The 2021 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Is 1 of the Top Choices in the Segment

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With Ford stopping production on the Fusion, the sedan market has gotten even smaller. Subaru, however, is continuing to produce great sedans. In fact, the 2021 Subaru Impreza made MotorTrend’s list of the best hatchbacks for 2021. A great car for road-tripping, the compact Impreza also holds onto its value better than tons of other cars, something Subaru cars are known for. So is the Impreza the best compact hatchback for you? Read on to find out.

The best hatchbacks to buy

MotorTrend put out their list of the best hatchbacks for 2021 and the Impreza is No. 4 on the list of compact hatchbacks. Subcompact hatchbacks had their own mini-list within this list. Just behind the Impreza was the Mazda3, which while it had an upscale interior and a sporty look, it was not as fun to drive as past models, and the seating was cramped.

The Volkswagen Golf was No. 3 with a high-quality interior and roomy cabin; however, it is pricier than other hatchbacks. No. 2 was the Toyota Corolla which was fun to drive and very eye-catching, with a smooth-shifting manual, though the cargo capacity was a little limited.

Coming out on top is the Honda Civic with excellent fuel economy, lots of cargo space, and impressive driving dynamics across all available trims.

Why this year’s Subaru Impreza Hatchback is one of them

The Subaru Impreza Hatchback | Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

RELATED: The Base 2021 Subaru Impreza Offers Amazing Value

With standard AWD and an impressive amount of interior room, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is one of the best hatchbacks on the market. It is also one of the least expensive. An advanced safety system as well as excellent safety ratings overall makes it easy to see why it made MotorTrend’s list.

While the driving experience might not be the most exciting, and the 0-60 mph time is not the fastest at between 9.0 and 9.7 seconds, it is still a fun car to drive. It also does give you an incredibly comfortable drive and has an impressive amount of cargo space. 

Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza a good car?

All Subaru Impreza models come equipped with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that makes 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The base model comes with a five-speed manual transmission, however other trims have a continuously variable automatic (CVT) with the EyeSight advanced safety suite as well.

Fuel economy is decent with an estimated gas mileage of 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Interior space is a place where the Impreza beats many competitors with more headroom and legroom while still seating five. It also has 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down.

The standard infotainment system comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims have an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and navigation is available on the top trim.

The Impreza is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). One of the least expensive hatchbacks on the market, the 2021 Impreza starts at $20,200 and the top trim is $27,320. It holds its value very well and has a decent reliability rating.

If you are looking for a sedan in the shrinking market, the 2021 Subaru Impreza hatchback is a good place to start. It is great for anyone on a budget and actually delivers a better ride quality than many luxury cars. The Impreza could be a great choice for a first car – inexpensive, great safety ratings, and high resale value. And, it is not your typical racing or joyriding car but is still pretty fun to drive.

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The 2021 Subaru Impreza Comes Loaded With Safety Features

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We all love cars for different reasons. When it comes down to it, though, most drivers are looking for one thing: a vehicle that can safely transport them from point A to point B. Although each brand has its own method for creating safer roads and peace of mind, few seem to have mastered it as well as the Subaru Impreza. The 2021 model is equipped with the latest tech protections, leaving consumers — and safety commissions — impressed. 

The Subaru Impreza is a favorite among sedans

The Subaru Impreza first rolled out in 1993, available as both a four-door sedan and a station wagon. As Auto Express notes, it was quickly lauded for its exciting rally car feel, which came at a much lower cost than a traditional sports car. With its success on the racetrack offering free promotion, Subaru was able to make the Impreza name synonymous with speed and style.

As the brand grew and began second and third generations, body redesigns helped to make the sporty vehicle appeal to families. Expanded trunk space and available five-door models allowed young professionals to invest in a practical vehicle, without entirely relinquishing a youthful flair. 

Now in its fifth generation, the Impreza continues to shine with its roomy rows of seating and all-wheel-drive. Though it continues to pay tribute to its origins as a rally car, the Impreza has shifted in one key way: its safety features. 

How safe is the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

RELATED: The Least Reliable Subaru Models Don’t Have to be Deal Breakers

According to Auto Evolution, the first rendition of the Impreza was seriously lacking in safety. From 1993-1998, ABS only came standard with one of the two available trims. Although all cars received side airbags, the rest of the safety repertoire left much to be desired.

Needless to say, four generations later, Subaru has seriously stepped up its game. The 2021 model is so impressive, in fact, that it made U.S. News‘ list of the year’s safest small cars. Its score of 9.8/10 is backed by the standard installation of features like “forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera.” 

One of the website’s few complaints was the limited trunk space in the vehicle, but maybe owners could invest in a smaller first aid kit. After all, U.S. News wasn’t the only authority impressed with the car’s safety chops. 

The NHTSA and the IIHS have approved 

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Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have extensively tested the Subaru Impreza, and the 2021 version came away with top marks. The U.S. News report recapped all of its honors.

The NHTSA gave it an overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. When it came to the IIHS’s examination, the vehicle achieved a “good” rating in all categories but two: the headlights results were deemed “marginal” and the frontal crash prevention results were “superior.” 

Though it doesn’t have the most impressive acceleration or the flashiest looks, the Impreza is a great option for consumers in search of practicality and safety. Far from the only Subaru on the 2021 safety list, it seems like the brand could give other companies a crash course on crash prevention. 

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A Weak Powertrain Drags Down the 2022 Infiniti QX55

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Few carmakers do luxury as well as Infiniti. Automotive publications regularly rank it alongside the top luxury brands. But unfortunately, those considering the 2022 Infiniti QX55 will need to decide whether they’re willing to sacrifice performance for luxury.

The brand-new Infiniti QX55

Many prospective buyers of brands such as Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW prioritize style over functionality. And if you’re one, the new Infiniti QX55 has style in spades. This compact crossover is undoubtedly bold and distinct, with a coupe-like body, outsize grille, and sloping roofline. For a starting price of $47,525, it should be. And with LED headlights that resemble piano keys, a black rear spoiler, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and standard 20-inch wheels, it’ll definitely make an impression.

All-wheel drive comes standard on all QX55 trims, as does a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and continuously variable transmission. The QX55 can harness 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque and hit 60 mph in a quick 6.4 seconds.

The interior’s style is equally bold. Leatherette upholstery complements a dual-screen infotainment system in the Luxe — the QX55’s base trim.

Opt for the Essential trim and enjoy real leather styling, along with heated and cooled seats, a 16-speaker sound system, and a motion-activated tailgate, and other amenities. The top-level trim, the Sensory, comes with Infiniti’s full range of advanced safety features. Also, expect three-zone climate control, a head-up display, semi-aniline leather, and wood trim.

How well does the Infiniti QX55 drive?

RELATED: The 2022 Infiniti QX55 Injects the Brand With Interior Personality

Looking great is one thing. But you might be wondering just how well the Infiniti QX55 handles on the road. In fact, that’s the first thing many car buyers consider. And if driving performance is at least as important to you as style, the QX55 will likely disappoint, a recent MotorTrend reports.

MT’s road tester contends that pairing a nine-speed CVT with the QX55’s I-4 engine is a bad idea. When shifting gears, a significant and noticeable lag occurs before the engine responds. And when it does, you can feel the sudden surge of motion throughout the cabin. Indeed, the jolting start-stop motion from the misalignment of the engine and transmission makes for a disconcerting and unpleasant driving experience, the reviewer notes.

The QX55, like other new Infiniti vehicles, also uses drive-by-wire, which supplants the mechanical parts with electrical ones. This relatively new technology needs refinement and, in the QX55, results in fairly unresponsive and vague steering. All in all, it’s not an ideal driving experience for a vehicle whose top trim costs upward of $60,000. But if you’re looking to get from Point A to B in style, the QX55 can deliver.

What this luxury compact SUV does well

Despite its performance flaws, the Infiniti QX55 remains a well-designed vehicle. Its crisp interior is impressive, and nothing feels cheap or hastily assembled. The technology is solid, including Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration, along with wireless connectivity, which previous models didn’t provide.

This five-passenger crossover also comes with decent legroom and headroom, as well as a respectable space amount for luggage (26.9 cubic feet in the cargo hold).

Plus, Infiniti offers a solid warranty package covering the first four years or 60,000 miles, as well as a powertrain warranty good for six years or 70,000 miles.

However, despite Infiniti QX55’s impressive design, the poor powertrain detracts from the overall experience. And a good chunk of what luxury vehicle buyers pay for is experience. Still, the QX55 will get you where you need to go. And you’ll look fantastic doing it.

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Best Used 4x4s Under $5,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The used truck market is booming. Older models are popular because they’ve had all of their bugs worked out, problem areas have been identified, and many owner reviews are available. Saving money on a great used truck is a smart and practical choice. Truck shoppers have plenty of affordable options for a midsized 4×4. Here are some of the best Used 4x4s Under $5,000 that offer interior comforts, reliability, and even great gas mileage.

The 1999 Dodge Dakota is a classic that’s often overlooked

4×4 trucks give drivers more power for the toughest driving conditions. Consumer Reports does a great job of breaking down what makes a great 4×4. The 1999 Dodge Dakota 4×4 has a strong base of loyal fans. Many owners have dependable trucks that have never let them down. Forums abound with glowing reviews. The second-generation Dakota offered a 5.2-liter Magnum V8 and delivered 230 hp. The same engine served the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500. This powerful, mid-size pickup truck can tow 4,100 pounds. The stiff suspension doesn’t make this an ideal truck for off-roading, but it is a powerful and reliable option.

A used 4×4 under $5,000 that rides like a minivan

2006 Honda Ridgeline | Bryan Mitchell via Getty Images

Unlike most trucks on this list, the Honda Ridgeline offers impressive fuel economy. A combined EPA fuel economy rating of 19.5 mpg is an impressive start for a vehicle of this size. Some critics of the Ridgeline have called it a minivan with a truck bed because of its unibody frame. For some buyers, that might have some appeal. The Ridgeline is comfortable and offers a smooth ride. Families will appreciate its towing capacity for activities like boating and camping. In short, this is a great truck that caters to passenger comfort while still being a reliable and powerful truck.

The 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 is all work and no play

The 295 hp 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 isn’t full of bells and whistles, but it is a powerful workhorse. This pickup truck is loaded with features that make it a great family option. Rear child-safety locks, car seat anchors, and a rear seat that could potentially fit three compact car seats mean the whole family can ride along. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, the Chevy Silverado 1500 can stand up to tough jobs. This is one of the best used 4x4s Under $5,000 for practical applications.

Pick the 2000 Toyota Tundra if comfort is a priority

A closeup of a chrome Toyota logo badge
Toyota logo | Harold Cunningham via Getty Images

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The 2000 Toyota Tundra has one of the most comfortable interiors among its class. Its interior features include large, over-stuffed, adjustable leather seats with 57″ of rear hip room. The back seats feel just as luxurious. The Tundra’s 5.7-liter V8 engine serves up 381 hp and 401 pounds of torque. With a towing capacity of 7,100 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,532 pounds, the Tundra can serve various purposes while keeping its passengers comfortable.

The best used 4x4s under $5,000 that rides like an SUV

A red Ford Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck parked on wet sand
Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Ford Motor Company via Getty Images

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The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac has a towing capacity of 6,800 pounds powered by a 4.0L V8. This 292 hp truck is a solid workhorse with a comfortable cab. This often forgot about truck sits on a Ford Explorer chassis. This is one of the most reliable 4x4s on the used market. Unlike many trucks in its class, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac features a full-size second row. Its spacious interior makes this one of the best used 4x4s under $5,000. It’s perfect for families or anyone traveling with multiple passengers. Older models are the best of the best with no reliability issues.

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