Impreza vs civic face-off: which compact hatchback reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Civic has also earned a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs, making it a popular choice for those seeking peace of mind.
- Both the Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic have strong resale values, with the Civic typically holding its value slightly better than the Impreza.
- Yes, the Honda Civic is available with both a hybrid and an all-electric variant, while the Subaru Impreza is not currently offered with alternative powertrain options.
The automotive industry is teeming with a plethora of compact cars, each vying for the attention of discerning drivers. Two stalwarts in this segment are the Subaru Impreza and the Honda Civic, both renowned for their exceptional performance, reliability, and value. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of these two automotive marvels, comparing their key aspects to determine which one emerges as the ultimate compact car champion.
Performance: Power and Handling Compared
The Subaru Impreza embraces a boxer engine configuration, which provides a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. Its standard 2.0-liter engine delivers a respectable 152 horsepower, while the turbocharged WRX model boasts an impressive 268 horsepower. On the other hand, the Honda Civic offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, generating 180 horsepower. Its suspension system strikes a balance between comfort and agility, ensuring a pleasurable driving experience.
Fuel Economy: Efficiency in Motion
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Honda Civic reigns supreme. Its EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of up to 32 mpg is a testament to its engineering prowess. The Subaru Impreza, with its standard all-wheel drive system, achieves a slightly lower combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. However, its superior traction in adverse weather conditions may outweigh the marginal difference in fuel consumption for some drivers.
Interior: Comfort, Space, and Technology
The Subaru Impreza offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its infotainment system, featuring a user-friendly interface, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Honda Civic counters with an equally spacious interior, complemented by premium materials and a sleek dashboard design. Its infotainment system boasts a larger touchscreen and advanced features such as voice recognition and navigation.
Safety: Protecting What Matters Most
Both the Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Impreza comes standard with EyeSight, a suite of advanced safety features including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Civic offers Honda Sensing, a similar suite of safety technologies, as an optional package.
Reliability: A History of Dependability
Subaru and Honda have long been recognized for their exceptional reliability. The Impreza has consistently ranked among the most reliable compact cars in the industry, with minimal reported issues. The Civic has also earned a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs, making it a popular choice for those seeking peace of mind.
Price and Value: Balancing Cost and Features
The Subaru Impreza has a starting price of around $19,000, while the Honda Civic starts at approximately $22,000. However, the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive system and EyeSight safety suite offer significant value for the additional cost. The Civic, on the other hand, provides a more refined interior and advanced infotainment features, which may justify its slightly higher price point.
Takeaways: Deciding the Compact Car Champion
The Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic are both exceptional compact cars, each offering unique strengths and value. The Impreza excels with its standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight safety features, and spacious interior. The Civic impresses with its fuel efficiency, refined interior, and advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and preferences.
What You Need to Know
1. Which car has a better resale value?
Both the Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic have strong resale values, with the Civic typically holding its value slightly better than the Impreza.
2. Is the Subaru Impreza more expensive to maintain than the Honda Civic?
Maintenance costs for the Impreza and Civic are generally comparable, with the Impreza having slightly higher costs due to its all-wheel drive system.
3. Which car is better for off-road driving?
The Subaru Impreza, with its standard all-wheel drive, is better suited for off-road driving than the Honda Civic, which is primarily designed for on-road performance.
4. Does the Honda Civic offer a hybrid or electric option?
Yes, the Honda Civic is available with both a hybrid and an all-electric variant, while the Subaru Impreza is not currently offered with alternative powertrain options.
5. Which car has a more spacious trunk?
The Honda Civic offers a slightly more spacious trunk than the Subaru Impreza, with a cargo capacity of 15.1 cubic feet compared to 12.3 cubic feet.