2022 Subaru Impreza Sport: A Comprehensive Review

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey car enthusiasts! Are you guys in the market for a compact car that’s reliable, fun to drive, and packed with features? Well, look no further because today we’re diving deep into the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport! This review will cover everything from its performance and handling to its interior, technology, and overall value. So, buckle up, and let’s get started.

Unveiling the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport: What’s the Buzz?

The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is more than just a car; it's a statement. It's for those who appreciate the blend of practicality, safety, and a touch of sporty flair. The Impreza has always been a solid contender in the compact car segment, and the 2022 model year is no exception. This particular Sport trim cranks up the excitement with its unique features and performance enhancements. It’s designed to appeal to a wide audience, from young professionals to small families, who need a car that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. Subaru has built its reputation on reliability and all-wheel-drive capability, and the Impreza Sport proudly carries that legacy forward. The Sport trim offers a more engaging driving experience, a step above the base models, with features like sport-tuned suspension and specific design elements that give it a more athletic look. One of the main things that sets the Impreza apart from its competitors is its standard all-wheel drive, providing superior grip and control in various weather conditions. If you live in an area with snowy winters or rainy seasons, the Impreza Sport is a fantastic choice, giving you peace of mind and enhanced driving confidence. The Impreza Sport also boasts a modern interior, packed with technology and safety features. With a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a spacious cabin, the Impreza Sport makes every journey enjoyable. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is a well-rounded compact car that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Whether you’re a seasoned car buyer or a first-time owner, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering.

Key Features and Highlights

The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is loaded with features designed to make your driving experience enjoyable and safe. Let's take a closer look at some of its standout attributes.

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: A cornerstone of Subaru's appeal, providing exceptional grip and control in all weather conditions. This is a massive advantage over many competitors that offer front-wheel drive as standard.
  • Sport-Tuned Suspension: Enhances handling and responsiveness, making for a more engaging driving experience. This setup provides a noticeable difference, especially on twisty roads.
  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru's suite of advanced safety features, including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist, helps keep you safe on the road.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment System: Featuring a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, ensuring you stay connected and entertained.
  • Stylish Exterior Design: The Sport trim gets unique design elements such as a distinctive front grille, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels, adding to its sporty aesthetic.
  • Spacious Interior: Comfortable seating for five, with plenty of headroom and legroom, making it great for both daily commutes and longer road trips.
  • Good Fuel Efficiency: A great balance of performance and fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily driving. This helps to keep your costs down.

Driving Experience: Performance and Handling

Alright, let’s get down to the fun stuff: how does the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport actually perform on the road? The Impreza Sport is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which might not blow your hair back with raw power, but it delivers a peppy and engaging driving experience. The engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with either a five-speed manual transmission (a rarity these days and a plus for driving enthusiasts!) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the manual offers more direct control, the CVT is smooth and efficient, providing decent acceleration and fuel economy. The real star of the show when it comes to the Impreza is its all-wheel-drive system. Subaru’s AWD is renowned for its effectiveness, providing exceptional grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether you're navigating a snowy mountain pass or driving on a rain-slicked highway, you’ll feel confident and in control. The Sport trim takes things up a notch with its sport-tuned suspension. This setup tightens up handling, reducing body roll, and making the car more responsive to steering inputs. You’ll notice the difference on winding roads, where the Impreza Sport feels more planted and agile than the base models. The steering is well-weighted, providing good feedback, and the brakes are strong and reliable, giving you plenty of stopping power when you need it. Overall, the driving experience is pleasant and practical. While it might not be a track-day champion, the Impreza Sport offers a comfortable ride, competent handling, and the added peace of mind that comes with all-wheel drive. It's a car that’s enjoyable to drive every day, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on a weekend adventure. The Impreza Sport is a reliable and safe choice for those who value practicality and a touch of driving fun.

Engine and Transmission Options

Here’s a detailed look at the engine and transmission options available for the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport:

  • Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
  • Transmission:
    • Five-Speed Manual Transmission: Available on the base and Sport trims, offering a more engaging driving experience and giving you more control over the vehicle.
    • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Standard on most trims, providing smooth and efficient operation and contributing to good fuel economy.

Handling and Ride Quality

  • Sport-Tuned Suspension: Enhances handling and reduces body roll for a more responsive and engaging driving experience.
  • All-Wheel Drive: Provides exceptional grip and stability in all weather conditions, boosting your confidence on the road.
  • Steering: Well-weighted steering provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver the car in various driving situations.
  • Ride Comfort: The Impreza Sport offers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys.

Interior and Technology: Comfort and Connectivity

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport, you'll be greeted by an interior that balances comfort, practicality, and technology. The cabin is well-designed, with quality materials and an intuitive layout. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample space for both the driver and passengers. The Sport trim often features unique interior accents, like red stitching and sport-style seats, adding a touch of flair to the overall aesthetic. The Impreza Sport has a user-friendly infotainment system, typically featuring a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim level. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-use interface and quick responsiveness. Subaru also equips the Impreza with a range of advanced driver-assistance features, often bundled under the EyeSight system. These features typically include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist, all designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. The cabin is also surprisingly spacious for a compact car. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, making long drives comfortable. The Impreza also offers a decent amount of cargo space, with a practical trunk that can accommodate everyday essentials. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is a comfortable and well-equipped space, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The combination of modern technology, comfortable seating, and user-friendly features makes it an excellent choice for daily driving and longer trips.

Infotainment and Connectivity Features

The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is equipped with a modern infotainment system designed to keep you connected and entertained on the go. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:

  • Touchscreen Display: Typically a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level, providing easy access to all infotainment features.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamlessly integrate your smartphone to access navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling.
  • USB Ports and Auxiliary Input: Multiple USB ports for charging devices and connecting external media players.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: For hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
  • Available Premium Audio System: Upgraded audio system for enhanced sound quality.

Interior Design and Comfort

The interior of the Impreza Sport is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Comfortable Seating: Supportive seats with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
  • Quality Materials: Well-designed cabin with quality materials that enhance the overall feel.
  • Unique Sport Trim Accents: Often features red stitching and sport-style seats, adding a touch of flair.
  • User-Friendly Layout: Intuitive dashboard and controls make it easy to operate the vehicle's features.
  • Spacious Cabin: Provides plenty of room for passengers and a decent amount of cargo space in the trunk.

Safety Features: Keeping You Safe on the Road

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2022 Impreza Sport is packed with features to protect you and your passengers. The Impreza comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a suite of advanced safety features designed to enhance your driving experience and prevent accidents. These features include pre-collision braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision, and adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Other key safety features include lane departure warning and lane keep assist, which help you stay in your lane, and automatic high beams, which automatically switch between high and low beams for optimal visibility. The Impreza also features a robust structural design, built with high-strength steel to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The vehicle's all-wheel-drive system also plays a crucial role in safety, providing enhanced grip and stability in various road conditions. This can help prevent accidents by improving the car’s ability to handle slippery surfaces. In addition to these advanced technologies, the Impreza Sport comes with standard safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control. The Impreza has consistently received high safety ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), reflecting its commitment to protecting its occupants. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport offers a comprehensive set of safety features, providing drivers and passengers with a high level of protection and peace of mind on the road. Subaru’s dedication to safety makes the Impreza Sport an excellent choice for those who prioritize security in their vehicles.

Advanced Safety Technologies

The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies to help keep you safe on the road:

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru's comprehensive suite of safety features.
    • Pre-Collision Braking: Automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent.
    • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front.
    • Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: Helps you stay in your lane.
    • Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams.
  • Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: (Optional) Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and warns of cross-traffic when reversing.
  • Rear-View Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the car when reversing.

Passive Safety Features

In addition to its active safety technologies, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport includes a variety of passive safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash:

  • Airbags: Multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide protection in the event of a collision.
  • High-Strength Steel Construction: A robust vehicle structure designed to absorb impact energy and protect occupants.
  • Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during braking, maintaining steering control.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability in challenging driving conditions.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is typically available in a few different trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and price points. The base model provides a solid foundation with standard features like all-wheel drive and essential safety equipment. Stepping up to the Sport trim (the focus of this review!) adds features like the sport-tuned suspension, unique design elements, and a more engaging driving experience. Higher trim levels often include additional features like upgraded infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and premium interior appointments. The pricing for the Impreza Sport is generally competitive within the compact car segment. While the exact price can vary based on options and the dealer, it typically offers good value for the money, especially considering the standard all-wheel drive and the comprehensive set of features. When considering the price, it’s important to factor in the long-term value, including the Impreza’s reputation for reliability and its strong resale value. Compared to many of its competitors, the Impreza Sport offers a compelling package, providing a combination of performance, features, and safety at a reasonable price point. Make sure to check the latest manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and any available incentives when you're in the market for a new car.

Available Trim Levels

  • Base: The entry-level trim offers a solid foundation with standard features like all-wheel drive and essential safety equipment.
  • Sport: Adds sport-tuned suspension, unique design elements, and a more engaging driving experience. This is the trim we’ve focused on.
  • Limited: The top-of-the-line trim often includes upgraded infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and premium interior appointments.

Pricing and Value

  • Competitive Pricing: The Impreza Sport typically offers good value for the money, especially considering the standard all-wheel drive and the comprehensive set of features.
  • Long-Term Value: Factor in the Impreza's reputation for reliability and strong resale value when considering the overall cost.
  • Value Proposition: Compared to many competitors, the Impreza Sport offers a compelling package of performance, features, and safety at a reasonable price point.

Pros and Cons: The Final Verdict

So, after taking a deep dive into the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport, let’s sum up the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. On the plus side, the Impreza Sport boasts standard all-wheel drive, providing excellent handling and stability in various weather conditions. It has a sporty and engaging driving experience, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and responsive handling. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with a user-friendly infotainment system and a range of advanced safety features. It also has a reputation for reliability and strong resale value, which are significant benefits for long-term ownership. On the other hand, the 2.0-liter engine might not be the most powerful in its class, so those seeking blistering acceleration might be left wanting more. While the interior is well-designed, some may find the materials a bit basic compared to more premium competitors. Also, some optional features are only available on higher trim levels. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is a fantastic choice for those seeking a reliable, safe, and fun-to-drive compact car. Its standard all-wheel drive, sporty handling, and comprehensive features make it an excellent value. If you prioritize safety, practicality, and all-weather capability, the Impreza Sport should be at the top of your list. It’s a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great balance of everything you need in a daily driver. Consider it a top contender in the compact car segment!

Pros

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent handling and stability in various weather conditions.
  • Sporty and Engaging Driving Experience: Thanks to the sport-tuned suspension and responsive handling.
  • Comfortable and Well-Equipped Interior: User-friendly infotainment and a range of advanced safety features.
  • Reliability and Resale Value: Strong reputation for reliability and high resale value.

Cons

  • Engine Performance: The 2.0-liter engine might not be the most powerful in its class.
  • Interior Materials: Some may find the materials a bit basic compared to premium competitors.
  • Optional Features: Some optional features are only available on higher trim levels.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport Right for You?

In conclusion, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is an excellent choice in the compact car segment, especially if you prioritize safety, reliability, and all-weather capability. Its standard all-wheel drive, sporty handling, and comprehensive features make it a great value proposition. If you need a car that can handle tough weather conditions, the Impreza Sport is a standout. It offers a comfortable interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a suite of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers secure. While the engine's power might not be the most thrilling in its class, the overall driving experience is enjoyable and practical for everyday use. So, if you're looking for a compact car that excels in practicality, safety, and all-weather performance, the 2022 Subaru Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for those who need a reliable and capable vehicle for daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. Do some research, compare it with competitors, and consider taking it for a test drive to see if it's the perfect fit for you. Happy driving!