Should You Take the Subaru Impreza Off Road?
The Subaru Impreza is capable of off-road driving thanks to its torque and AWD. Learn more here.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
Subaru Impreza
might not have ideal ground clearance but it offers all-wheel drive and enough horsepower and torque to drive off road.If you love adventuring, you need a car that can traverse rocky terrain and steep hills. But not all off-road vehicles can handle the same level of difficulty—even if they look the part.
Jerry
, the super app
that saves drivers money on car insurance
, can help you figure out if you should take your Subaru off the beaten path. Keep reading to learn about the Subaru Impreza's off-road rating, vehicle specs, and competitors in its class.
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Can the Subaru Impreza go off road?
Yes, you are good to drive on trails with the Impreza, but you’ll want to be aware of its limitations.
This vehicle is designed to climb hills and overcome unpaved roads—to a certain degree. With a price of only $18,695, the Impreza is a great off-road option due to its functionality, comfort (a trait that is often overlooked),and safety.
Off-road driving is uneven, rocky, bumpy, and unpredictable. Let’s look at some of the Subaru Impreza’s key specs that make it equipped to handle off-roading in some situations without sustaining any damage.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance is a must if you plan to drive on unpaved roads. The Subaru Impreza’s minimum ground clearance is 5.1 inches (for both the hatchback and sedan version). This is low but should be adequate for driving on gravel paths and mellow trails.
The ideal ground clearance for difficult trails is between 8.8 and 10.8 inches. Here’s the thing: the higher a vehicle's clearance, the less likely that the undercarriage of a car will be damaged during an off-roading expedition. Remember, your undercarriage is expensive to repair.
If you want a vehicle with much higher ground clearance, try the 2021
Jeep Wrangler
, which has a 9.7-inch minimum clearance. The Impreza doesn’t match up and will never be able to drive comfortably through the same environments as the Wrangler. Torque
When it comes to off-roading, power trumps speed. A car needs a good amount of low-end torque to traverse rugged terrain.
Low-end torqueensures that your vehicle can slowly but powerfully maneuver steep inclines without getting stuck.
The Subaru Impreza has a 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with a torque of 145 @ 4,000. The combination of the Impreza’s engine and torque should provide enough oomph to power over many obstacles.
Tires
Before heading out for an off-roading excursion, you should confirm that you have appropriate tires.The Subaru Impreza comes standard with P205/55VR16 tires.
If you’re an avid adventure driver, you should consider upgrading your tires to ensure your safety and improve your traction.
Not everyone can afford two cars—one for everyday driving and one to hit the trails.
All-terrain tires
are recommended for drivers who use the same vehicle for weekend adventures and work commutes. All-terrain tires have a shorter shelf life than standard all-season tires, though. They’ll cost you more because you’ll have to replace them more often. The good news is that they have an aggressive tread pattern and get much better traction.
Drivetrain
Every off-roading vehicle should have all-wheel drive, which the Impreza does. This creates exceptional riding and handling.
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Before your first adventure, you need to understand what approach angle and departure angle are.
- The approach angle determines the maximum angle at which the vehicle can go up terrain without interference
- The departure angle determines the maximum angle at which the vehicle can go down terrain without interference
The Subaru Impreza’s approach and departure angles are difficult to pin down. Confirm these numbers by speaking with a mechanic, checking your owner’s manual, or contacting the manufacturer.
Off-road rating: Rough and Ready
Jerry uses the DIRT rating system to evaluate the level of off-roading your vehicle can handle. See below for category details.
Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
The Impreza is a bit tough to gauge. While it’s equipped to handle many of the rigors of off-road driving, it’s held back by its ground clearance. Jerry gives it an R rating—Rough and Ready.
The best off-road alternatives to the Subaru Impreza
While many adventure drivers would be happy with the Impreza, there are other options. These include a more affordable option, a more environmentally friendly one, and an alternative in case the Impreza just doesn't do it for you.
Check out these alternatives to the Subaru Impreza:
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | $15,645 | This vehicle can withstand a range of off-road driving and costs a bit less than the Impreza. |
Best eco-friendly alternative | 2020 Mazda CX-3 | $20, 640 | The CX-3 offers 15% better torque and 15% lower fuel emissions. Its power train was built to deliver an eco-friendly ride. |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | 2022 Honda HR-V | $21,870 | With 7.8 inches of ground clearance, you could take this ride on more off-road excursions than the Impreza. |
MORE:Cheap off-road trucks
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Off-roading might be a lot of fun, but insurance companies don’t see it that way. If you plan to take a vehicle off road, your insurance will cost more.
Enjoying the roads less traveled shouldn’t mean having to overpay for coverage.
Jerry
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