30 MPG combined is respectable for the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl. This is a car that prioritizes practicality, safety and all-weather capability over outright fuel efficiency. The Impreza Sport isn’t trying to win any economy contests; its mission is to provide reliable transportation with standard all-wheel drive, and that drivetrain inherently carries a fuel-economy penalty.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Impreza Sport 5-Door are 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures are achievable in real-world driving, provided you’re not constantly demanding maximum acceleration. The 2.0L engine, while adequate, requires a firm foot to get moving, and that will inevitably hurt fuel economy. The automatic transmission (AV-S7), a continuously variable unit, does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but its primary goal is smooth acceleration rather than outright fuel saving. Highway cruising, with minimal changes in speed, allows the Impreza to stretch a gallon further.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport 5-Door at exactly $1,450. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you drive on, and current fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips in cold weather, and use of roof racks will all increase your fuel consumption and therefore your annual costs. But the $1,450 figure provides a clear reference point against which to compare other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

For most drivers, the Impreza Sport’s real-world fuel economy will likely hover around the EPA’s 30 MPG combined figure. Those who do primarily highway driving can expect to see numbers closer to 35 MPG, while those in stop-and-go city traffic might see slightly lower figures. The all-wheel-drive system, while excellent in snow and rain, contributes to increased fuel consumption compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. The type of tires fitted to the vehicle and proper tire inflation also play a role, so be sure to replace them with OEM tire size and pressure.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the Impreza Sport’s fuel economy is competitive but not class-leading. The Mazda3 2.5 S Hatchback, for example, achieves 28 MPG combined with its 2.5L engine. The Honda Civic Hatchback LX manages 35 MPG combined, a significant advantage. Even considering the all-wheel drive, you can review all Subaru fuel economy data to see these differences across the brand. However, neither the Mazda nor the Honda offers standard all-wheel drive, a key selling point for the Impreza and a determining factor for many buyers in colder climates. Buyers should review IMPREZA MPG across all years before making a final decision. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE also achieves 35 MPG combined, again highlighting the fuel economy penalty associated with the Impreza’s all-wheel-drive system. The Nissan Kicks, a smaller and less versatile crossover, achieves 33 MPG and it could be considered a competitor.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Impreza’s 2.0L engine responds best to smooth, gradual inputs. Sharp acceleration wastes fuel, and hard braking converts kinetic energy into heat, negating any potential fuel savings from coasting.

Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed as much as possible. Use cruise control on the highway to minimize speed fluctuations. Varying speeds constantly forces the engine and transmission to work harder, decreasing fuel economy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure found on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from your car that you don’t need, as extra weight increases fuel consumption. This is especially true when carrying heavy items such as sports equipment or tools.

Consider using the “SI-Drive” (Subaru Intelligent Drive) feature in “Intelligent” mode, if equipped. This mode adjusts the engine’s throttle response to prioritize fuel economy over performance. While it might make the car feel slightly less responsive, it can improve your MPG, particularly in city driving.