Should you’ve ever pushed in sleet or snow, you understand how a lot of a distinction all-wheel drive could make. Sadly, automakers deal with this function as a luxurious, with you usually having to pay extra to get it. There may be, nevertheless, an inexpensive automotive that breaks this pattern.

There are few inexpensive vehicles that include all-wheel drive, particularly in the event you’re in search of a conventional automotive fairly than a crossover. A lot of the ones that do, provide it as an extra additional that raises the worth. Although, there may be one automaker that gives all-wheel drive as customary on even their most inexpensive fashions.

Scouring the market, we’ve discovered essentially the most inexpensive automotive with all-wheel drive. We discover how a lot this compact hatchback prices and the way less expensive it’s than its rivals. We additionally discover the way it goals to supply practicality with out breaking the financial institution in methods past its drivetrain.

So as to provide the most modern and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with TopSpeed and the EPA.

Subaru’s Impreza Undercuts Its Rivals and Options Normal AWD

The compact automotive phase is full of a ton of wonderful choices, all providing worth in their very own methods. Should you’re on a funds and in search of one of the vital inexpensive fashions, then it is doubtless that you’ve got taken a have a look at the Impreza. A method that Subaru helps promote their little hatchback is by persevering with to supply all-wheel drive as a normal function on all fashions.

2025 Trims and Pricing

The Impreza hatchback begins at an impressively low price, even for this phase. That is underscored by the truth that even essentially the most inexpensive mannequin comes with all-wheel drive. Subaru’s most important mission with the Impreza is to supply sensible, inexpensive transportation, and a hatchback bodystyle with loads of cargo house matches with the excessive traction provided by the drivetrain additional this purpose.

Whereas an Impreza with an RS badge could also be engaging to some, we expect that the bottom mannequin greatest achieves the Impreza’s mission. Its frugal worth level mixes with an excellent suite of ordinary options, making the Impreza probably the greatest vehicles you should purchase in the event you’re on a funds. Although, in case you are in search of a much bigger engine and a extra centered chassis, the RS can nonetheless be enjoyable.

Rivals With All-Wheel Drive

Should you’re in search of a small automotive that gives all-wheel drive then, sadly, your choices are fairly restricted. Within the compact automotive phase, you solely have three vehicles to select from, excluding the Subaru Impreza. Whereas all are wonderful, none are fairly capable of match the beginning worth of the Impreza, though the Corolla Hybrid does come fairly shut. We would say that is the Subaru’s strongest competitor, with the Corolla’s non-obligatory all-wheel drive solely costing an additional $1,400.

Essentially the most inexpensive Prius with all-wheel drive begins at just below $30,000 {dollars}. It would attempt to justify its steeper price ticket by saving you cash on gas, because of the truth that it’s exceptionally environment friendly. You can even get the sporty Mazda 3 with all-wheel drive, which will definitely fulfill these in search of a extra thrilling driving expertise. Although, you must go for the Carbon Version. The Mazda can be had in hatchback kind, although the Carbon Version then prices $31,945.

All-Wheel Drive Makes Driving in Mud and Snow a Breeze

Whereas some individuals might query the heavy emphasis on all-wheel drive, anybody who has needed to drive by way of any type of unfastened terrain, particularly snow, will let you know how invaluable the drivetrain is. When you possibly can’t keep away from intense climate, having all-wheel drive is important, and the Subaru Impreza means you do not have to shell out tons of cash to get it.

Efficiency Specs

That is the place the trade-offs start to rear their head. The Impreza is a funds automotive and, thus, it has a funds engine. The bottom mannequin comes geared up with a considerably underpowered horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine. Its acceleration is on the decrease finish of the phase, and you might discover it a bit sluggish, particularly when attempting to stand up to freeway speeds. The RS with the two.5-liter engine undoubtedly offers some improvements, however it’s nonetheless removed from fast.

Whereas it is not the quickest automotive on the street, the Impreza has a brilliantly tuned chassis that makes us want Subaru had opted to place a much bigger engine within the little hatch. It handles expertly, and its steering is extremely responsive. It comes customary with a constantly variable transmission, a lot to our dismay, in addition to torque vectoring, which bolsters the all-wheel drive system.

Gasoline Financial system

The Subaru Impreza does not fairly sit on the prime of the phase in the case of gas effectivity, fairly sitting in the course of the pack. It delivers figures corresponding to the Mazda 3 and the Kia K4. That is doubtless a facet impact of providing all-wheel drive as customary. It is likely one of the most effective compact vehicles in the event you solely evaluate fashions with all-wheel drive.

There may be little or no separating the bottom engine and the bigger 2.5-liter engine within the RS, with the latter solely being mildly much less environment friendly. The Impreza performs a lot better on the freeway than it does within the metropolis, that means you will get extra out of the hatch in the event you frequently commute lengthy distances.

Subaru Prioritizes Operate Over Type within the Impreza Hatch

Subaru is a model that’s identified for its pragmatic strategy. They develop vehicles that match a operate, and so they keep away from gimmicks and flashy options as a lot as attainable. The Impreza is a straightforward automotive and showcases its worth by providing a ton of ordinary options and a cabin that’s extremely user-friendly. All the pieces is designed to be as sensible as attainable.

Design and Consolation

Subaru has a fairly clear design ideology that permeates into each mannequin of their lineup. All the pieces within the cabin is boxy and rugged, there may be tons of inside cupboard space, and there are many bodily controls. The Impreza undoubtedly follows this pattern. Options like a small step close to the rear seats, which helps you safe cargo to the roof, showcase the Japanese hatch’s versatility.

The seats are snug sufficient, although fabric upholstery is customary on all fashions. Rear seats are 60/40, and will be folded to make additional room for cargo. Being a hatchback, the Impreza’s trunk is greater than the common automotive on this phase, and downright cavernous in the event you stow the again seats away.

Inside Dimensions

Infotainment and Know-how

The bottom mannequin comes geared up with a seven-inch infotainment display, oriented vertically as a substitute of horizontally. This method is appropriate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however you will need to improve to the larger display within the Sport and RS for wi-fi connectivity. The upgraded unit is 11.6-inches. A lot to our liking, there are bodily buttons and dials on the edges of the display, so you do not have to make use of the contact controls for the whole lot.

Twin-zone computerized local weather management is a normal function on all fashions, which we applaud Subaru for. There are additionally some high-end options out there, corresponding to keyless entry and a Harman Kardon sound system, however solely on the upper trims.