Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport to see if it lives up to the hype. If you're in the market for a compact car that offers practicality, reliability, and a bit of fun, the Impreza Sport might be on your radar. So, let's get into it!

Overview of the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport

The 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport is a well-rounded compact car that stands out due to its standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a rarity in its class. This feature alone makes it an attractive option for those living in areas with challenging weather conditions. Beyond its AWD capability, the Impreza Sport offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a host of safety features. But let's delve deeper into what makes this car tick.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the 2019 Impreza Sport houses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might not set your heart racing, they provide adequate power for daily driving. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is the more popular choice, offering smooth acceleration and decent fuel economy. However, some drivers find it a bit droning under hard acceleration. The manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience, allowing you to extract the most from the engine's limited power.

Performance-wise, the Impreza Sport isn't a speed demon, but it handles well. The standard AWD provides excellent grip and stability, especially in wet or snowy conditions. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making the Impreza Sport enjoyable to drive on winding roads. Overall, the Impreza Sport offers a balanced driving experience, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright performance.

Interior and Features

Inside the 2019 Impreza Sport, you'll find a well-designed and functional cabin. The materials used are of decent quality, and the layout is straightforward and intuitive. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a pleasant experience. The rear seats offer adequate legroom for adults, although taller passengers might find it a bit cramped. The cargo area is also reasonably sized, providing enough space for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items.

The Impreza Sport comes standard with a range of features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trim levels offer additional features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and a sunroof. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to navigate through menus and access your favorite apps. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a welcome addition, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and use its features on the car's display.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2019 Impreza Sport reflects this commitment. It comes standard with a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and a suite of airbags. Higher trim levels offer Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and enhance overall safety. The Impreza has earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable car.

What Makes the 'Sport' a Sport?

Okay, so it's called the 'Sport' model, but what exactly makes it sporty? Well, don't expect a massive performance upgrade. The 'Sport' designation mainly brings cosmetic and handling enhancements rather than a significant power boost. Here’s the breakdown:

Exterior Styling

The 2019 Impreza Sport stands out with its unique exterior styling cues. It features a sporty front grille, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels. These elements give it a more aggressive and dynamic look compared to the base model. The black finish on the grille and the sporty design of the wheels add to its visual appeal. The rear spoiler not only enhances its appearance but also improves aerodynamics, contributing to better fuel efficiency and stability at higher speeds. Overall, the exterior styling of the Impreza Sport gives it a distinctive and sporty character.

Interior Upgrades

Inside, the Sport trim adds unique cloth upholstery with red stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. These touches elevate the interior ambiance and give it a more premium feel. The red stitching adds a sporty flair to the seats and steering wheel, while the aluminum pedals provide a more tactile and engaging driving experience. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels comfortable in hand and enhances grip, further contributing to the sporty driving experience. These interior upgrades make the Impreza Sport a more enjoyable and comfortable place to be.

Handling Enhancements

The Sport model gets a sport-tuned suspension and active torque vectoring, which helps improve handling and cornering ability. While it's not a sports car by any means, these upgrades make it more engaging to drive than the standard Impreza. The sport-tuned suspension provides a firmer ride, reducing body roll and improving stability during cornering. Active torque vectoring helps to distribute power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing traction and improving cornering performance. These handling enhancements make the Impreza Sport a more fun and responsive car to drive, especially on winding roads.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a huge selling point, offering superior traction and stability in all weather conditions.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension absorbs bumps well, making it a comfortable car for daily driving.
• Good Safety Ratings: The Impreza has earned excellent safety ratings, providing peace of mind.
• Sporty Styling: The Sport trim adds unique exterior and interior styling cues that enhance its appearance.

Cons:

• Underpowered Engine: The engine lacks punch, especially when accelerating or climbing hills.
• CVT Transmission Can Be Noisy: The CVT can drone under hard acceleration, which some drivers find annoying.
• Rear Seat Legroom Is Limited: Taller passengers may find the rear seats cramped.
• Fuel Economy Is Average: While not bad, the fuel economy isn't class-leading.

Alternatives to the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport

If the Impreza Sport isn't quite what you're looking for, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Mazda3: Known for its sporty handling and upscale interior.
• Honda Civic: Offers a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a reputation for reliability.
• Toyota Corolla: A practical and reliable choice with a comfortable ride.
• Hyundai Elantra: Provides a lot of features for the price, with a long warranty.

Is the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport worth it? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities.

If you value all-wheel drive, safety, and a comfortable ride, the Impreza Sport is an excellent choice. Its standard AWD sets it apart from most of its competitors, making it a great option for those who live in areas with challenging weather conditions. The user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable interior make it a pleasant car for daily driving. And the excellent safety ratings provide peace of mind.

However, if you prioritize performance and fuel economy, you might want to consider other options. The Impreza Sport's engine is underpowered, and the CVT transmission can be noisy. The fuel economy is also average compared to its competitors. If you're looking for a more engaging driving experience or better fuel efficiency, the Mazda3 or Honda Civic might be better choices.

Ultimately, the 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport is a well-rounded compact car that offers a lot of value for the money. Its standard AWD, comfortable ride, and user-friendly features make it a great option for those who prioritize practicality and reliability. Just be aware of its limitations in terms of performance and fuel economy before making a decision.

Final Verdict

The 2019 Subaru Impreza Sport is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and practical compact car with the added benefit of standard all-wheel drive. While it may not be the sportiest or most fuel-efficient option in its class, its strengths in safety, comfort, and all-weather capability make it a compelling choice. If you're looking for a car that can handle anything you throw at it, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering. Just remember to weigh its pros and cons against your own needs and preferences.