Acceleration

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
4	7	8	4.4

The 2.5i and Outback models have adequate pep with either transmission. WRXs can feel lazy, slow to react to throttle below 3000 rpm, alert, very fast above that. Even-faster STI also suffers some turbo lag, tepid low-rpm response. Optional short-throw manual shifter far more precise than standard linkage.

Fuel Economy

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
6	6	4	6.7

Test 2.5i averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly city driving. In mix of city/highway use, test WRX sedan averaged 24 mpg, STI versions 17.1-18.2 mpg.

Ride Quality

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
5	3	1	4.9

Bump absorption ranges from acceptably compliant on 2.5i, to very firm on WRX, to almost brutally stiff on STI. On all, thumpy tire slap annoys over tar strips, expansion joints. On upside, highway-speed composure quite good.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
7	8	9	5.6

More agile than most compacts, helped by great grip, traction of AWD. AWD also negates most torque-steer veering during rapid acceleration in high-powered WRX models. STI console switches alter front/rear power split and, thus, cornering behavior. All have accurate steering, strong stopping power, both honed to fine edge in STI.

Quietness

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
4	3	2	4.2

Lots of highway-speed wind noise. Throbby engine drone. Tires roar on coarse pavement, especially WRX and STI. Noise from all sources exceptionally prominent in STI.

Controls

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
5	6	6	5.9

Primary gauges, controls fine. Cabin fabrics, plastics, general finish, can't match quality look, feel of rivals from Honda, Volkswagen. Sport steering wheel, metal-look interior trim reinforce racy airs of WRX, STI.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
4	5	5	5.5

Six-footers have OK head room, but rearward seat travel limited for the long-legged. WRX, STI add bolstered bucket seats for secure lateral location in aggressive cornering, though cushions are quite hard. All models have tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat; still, not all testers find satisfying driving position. Visibility compromised by huge rear spoiler on STI.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
3	3	3	3.9

Head room OK for those up to 5-ft-11, but knee/leg space very tight behind like-sized front occupants. Hard cushions. Entry/exit hampered by narrow thresholds, modest door openings.

Cargo Room

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
6	2	2	4.7

Sedan trunklid opens wide to moderate-size hold. Wagon swallows most anything a car like this is expected to carry. Sedans except STI have rear center pass-through, wagons a more useful 60/40 split folding seat. Interior storage a bit lean.

Value within Class

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
4	4	2	6.2

Impreza is generally priced above Honda Civic and into Volkswagen Jetta territory, but Subaru hasn't elevated refinement and interior materials to match those compact car benchmarks. Still, all-wheel drive is an asset that comes with every Impreza, and the WRX and STI models are fast--if rowdy--fun.

Total Score

2.5i wgn, auto.	WRX sdn, man.	WRX STI	Class Average
48	47	42	52

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64