Subaru Impreza

Importing a used Subaru Impreza from the USA

The Subaru Impreza is the brand's compact all-wheel-drive workhorse — a practical, sure-footed car that has been a staple of the American range for decades. Unlike most rivals in the segment, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and a boxer engine give the Impreza a distinctive character that translates well to European roads and winters. USCar Trader imports used examples as an independent broker, handling sourcing, freight, customs and approval without taking a margin on the car.

Production years and key changes

The Impreza on today's US used market spans two recent generations. The fourth generation (2012–2016) introduced the FB-series boxer engines and a big efficiency gain over the earlier models. The fifth generation (2017–2023) was the first Subaru built on the Subaru Global Platform, sharpening the handling, stiffening the body and improving refinement and safety significantly. A sixth-generation Impreza arrived more recently as a hatchback-only model. Across all of these, the defining traits stay constant: standard all-wheel drive, a horizontally opposed engine and a strong safety focus. Sedan and five-door hatchback body styles were both offered on the fourth and fifth generations.

What is under the hood

US Impreza engines are naturally aspirated boxer fours. The fourth and fifth generations used the 2.0-litre FB20 (around 148–152 hp), while the newer cars offer a 2.5-litre FB25 (around 152 hp) with more mid-range torque. All are paired with either a Lineartronic CVT or, on many fourth- and fifth-generation cars, a five-speed manual — a genuine rarity in the modern US market and appealing to enthusiasts. The headline feature is symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive as standard on every Impreza, which sets it apart from front-wheel-drive competitors and makes it a practical year-round import. (Note: the high-performance turbocharged WRX and WRX STI are separate models, not Impreza trims, in the modern US line-up.)

Trims and body styles

US Impreza trims typically run Base, Premium, Sport and Limited. Higher grades add alloy wheels, a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, and Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance suite with adaptive cruise and lane keeping. The fourth and fifth generations came as both a four-door sedan and a versatile five-door hatchback; the hatchback is the more practical choice for European buyers.

What the US market offers

Imprezas sell steadily across the northern US states, where all-wheel drive is prized, so supply is good and geographically spread. Typical import candidates are three to eight years old with moderate mileage. Because many live in snowbelt states, careful corrosion inspection matters more than average — prioritise cleaner cars or those from milder regions. Well-kept, single-owner examples with EyeSight are readily found.

Who this import is for

A used Impreza suits a buyer who wants a dependable, all-weather compact with standard AWD, useful practicality and a strong safety record — without the running costs of a larger SUV. The hatchback in particular is a sensible daily driver or family second car. Buyers wanting turbocharged performance should look at the WRX instead; those who want a raised ride height should consider the closely related Crosstrek.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

The modern Impreza is a broadly reliable car, but the boxer platform has known characteristics worth checking. The FB engines can consume some oil, so verify oil level and condition and look for a documented top-up habit rather than neglect. Head-gasket concerns that troubled older EJ-series boxers are not a feature of these FB engines, but the CVT deserves attention: confirm smooth, shudder-free operation and correct-specification fluid, as CVT health is central to long-term cost. On any used Subaru Impreza, inspect wheel-arch and subframe areas for corrosion on snowbelt cars, check the EyeSight cameras for correct calibration, and confirm the AWD system engages without noise or driveline bind on tight turns. Regular servicing history is the best single indicator of a sound car.

US vs. Europe differences

US Imprezas share their mechanical core with global versions but differ in equipment and legal detail. Lighting is US-specification and normally lacks a rear fog lamp; side-marker lamps and headlight aim follow US rules. Instruments read in mph, and radio/telematics are US-tuned. EyeSight and other assistance systems are configured for US conditions. These points define the conformity work required for German approval rather than any obstacle to import.

How the import works

First, select the vehicle from US inventory. Next, a VIN and origin check confirms the build plant and history. Payment is secured through escrow. The Impreza is booked for ocean freight to a European port and cleared through customs on arrival. It is then presented for TÜV inspection and individual approval (Einzelabnahme) for the required modifications, and finally registered for German road use.

Import duty, VAT and fees

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two separate charges apply. Import duty depends on the car's actual build plant: the 0% EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only where genuine US origin is proven by VIN and the vehicle ships in direct transport (in force since 1 July 2026, until 31 December 2029). Subaru builds some models in the USA and some in Japan, so we establish the specific plant from the VIN before stating the rate — where US build cannot be proven, the standard rate applies. Separately and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is due on every import. We never promise duty-free import and never add a hidden margin.

From modifications to registration

Typical conformity work includes fitting or activating a rear fog lamp, adapting the lighting to European standards, converting the speedometer/odometer to km/h, and compiling the technical documentation for individual approval. Once TÜV and Einzelabnahme are complete, the Impreza receives its German registration.

Pre-buy inspection points

What buyers ask most

Does every Subaru Impreza have all-wheel drive?

Yes. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on every US-market Impreza, which is a key reason to import one.

Manual or CVT — which should I look for?

The five-speed manual is rare and appeals to enthusiasts; the Lineartronic CVT is more common and easier for everyday use. Check CVT condition carefully.

Is the Impreza the same as the WRX?

No. The turbocharged WRX and WRX STI are separate performance models. The Impreza uses naturally aspirated boxer engines.

Will I get 0% import duty?

Only if genuine US origin is proven by VIN and the car ships in direct transport. Otherwise the standard rate applies. The 19% import VAT always applies.

How reliable is a used Impreza?

Broadly reliable. Watch oil consumption on the boxer engine and CVT health, and inspect for rust on northern-state cars.

Which body style is best for Europe?

The five-door hatchback offers the most practicality and is the easiest to live with day to day.

How long does the import take?

Typically several weeks, driven mainly by shipping schedules and the customs and approval steps.

Is USCar Trader a dealer?

No. We are an independent broker and intermediary for used US vehicles, with no margin on the car and no manufacturer partnership.

Begin with Subaru in the Carhub, compare related models such as the Subaru Crosstrek, the Subaru WRX and the Subaru Forester, or view current Impreza listings.