Subaru Impreza vs. Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf.

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

Pricing: A used 2021 Subaru Impreza ranges from $17,981 to $24,472 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $15,188 to $22,985.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Impreza loses 28.4 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Impreza is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Impreza being ranked 1 out of 5 Best Wagons and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Impreza is 8.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Impreza.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Impreza’s base engine makes 152 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf 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 head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.