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2024 Subaru Crosstrek Vs. 2024 Subaru Impreza, And The Winner Is

Which Subaru model is the best, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek or the 2024 Subaru Impreza? Check out the comparison before you buy.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2024 Subaru Impreza

You may say, I need help deciding which new Subaru model to buy. Here is a head-to-head comparison of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs. the 2024 Subaru Impreza. I cover the Subaru models extensively, and here is a new analysis from U.S. News. I agree with their assessment, except in two critical areas. Check the results.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV and 2024 Subaru Impreza compact hatch are both new models receiving a redesign. They ride on the same platform, and the Crosstrek gets additional upgrades. Which is the best? Here is the U.S. News eleven analysis and my assessment of both models. 

2024 Subaru Impreza in the city

1. Price - Winner: 2024 Subaru Impreza

"While the previous Impreza was offered in sedan and hatchback variants, the redesigned Impreza is now exclusively a hatchback. The 2024 Subaru Impreza has a base MSRP of $22,995. Stepping up to the Sport trim brings the price to $24,995, and the range-topping RS trim starts at $27,885."

2. Reliability - Winner: Inconclusive

"Neither the 2024 Subaru Impreza nor the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had received a predicted reliability score from J.D. Power at the time of this writing, so we can't name a winner in this category."

My assessment 

I disagree with U.S. News on reliability.

An updated Consumer Reports reliability ranking says the 2024 Crosstrek will have much better reliability than the average new car. CR says the 2024 Subaru Impreza is predicted to be more reliable than other new cars. They give the Crosstrek a near-perfect score of 99/100. The Impreza has a CR score of 69/100. Advantage Crosstrek. 

2024 Subaru Crosstrek going off road

3. Seat Comfort - Winner: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

"Both vehicles provide seating for five and supportive, comfortable front seats. The rear seats are tighter on legroom but should be adequate for a couple of adults. Both vehicles come standard with cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats. The Impreza Sport gains upgraded cloth upholstery. If you select the RS trim and the RS upgrade package, you get a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. There's no leather seating option in the Impreza."

4. Cargo Space - Winner: Tie

"Despite its positioning as the versatile crossover, the Crosstrek has less cargo space than the Impreza wagon. The Crosstrek has 54.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. With the rear seats in use, it provides 19.9 cubic feet of storage space."

5. Interior Quality - Winner: Tie

"As with nearly all Subaru models, the interiors of the Impreza and Crosstrek put function above other considerations – in the best ways possible. They are straightforward, functional, and well-built. There are many hard plastics, and while they won't feel particularly upscale, they make living with them easy, which is important."

6. Interior Features - Winner: Tie

"Both vehicles have nearly the same standard features, including dual 7-inch touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a USB port. You can upgrade to an 11.6-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, additional USB ports, push-button start, and a moonroof. They might be on different trims and at different price points, but nearly any feature you can get on the Impreza, you can get on the Crosstrek."

7. Acceleration - Winner: 2024 Subaru Impreza

"The Impreza and Crosstrek offer the same selection of powertrains. The base engine is a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder "boxer" engine that makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque."

8. Fuel Economy - Winner: 2024 Subaru Impreza

"The 2.0-liter Impreza returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, or 30 mpg combined. Those figures dip slightly for RS models with the 2.5-liter engine to 26/33 mpg city/highway."

9. Ride, Handling, and Towing - Winner: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

"The Subaru Impreza has composed handling and refined cornering abilities, yet it also does a great job soaking up bumps in the road. As for the Crosstrek, chassis enhancements were a particular area of focus with the 2024 redesign. It can execute a turn with little body roll, and potholes are a non-issue."

10. Off-Road Ride and Handling - Winner: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

"One of the greatest differences between the Impreza and Crosstrek is ground clearance and trail capability. The Crosstrek comes standard with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than many SUVs can claim."

11. Safety - Winner: Tie

"As these are fully redesigned vehicles, safety information is unavailable. Neither has been fully evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety."

My Take

The Insurance Institute has tested the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Impreza for Highway Safety. The Crosstrek earned a Top Safety Pick award; the 2024 Impreza is a Top Safety Pick+ winner. Advantage Impreza. 

The overall U.S. News winner is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.

"If you are shopping purely on price, the 2024 Subaru Impreza would win out, but price alone is seldom the definitive attribute for those shopping for a new vehicle."

"How a vehicle will fit into your lifestyle and needs are equally important, and that is where the Crosstrek comes into focus. It offers features you can't get on the Impreza, such as leather upholstery, roof rails, and more ground clearance." 

"Ultimately, these two cars are so closely matched that you won't lose out if you choose one over the other, but if you have to select one, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is simply more car. Its U.S. News overall score is slightly higher than the Impreza's."

2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Impreza in the city

My Take

The most significant difference between the 2024 Impreza and the 2024 Crosstrek is whether you want speed, handling, body cladding, or a raised ride height. The Impreza will deliver superior driving performance on the road. The 2024 Crosstrek has excellent off-road performance. 

I would pick the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek over the Impreza because of its severe weather, off-pavement, and all-terrain ability. The Crosstrek is also predicted to be more reliable than the Impreza. 

Which new model would you choose if you buy a new compact hatch or SUV this winter? Let me know in the comments below. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza comparison story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

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I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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Comments

NMK (not verified)    December 30, 2023 - 9:57PM

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I dont understand how you can dedicate so much time into covering subaru as a brand and and say you side with consumer reports. They score the crosstrek a ridiculous 30 points higher than the impreza and its THE SAME DAMN VEHICLE. Same engines, same transmissions, same interior, same tech, same everything. The difference is taller suspension on the crosstrek. How exactly does that translate to a score gap that absurd...?

DW (not verified)    January 6, 2024 - 3:47PM

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It seems as though you prefer the Impreza which is fine. You have your preference, and they have their process, and came to a different conclusion. I would expect a car that costs a little more should tip it a little higher as far as the scores go, which makes sense and seems pretty standard across the auto industry at least in principle (doesn’t always work out that way obviously)

At the end of the day, as long as you’re happy with what you like, who cares what anyone else, including reviewers think. As they said it’s close, and it is basically just a beefed up Impreza.

Happy New Year, May it be your best one yet :)