Subaru impreza vs volkswagen golf: pros, cons, and the all-important verdict

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf are two of the most popular compact cars on the market. Both vehicles offer a combination of performance, practicality, and affordability, making them appealing to a wide range of drivers. But which one is the better choice? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Golf in terms of performance, fuel economy, safety, interior, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The Subaru Impreza comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Golf, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In terms of performance, the Volkswagen Golf has a slight edge over the Subaru Impreza. The Golf’s turbocharged engine provides more torque, which gives it better acceleration and passing power. The Golf also has a more responsive CVT than the Impreza.

Fuel Economy

The Subaru Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen Golf gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

The Volkswagen Golf has a slight edge over the Subaru Impreza in terms of fuel economy. However, both vehicles offer excellent fuel economy for their class.

Safety

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf both received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Impreza also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Golf received a Top Safety Pick rating.

Both vehicles come with a variety of standard safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Impreza also comes standard with a rearview camera, while the Golf comes standard with a forward collision warning system.

Interior

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf both have well-designed interiors with comfortable seats and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The Impreza has a slightly larger interior than the Golf, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.

The Impreza also has a larger cargo area than the Golf, with 22.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats compared to 22.8 cubic feet for the Golf.

Technology

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf both come with a variety of standard technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. The Impreza also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Golf comes standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Golf has a more advanced infotainment system than the Impreza, with a larger touchscreen and more features. The Golf also has a more user-friendly interface than the Impreza.

Price

The Subaru Impreza has a starting price of $18,795, while the Volkswagen Golf has a starting price of $22,995. The Impreza is the more affordable option, but the Golf offers more standard features and a more advanced infotainment system.

Which Car Is Right for You?

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf are both excellent compact cars. The Impreza is a more affordable option with a larger interior and more cargo space. The Golf is a more expensive option with a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and a more advanced infotainment system.

Ultimately, the best car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable compact car with plenty of space, the Subaru Impreza is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful and fuel-efficient compact car with a more advanced infotainment system, the Volkswagen Golf is a great choice.

Beyond the Basics: A Deeper Dive into the Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Golf

Driving Dynamics

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf both offer a comfortable and composed ride. However, the Golf has a slightly sportier suspension than the Impreza, which gives it better handling and cornering. The Impreza, on the other hand, has a more comfortable ride, especially on rough roads.

All-Wheel Drive

The Subaru Impreza is the only compact car in its class that comes standard with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive provides better traction in snow, rain, and other slippery conditions. If you live in an area with inclement weather, the Impreza is a great choice.

Hatchback vs Sedan

The Subaru Impreza is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The Volkswagen Golf is only available as a hatchback. Hatchbacks offer more cargo space than sedans, but sedans typically have a quieter ride. If you need more cargo space, the Impreza hatchback is a great choice. If you prefer a quieter ride, the Impreza sedan is a better option.

Reliability

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf both have a good reputation for reliability. However, the Impreza has a slightly better reliability rating than the Golf. If you’re looking for a compact car that will be trouble-free for years to come, the Impreza is a great choice.

Conclusion

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf are two of the best compact cars on the market. Both vehicles offer a combination of performance, practicality, and affordability. The Impreza is a more affordable option with a larger interior and more cargo space. The Golf is a more expensive option with a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and a more advanced infotainment system.

Ultimately, the best car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable compact car with plenty of space, the Subaru Impreza is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful and fuel-efficient compact car with a more advanced infotainment system, the Volkswagen Golf is a great choice.

Common Questions and Answers

Which car has a better safety rating?

The Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf both received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Impreza also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Golf received a Top Safety Pick rating.

Which car has a more powerful engine?

The Volkswagen Golf has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Impreza. The Golf’s turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the Impreza’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.

Which car has a better fuel economy?

The Volkswagen Golf has a better fuel economy than the Subaru Impreza. The Golf gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, while the Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.