Subaru Impreza vs. Subaru WRX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Impreza and Subaru WRX 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 Subaru Impreza and the Subaru WRX.
In comparing the Subaru Impreza's and the Subaru WRX's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and interior volume. The Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Impreza's and the Subaru WRX's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza is a better car than the Subaru WRX.
Pricing: A used 2023 Subaru Impreza ranges from $17,400 to $24,700 while a used 2023 Subaru WRX is priced between $25,000 to $34,309.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Impreza loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Subaru WRX loses 35.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza retains 0.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru WRX.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Impreza is 8.2 out of 10 while the Subaru WRX's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Impreza being ranked 8 out of 31 Best Small Cars and the Subaru WRX being ranked 7 out of 31.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Impreza is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru WRX the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru WRX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Impreza’s base engine makes 152 horsepower, and the Subaru WRX base engine makes 271 horsepower. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles.This gives the Subaru Impreza the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Subaru WRX the advantage in maximum range. The Impreza uses regular unleaded, and the WRX uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Subaru Impreza has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Subaru WRX has the advantage in the area of cargo space. The Subaru Impreza and Subaru WRX are comparable in regards to front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Impreza and the Subaru WRX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
19795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
25502
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
17245 - 44740
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31423 - 45191
Starting MSRP:
30605
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
25502
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
17245 - 44740
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
21396
Price Range:
17400 - 24700
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
24959
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
14608 - 41383
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
241
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
48666
# Good or Great Deals:
94
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29484
Price Range:
25000 - 34309
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
24959
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
14608 - 41383
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
417
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
33562
# Good or Great Deals:
151
Subaru Impreza Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru WRX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Impreza
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
9.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
6.8 - 14.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.063
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru WRX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
9.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
6.8 - 14.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.059
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.048924226678507
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.4 - 25.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.554129881803137
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.4 - 25.0
Subaru Impreza Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Subaru WRX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 31Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Impreza Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport
Subaru WRX Trim Levels
Base, GT, Limited, Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
145 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.082 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
304 / 409 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2976 lbs
Width:
79.4 inches
Height:
57.3 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3297 lbs
Width:
79.3 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
183.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Ocean Blue Pearl / Sapphire Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue / WR Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Ignition Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Ceramic White
Orange
Solar Orange Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Ivory
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black with Red Stitching
