Subaru Impreza vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf GTI 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 GTI.
When we compare the Subaru Impreza's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Impreza's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Impreza ranges from $22,900 to $30,287 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is priced between $33,860 to $41,026. For a new model, the Subaru Impreza's price is between $24,557 and $32,714, with the Volkswagen Golf GTI priced between $33,305 and $42,915.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Impreza loses 33.9 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 41.4 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza retains 7.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Impreza is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf GTI's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Impreza being ranked 1 out of 3 Best Wagons and the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 37 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Impreza is 7.7 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf GTI the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Impreza’s base engine makes 152 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI base engine makes 241 horsepower. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 564 miles. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. This gives the Subaru Impreza the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf GTI. 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 GTI 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 GTI have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
24557 - 32714
Starting MSRP:
24360
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33305 - 42915
Starting MSRP:
32445
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26066
Price Range:
22900 - 30287
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37233
Price Range:
33860 - 41026
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
8390
Depreciation %:
0.34441254
Resale Value $:
15970
Residual Value %:
0.65558746
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13737
Depreciation %:
0.42338168
Resale Value $:
18708
Residual Value %:
0.57661832
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
Subaru Impreza Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Impreza
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.085
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.032
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.651682267831624
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8108517430028832
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Subaru Impreza Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
23 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
30 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Impreza Trim Levels
Base, RS, Sport
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
Autobahn, S, SE
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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):
0.048 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
448 / 564 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 422 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Navigation System:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
20.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
56 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
120.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
19.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
34.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
111.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3171 lbs
Width:
79.4 inches
Height:
58.3 inches
Length:
176.2 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3183 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
168.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Pure Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Slate Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray
Red
Kings Red Metallic
Silver
Alpine Silver Metallic
White
Opal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid
