Subaru Impreza vs Wrx: Which Subaru Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your next car can be a tough decision, especially when you’re looking at two fantastic options from the same brand. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle: the Subaru Impreza vs Subaru WRX. Both vehicles boast Subaru’s renowned reliability and all-wheel-drive capabilities, but they cater to different driving needs and preferences.
The Impreza is known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability, making it a popular choice for daily commutes and family adventures. On the other hand, the WRX is a performance-oriented machine, designed to thrill driving enthusiasts with its powerful engine and sporty handling. This comparison will help you determine which Subaru is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
We’ll explore key aspects like performance, features, and overall value. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both the Subaru Impreza and the Subaru WRX, enabling you to make an informed decision and drive away happy.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Impreza | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT or 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual or CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 mpg (CVT) | 19/26 mpg (manual) |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 seconds (CVT) | 5.5 seconds (manual) |
| Suspension | Independent MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear | Sport-tuned suspension |
| Steering | Electric Power Steering | Electric Power Steering, Sport-tuned |
| Brakes | Disc brakes | Performance Disc brakes |
| Infotainment System | 7-inch or 11.6-inch touchscreen | 7-inch or 11.6-inch touchscreen |
| Standard Safety Features | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine
- Subaru Impreza: Typically features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing around 152 horsepower. Known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, but lacks significant power for spirited driving.
- Subaru Wrx: Equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating significantly more power, typically around 271 horsepower. Offers exhilarating acceleration and a sporty driving experience, but fuel economy suffers.
- Winner: WRX
Performance
- Subaru Impreza: Focuses on everyday usability and practicality, with adequate acceleration for daily commutes. The suspension is tuned for comfort.
- Subaru Wrx: Designed for performance driving, with quicker acceleration, sharper handling, and a stiffer suspension. Provides a more engaging and thrilling driving experience.
- Winner: WRX
Transmission
- Subaru Impreza: Available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved fuel economy or a manual transmission (depending on trim). Offers smooth, seamless gear changes.
- Subaru Wrx: Offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, and a performance-tuned CVT is available. The manual transmission enhances driver engagement.
- Winner: WRX
Handling & Suspension
- Subaru Impreza: Designed for comfort and stability, with a focus on everyday driving. Offers predictable handling but isn’t as agile as the WRX.
- Subaru Wrx: Features a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and a more aggressive all-wheel-drive system. Delivers sharp handling and excellent grip.
- Winner: WRX
Exterior Styling
- Subaru Impreza: Features a more understated and practical design, prioritizing functionality and everyday appeal. Offers a range of available trims including hatchback and sedan.
- Subaru Wrx: Boasts a more aggressive and sporty exterior design, with a prominent hood scoop, rear spoiler, and other performance-oriented styling cues.
- Winner: WRX
Interior & Features
- Subaru Impreza: Provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior with user-friendly technology. Offers a range of standard safety features.
- Subaru Wrx: Interior features are focused on driver-centric design. Often includes sport seats and performance-oriented features.
- Winner: WRX
Price
- Subaru Impreza: Generally more affordable, making it a good value for those seeking a practical and reliable car.
- Subaru Wrx: Priced higher due to its performance-oriented features and more powerful engine.
- Winner: Impreza
Fuel Economy
- Subaru Impreza: Offers better fuel economy due to its smaller, naturally aspirated engine.
- Subaru Wrx: Fuel economy is lower due to the turbocharged engine.
- Winner: Impreza
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | WRX |
| Fuel Efficiency | Impreza |
| Daily Commuting | Tie |
| Sporty Driving | WRX |
| Value | Impreza |
What They Have in Common:
- All-Wheel Drive: Both the Impreza and WRX come standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. This feature is a hallmark of the Subaru brand and contributes to confident handling.
- Safety Features: Both vehicles offer Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. This technology helps to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents.
- Infotainment System: Both models share a similar infotainment system, offering touchscreen displays with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows for seamless connectivity and access to navigation, music, and other apps.
- Comfort and Space: Both cars provide comfortable seating for passengers and offer a decent amount of cargo space for their respective classes, making them suitable for daily commutes and weekend trips. The Impreza and WRX are both designed with passenger comfort in mind.
- Subaru Reliability: Both vehicles are known for their reliability and durability, which are key aspects of Subaru’s reputation. Subaru vehicles are built to last and provide owners with years of dependable service.
Subaru Impreza Vs Subaru Wrx Buying Guide
Performance and Handling
The Subaru WRX shines with its performance-oriented focus, boasting a turbocharged engine that delivers significantly more power and quicker acceleration than the Impreza. Its sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel-drive system are designed for enhanced handling and responsiveness, making it a thrill to drive, especially on winding roads or in challenging weather conditions. The Impreza, while also featuring all-wheel drive, prioritizes a more comfortable and fuel-efficient driving experience, making it suitable for daily commuting and general use. The WRX’s higher horsepower and torque figures result in a substantially quicker 0-60 mph time.
Price and Value
The Subaru Impreza generally comes with a more accessible price tag compared to the WRX. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and reliable vehicle. While the WRX commands a higher initial investment, the added performance features and upgrades justify the cost for enthusiasts seeking a more exciting driving experience. The Impreza’s lower price point also translates to potentially lower insurance premiums and overall ownership costs. Both vehicles, however, offer good value for their respective classes.
Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Impreza typically offers better fuel economy than the WRX. Its engine is designed to prioritize efficiency, leading to lower gas consumption in both city and highway driving. The WRX’s turbocharged engine, while delivering impressive power, tends to be less economical, particularly when driven aggressively. For drivers who prioritize fuel savings and long commutes, the Impreza is the more sensible choice. The WRX’s performance comes at the expense of fuel efficiency, a trade-off many enthusiasts are willing to make.
Features and Technology
Both the Impreza and the WRX are equipped with modern technology features, including infotainment systems, safety features, and driver-assistance technologies. The specific features and trims available will vary depending on the model year and trim level. The WRX often includes sportier features like performance gauges and upgraded audio systems. The Impreza offers a well-equipped interior with user-friendly technology. Both vehicles typically include Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, offering advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Practicality and Space
The Subaru Impreza and WRX offer similar levels of practicality, with both available as sedans or hatchbacks. The Impreza’s interior is typically designed for comfort and ease of use, making it suitable for everyday tasks and family use. The WRX, while also practical, often features a sportier interior design. Both vehicles provide ample cargo space for their respective classes, making them suitable for carrying groceries, luggage, or other items. The hatchback versions of both offer even greater cargo versatility.
Maintenance and Reliability
Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability, and both the Impreza and WRX generally receive favorable ratings in this regard. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled inspections, is crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of either vehicle. The WRX, due to its performance-oriented nature, may require more frequent maintenance of certain components, such as the brakes and suspension, compared to the Impreza. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule is essential for both models.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Subaru Impreza If…
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and want a car that is economical to run.
- You want a comfortable and practical daily driver with standard all-wheel drive.
- You are looking for a reliable and safe vehicle for everyday use and family needs.
- You prefer a more subdued and less aggressive styling.
Buy Subaru WRX If…
- You crave performance and enjoy spirited driving experiences.
- You desire a vehicle with a more powerful engine and sporty handling.
- You want a car with a more aggressive and distinctive exterior design.
- You are looking for a vehicle with enhanced performance capabilities, such as quicker acceleration and sharper handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Subaru Impreza and the WRX?
The primary difference lies in performance. The WRX features a turbocharged engine, providing significantly more power and quicker acceleration than the Impreza. The WRX also has a sport-tuned suspension and other performance enhancements. The Impreza prioritizes fuel efficiency and a more comfortable driving experience, while the WRX focuses on delivering a thrilling driving experience.
Which car is better for daily driving?
The Subaru Impreza is generally better suited for daily driving. Its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and user-friendly features make it an ideal choice for commuting and general use. The WRX, while capable of daily driving, may be less comfortable due to its sport-tuned suspension and can be less fuel-efficient, especially in city driving scenarios.
Is the WRX more expensive to maintain?
Yes, the WRX can be more expensive to maintain. Due to its performance-oriented components, such as the brakes and suspension, it may require more frequent maintenance and potentially more expensive parts. The Impreza, being a more standard model, generally has lower maintenance costs. However, both vehicles are known for reliability.
Does the Impreza have a turbo option?
No, the current generation Impreza does not offer a factory-installed turbocharger. The WRX is the performance-focused model with a turbocharged engine. If you are looking for a turbocharged Subaru, the WRX is the only option in this comparison. Older Impreza models may have offered turbo options, but not in the present lineup.
Which car is better for families?
The Subaru Impreza is arguably better suited for families due to its focus on comfort, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It offers a more comfortable ride, and its available hatchback body style provides ample cargo space. The WRX, while also practical, may be less comfortable for long family trips due to its sportier suspension.
What kind of fuel does each car use?
Both the Impreza and the WRX are designed to run on unleaded gasoline. However, the WRX, due to its turbocharged engine, may benefit from using premium fuel to optimize performance and prevent engine knocking, although it can run on regular unleaded. The Impreza typically runs fine on regular unleaded fuel.
Which car is better in the snow?
Both cars are excellent in the snow because they have standard all-wheel drive. Subaru is well-known for its all-wheel-drive system. The WRX’s performance-oriented tires might be less ideal in deep snow than the Impreza’s, but both will handle snowy conditions well. The choice depends on tire selection.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Subaru Impreza and WRX depends on individual needs and preferences. The Impreza excels as a practical and fuel-efficient daily driver, offering value and comfort. The WRX caters to driving enthusiasts, delivering exhilarating performance and handling. While the Impreza is more sensible, the WRX’s power and engaging dynamics make it the more exciting choice for those prioritizing performance.
Winner: Subaru WRX