The Subaru Impreza looks like a straightforward vehicle for phone mounting until you start testing options. The cup holders sit too far back for most drivers to reach comfortably, the vertical vent slats give generic clips trouble, and the 6th gen (2024+) introduced a large portrait touchscreen that changes how the center stack is laid out. Once you know the quirks, though, there are solid options at every location.
This guide covers the 6th generation Impreza (2024+) and 5th generation (2017–2023), with notes on where each generation differs.
| Mount | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| szyuchen Subaru Vent Mount | Custom fit for Subaru vents | Vent |
| iOttie Easy One Touch 5 | Best windshield / dash mount | Windshield / Dash |
| Andobil Air Vent Mount | Universal vent option | Vent |
| Andobil MagSafe Vent Mount | iPhone MagSafe users | Vent |
| Apps2Car CD Slot Mount | 5th gen with CD player | CD Slot |
Which Generation Is Your Impreza?
The two most important generations for current Impreza owners are the 5th gen (2017–2023) and 6th gen (2024+). The 5th gen has a conventional center stack with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch infotainment screen depending on trim, Subaru’s standard vertical vent slats, and a CD player on some models. The 6th gen is hatchback-only and introduced the 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen on Sport and RS trims — the same large-screen format used in the Outback and Forester. The base 6th gen trim uses a dual stacked 7-inch display instead. Both generations share the same narrow vertical vent design that makes a Subaru-specific mount worth considering.
6th Gen Impreza (2024+)
1. iOttie Easy One Touch 5 — Best Overall (2024+ Sport/RS)
On 6th gen Sport and RS trims, the 11.6-inch portrait screen claims most of the center stack real estate. That leaves the windshield as the cleanest primary location. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the pick here — telescoping arm to bridge the gap to the glass, one-touch cradle release, and a suction cup that locks firmly to the Impreza’s windshield. The cradle holds phones up to 3.5 inches wide and swivels 225 degrees for portrait or landscape. Place it in the lower center of the windshield, slightly toward the passenger side, to keep it clear of the EyeSight camera housing.
2. szyuchen Subaru Vent Mount — Best Custom Vent Fit (2017–2024)
Subaru’s narrow vertical vents are the main reason generic vent clips fail on the Impreza — the spring mechanism that works on horizontal slats doesn’t grip vertical ones reliably. The szyuchen Subaru Vent Mount uses a V-shaped clip engineered specifically for Subaru’s vent configuration, which grips the slats solidly rather than relying on lateral pressure. It covers the Impreza from 2017 through 2024, along with the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, Legacy, and BRZ. The cradle fits phones from 4 to 7.1 inches with or without a case, has a one-touch release, and rotates 360 degrees.
On 6th gen Sport/RS models, use a side outer vent rather than a center vent to stay clear of the large screen.
5th Gen Impreza (2017–2023)
3. Andobil Air Vent Mount — Best Universal Vent Option (All Years)
The 5th gen Impreza’s smaller screen leaves more room around the center stack, making vent placement less restrictive than on newer trims. The Andobil Air Vent Mount is a strong universal vent option here — its locking clip handles Subaru’s vertical slats better than most in its price range, the cradle opens to 3.75 inches, and the ball-and-socket joint gives full 360-degree positioning. It’s a good choice for drivers who prefer the phone closer to them than a windshield mount allows.
iPhone owners with MagSafe should use the Andobil MagSafe Air Vent Mount — same clip, magnetic attachment plate instead of a cradle. See our full Andobil review for a detailed breakdown of both versions.
4. iOttie Easy One Touch 5 — Best Windshield Mount (2017–2023)
The windshield works well on 5th gen models too. The dash is relatively deep on the Impreza, and the iOttie’s telescoping arm handles that distance without the phone ending up too far away. Use it on the windshield glass rather than the dash surface — the Impreza’s textured dash doesn’t give suction cups a reliable grip. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the pick for the same reasons as the 6th gen: one-touch release, solid suction, 225-degree rotation.
5. Apps2Car CD Slot Mount — Best CD Slot Option (5th Gen Only)
If your 5th gen Impreza (2017–2023) has a CD player, the Apps2Car CD Slot Mount is worth considering. It puts the phone at a natural viewing height right in the center of the dash, avoids both the windshield and the vents entirely, and locks in securely via a screw-tightened base that won’t rattle loose. The cradle opens to nearly 4 inches, handles phones with cases, and the ball-head joint gives 360-degree adjustment.
The one caveat: the mount will partially block the infotainment screen on trim levels where the screen sits directly above the CD slot. Only use this location if you don’t need to interact with the display while driving. If you do, the windshield or vent is the cleaner choice.
What to Avoid
Cup holders: The Impreza’s cup holders sit too far back in the center console to be usable as a mount location for most drivers. Unless you have the seat pulled well back from the wheel, you won’t be able to reach the phone while driving. Skip this location entirely.
Dash surface adhesive mounts: The Impreza’s dashboard has a textured surface that doesn’t hold suction cups or adhesive pads reliably. Always mount to the windshield glass instead.
Generic vent clips: Standard spring-loaded vent clips are designed for horizontal slats and won’t grip the Impreza’s vertical vents securely. They tend to slip or wobble, especially on bumpy roads. Use the szyuchen or Andobil instead — both are built for vertical vent configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do vent mounts keep slipping on my Subaru Impreza?
Almost certainly the vertical vents. The Impreza uses narrow vertical vent slats that standard spring clips weren’t designed for. The szyuchen mount solves this with a V-shaped clip purpose-built for Subaru’s vent design. The Andobil is also built to handle vertical vents and holds significantly better than a basic universal clip.
Does the 2024+ Impreza have the same big screen as the Outback?
On Sport and RS trims, yes — the 6th gen Impreza uses the same 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen format as the Outback and Forester. The base trim uses a dual stacked 7-inch display, which is more compact and leaves the center stack less crowded. If you have the large screen, the windshield is the cleaner mount location.
Can I use a CD slot mount in the Subaru Impreza?
On 5th gen models (2017–2023) that include a CD player, yes. It works well as long as you don’t need to interact with the infotainment screen while driving — the mount will partially block it on most trim layouts. The 6th gen Impreza (2024+) doesn’t have a CD player, so this option doesn’t apply.
Is the cup holder a good mounting spot in the Impreza?
No — not for most drivers. The cup holders are set too far back in the console to be within easy reach while driving, especially with the seat adjusted forward. The windshield or vent gives you a much better viewing angle and reach.
Will a mount from a 5th gen Impreza work on a 6th gen?
Universal mounts like the iOttie and Andobil work across all years. Vehicle-specific or custom-fit mounts are generation-dependent — the 2024+ interior layout is meaningfully different from the 2017–2023 models, particularly around the center stack. Always check the compatibility listing for your exact model year.
