Subaru impreza vs mazda 3: the ultimate compact car showdown

When it comes to compact cars that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and style, the Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3 stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles have earned a reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and a spirited driving experience. However, each car has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice between them a matter of personal preferences and priorities. In this comprehensive comparison, we will dive into the details of the Subaru Impreza vs Mazda 3, examining their key features, performance, interior, safety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: Impreza’s AWD Edge vs Mazda’s Skyactiv Prowess

Engine and Powertrain:

• Impreza: The Impreza comes standard with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a five-speed manual transmission.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

All-Wheel Drive:

• Impreza: Standard on all Impreza models is Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in all driving conditions.
• Mazda 3: All-wheel drive is only available as an option on the Mazda 3, providing greater versatility but at an additional cost.

Handling and Dynamics:

• Impreza: The Impreza’s all-wheel drive system and well-tuned suspension deliver a confident and composed handling experience, especially on slippery surfaces.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3’s Skyactiv chassis and G-Vectoring Control system enhance its cornering capabilities and provide a more engaging driving experience.

Interior: Impreza’s Spaciousness vs Mazda’s Premium Appeal

Space and Comfort:

• Impreza: The Impreza offers a roomy cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and provide good support.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 has a more upscale and premium interior with high-quality materials and a modern design. However, the rear seats are slightly more cramped than the Impreza’s.

Infotainment and Technology:

• Impreza: The Impreza’s infotainment system is user-friendly and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3’s infotainment system is more advanced, featuring a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose premium audio system as options.

Cargo Capacity:

• Impreza: The Impreza offers a generous 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, which expands to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 has a slightly smaller cargo area, with 12.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 47.1 cubic feet with the seats down.

Safety: Impreza’s EyeSight Advantage vs Mazda’s i-Activsense Suite

Standard Safety Features:

• Impreza: The Impreza comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 also offers a generous array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Advanced Safety Technology:

• Impreza: The Impreza’s EyeSight system is a highly advanced suite of driver-assist technologies that includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning with steering assist.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3’s i-Activsense suite offers similar advanced safety features, but it lacks the lane centering capability of the Impreza’s EyeSight system.

Fuel Efficiency: Impreza’s CVT Edge vs Mazda’s Skyactiv Efficiency

EPA Estimated Fuel Economy:

• Impreza: With the CVT transmission, the Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. With the manual transmission, the fuel economy drops slightly to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 2.5-liter engine gets slightly worse fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Value and Pricing: Impreza’s Affordability vs Mazda’s Premium Appeal

Starting Prices:

• Impreza: The 2023 Subaru Impreza has a starting price of $20,895 for the base model.
• Mazda 3: The 2023 Mazda 3 has a starting price of $21,850 for the base model.

Trim Levels and Features:

• Impreza: The Impreza is available in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and RS. The higher trim levels offer additional features such as leather seats, heated seats, and a sunroof.
• Mazda 3: The Mazda 3 is available in four trim levels: Base, Select, Preferred, and Premium. The higher trim levels offer more advanced features such as a Bose premium audio system, navigation, and a head-up display.

Which Car is Right for You?

The Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3 are both excellent compact cars with their unique strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize all-wheel drive capability, spaciousness, and affordability, the Impreza is an excellent choice. However, if you desire a more premium interior, advanced safety features, and a more engaging driving experience, the Mazda 3 is a compelling option.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which car has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Impreza with the CVT transmission has slightly better fuel economy than the Mazda 3 with the 2.0-liter engine.

Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Impreza offers a more spacious cabin with more headroom and legroom than the Mazda 3.

Q: Which car has a better infotainment system?
A: The Mazda 3 has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a premium audio system as options.

Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: Both the Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3 have excellent reliability ratings, with the Impreza having a slightly higher rating from Consumer Reports.

Q: Which car is better for families?
A: The Subaru Impreza offers more space and versatility for families, thanks to its all-wheel drive capability, spacious interior, and larger cargo area.