The all-wheel-drive 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i features changes to its grill and taillights and a tweaked 2.5-liter flat-four engine that still delivers 170 hp, but hits 170 ft-lbs of torque at a much lower RPM than last year's. It is matched to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. A longer 103-inch wheelbase and a lower-slotted engine expands rear legroom to 33 inches and also helps improve handling. With the 60/40 split-folding seats down, the trunk holds 44 cubic feet. With the seats up, the trunk holds 11 cubic feet in the sedan and 19 in the hatchback. The front passenger seat also folds flat. A roof rack, tie-downs, and grocery hooks are standard on the hatchback version.

The 2008 Impreza 2.5i is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatch. It rides on a fully independent and rear double wishbone suspension. Top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS are due to 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, 16-inch wheels with all-season tires, dual front and side curtain airbags for both rows, automatic headlights with halogen lamps, a tire monitor, and daytime running lights. The AWD system comes with a limited-slip center differential. A rear spoiler and intermittent front and rear wipers are standard on the hatch (only front intermittent on the sedan).

Interior equipment includes full power features, remote entry, cruise control, tilt steering, a CD player with MP3 compatibility, a trip computer, and a tachometer. Options add on satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, crossbars for the roof rack, a cargo net, and a cargo cover. A Sport package gussies up the body molding and front grille.