Hyundai ELANTRA vs. Subaru Impreza

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA and Subaru Impreza contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai ELANTRA and the Subaru Impreza.

When comparing the Hyundai ELANTRA's and the Subaru Impreza's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Subaru Impreza has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Hyundai ELANTRA and Subaru Impreza have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA's and the Subaru Impreza's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza is a better car than the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Pricing: A used 2023 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $16,597 to $24,991 while a used 2023 Subaru Impreza is priced between $17,400 to $24,700.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai ELANTRA loses 40.6 percent of its value and the Subaru Impreza loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza retains 6.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA and Subaru Impreza is 8.2 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Hyundai ELANTRA is ranked 12 out of 37 Best Small Cars and Subaru Impreza is ranked 9 out of 37, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.5 out of 10. For the Subaru Impreza the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Subaru Impreza base engine makes 152 horsepower. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 37 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Impreza. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Subaru Impreza has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room and front leg room. The Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Hyundai ELANTRA and Subaru Impreza are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Impreza has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.