Many luxury cars are known for having extremely fancy interiors and powerful engines. However, these motors can also generate a lot of noise inside the cabin. Some vehicles, like the Corvette Z06, can reach over 72 decibels when driving at 70 mph. Many drivers love the sound of their car’s engine going at full throttle. Still, driving for prolonged periods of time with excessive engine noise can really damage your hearing. Fortunately, there is one car on the market with little engine noise, a comfortable interior, and a reasonable price tag. Here’s how the 2020 Subaru Impreza is surprisingly superior to some luxury cars.

About the 2020 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is a sedan capable of seating up to five passengers. It’s also available in a hatchback body style, which will give drivers more cargo space. Cloth upholstery is standard, though higher trims can have leather seats. Both of its rows provide ample space, so even tall riders should have no problems getting comfortable.

Its infotainment system is very easy to use and features clear graphics on the standard 6.5-inch touchscreen. It also comes with smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and one USB port. Higher trims feature an eight-speaker audio system, a moonroof, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and power-adjustability for the front seats.

Higher trims also feature more safety functions. Models with the CVT get access to the safety suite, which includes cruise control, lane assistance, and forward emergency braking. Blind-spot monitors, reverse emergency braking, and keyless entry are all also available.

The Subaru Impreza also has an above-average predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports. This puts it in line with the Mini Cooper, another sporty car you can buy for a low price. However, the engine noise from the Mini Cooper is much more noticeable than the Impreza’s motor.

A serene, quiet drive

Consumer Reports states that the Subaru Impreza ranks among the top four quietest compact cars. This means there is minimal noise from the engine, wind, tires, or road inside the Impreza’s cabin. During its road test, the Impreza still produced some engine noise, but it was still a big improvement over previous models.

No wind or road noise penetrates the Impreza’s interior. The car’s suspension also does a good job of absorbing hard bumps with no jarring noises. However, the car’s engine is underpowered overall, which may turn some drivers away.

Powertrain specs

The Impreza only has one engine option, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of 152 hp. It can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a CVT. One great perk of the Impreza is that all models come with standard all-wheel drive.

In an effort to make things a little more exciting, the Impreza Sport comes with paddle shifters and active torque vectoring.  Still, the Impreza is too heavy to exhibit remarkable passing power on the highway. On the upside, it does save drivers a lot of money at the gas pump. With the CVT equipped, it gets up to 28 mpg on city roads and 36 mpg while cruising on the highway.

The Subaru Impreza’s ride comfort

Consumer Reports also praised the Subaru Impreza for its spacious and comfortable interior. Testers appreciated the roominess of the second row and its composed performance while driving. In terms of materials, the Subaru’s cabin is a mixed bag. Even with all its soft-touch materials, there are a few hard plastics sprinkled in.

CR still said that the Impreza’s cabin is more comfortable overall compared to many luxury cars. You definitely won’t find the high-grade materials of an Audi or Lincoln inside this sedan. Still, the 2020 Subaru Impreza provides drivers with a quiet ride at a bargain price point.