Subaru may not be the perfect auto brand, but it boasts a lineup of highly rated models. That’s true for even the compact Impreza. The new model has a lot in common with last year’s model, including a Consumer Reports recommendation and mostly positive reviews. However, CR testers cite two areas where the 2023 Subaru Impreza could improve.

1. Consumer Reports testers knock the 2023 Subaru Impreza for engine noise

Some drivers live for the sound of a throaty engine growl as they power through curves and see how far they can push their vehicle. But many owners shifting away from this trend prefer quiet cars.

Though the Impreza has an excellent reputation, the 2023 model received some criticism from Consumer Reports testers for engine noise. 

“The Impreza is quiet inside, with reduced road and wind noise compared with previous generations. Still, some engine thrum is noticeable,” Consumer Reports testers note.

That doesn’t mean the 2023 Impreza roars out like a lion on the hunt as you pull away from the red light. The noise level is just noticeable enough that it will annoy drivers looking for a little peace and quiet as they travel through town.

But the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets this car where it needs to go. It may not be the most powerful on the road — taking a full 9.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph — but it’s more than adequate for most drivers’ needs.

2. Back support is lacking in the 2023 Subaru Impreza

Another feature drivers have found is important is lumbar support. That’s especially true for individuals who spend a lot of time behind the wheel and don’t have the option of getting up and moving around.

Consumer Reports didn’t go into a great amount of detail, but it did express that the front seats don’t offer enough back support. For a car shopper looking for an affordable car, lumbar support might not be a dealbreaker. Still, drivers with back issues might find the seats in the 2023 Subaru Impreza lacking in lumbar support.

There are too many positives not to recommend this compact car

Although Consumer Reports testers found two areas they disliked about the 2023 Subaru Impreza, the pros outweigh the cons. One area that always garners Subaru praise is standard all-wheel drive. The fact that this feature doesn’t come at a huge cost to the fuel economy is a major bonus.

And the compliments didn’t stop there.

While the front seats drew complaints about the lack of lumbar support, the back seats earned praise for their roominess. Compact cars don’t always get credit for boasting plenty of room, so this is a big deal for the Impreza.

Another area where the 2023 Impreza impresses CR is the comfort level. Consumer Reports stated, “Imprezas have long been among the most comfortable-riding compact cars. The suspension effectively swallows up broken pavement jolts and rides better than some cars that cost twice as much — and seems to do so without breaking a sweat.”

Another plus is the range of standard features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on all trims. 

CR was a little disappointed that blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear-cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and automated emergency braking don’t come standard on the 2023 Impreza. But those advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are available for an upcharge.

Considering the 2023 Subaru Impreza’s $20,815 starting price, we think it’s hard to hold those minor flaws against this fantastic compact car.