What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a compact crossover or hatchback that’s both versatile and adventure-ready, the Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza stand out as top contenders.
- The Crosstrek has a slightly roomier interior, with more headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats.
- The Crosstrek has a starting price of $23,645, while the Impreza has a starting price of $19,795.
When it comes to choosing a compact crossover or hatchback that’s both versatile and adventure-ready, the Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza stand out as top contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, performance, and off-road capability, making them ideal for active lifestyles. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled this comprehensive comparison guide.
Performance and Handling
Engine and Power: The Crosstrek comes with a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Impreza, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While both engines provide adequate power for everyday driving, the Impreza’s 2.5-liter engine offers a noticeable boost in performance.
Transmission: Both the Crosstrek and Impreza come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT provides smooth and efficient gear changes, making it ideal for both city and highway driving. However, the Crosstrek also offers an optional 6-speed manual transmission for those who prefer a more engaging driving experience.
Handling: The Crosstrek and Impreza both handle well on paved roads, offering precise steering and a comfortable ride. However, the Crosstrek’s higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive system give it an edge when it comes to off-roading.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
Fuel Economy: The Crosstrek with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Impreza with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Impreza with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Emissions: The Crosstrek and Impreza both meet current emissions standards. The Crosstrek has a slightly lower CO2 emissions rating than the Impreza, due to its smaller engine.
Interior and Cargo Space
Interior: The Crosstrek and Impreza offer spacious and well-equipped interiors. Both vehicles come standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. The Crosstrek has a slightly roomier interior, with more headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats.
Cargo Space: The Crosstrek offers 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Impreza offers 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Safety Features
Both the Crosstrek and Impreza come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The Crosstrek received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Impreza received a 4-star overall safety rating.
Off-Road Capability
The Crosstrek is designed with off-roading in mind, featuring a higher ground clearance (8.7 inches), all-wheel drive, and X-Mode, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for different off-road conditions. The Impreza, while not as well-equipped for off-roading, still offers all-wheel drive and a slightly higher ground clearance (7.9 inches) than most other hatchbacks.
Price and Value
The Crosstrek has a starting price of $23,645, while the Impreza has a starting price of $19,795. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels, with the Crosstrek offering more off-road-oriented trims. When comparing similar trim levels, the Crosstrek is slightly more expensive than the Impreza. However, it also offers more standard features and a higher ground clearance.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice for you if:
- You need a vehicle with strong off-road capabilities
- You prefer a more rugged and adventurous look
- You’re willing to pay a slightly higher price for more features
The Subaru Impreza is the better choice for you if:
- You prioritize fuel economy
- You prefer a more sporty and sleek design
- You’re looking for a more affordable option
The Final Verdict
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza are excellent choices for adventure-seekers and active individuals. The Crosstrek offers superior off-road capability and a more spacious interior, while the Impreza offers better fuel economy and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Impreza with the 2.5-liter engine has a more powerful engine than the Crosstrek.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Impreza with the 2.0-liter engine has a better fuel economy than the Crosstrek.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Crosstrek has a slightly more spacious interior than the Impreza.
Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
A: The Crosstrek is better for off-roading than the Impreza due to its higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive system.
Q: Which vehicle is less expensive?
A: The Impreza has a lower starting price than the Crosstrek.