Impreza or Crosstrek: Which One Is For You?

Most small crossovers are based on a manufacturer’s small car platform; truth be told, they amount to wagon or hatch versions of those small cars with different sheet metal and an all-wheel drive option. Subaru is a bit more honest, with the Outback clearly showing its Legacy sedan connection and the Crosstrek being even more closely based on the Impreza. Given that the Impreza is already a hatchback with standard all-wheel drive, US News & World Report compared the two to answer the question of which one people should buy. Twin Falls Subaru issues this spoiler alert: There is more than one answer.

Where They Tie

The article’s structure takes one automotive aspect at a time and proclaims each winner. But there will be several ties when comparing two vehicles with the same platform, exterior and interior design, and drivetrains. Let’s get the ties out of the way first:

Cargo Space

Cargo space is similar in both models. 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. But as the article states: “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 just finishing details to differentiate them. Both models have a base model with dual 7-inch screens with 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

Technically, the Impreza has a slight edge. While both models can claim 5-star Overall ratings from NHTSA, the 2024 Crosstrek is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, while the Impreza is a Top Safety Pick +. The distinction is a 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

Both models were redesigned for 2024, so there is no data on this. Each has excellent and similar track records, however.

Where They Differ

Price – Advantage: Impreza

Since the Crosstrek starts as an Impreza before adding features, it makes sense that it would cost more. The Impreza has 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, starting with $25,195 for the base model and working up to $31,095 for the Limited, while the off-road-focused Wilderness starts at $32,195.

Acceleration – Advantage: Impreza

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

Fuel Economy – Advantage: Impreza

The Impreza has a slight advantage, 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

US News reports that the Impreza “has composed handling and refined cornering abilities, and yet it also does a great job soaking up bumps in the road.” Nevertheless, they gave this one to the Crosstrek, citing its lack of body roll and a more robust suspension, which allows added confidence when encountering potholes.

Off-Road Ride and Handling – Advantage: Crosstrek

This one was obvious given that it is the Crosstrek’s reason for being. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance greatly exceeds the 5.1 figure for the Impreza and even beats most competing crossovers. 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 X-Mode, and a front skid plate.

US. News Picks the Crosstrek

The publication found the Crosstrek’s comparative demerits to be minor and 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 price and small efficiency advantages could make it the better choice for you. The best move, of course, is to check them both out at Twin Fall Subaru.