Impreza, while providing better cargo capacity, though it typically costs more. Also check out IMPREZA MPG across all years here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Impreza’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) plays a significant role in its fuel economy. Avoid abrupt acceleration, allowing the CVT to smoothly adjust the gear ratio. Gentle and progressive throttle application enables the transmission to settle into its most efficient range, maximizing MPG without dramatically affecting your commute time.

Regular maintenance is important to preserving the Impreza’s fuel efficiency. Ensure tire pressures are at the recommended levels, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Oil changes at the specified intervals, using the correct viscosity, will also help the engine run smoothly and efficiently.

Consider the weight you’re carrying in the vehicle. Removing unnecessary cargo from the trunk and cabin reduces the burden on the engine, improving fuel economy, especially in city driving. This simple measure can add up over time, giving noticeable savings.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Constant acceleration and braking consume more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. Using navigation apps to identify and circumvent congestion can help you improve MPG and reduce stress during your commute.