Subaru Impreza 2014 Comprehensive Review, Specs, and Common Issues

The 2014 Subaru Impreza is a practical, compact car available in sedan and hatchback body styles, featuring standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter horizontally opposed engine. It balances everyday utility with all-weather capability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking dependable traction in adverse conditions.

Understanding the 2014 Subaru Impreza Positioning

The 2014 model year represents the second year of the fourth generation of the Subaru Impreza lineup. Built on a lightweight platform, this iteration aimed to address historical fuel economy criticisms of earlier generations while maintaining the brand's core identity. Buyers looking at this model year typically prioritize safety, utility, and fuel efficiency without wanting to sacrifice the security of all-wheel drive.

Subaru offered the vehicle in two distinct body styles: a traditional 4-door sedan and a versatile 5-door hatchback. Trim levels ranged from the base 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and 2.0i Sport to the more generously equipped 2.0i Limited, which was exclusive to the hatchback variant for this model year. Each trim level built upon the previous one with incremental additions to comfort, interior materials, and exterior styling elements.

Powertrain Specifications and Mechanical Performance

At the heart of the 2014 Subaru Impreza is the FB20 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder Boxer engine. This powerplant delivers 148 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The flat layout of the engine contributes to a lower center of gravity, which aids in vehicle stability during cornering and evasive maneuvers.

Transmission options included a traditional 5-speed manual gearbox for base and Premium trims, or a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT was engineered to optimize fuel efficiency, helping the Impreza achieve EPA fuel economy estimates of up to 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, figures that made it one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in its class.

Interior Comfort, Cargo Space, and Technology

The cabin of the 2014 Impreza prioritizes functional ergonomics over luxury. Soft-touch materials are utilized on the armrests and upper dashboard, though hard plastics remain prominent on the lower center console and door panels. Legroom and headroom are competitive for the compact segment, comfortably accommodating adults in both the front and rear seats.

Cargo capacity varies significantly depending on the chosen body style. The sedan provides 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space, which is adequate for daily groceries and luggage. The 5-door hatchback expands storage versatility dramatically, offering 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 52.4 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats folded flat.

Technology Integration Note The 2014 model year predates modern smartphone integration standards like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models feature a basic radio with auxiliary inputs, while higher trims include a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, audio streaming, and a rearview camera.

Safety Ratings and Crash Test Performance

Safety has long been a focal point for Subaru vehicles, and the 2014 Impreza earned strong marks across major safety evaluation bodies. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated the 2014 Impreza as a Top Safety Pick, earning the highest rating of "Good" in moderate overlap front, side-impact, roof strength, and rear crash protection tests.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction control in rain and snow
• Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability control system
• Front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag
• Whiplash-reducing front seat structures

Common Issues, Reliability, and Maintenance

While the 2014 Subaru Impreza is generally considered a reliable daily driver, owners and technicians have identified a few recurring mechanical concerns that prospective buyers should inspect before purchase.

• Oil Consumption: The FB20 engine in early production years is known to consume oil at a higher rate than average. Regular checks between oil change intervals are critical to prevent engine damage.
• CVT Reliability: While the Lineartronic CVT provides smooth acceleration and high fuel economy, some units have exhibited premature wear, shuddering, or electronic control valve body failures.
• Suspension and Steering: Front control arm bushings and wheel bearings can wear out prematurely, manifesting as clunking noises over bumps or humming sounds at highway speeds.
• Interior Rattles: Due to the extensive use of lightweight plastics in the cabin, minor dashboard and door panel rattles are common as the vehicle ages.

Pros and Cons of Ownership

Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the 2014 Subaru Impreza helps determine if it fits your driving requirements and maintenance expectations.

• Pros:
  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides exceptional wet and winter weather capability.
  • Class-leading fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive compact car.
  • Excellent IIHS crash test safety ratings.
  • Highly versatile cargo space in the 5-door hatchback configuration.
• Cons:
  • Engine lacks high-end acceleration, feeling sluggish during highway passing maneuvers.
  • Cabin noise levels at highway speeds are higher than class competitors.
  • Infotainment technology feels dated compared to modern connected systems.
  • Potential for excessive oil consumption in unmaintained or high-mileage examples.

Step-by-Step Buying and Inspection Guide

When evaluating a used 2014 Subaru Impreza on the secondary market, a structured inspection approach ensures you avoid costly mechanical surprises.

1. Review Service History: Verify that the previous owner performed regular oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to mitigate the risk of oil consumption issues.
2. Test Drive the Transmission: Pay close attention to how the CVT behaves during acceleration from a stop. Listen for whining noises and check for any hesitation or shuddering.
3. Inspect Suspension and Steering: Drive over rough pavement or speed bumps to listen for clunks, pops, or excessive body roll, which indicate worn suspension components.
4. Check All-Wheel Drive Functionality: Ensure the vehicle turns smoothly in tight circles without binding or skipping, which can signal differential or center clutch pack issues.
5. Verify Recall Status: Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against official databases to ensure all factory safety and emission recalls have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2014 Subaru Impreza come with standard all-wheel drive?

Yes, every 2014 Subaru Impreza model comes equipped with Subaru's proprietary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard equipment. This distinguishes it from most front-wheel-drive competitors in the compact vehicle segment.

What is the fuel economy of a 2014 Subaru Impreza?

When equipped with the Lineartronic CVT, the 2014 Subaru Impreza achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Models with the 5-speed manual transmission yield slightly lower figures at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Is the 2014 Subaru Impreza reliable?

The 2014 Impreza offers average to above-average reliability, provided it has been properly maintained. Buyers should remain vigilant about checking engine oil levels regularly due to known oil consumption tendencies in this engine generation.

What is the difference between the sedan and hatchback models?

The primary difference lies in cargo versatility and exterior styling. The 5-door hatchback provides significantly more flexible cargo capacity, offering 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the sedan's 12.0 cubic foot trunk.

Does the 2014 Impreza have Bluetooth connectivity?

Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming are included on most trim levels above the base 2.0i, typically paired with a small touchscreen display and USB input ports.

Final Recommendation

The 2014 Subaru Impreza remains a sensible, highly functional choice for drivers who need dependable all-weather traction and excellent fuel economy without driving a bulky crossover SUV. Prioritize models with documented service history, inspect the CVT transmission carefully during a test drive, and maintain a consistent oil-check routine to ensure long-term mechanical reliability.