See “What the Numbers Mean” in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012 for a full description of the metrics we collected for each model.

Subaru Impreza

Gasoline, Compact

Price Range: $18,200 – $22,300
City/Hwy/Combined MPG: 27/36/30
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,900
Air Pollution Score: 6
Greenhouse Gas Score: 7
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: 46/Above Average
Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick; N/A
Space: 96.9 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 3.5
Similar Used: Redesigned for 2012

Good to Know:

• The Impreza is one of just a few compact all-wheel drive vehicles sold in the United States. It happens to be the most fuel efficient.
• The Impreza line received a complete redesign for 2012 after sales of the previous generation slowed because of its unimpressive fuel economy.
• The newly redesigned Impreza trades more mpg for a little less horsepower. It now enjoys 36-mpg highway fuel economy and a combined city/highway rating of 30 mpg thanks to its new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.
• The car’s sophisticated navigation system helps owners monitor driving habits — it even estimates how much CO2 the car emits on a given trip.

What the Press Says:

• “This Impreza starts at $18,245, and versions with the most fuel-efficient transmission are now rated at 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. To make these gains, something had to give. No automaker can pull a 33 percent jump in fuel efficiency out of the ether. In the 2012 Impreza, it’s done with a smaller engine and a more efficient transmission.” —Los Angeles Times
• “Now that it’s faster, lighter, more efficient and much easier on the eyes, the 2012 Subaru Impreza looks to have all the right ingredients to make it another sales sensation.” — Motor Trend
• “Overall, the new 2012 Impreza should be a good choice for shoppers looking for a comfortable, frugal and safe compact car (especially if they live in the snowbelt).” — Edmunds.com

Subaru Impreza Wagon

Gasoline, Wagon

Price Range: $18,200 – $23,300
City/Hwy/Combined MPG: 27/36/30
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,900
Air Pollution Score: 6
Greenhouse Gas Score: 7
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: 46/Above Average
Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick; N/A
Space: 97.5 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 3
Similar Used: Redesigned for 2012

Good to Know:

• This is the fourth-generation Subaru Impreza Wagon.
• The 2012 Impreza line has been completely redesigned to update the body styling, cut vehicle weight and improve fuel economy.
• Combined efficiency of the base model has jumped from 22 to 30 mpg at the cost of decreased power.
• The old 2.5-liter,173-horsepower engine has been replaced by a 2.0-liter engine that produces 148 horsepower, and a continuously variable transmission that helps dampen fuel use while retaining decent performance.
• Despite enhancements, the base price of the 2012 Impreza increased by a mere $25 compared with last year’s model.

What the Press Says:

• “Lightness and quickness are not all the new Impreza has gained — the interior feels wider and more spacious, with a nice bump in the quality department.” — Road & Track
• “The simple truth is that the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza Wagon doesn’t really have best in class anything — power, fuel economy, cruising range or even warranty. The major thing that sets the new Impreza apart from its competition is standard all-wheel drive — a Subaru staple.”?–?Autoblog
• “The 2012 Subaru Impreza Wagon is lighter than its predecessor. It’s better looking, and the fuel economy is vastly improved.” — Automobile
• “The 2.0-liter engine is smaller and considerably weaker-feeling than its predecessor; the upside is improved fuel economy.” — Car and Driver

More 2012 green cars: Find details about many more green cars from other automakers in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012.

Photos from Subaru