Overview of the Subaru Impreza

Available as a smooth-looking sedan or a versatile hatchback, Subaru's Impreza is a practical, economical family car that offers the added bonus of all-wheel drive. This is handy in snow and ice, of course, but it's also nice to have when it's just rainy and crummy out. And it's not bad on dry, curvy roads, either. Honestly, all-wheel drive is just good, period, and we wonder why more cars don’t have it.

But the fact they don't just makes Subarus more interesting, and that's good, too. The Impreza isn't flashy or loud, it's just a thoroughly competent car that goes about its business until the weather gets weird, at which point it just shrugs and continues to go about its business. Lots of people (around these parts, especially) freak out at the first sight of a snowflake. Subaru owners just get on with it because they know that their car's going to do the same thing.

The stock radio isn't terrible, but an aftermarket model will give you a lot more performance (Crutchfield Research Photo)

The factory stereo system

Subaru stereo systems aren't known for their wonderfulness, but the Impreza's stock gear is reasonably okay as these things go. Even the base radio has built-in Bluetooth, and the sound is delivered by four or six speakers. It's not awesome, but it is adequate. You can definitely do better, though.

A variety of single-DIN (2" tall) and double-DIN (4" tall) receivers will fit with the help of the dash kit that's included at a discount (along with a wiring harness) with your Crutchfield stereo purchase.

When you replace the stock receiver, you'll lose some factory functionality, like your satellite radio. If you can't imagine driving without your favorite programming, all you need is the right receiver, a subscription, and a SiriusXM tuner.

The radio is pretty easy to remove, but pay attention to the climate control connections (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

The Impreza's dash is, for the most part, a pleasantly uncomplicated and functional environment. We like that for lots of reasons, but especially when it comes to receiver replacement. This is not the easiest thing you'll ever do, but it is totally do-able for the average DIY-er.

You'll start by setting the parking brake and disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts. Better safe than sorry, as they say. And by "they," we mean "we."

The next thing to do is turn the climate control to "heat." This sounds weird, but stick with us. With this car, instead of removing the heater control cables at the radio location, you have to go under the dash to disconnect the climate control cables from each side of the heater box.

Under the driver’s side of the dash, feel around for the tab on the back of the post. Once you find it, press in a little on the tab to release the cable ring and slide the ring off the post. The cable can then come off of its retention clip. You'll do the same stuff on the passenger’s side, too, but the control cable on this side is black. This is a somewhat fiddly process, but it's as do-able as it is important.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

Once you've dealt with that stuff, it's time to remove the receiver. Starting at the lower side edges, use a panel tool to pry out the receiver/climate control trim panel and release fifteen retaining clips. Do this carefully, because you don't want to damage the trim panel.

Once the panel is free, disconnect all of the wiring harnesses. Pay close attention to the climate control cable routing, because you'll want to get that right when you reinstall everything. Take some notes, and/or get a couple of pictures with your phone or a digital camera. It'll help, trust us.

Remove the trim panel, then remove the four Phillips screws securing the factory radio. Pull out the old radio, disconnect the wiring harness, and remove it from the vehicle.

To install the new one, follow the instructions included with your dash kit and wiring harness adapter. When that's all straight, slide the receiver into place, secure everything, then get to work on the climate control connections. Be sure to test the radio and the climate controls before buttoning everything up completely.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, small flat blade screwdriver

The new-for-2015 nav receiver offers some different replacement issues (Crutchfield Research Photo)

2015-up navigation radio

A newer, bigger, better 6.2" nav screen appeared late in the Impreza's run, and removing this receiver is a bit different. You'll lose some factory features,but all of them can be replaced with the right aftermarket receiver.

All of the step-by-step disassembly instructions you need can be found in your Crutchfield MasterSheet™. We'd also add that when you remove the stock receiver, you'll want to take notes and pictures to make sure you get the climate control cable routing right when you're reinstalling everything.

You'll need to use the factory radio's mounting brackets to install your new receiver. If you don't have those brackets for some reason, you can obtain them from your dealership or online.

Note: If your Impreza is equipped with the Starlink Safety and Security System, you’ll need to relocate the Starlink module in the dash and make sure the module remains connected. Doing this will ensure that the front speakers will still work. Questions? Just ask our experts.

Tools needed: Panel tool, 10mm socket, ratchet and extension, Phillips screwdriver

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Subaru Impreza

Steering wheel audio controls

In most cases, it's reasonably easy to retain your Impreza's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible aftermarket receiver.

That little tiny magnet is a big reason the stock speakers don't exacly blow people away (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory speakers

Replacing the Impreza's speakers has a couple of challenging elements, but overall, this is a great project for the car audio DIY-er. You'll have to drill some new mounting holes for the aftermarket speakers, but that's not too hard if you work carefully.

You'll need to use our universal backstraps to secure your replacement tweeters (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Dash tweeters

The corner dash tweeters are wired in parallel with the front door woofers, so a set of aftermarket component speakers is an ideal choice for six-speaker cars.

You'll start the replacement process by prying up the speaker grille to release four retaining clips, then removing the grille. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the tweeter, then pull it out, disconnect the harness, and remove the stock tweeter. Using a panel tool and a piece of paper will help protect the dash from damage.

There's are no mounting brackets available for the new tweeters, so you'll need our universal backstraps (or hot glue or silicone) to secure the new ones.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver

The Impreza's door speakers aren't hard to replace, but you will need to drill new mounting holes (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Front door speakers

The front doors can happily house your choice of 6-1/2" or 6-3/4" aftermarket speakers. The job isn't that hard overall, but you'll need to drill new screw holes to mount the new ones. Drilling a hole is not the most challenging DIY task, obviously, but you are drilling into your car, so work carefully, know what's around and behind the spot your drilling into, and always wear eye protection. You'll find all the step-by-step details in your Crutchfield MasterSheet, of course.

Make sure the speakers are working properly before you put the doors back together. And also check the door lock and window operation, just to be sure there aren't any stray wires gumming up the works.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, drill with 1/8" bit

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the factory speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Rear door speakers

Replacing the rear doors involves pretty much the same list of activities you enjoyed while working on the Impreza's front speakers. Back here, you can install 5-1/4" or 6-1/2" full-range speakers. For the smaller ones, we recommend adding a set of foam speaker baffles. These inexpensive baffles fill up the space, help fill out the sound, and they'll also protect the speakers from dust and damage.

You might be drilling into these doors, too, so work carefully and don't forget the eye protection.

Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, drill with 1/8" bit

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Subaru Impreza

You'll have the same amount of space for bass in the hatchback (shown) or the sedan (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Bass in your Impreza

If you like bass, the Impreza hatchback and sedan both offer a decent amount of space for a sub enclosure if you want to use it. How much bass you add depends on how you use your vehicle, though.

The cargo area (in both models) offers a 42" W x 15" H x 29"/23" D space to work with, so there's room for a decent-sized sub box. If you still use that cargo area for groceries, gear, and dogs, though, you might want to choose a smaller enclosure or even a compact powered subwoofer.

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Dynamat Door Kits put up a sonic barrier that keeps noise out and your system's sound in

Other options for your Impreza

Here are some other ideas for your Impreza. If you want to see more, check out our Automotive Accessories section.

Dynamat

The Impreza is a lot of things, but whisper-quiet, it ain't. While Lexus-like silence is probably unattainable, there are some things you can do to hear more music and less wind roar. Lining the doors with sound-deadening Dynamat when you install your new speakers can really help seal in the sounds you want to hear.

Add an amp (or two)

A new 4-channel amplifier will help you get the most out of your new speakers. You'll get cleaner power (and a lot more of it), which will result in much, much better sound. A mono amp can provide the juice you need for your new subwoofer, too. Learn more about adding amps to your system in our Car Amplifier Buying Guide.

Floor mats and cargo liners

Quality mats and liners from WeatherTech will help protect your Impreza from dirt, damage, dog hair, and discarded juice boxes.

Security

Installing a security system in your Impreza isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's less complicated than it could be. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.

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