In addition to standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza comes with six airbags, anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control, and a traction control system.

While the 2011 Impreza has yet to be crash tested, the very-similar 2010 Impreza  did very well in government crash tests. It earned a top score of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a front-end collision, as well as for front passenger protection in a side-impact collision. In addition, it earned four stars for rear passenger protection in a side-impact collision. The Impreza earned a four-star rating in rollover testing, which means it only has a 10 percent chance of rollover in a single vehicle crash.

The insurance industry named the 2011 Impreza a "Top Safety Pick" for receiving a top score of "Good" in all tests for passenger protection in front-end, side impact and rear crash protection collisions, as well as in roof strength tests and standard electronic stability control.