2018 Subaru Impreza

Pros: Standard (and affordable) all-wheel drive; wide array of available safety features; simple-to-use controls

Cons: Acceleration is a bit slow from a stop; no optional engine available

CG Says: Subaru Impreza gains windshield-wiper-activated headlights for 2018. Four-door hatchback and sedan body styles are offered, and all-wheel drive—an unusual feature in the compact-car class—is standard. The sole engine is a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available convenience features include keyless entry and starting, self-dimming headlights, and roof rails. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, rear-cross-traffic alert, rear-obstacle detection with automatic braking, and adaptive fog lights that turn with the steering wheel. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system has long been a key Impreza selling point, but the redesign for 2017 brought plenty of new strengths that made this compact contender a more compelling choice. The Impreza’s standout features include excellent visibility, a sensible control layout, and a full range of up-to-date safety and convenience features. Interior room, fuel economy and overall driving dynamics are also class competitive. The Impreza is well worth a look—even if you don’t need all-wheel drive.