Used 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport Compact AWD Sedan

Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan Compact Awd Sedan
The 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport Sedan.  Dawn Nieves

I love seeing the familiar roads of New Jersey in a new light.

I’ve lived in New Jersey my entire life–well, except for the three years I moved over the bridge to Pennsylvania. It was short lived when I purchased my first home right back in New Jersey. Sometimes I overlook all the fun that is right here in this gorgeous state. So when I had the chance to drive the 2017 Subaru Impreza, I took one look and knew it was just begging for me to take it out and explore some of the fun right here in The Garden State.

Related: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Review: A Use Less, Give More, Feel Better Car

Red 2017 Subaru Impreza Compact Awd Sedan
I really loved the sporty look of the Impreza’s front end, including the headlights and front grille. Photo: Dawn Nieves

Let Me Introduce You to the 2017 Subaru Impreza

The minute the car was dropped off, I just had to take it for a ride. I installed my daughter’s car seat and in minutes we hit the road. The back seat offered plenty of room for the kids to get comfortable without feeling cramped. I even sat in the back with my daughter and at 5’9, I felt pretty comfortable. Amazing for a compact sedan. A great choice if you’re buying used.

Who This Car is For

  • Singles, couples or small families
  • Drivers who need all-wheel drive, which is standard
  • Drivers who like the drive experience and size of a sedan
  • MPG-conscious drivers who appreciate the Impreza’s 28 MPG city/ 38 MPG highway–impressive for an AWD sedan
  • Value-conscious buyers who want a lot of features in a well-priced, reliable car

What This Car Costs

*prices may have changed

  • Base price with a manual transmission: $18,495
  • Premium Sedan, which adds automatic CVT transmission and roof rails: $21,795
  • Sport AWD Sedan, which adds leather trim, sport stitching, premium touch screen and the option of paddle shifters and a Harman/Kardon sound system: $22,095

Related: 10 Reasons to Love the New 2020 Subaru Outback Even More

Grey 2017 Impreza Awd Sedan Interior Dashboard
The front cabin of the Impreza features everything you need at your fingertips. ? Dawn Nieves

While we may be known for our gorgeous beaches, there’s so much more to do in New Jersey. There are fun museums, great historical sites and plenty of beautiful farms that are open year round. During our test drive we drove to a local farm that is a favorite of ours for a little festival they had going on. Getting on the highway I was immediately impressed with the power in the Subaru. The 4 cylinder engine packed a nice little punch when I hit the gas.

Just Enough ‘Sporty’ in the Sport Edition

The model we test drove is the top of the line Sport Edition which features interior details like red sport stitching,  shiny aluminum pedals and a larger driver feedback display for key information. It also has a larger 8-inch color center touchscreen media center, keyless push-button starter and for those who really want the sport experience, paddle shifters are an option.

2017 Subaru Impreza Trunk Space
Trunk space in the Impreza is impressive. And ample! ?Dawn Nieves

Room For Everyone–and Everything

Sometimes space can be a compromise in a awd sedan, especially for families who are used to spreading out. But the trunk space in the Impreza was impressive; it had plenty of room for all my groceries and whatever else I decided to pick up while running errands, or for my kid’s gear when heading out to activities. I appreciate being able to organize their things in the trunk and not having them underfoot in the back seat!

2017 Impreza Sport Details Compact Of Interior
I loved the stylish details like the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the leather covered hand brake and the red stitching– a reminder that this is a sports sedan. ?Dawn Nieves

This AWD Sedan is Right at Home in New Jersey, too

While you might think of Subaru as a Japanese brand–known for good value at the time of purchase and throughout the ownership experience–it’s really a New Jersey brand, too. The company’s North American headquarters have been in Southern NJ since it was established in the US 50 years ago. The company recently opened a gleaming new HQ in Camden where its Camden Works initiative continues a 30-year commitment to help to enhance the quality of life there.

The HQ also underscores Subaru’s zero-landfill initiative and its commitment to the land and environment. Subaru has been leading a program with the National Parks Service to help rangers and other parks departments to put zero landfill strategies to work to reduce waste in the parks.

All of which made the tour of our home state all the more enlightening, knowing time spent in this car didn’t just improve our view, but the views of others as well.

Tires Of A Red Compact Awd Sedan
Of course, the larger 18″ sport wheels don’t hurt the sporty appearance of the Subaru either. ?Dawn Nieves

WHAT I LOVED

  • The aggressive styling
  • Heated seats
  • Roomy interior makes it comfortable for road trips and daily driving
  • Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control are an option
  • Rear-view Camera and reverse automatic braking
  • Impressive power for a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • The sport model is available in a stick shift, too
  • All wheel drive is standard on all Subarus
  • Stylish 18″ inch wheels are available on Sport model
  • Ample trunk space for holding everything from groceries to luggage
  • 38 MPG highway / 28 MPG city (EPA estimate)
  • Regular fuel recommended

2017Red Subaru Impreza Parked Next To A Barn And Wood Fence
What We Listened to in the Subaru Impreza Sport

Touring around the Garden State is made better by listening to some of our best home-grown music. Here’s what made our trip all the better.

Disclosure: Subaru provided me with the 2017 Subaru Impreza AWD Sedan for this test drive. All opinions are my own. 

Dawn Nieves
Dawn Nieves
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