The 2024 Subaru Impreza, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 30 MPG. While this isn’t the highest number in the compact car class, it reflects the Impreza’s trade-off: standard all-wheel drive. Buyers often prioritize the security and confidence that AWD provides, especially in areas with tough weather. This prioritizes capability over fuel efficiency, which is a core principle of the brand.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the Impreza at 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go traffic and greater engine load. The 34 MPG highway estimate is more achievable because of the Impreza’s aerodynamic profile and the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at consistent speeds. Expect some variation from these numbers depending on how you drive and how much you’re carrying. Fast acceleration and a heavy load will affect fuel consumption, even on the open road.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Subaru Impreza 2.0L 4-cylinder at $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. How much you spend on gasoline will change based on your driving, commute, and local fuel prices. Still, $1,450 is a good benchmark for budgeting fuel expenses. If you drive more miles or pay higher fuel costs, adjust the figure accordingly.

Real-world expectations

The EPA offers a standardized estimate, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Impreza owners often report numbers a bit below the official figures, usually in the mid-to-high 20s for combined driving. This difference is often due to colder weather, which can reduce fuel efficiency, and the constant engagement of the all-wheel-drive system. Terrain is also important. Driving in hilly areas needs more engine power, which reduces fuel economy compared to flat roads. Good driving habits are the most important factor.

How it compares

The Impreza is in the middle of the pack compared to other compact cars. For example, a front-wheel drive Honda Civic LX gets 35 MPG combined, which is better than the Impreza. A Toyota Corolla LE gets 34 MPG combined. However, neither offers the standard all-wheel drive which is important to the Impreza’s appeal. If all-wheel drive is important, the Nissan Rogue Sport AWD gets similar fuel economy, at 28 MPG combined, but it’s smaller. The Mazda3 AWD is another competitor, but its combined MPG is only 27. Subaru knows this tradeoff, and offers all Subaru fuel economy data on their website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for good fuel economy. Make sure the Impreza’s tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel.

Gentle acceleration and braking affect fuel consumption. Avoid fast starts and stops. Instead, accelerate smoothly and anticipate traffic to reduce hard braking, planning ahead yields big returns.

Avoid idling too much. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart easily, and idling wastes fuel. Even short periods of idling add up.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove cargo from the roof rack when not in use. These accessories increase wind resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed. By making the vehicle more streamlined, you can improve fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds. Consider getting better IMPREZA MPG across all years for increased efficiency across different models.

Use cruise control on the highway when you can. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing throttle changes that waste fuel. Keeping a steady pace makes combustion more efficient and optimizes fuel consumption during long drives, especially on flat roads.