Skip to main content

2015 Subaru Impreza appears with updated styling and more tech

The WRX may get more attention, but the Subaru Impreza provides a solid base for that pocket rocket to build on, and now it’s getting some attention of its own.

The 2015 Impreza will hit showrooms with revised styling and a longer list of tech options to keep this compact car – last redesigned for the 2012 model year – fresh.

Anyone who doesn’t own the current car will have a hard time spotting the differences, but a new grille, front bumper, and headlights tie the Impreza to the 2015 Legacy, giving it a slightly more upscale look.

The Impreza is once again available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, and Subaru has added a few notable standard features, including a backup camera, pushbutton start, and an infotainment system.

The basic system uses a 6.2-inch center-stack touchscreen and features HD Radio compatibility, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and Subaru’s Starlink with Aha integration.

Related: 2015 Subaru WRX first drive

The system can also be upgraded with a 7-inch screen that features swipe and scrolling gesture control, and with a navigation system on top of that.

Subaru’s EyeSight safety will also be available on the Impreza for 2015. It uses a windshield-mounted camera to detect obstacles, and includes active cruise control and automatic braking features.

Also available are the steering-controlled fog lights that debuted on the 2015 Outback. They turn with the steering wheel to illuminate the road through corners.

The powertrain is unchanged, meaning the Impreza is still motivated by a 2.0-liter boxer-four, producing 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both five-speed manual and continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmissions are offered.

Subaru says the CVT has been tuned better simulate stepped gear changes, which drivers used to conventional transmissions will probably appreciate.

These tweaks won’t keep the Impreza out of the WRX’s shadow, but they might attract a few new tech-savvy customers.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more