The Best Affordable New Car is a Subaru
Consumer Reports tested and gathered reliability data on 12 compact sedans that sell for under $25,000. Subaru topped the list with its 2022 Impreza model.
Written by Kerry Gibson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The results are in, and Japanese automaker
Subaru
has the best new car under $25,000. Consumer Reports included safety ratings, fuel efficiency, reliability, performance, and affordability to determine the winner. The 2022 Impreza took first place with a score of 81.A close second was the Nissan Sentra, with the
Hyundai
Elantra coming in third. Subaru’s compact car has been in production since 1992. The title of Best New Affordable Car is promising considering the vehicle’s recent history of below average owner satisfaction.Features of the 2022 Subaru Impreza
Available as a hatchback or sedan, the 2022 Subaru Impreza offers passengers a comfortable ride. The cabin is both roomy and quiet, with user-friendly placement of the controls and seating for five.
It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru pairs its Boxer engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission. The latter offers active safety features including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Blind spot warning is optional on upper trim levels.
The 2022 Subaru Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Consumer Reports
notes that this makes its overall fuel economy of 30 mpg all the more impressive. Pricing for this vehicle ranges from $18,795 to $26,395, placing it amongst the most affordable cars.Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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Contributing factors to Subaru’s high score
The 2022 Subaru Impreza is a “green choice,” which means the EPA has certified this car as among the 20% lowest-emitting passenger vehicles for its model year. This is based on government gas and smog ratings.
Vehicle performance was notable, as per
Consumer Reports
’ road test. Subaru got top scores for its transmission and braking. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds. The steering is responsive and the effectiveness of the suspension puts some luxury cars to shame.In addition to the aforementioned safety features, known as Subaru’s EyeSight suite, this car also boasts one of the roomiest back seats in its class. The infotainment system and overall interior are both utilitarian and stylish.
MORE: What Are the Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Cars?
Room for improvement
The Subaru Impreza’s predicted reliability scores have been steadily climbing over the past few years, which bodes well for the 2022 model. Despite this improvement, owner satisfaction has been historically mediocre. Just over half of owners reported they would buy this vehicle again.
Another pain point relates to the lack of lumbar support in the driver’s seat, which affects the car’s otherwise high comfortability. While the 2022 Subaru Impreza has reduced road and wind noise compared to previous generations, some engine thrum is noticeable.
Regardless of these minor setbacks, Subaru has managed to build a quality compact car at an affordable price. And
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