2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback: Honest Review & Insights

Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback? You've come to the right place! This review dives deep into what makes this car tick, covering everything from its performance and reliability to its comfort and practicality. Whether you're a seasoned Subaru enthusiast or just starting your car-buying journey, let's break down everything you need to know about the 2014 Impreza Hatchback.

Overview of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback

The 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback is a compact car known for its standard all-wheel drive (AWD), fuel efficiency, and practicality. It's part of the fourth generation of Imprezas, which aimed to offer a more refined driving experience and improved fuel economy compared to its predecessors. The hatchback configuration adds versatility with its increased cargo space, making it a popular choice for those needing a bit more room for hauling gear or groceries. Subaru has always been synonymous with reliability and the 2014 Impreza Hatchback carries on this tradition, offering a dependable option for daily commutes and weekend adventures. The car's design is unassuming yet functional, focusing on providing a comfortable and safe ride for both the driver and passengers. It's a vehicle that prioritizes practicality without sacrificing essential features, making it a solid choice in the compact car segment.

Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in the 2014 Impreza Hatchback, with features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have both given the Impreza high marks in crash tests, further solidifying its reputation as a safe vehicle. The interior is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a straightforward layout. While it may not be the flashiest car on the road, the 2014 Impreza Hatchback offers a blend of reliability, safety, and practicality that's hard to beat. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its well-rounded nature and ability to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. For those seeking a dependable and versatile compact car, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback remains a strong contender.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower. While this might not sound like a lot, it’s adequate for daily driving and provides enough power for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is designed to maximize fuel efficiency, but some drivers find it can feel a bit sluggish at times. However, it does a decent job of keeping the engine in its optimal power range, contributing to the car's overall fuel economy.

One of the standout features of the Impreza is its standard all-wheel-drive system. This provides excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, or ice. The AWD system gives the Impreza a confident and sure-footed feel, making it a great choice for those living in areas with unpredictable weather. Handling is also commendable, with the Impreza offering a balanced and composed ride. The steering is responsive, and the car feels planted on the road, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. While it's not a sports car, the Impreza offers a pleasant and engaging driving experience that's well-suited for everyday use. The combination of all-wheel drive and responsive handling makes it a practical and fun-to-drive compact car. The 2014 Impreza is no WRX, but it is more than capable for daily drives.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback, you'll find a functional and straightforward design. The focus is on practicality and ease of use, rather than luxury. The materials used are durable and well-assembled, although they might not be the most premium in the compact car segment. The seats are comfortable and provide good support, making them suitable for long drives. There's ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, ensuring that passengers of all sizes can ride comfortably. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is relatively basic, but it includes features like a CD player, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity.

One of the highlights of the hatchback configuration is the generous cargo space. With the rear seats up, there's plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or other gear. When you need even more space, the rear seats can be folded down to create a larger cargo area. This makes the Impreza Hatchback a versatile choice for those who need to haul larger items on occasion. The interior also features plenty of storage compartments, including door pockets, a glovebox, and a center console, providing ample space for stowing small items. While the interior design may not be the most stylish, it's functional and well-laid-out, making it a comfortable and practical space for both the driver and passengers. Subaru focused on making the 2014 Impreza a great daily driver. The visibility is excellent thanks to the large windows and well-placed mirrors, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Fuel Economy

One of the strong suits of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback is its fuel economy. With the CVT, it achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in its class. Even with the manual transmission, the fuel economy is still respectable, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. These figures make the Impreza a great choice for those who want the benefits of all-wheel drive without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The Impreza's fuel-efficient engine and aerodynamic design contribute to its impressive gas mileage. The CVT helps to keep the engine in its optimal power range, maximizing fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system is also designed to be efficient, minimizing the impact on fuel consumption. In real-world driving conditions, the Impreza consistently delivers fuel economy that's close to the EPA estimates. This makes it a practical and economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. The combination of all-wheel drive and excellent fuel economy is a rare find in the compact car segment, making the Impreza a standout choice for those who prioritize both. Saving money at the pump is a great benefit of owning a 2014 Impreza. It’s a car that’s both capable and economical, a win-win for many drivers.

Reliability and Common Issues

The Subaru Impreza has a solid reputation for reliability, and the 2014 model year is no exception. However, like any car, it's not without its potential issues. Some owners have reported issues with the CVT, such as shuddering or hesitation. Others have experienced problems with the engine consuming excessive oil. It's essential to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing it, especially if it has high mileage. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping the Impreza running smoothly and preventing potential problems.

Despite these potential issues, the 2014 Impreza is generally considered to be a reliable car. Subaru has a strong reputation for building durable and long-lasting vehicles, and the Impreza is no exception. Many owners have reported trouble-free ownership experiences, with the car requiring only routine maintenance. The all-wheel-drive system is also known for its durability and reliability, providing peace of mind for those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions. If you're considering purchasing a 2014 Impreza, it's a good idea to check its maintenance history and have it inspected by a mechanic to ensure that it's in good condition. A well-maintained Impreza can provide years of reliable service. Addressing any potential issues early on can help to prevent more significant problems down the road.

Trim Levels and Features

The 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. The base model comes standard with features like all-wheel drive, a CD player, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels add features like alloy wheels, a sunroof, heated seats, a rearview camera, and an upgraded infotainment system. The Limited trim level offers the most luxurious features, including leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system.

When choosing a trim level, it's essential to consider your needs and budget. The base model offers excellent value for money, with its standard all-wheel-drive system and essential features. If you want more comfort and convenience features, you might consider upgrading to a higher trim level. The Premium trim level offers a good balance of features and affordability, while the Limited trim level provides the most luxurious experience. Regardless of the trim level you choose, the 2014 Impreza Hatchback offers a practical and well-equipped compact car. Think about which features are most important to you when selecting a trim level. Each trim level has something unique to offer, so it's worth exploring the options to find the one that best suits your needs.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback:

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Excellent fuel economy
• Spacious cargo area
• Reliable reputation
• Good safety ratings

Cons:

• Engine can feel underpowered
• CVT can be sluggish
• Interior design is basic
• Some potential reliability issues

Overall, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback is a well-rounded compact car that offers a lot of value for money. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent fuel economy, and spacious cargo area make it a practical choice for a wide range of drivers. While it's not without its potential drawbacks, the Impreza's reliability and safety ratings make it a compelling option in the compact car segment.

Final Verdict

So, should you buy a 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback? If you're looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical compact car with standard all-wheel drive, then the answer is likely yes. The Impreza offers a lot of value for money, with its impressive fuel economy, spacious cargo area, and solid safety ratings. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it's a dependable and versatile choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures.

Before making a decision, it's essential to do your research and test drive the car. Check its maintenance history and have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure that it's in good condition. If you're comfortable with the potential drawbacks and appreciate the benefits of all-wheel drive and fuel efficiency, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Hatchback could be the perfect car for you. It's a car that's built to last and designed to handle whatever life throws your way. Happy car hunting!