30 MPG combined won’t break any records, but for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sport 4-Door 2.0L, it’s a respectable number that reflects the car’s practical purpose. This Impreza isn’t trying to achieve maximum fuel efficiency; it’s offering all-weather confidence and everyday usability to buyers who value capability and affordability over extreme fuel savings. For those who want the surefootedness of standard all-wheel drive in a compact and affordable car, the Impreza Sport strikes a good balance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway provide a more detailed view of the Impreza’s fuel economy. The city figure is especially relevant for drivers who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. The all-wheel-drive system, while providing important traction, adds weight and complexity, which can affect efficiency in urban environments. On the open road, the Impreza’s 2.0L engine settles into a more efficient pace, allowing it to get close to that 36 MPG highway rating. The automatic transmission (AV-S7) helps with efficiency by choosing the best gear for both performance and economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Subaru Impreza Sport 4-Door 2.0L is $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. While this cost is a helpful benchmark, consider your own driving patterns to estimate your fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides valuable standardized testing, but real-world driving can produce slightly different numbers. Things like aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, carrying extra passengers or cargo, and using accessories like air conditioning can all affect fuel economy. Drivers who properly maintain their vehicles with regular maintenance and tire inflation can often see results closer to the EPA estimates. The IMpreza’s MPG across all years has been relatively consistent, so there is good reason to believe you’ll hit close the EPA estimate.

How it compares

The Subaru Impreza Sport’s fuel economy should be considered in comparison to its competitors. A front-wheel-drive Toyota Corolla Hatchback gets 32 MPG combined, prioritizing fuel efficiency in its design. The Mazda3, known for its engaging driving, gets around 31 MPG combined in its base trim. The all-wheel-drive Nissan Sentra, a direct competitor, achieves closer to 28 MPG combined. The Impreza buyer is often willing to accept slightly lower numbers than the Corolla or Mazda3 in exchange for the added confidence of standard all-wheel drive because the system’s added grip provides increased safety and control, especially in bad weather. Drivers can easily compare all Subaru fuel economy data to see how the Impreza compares to the rest of the brand’s lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as these habits use more fuel than necessary. Gentle and gradual acceleration lets the engine run more efficiently, and anticipating traffic lets you brake more smoothly. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine isn’t made for quick bursts of speed, so working within its limits will give you better fuel economy.

Keep your tires properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage, extends the life of your tires, and improves handling.

Minimize idling time since idling wastes fuel and creates emissions. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to keep the engine running. Reducing idling is a simple way to save fuel and reduce your impact.

Use cruise control on the highway to keep a consistent speed and reduce fuel use. Cruise control helps eliminate speed changes, which can improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Be mindful of the added weight of passengers and cargo and lighten the load whenever possible to improve fuel efficiency.

Consider using a fuel consumption monitoring app. Many are available for smartphones and provide detailed tracking of fuel usage. By analyzing your driving habits, you can identify areas where you can improve fuel economy, potentially saving money.