What To Know
- Both the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota RAV4 have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The Toyota RAV4 offers a similar level of standard features, but it also has the option of a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a premium JBL audio system.
- The Toyota RAV4 is a more spacious and versatile SUV, with a more powerful engine and better fuel economy.
The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, with two formidable contenders standing tall: the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota RAV4. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and value. However, each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key aspects of these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
Performance
The Subaru Impreza is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota RAV4 comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter hybrid with 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of acceleration, the RAV4 has a slight edge over the Impreza. The hybrid RAV4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, while the regular RAV4 takes 8.5 seconds. The Impreza takes 8.7 seconds to reach the same speed.
Handling
The Subaru Impreza is renowned for its agile handling and sharp steering. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The Toyota RAV4 also handles well, but it feels a bit heavier and less responsive than the Impreza.
Fuel Economy
The Subaru Impreza has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway with the CVT transmission. The Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5-liter engine gets 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway. The hybrid RAV4 has an impressive 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway.
Safety
Both the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota RAV4 have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.
Features
The Subaru Impreza comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Toyota RAV4 offers a similar level of standard features, but it also has the option of a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a premium JBL audio system.
Price
The Subaru Impreza has a starting price of $19,795. The Toyota RAV4 starts at $26,500.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Impreza is a great choice for drivers who prioritize performance, handling, and fuel economy. It is also a good value for the money. The Toyota RAV4 is a more spacious and versatile SUV, with a more powerful engine and better fuel economy. It also has a higher starting price.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both of them and see which one you prefer.
Final Verdict: The Winner
Both the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota RAV4 are excellent compact SUVs. However, the Impreza is our pick for the overall winner. It offers a better combination of performance, handling, fuel economy, and value. If you are looking for a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient SUV, the Subaru Impreza is the one to choose.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota RAV4 have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota RAV4 has more cargo space than the Subaru Impreza.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: The Toyota RAV4 has a better warranty than the Subaru Impreza. The RAV4 comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Impreza has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.