The 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport 4-Door’s 30 MPG combined fuel economy won’t break any records, but for a compact hatchback (or sedan) with standard all-wheel drive, it’s respectable. Impreza Sport buyers aren’t expecting Prius-like efficiency. Instead, they prioritize practicality, year-round capability, and Subaru’s reliable reputation. Fuel economy is part of the decision, but not the only deciding factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Impreza Sport gets 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, which forces the 2.0L four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive system to work harder. The highway rating is more forgiving, letting the Impreza cruise more efficiently. Even on the open road, however, the full-time all-wheel drive creates some drag compared to front-wheel-drive cars. Hilly or mountainous roads will likely reduce both city and highway fuel economy, especially since the engine needs to rev to generate power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport’s annual fuel cost is $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual costs will vary based on your driving style, location, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and long periods of idling will all increase fuel consumption, and consequently your annual fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

The 30 MPG combined rating is a reasonable starting point, but actual fuel economy varies. Some owners report between the mid-20s and low 30s, depending on their driving conditions. Drivers who are mostly in stop-and-go city traffic can expect numbers closer to the EPA’s city estimate. If you primarily drive on the highway, you might see numbers closer to, or even a little above, the highway estimate.

How it compares

In terms of fuel economy compared to other cars, the Impreza Sport falls in the middle. The Mazda3, particularly with front-wheel drive, can get up to 36 MPG combined. The Honda Civic, in its most efficient configuration, can achieve similar results. However, neither offers standard all-wheel drive. The Nissan Kicks, a small crossover, offers better fuel economy at 31 MPG combined, but it doesn’t have the Impreza’s sporty driving dynamics. To explore all Subaru fuel economy data and compare it with other vehicles, check out our detailed listings. You can also look at IMPREZA MPG across all years to see the model’s evolution.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are keys to getting the best fuel economy in the Impreza. Avoid quick starts and hard braking, because they waste fuel by making the engine work harder. This is especially true for the Impreza. When pushed hard, the engine can feel strained, which leads to a noticeable drop in MPG.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is important. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. This forces the engine to work harder and burn extra fuel. This simple task can significantly improve your gas mileage over time.

Minimize extra weight in the car. Carrying unnecessary cargo reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that you don’t need to reduce the load and improve efficiency. Even small weight reductions incrementally improve MPG, particularly when you are driving in the city.

Reduce how long you idle. Idling wastes gas without covering any distance. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine uses very little fuel compared to idling. This is most helpful in cities with a lot of traffic.