Battle of the crossovers: subaru impreza vs. subaru forester – which is the right compact suv for you?

When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile vehicle, the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Forester are two top contenders. Both models offer a combination of performance, practicality, and safety features that make them popular choices among drivers. However, there are some key differences between the two models that can help you determine which one is the right fit for your needs.

Size and Style

The Subaru Impreza is a compact sedan or hatchback, while the Subaru Forester is a compact SUV. The Impreza is smaller in size, with a length of 182.7 inches and a width of 70.9 inches. The Forester, on the other hand, is larger, with a length of 189.6 inches and a width of 75.8 inches. This difference in size is reflected in the interior space, with the Forester offering more cargo and passenger space than the Impreza.

In terms of style, the Impreza has a more sporty and sleek appearance, while the Forester has a more rugged and utilitarian look. The Impreza is available in a variety of trim levels, including the sporty WRX and STI models, while the Forester is available in a more limited range of trims.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Both the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Forester come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the Impreza is available with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Forester, on the other hand, is available with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 182 horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the Impreza with the 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The Impreza with the turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Forester with the 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Forester with the hybrid powertrain gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Off-Road Capabilities

The Subaru Impreza is known for its agile handling and responsive steering. It is a fun and engaging car to drive, especially in the WRX and STI models. The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, is known for its comfortable ride and off-road capabilities. It has a higher ground clearance than the Impreza, and it comes with standard all-wheel drive. This makes it a good choice for drivers who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain.

Safety Features

Both the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Forester come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Impreza also comes standard with a rearview camera, while the Forester comes standard with a blind-spot monitoring system. Both models have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Price and Value

The Subaru Impreza has a starting price of $19,795, while the Subaru Forester has a starting price of $25,845. The Impreza offers a good value for the price, with a well-equipped interior and a variety of available features. The Forester offers a more spacious interior, better off-road capabilities, and a higher safety rating, but it comes at a higher price.

Which One is Right for You?

The Subaru Impreza and Subaru Forester are both excellent vehicles that offer a combination of performance, practicality, and safety features. The Impreza is a good choice for drivers who want a sporty and fun-to-drive car, while the Forester is a good choice for drivers who need a more spacious and versatile vehicle. Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to test drive both models and see which one better meets your needs.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are considering the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Forester, you may also want to consider the following alternatives:

• Honda Civic: The Honda Civic is a compact sedan that is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and fun-to-drive nature.
• Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla is another compact sedan that is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
• Hyundai Elantra: The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that offers a good balance of performance, features, and value.
• Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that is known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and fun-to-drive nature.
• Kia Sportage: The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a spacious interior, a variety of available features, and a good value for the price.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which is more fuel-efficient, the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Forester?

A: The Subaru Impreza with the 2.5-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Forester with the 2.5-liter engine. The Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which has more cargo space, the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Forester?

A: The Subaru Forester has more cargo space than the Subaru Impreza. The Forester has 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Impreza has 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Q: Which has a better safety rating, the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Forester?

A: Both the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Forester have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).