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Wagon or crossover? uncover the ultimate subaru showdown: impreza vs. crosstrek

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Impreza Wagon received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick++ by the IIHS.
  • The Impreza Wagon is a great choice for drivers who want a more affordable and fuel-efficient option, while the Crosstrek is a better choice for drivers who need more off-road capabilities and cargo space.
  • Whether you’re an urban dweller or an adventure enthusiast, the Subaru Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek offer a perfect blend of practicality and capability.

When it comes to compact crossovers, the Subaru Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer a blend of versatility, capability, and affordability, making them ideal for a wide range of drivers. However, there are some key differences between these two models that can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right one for your needs.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Impreza Wagon comes standard with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers a fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It is also paired with a CVT and offers a slightly lower fuel economy rating of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Off-Road Capabilities

One of the key differences between the Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek is their off-road capabilities. The Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive and a raised ground clearance of 8.7 inches, making it more capable of handling rough terrain than the Impreza Wagon. The Impreza Wagon, on the other hand, has a lower ground clearance of 5.5 inches and is only available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Interior Space and Features

The Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek offer similar interior space, with both vehicles offering seating for up to five passengers. However, the Crosstrek has slightly more cargo space than the Impreza Wagon, with 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats compared to the Impreza Wagon’s 19.0 cubic feet. Both vehicles come standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.

Safety and Reliability

Both the Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Impreza Wagon received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick++ by the IIHS. The Crosstrek also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Both vehicles come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

Pricing and Value

The Impreza Wagon has a starting price of $19,795, while the Crosstrek has a starting price of $23,895. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, which can affect the overall price. When it comes to value, the Impreza Wagon offers a better value proposition than the Crosstrek. It offers a similar level of features and safety equipment at a lower price point.

Which One is Right for You?

The Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek are both excellent compact crossovers that offer a blend of versatility, capability, and affordability. The Impreza Wagon is a great choice for drivers who want a more affordable and fuel-efficient option, while the Crosstrek is a better choice for drivers who need more off-road capabilities and cargo space. Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both models and see which one meets your needs best.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Crossover for Your Needs

Whether you’re an urban dweller or an adventure enthusiast, the Subaru Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek offer a perfect blend of practicality and capability. By considering the differences between these two models, you can make an informed decision and choose the vehicle that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

FAQ

Q: What are the key differences between the Impreza Wagon and Crosstrek?

A: The Impreza Wagon is more affordable and fuel-efficient, while the Crosstrek offers more off-road capabilities and cargo space.

Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?

A: The Crosstrek is a better choice for off-roading thanks to its all-wheel drive and raised ground clearance.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?

A: The Crosstrek has slightly more cargo space than the Impreza Wagon, with 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats compared to the Impreza Wagon’s 19.0 cubic feet.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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