2012 Subaru Impreza — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Subaru Impreza is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) / 30 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–36 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Impreza workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Subaru Impreza: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 36 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2012: 2L 4-cyl. No longer listed: 2.5L 4-cyl. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 94 to 96 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 36 combined / 32 urban / 42 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 30 combined / 27 city / 35 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 184 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Subaru Impreza across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 30 mpg (US), or 23 to 36 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/35) | 184 | $2,250 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/33) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/25) | 263 | $3,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 291 | $4,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Running Costs: 2012 Subaru Impreza
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Subaru Impreza at 36 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,010 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Subaru Impreza (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Exterior lighting (1), Engine and engine cooling (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 19V149000, reported 28 February 2019. Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 18V772000, reported 1 November 2018. Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 16V738000, reported 13 October 2016. Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
- Air bags — campaign 15V419000, reported 1 July 2015. Risk: If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Subaru Impreza. The most-reported areas are Air bags (105), Engine (55), Electrical system (30). Complaints include 10 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 6 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 66 complaints across the 16 Subaru Impreza model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 105 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (55 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 30 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (26 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Subaru Impreza's 36 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 184 g/km CO₂ figure is 22 g/km lower than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 16 Subaru Impreza model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (36 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every Subaru Impreza year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Subaru Impreza: 2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
The most efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, or 30 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 36 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Subaru Impreza cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Subaru Impreza (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Exterior lighting (1), Engine and engine cooling (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
Among the 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (105 complaints), Engine (55 complaints), Electrical system (30 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.