The Complete Guide to the Subaru Sedan Line in Burlingame, CA

Author: Putnam Subaru of Burlingame

Living on the Peninsula requires a vehicle that does more than just get you from Point A to Point B. You need a car that can handle the frantic morning merge onto the 101, slice through the dense fog rolling off the bay near Coyote Point, and still be fun enough for a weekend drive down Skyline Boulevard. At Putnam Subaru Burlingame, located right here on Burlingame’s Auto Row, we have watched the automotive landscape shift. SUVs are popular, but there is an undeniable, enduring logic to the sedan—especially when that sedan is built by Subaru.

We understand the local roads better than anyone because we drive them every day. From the unpredictable traffic patterns near SFO to the tight parking spots in downtown Burlingame, a sedan offers the agility and efficiency that larger vehicles often lack. The big news is Subaru discontinuing the Legacy for 2026. The 2026 Subaru sedan lineup—comprising the Impreza 5 door hatchback, and WRX—isn't just about four doors and a trunk. It is about engineering that meets the specific demands of San Mateo County drivers. Whether you are a student at College of San Mateo or a professional commuting to the city, there is a Subaru sedan tailored for your life. As a dealership deeply rooted in this community, Putnam Subaru Burlingame is uniquely qualified to guide you through these choices.

Key Takeaways (TL; DR)

• All-Weather Mastery: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across the sedan lineup ensures stability during our wet winters and foggy mornings.
• Commuter Efficiency: The 2026 Impreza offers impressive fuel economy, saving you money at the pump during those long drives on El Camino Real.
• Performance Heritage: The 2026 WRX continues to deliver rally-bred excitement perfect for winding Bay Area backroads.
• Safety First: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard, acting as an extra pair of eyes in heavy Peninsula traffic.
• Spacious Comfort: Despite their compact footprints, Subaru sedans offer surprising interior volume for passengers and cargo.
• Local Reliability: Subaru's reputation for durability means your vehicle is built to handle the unique microclimates and road conditions of Northern California.

Why Choose a Sedan for Burlingame Living?

In a world dominated by crossovers, the case for the sedan remains strong, particularly in a dense area like ours. Why sacrifice agility? A lower center of gravity translates to better handling on the curves of Highway 92. Furthermore, sedans generally offer better aerodynamics, which equates to superior fuel efficiency—a critical factor given our local gas prices.

Maneuverability in Tight Spaces

Anyone who has tried to park near Burlingame Avenue on a Saturday night knows that space is at a premium. The compact footprint of the Impreza makes navigating tight parking garages and narrow streets significantly less stressful. You aren't hauling around unnecessary bulk; you are driving a precision instrument designed for the urban environment.

The All-Wheel Drive Advantage

It is a common misconception that you need a massive SUV to get All-Wheel Drive. Subaru democratized this technology decades ago. Every 2026 Subaru sedan comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system sends power to all wheels simultaneously for maximum traction. When the winter rains turn the roads slick near Millbrae, or when you encounter loose gravel on a trip to the coast, your sedan is actively working to keep you safe. For independent reviews on AWD performance, Consumer Reports is an excellent resource.

The 2026 Subaru Impreza Hatchback: The Urban Warrior

The 2026 Impreza is the hatchback that acts like a sedan, offering the best of both worlds. Technically a 5-door, it sits in the compact car segment and is the entry point into the Subaru family. It is arguably the most practical vehicle for a young professional living in the Bay Area.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Impreza features a Boxer engine designed for a low center of gravity and smooth operation. The 2026 model balances pep with frugality. You can zip onto the freeway without hesitation, yet you won't be constantly searching for a gas station. The Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) optimizes the engine's power band, ensuring you are always in the right "gear" for efficiency.

• Engine Specs: 2.0-liter or available 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder.
• Handling: Sport-tuned suspension on RS trims provides sharper feedback on twisty roads.

Tech for the Tech-Savvy

Living in the shadow of Silicon Valley means we expect our cars to be connected. The Impreza delivers with the SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration mean your navigation and playlists are seamlessly available on the 11.6-inch touchscreen. Whether you are navigating to a new restaurant in San Mateo or listening to a podcast during a bridge commute, the interface is intuitive and fast.

Safety as Standard

Subaru does not gatekeep safety behind expensive trim levels. The Impreza comes with the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes:

• Pre-Collision Braking: Can apply full braking force in emergency situations to help avoid or reduce frontal impacts.
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling—helpful on those long, monotonous drives.

For more details on vehicle safety ratings, you can check the NHTSA homepage.

The 2026 Subaru WRX: The Peninsula Performer

For those who view driving as a passion rather than a chore, the 2026 WRX is the answer. This is a car with rally DNA coursing through its veins. It is perfectly at home on the daily commute, but it truly comes alive on the winding roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Rally-Bred Engineering

The WRX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine. It delivers a rush of acceleration that is addictive. But power is nothing without control. The track-tuned suspension and performance-focused Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mean the WRX grips the road tenaciously.

• Transmission Choices: Available with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission for purists or the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) for lightning-fast automatic shifts.
• Chassis Stiffness: The robust platform ensures minimal body roll and precise steering response.

Everyday Usability

What makes the WRX unique is that it is still a practical sedan. It has four doors, a usable trunk, and good visibility. You can drop the kids off at school in the morning and carve canyons in the afternoon. It doesn't compromise daily usability for performance; it enhances it.

Design with Purpose

The aggressive styling of the WRX isn't just for show. Functional air vents and aerodynamic elements help cool the engine and brakes while reducing lift at high speeds. It looks fast standing still, a nod to its motorsport heritage that enthusiasts in Burlingame instantly recognize.

For enthusiast reviews and performance data, Car and Driver is an excellent resource.

How Do Subaru Sedans Handle Local Weather?

While we don't get snow in Burlingame, we do deal with a unique set of microclimates. One moment it is sunny and warm; five miles later, you are in dense, wet fog. The roads can be slick with oil and moisture after the first rains of the season.

The Science of Symmetrical AWD

Most cars are front-wheel drive. When they lose traction, they tend to understeer (push forward). Rear-wheel drive cars can oversteer (spin out). Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is balanced. The drivetrain sits along the centerline of the vehicle, providing perfect weight distribution. This balance, combined with power to all four wheels, makes the car feel planted and secure, regardless of whether the pavement is dry or slick with morning dew.

Visibility is Key

Subaru designs its sedans with thin pillars and large windows to maximize outward visibility. In heavy rain or fog, being able to see your surroundings clearly is a safety feature in itself. The available LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) literally look around corners, illuminating the road as you turn the steering wheel—perfect for unlit roads in the hills.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership

Owning a car in the Bay Area is an investment. You want something that lasts. 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. That statistic speaks volumes about durability.

Simplified Service

The Boxer engine layout isn't just for balance; it’s also easier to service. Key components are accessible, which can reduce labor time for routine maintenance. At Putnam Subaru Burlingame, our factory-trained technicians know these engines inside and out. We use genuine Subaru parts to ensure your vehicle maintains its factory specifications.

Resale Value

Subaru vehicles consistently win awards for retained value. When you are ready to upgrade in a few years, you will likely find that your Impreza or WRX has held its value better than many competitors. This lowers the total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle.

For vehicle history reports and reliability data, Carfax is a reputable source.

Financial Benefits for Local Drivers

Choosing a sedan over a larger SUV often results in immediate savings.

• Lower Insurance: Sedans can sometimes be cheaper to insure than larger, more expensive SUVs.
• Fuel Economy: The aerodynamic profile of a sedan cuts through the air more efficiently, resulting in better highway MPG.
• Tire Costs: Generally, tires for sedans are less expensive than the larger, heavier tires required for trucks and SUVs.

The Putnam Subaru Burlingame Promise

We aren't just selling cars; we are building relationships. We know that buying a car can be stressful, which is why we focus on transparency. Our team is here to answer your questions, not pressure you into a decision.

We are conveniently located to serve the entire peninsula. Our service center is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, and our waiting area is comfortable and Wi-Fi enabled, so you can keep working while we take care of your car.

For official manufacturer specifications and trim details, visit the Subaru homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the 2026 Subaru Impreza have enough power for highway merging?

Yes, absolutely. The 2026 Impreza features an updated powertrain that provides ample torque for merging onto busy highways like the 101 or 280. While the 2.0-liter engine is efficient, the RS trim with the 2.5-liter engine offers extra punch specifically for drivers who want more confidence during high-speed maneuvers.

How does the WRX fuel economy compare to other sports sedans?

The 2026 WRX is competitive within its high-performance segment. While performance cars naturally consume more fuel than economy cars, the WRX's direct-injection turbocharged engine is designed to be efficient during cruising. On highway drives, it delivers respectable mileage, balancing its sporty nature with reasonable daily driving costs.

Are Subaru sedans expensive to maintain compared to Toyota or Honda?

Subaru maintenance costs are comparable to other major Japanese brands. While the AWD system has more moving parts than a simple front-wheel-drive car, modern engineering has made these systems incredibly reliable. Routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations are standard, and Subaru's high reliability often leads to lower long-term repair costs.

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