Impreza or Crosstrek: Which One Is For You?

Most manufacturers don’t want you to know that their compact crossovers are based on their small car platform. They look different but basically amount to wagon or hatch versions of those small cars with an all-wheel drive option. Subaru is more honest about this. The Outback clearly shows its Legacy sedan roots, and the Crosstrek is even more closely based on the Impreza. The idea is simple: If you make a good exterior and interior, it should work well whether you take it off the pavement or not.

Because the Impreza is already a hatchback with standard all-wheel drive, some might question whether it or the Crosstrek is best for them. US News & World Report looked closely at both models to answer that very question. Subaru of Rochester gives you these highlights of what they found.

The Tie Verdicts

The article’s structure takes one vehicle aspect at a time and decides which of the two models is a winner. But when the two vehicles have the same platform, exterior design, drivetrains, interior design, and space, there are bound to be several ties. Let’s address those first:

Cargo Space

Cargo space is technically not identical in both models, though it is very close. With the rear seats up, the Impreza has 20.8 cubic feet to the Crosstrek’s 19.9. With the seats down, it is even closer, with the Impreza offering 55.3 cubic feet to the Crosstrek’s 54.7. US News, however, sees a difference without a distinction: “These differences are negligible in a practical sense when loading up gear, so we’ll call it a toss-up.”

Interior Quality and Features

The dash design is identical for both models, with minor trim decor differences. Both have dual 7-inch screens on base models, with all higher grades featuring the 11.6-inch screen along with wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto. Grade packages differ, but as the article states: “nearly any feature you can get on the Impreza, you can get on the Crosstrek.”

Safety

Both models can claim 5-star Overall ratings from NHTSA. However, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Impreza a bit of an edge. While the 2024 Crosstrek is rated an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Impreza is rated as a Top Safety Pick+. The Impreza scored better result on the side impact test. The difference was close, however, and with both models offering Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety and driver assistance features, US News considered them basically tied when it comes to safety.

Reliability

Because both models were redesigned for 2024, there is insufficient data on either model’s reliability. However, each model can boast a high-reliability track record.

Where One Wins

Price – Advantage: Impreza

Because the Crosstrek is an Impreza with added chassis content, it stands to reason that it would cost more. The Impreza has a model lineup of three grades, with a starting MSRP of $22,995 for the base model, ranging up to $27,885 for the top-level RS. The Crosstrek has five grades, with the base model having a starting MSRP of $25,195. The high-content Limited starts at $31,095, while the off-road-focused Wilderness starts at $32,195.

Acceleration – Advantage: Impreza

The drivetrain choices are the same for both, starting with a base 2.0-liter boxer-4 producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The upgrade for both is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer-4 producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both engines connect to a continuously variable transmission. Weighing less than the Crosstrek, the Impreza has an acceleration advantage with each engine.

Fuel Economy – Advantage: Impreza

The Impreza has the edge, but it is very close. With the base engine, both models have an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 27 / 34, with the Crosstrek turning in a combined rating of 29 to the Impreza’s 30. Both models have the same rating of 26 / 33 / 29 with the large engine. The exception is the Crosstrek Wilderness model, which drops slightly to 25 / 29 / 27.

Ride, Handling and Towing – Advantage: Crosstrek

Even as US News describes the Impreza as having “composed handling and refined cornering abilities, and yet it also does a great job soaking up bumps in the road.”, the Crosstrek gets the nod in which they praise the lack of body roll and a more robust suspension, which allows added confidence when encountering potholes.

Off-Road Ride and Handling – Advantage: Crosstrek

This was no surprise, given that this is the Crosstrek’s forte. At 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it beats most competing crossovers and adds three and a half inches over the Impreza. Crosstrek also benefits from the X-Mode system that lets you adjust the traction settings to surface conditions. Both of these advantages are enhanced on the Wilderness models with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, terrain-specific settings for Ex-Mode, and a front skid plate.

US. News Picks the Crosstrek

US News & World Report found the Crosstrek’s comparative demerits outweighed by its on and off-road handling advantages. Still, if you desire AWD simply to stay on the road, the Impreza’s lower price and small efficiency advantages could make it the better choice for you. The best move, of course, is to visit Subaru of Rochester, look and test both, and decide for yourself.