The 2016 Subaru Impreza stands as a significant model year for the Japanese brand, marking a return to the compact sedan and hatchback segments with a modern platform and enhanced capabilities. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, this specific year represents a convergence of practical design, standard all-wheel drive, and engineering focused on maximizing every drop of fuel. Understanding the 2016 Subaru Impreza MPG requires looking at the different trims and body styles available, as the sedan and the hatchback, the latter badged as the GT, offer distinct aerodynamic profiles and features that influence real-world fuel economy.
Design and Engineering for Efficiency
Subaru’s approach to the 2016 Impreza was rooted in the proven horizontally-opposed "boxer" engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, but the model year introduced a redesigned chassis with a lower center of gravity. This platform not only improved handling but also allowed for a more streamlined body with reduced drag, a critical factor for MPG. The integration of high-strength steel allowed for a rigid yet lightweight structure, which directly contributes to better fuel efficiency by reducing the energy required to move the vehicle. Furthermore, the adoption of LED headlights and more efficient electrical components helped to minimize parasitic load on the alternator, indirectly supporting the mileage figures achieved during daily commutes and long-distance journeys.
Engine Specifications and Performance
Powering the 2016 Impreza is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, a unit known for its reliability and smooth operation. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it is specifically tuned for efficiency and balance. Producing 152 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, this engine is mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT plays a crucial role in optimizing the MPG, as it allows the engine to operate within its most efficient RPM range regardless of vehicle speed. This technological choice ensures that drivers can maintain a steady pace on the highway without the engine straining, which is a key factor in achieving the best possible fuel economy numbers.
MPG Ratings and Real-World Data
Official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings provide a benchmark for the 2016 Impreza’s fuel efficiency, though real-world results often vary based on driving habits and conditions. The 2016 Subaru Impreza wagon with a manual transmission is rated at 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) variant improves the city rating to 27 MPG while maintaining the 33 MPG highway figure. For the Subaru Impreza GT hatchback, the manual returns 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway, with the CVT increasing the city rating to 26 MPG and holding steady at 32 MPG on the highway. These figures position the Impreza as a competitive option in the compact car segment, particularly for drivers who value all-weather capability without sacrificing fuel economy.
