carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $21,926–$27,620 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2021 Subaru Impreza earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $21,926–$27,620, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Impreza sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.1/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Subaru Impreza as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology and performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Subaru Impreza ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $21,926 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 21%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Subaru Impreza scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.5 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.5/10 | $24,817 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $24,817 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $24,095 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $23,372 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $22,649 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $21,926 | |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $21,203 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $20,480 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $19,757 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $19,035 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $18,312 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $17,589 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower arm 30/08/2021 · 21V675000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember. |
|---|---|
| Power train / Shift linkage/cable/rod 26/01/2021 · 21V024000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Subaru Impreza's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza starts at $21,926 and ranges up to $27,620 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.