The Subaru Impreza and Subaru Crosstrek are two right-sized, roomy, and reliable vehicles that feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and quality Subaru engineering. If you’re comparing these two Subaru models, you might notice they share a similar sporty and practical hatchback design as well. But when it comes to the details, there are some differences between the two models, and we’ll examine them below so you can choose the Subaru that matches your lifestyle.
Which is bigger: Impreza or Crosstrek?
The Impreza and Crosstrek seem to have similar dimensions at first glance: The Impreza is a compact hatchback with a length of 176.2 inches and width of 70.1 inches, while the Crosstrek is classified as a compact SUV with 176.4 inches of length and up to 71.7 inches of width. Both vehicles even have the same standard wheelbase at 105.1 inches (except for the Crosstrek Wilderness at 104.9 inches), but height is where the two diverge with the Impreza coming in at 58.3 inches and the Crosstrek sitting almost 5 inches higher at up to 63.6 inches (with roof rails), most of which is due to its higher ground clearance.
The Impreza features a lower center of gravity that can give it a more responsive and exciting driving feel at highway speeds. The taller Crosstrek gives the driver a slightly higher seating position, and its ground clearance allows it to travel off-road.
2024 RS shown
Length:
176.2 inches
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
58.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Base Curb Weight:
3,171 – 3,275 pounds
2024 Premium shown
Length:
176.4 inches
Width:
70.9 inches
71.7 inches (Wilderness)
Height:
62.8 inches (Base)
63 inches (Premium, Sport, Limited)
63.6 inches (Wilderness)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
104.9 inches (Wilderness)
Base Curb Weight:
3,277 – 3,369 pounds
Which has a more powerful engine and greater towing capacity: Impreza or Crosstrek?
Engines are another area in which the Impreza and Crosstrek seem very similar at first, but differences emerge in the details. They’re both equipped with durable SUBARU BOXER® engines to power their standard all-wheel drive systems. Every SUBARU BOXER engine is built with a unique horizontal layout, giving both vehicles a lower center of gravity and a finely tuned balance between power and fuel economy.
The Impreza and Crosstrek each feature a standard 2.0-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. For upgraded power, they also offer the same available 2.5-liter engine capable of 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. There are differences, however, when it comes to towing capacity. Because the Impreza is built as a compact hatchback car, it is not designed for towing. Most Crosstrek trims are rated for towing up to 1,500 pounds
Engine:
2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Available 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
152 hp at 6,000 rpm (2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
182 hp at 5,800 rpm (2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
Towing Capacity:
N/A
Engine:
2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Available 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine
Horsepower:
152 hp at 6,000 rpm (2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
182 hp at 5,800 rpm (2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine)
Towing Capacity
1,500 pounds
3,500 pounds (Wilderness)
Which has more ground clearance: Impreza or Crosstrek?
Ground clearance is another detail where the Impreza and Crosstrek feature different strengths. The Impreza only needs 5.1 inches of ground clearance since it’s a hatchback designed for fun, sporty, all-weather road travel. As a compact crossover, the Crosstrek offers 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance to help it avoid larger obstacles on the trail. While the Impreza offers truly impressive capability for a hatchback, the Crosstrek SUV is more specifically designed to handle conditions you may face when traveling off-road. If you need even more adventure-ready capability, consider the Crosstrek Wilderness, which gives you 9.3 inches of ground clearance.
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Wilderness Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Which has more passenger and cargo space: Impreza or Crosstrek?
Interior volume is one area in which the Impreza and Crosstrek are essentially an even match. Both the Crosstrek and Impreza have a practical hatchback design, seat as many as five passengers with equal legroom (with 42.9 inches in front and 36.5 inches in back) and headroom (with as much as 39.8 inches in front and 38.0 inches in back), and offer up to 100.5 cubic feet of passenger room. The Crosstrek has slightly less maximum cargo space with up to 54.9 cubic feet compared to the Impreza at 56 cubic feet with each of their standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks lowered.
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
56 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
99 cubic feet (Sport and RS with moonroof)
100.5 cubic feet (all trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.9 inches (front)
36.5 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 39.8 inches (front)
38.0 inches (rear)
Passengers:
Seating for up to 5
Maximum Cargo Space:
Up to 54.9 cubic feet
Interior Passenger Room:
99 cubic feet (Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims with moonroof)
100.5 cubic feet (Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims without moonroof)
Passenger Legroom:
42.9 inches (front)
36.5 inches (rear)
Passenger Headroom:
Up to 39.8 inches (front)
38.0 inches (rear)
Build and Price
Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek, but online research can only take you so far. Each vehicle has its own unique personality, driving feel, and customization options. You can start by building your own Impreza and Crosstrek with our online tools and try them out in a test drive at your local retailer to find the Subaru vehicle that’s perfect for you.
MSRP:
$22,995 - $27,885*
MPG:
Up to 34/27 MPG highway/city**
RS shown
MSRP:
$25,195 - $32,195*
MPG:
Up to 34/27 MPG highway/city**
Sport shown
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Oasis Blue
+ $395 paint upgrade
Pure Red
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Alpine Green
+ $395 paint upgrade
Crystal Black Silica
Crystal White Pearl
Geyser Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Lithium Red Pearl
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Offshore Blue Metallic
+ $395 paint upgrade
Pure Red
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Sun Blaze Pearl
Base
Sport
RS
Base
Premium
Sport
Limited
Wilderness
The Impreza and Crosstrek are extremely safe vehicles, reflecting the Subaru commitment to cutting-edge engineering and technology. Both are built to protect the people you love using trusted Subaru safety engineering like the Subaru Global Platform. The Impreza and Crosstrek are both built on this protective architecture, which uses high-strength steel to provide durable crash protection and rigidity. They are also both equipped with industry-leading active safety systems like standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which gives you an extra set of eyes on the road and, if need be, an extra foot on the brake when you drive
The Impreza and Crosstrek both feature standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across every trim for outstanding capability. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction in virtually any weather or road condition. It delivers better handling, improved efficiency, and a quicker response to road conditions than competitors’ optional systems.
The Crosstrek also features standard X-MODE®, which works in conjunction with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to optimize your traction on slippery surfaces and includes Hill Descent Control, which helps you descend difficult grades. Select Crosstrek trims offer a dual-function X-MODE that lets you choose settings for specific conditions like deep snow, dirt, and mud.
The Impreza and Crosstrek both use the Subaru Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT system features two pulleys that can vary in width connected by a steel chain. By changing this width, the CVT can create an infinite “gearing” across its range, which lets it continuously and smoothly adapt to performance demand by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. Both vehicles also offer available manual modes, which allow you to move through these “gears” using paddle shifters and give you more precise engine control.
2024 Subaru Impreza Transmission
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Transmission
Like every new Subaru, the Impreza and Crosstrek feature two standard warranties. The Subaru Limited Factory Warranty provides limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the Powertrain Warranty covers the engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive and lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
You can also purchase extended coverage for both vehicles through the Subaru Added Security® Program, which offers two different plans. The Classic Plan covers major parts, including the engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), and transmission (as well as towing and car rental), while the Gold Plus Plan adds coverage to air conditioning, electrical, steering, front suspension, brakes, and other systems.
2024 Subaru Impreza Multimedia Touchscreens
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Multimedia Touchscreens
The Impreza and Crosstrek are both highly fuel-efficient vehicles. Because of their similarities, the two models have identical gas mileage, up to 34/27 MPG highway/city depending on which trim level you select (except for the Crosstrek Wilderness which has a slightly lower MPG rating).
2024 Subaru Impreza Miles Per Gallon**
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Miles Per Gallon**
The Impreza and Crosstrek have the exact same fuel capacity. With each featuring a gas tank that can hold 16.6 gallons and each capable of reaching up to 34 MPG**, both the Impreza and Crosstrek give you the same maximum driving range of over 560 miles.
2024 Subaru Impreza
Fuel Capacity:
16.6 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 560 miles
Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle’s condition.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Fuel Capacity:
16.6 gallons
Driving Range:
Over 560 miles
Actual range will vary with driving conditions, weather, and your vehicle’s condition.
