9 Roomiest Small Cars, Subaru Crosstrek, Impreza Are 2nd Best

The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza aren't the best, but they’re close. 

Which small cars and subcompact SUVs have the most room inside for adults? I have compiled a list for the U.S. News ranking and found some interesting results. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact and 2024 Subaru Impreza compact hatchback rank second overall with the most spacious interiors. 

U.S. News says, "Not all small cars have cramped interiors. In fact, some of them provide plenty of room for adults to stretch out. We've compiled a list of the small cars with the most spacious cabins."

From the U.S. News ranking of roomiest small cars in 2024, I've taken out the luxury models and compiled the best mainstream models. I'll explain why Crosstrek and Impreza are top picks, but first, here is the ranking. 

Roomiest Small Mainstream Cars in 2024. I've listed them from the bottom to the top model. 

• 2024 Toyota Corolla - Front Headroom: 38.3 inches | Rear Legroom: 34.8 inches
• 2024 Volkswagen Golf R - Front Headroom: 38.5 inches | Rear Legroom: 35 inches
• 2024 Volkswagen GTI - Front Headroom: 38.5 inches | Rear Legroom: 35 inches
• 2024 Volkswagen Jetta - Front Headroom: 38.5 inches | Rear Legroom: 37.4 inches
• 2024 Kia Forte - Front Headroom: 38.8 inches | Rear Legroom: 35.7 inches
• 2024 Nissan Sentra - Front Headroom: 38.9 inches | Rear Legroom: 34.9 inches
• 2024 Honda Civic - Front Headroom: 39.3 inches | Rear Legroom: 37.4 inches
• 2024 Subaru Impreza - Front Headroom: 39.8 inches | Rear Legroom: 36.5 inches
• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek - Front Headroom: 39.8 inches | Rear Legroom: 36.5 inches
• 2024 Hyundai Elantra - Front Headroom: 40.6 inches | Rear Legroom: 38 inches

The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza are second only to the Hyundai Elantra, which has more adult headroom and rear legroom. 

However, the Hyundai Elantra is a sedan, and the Crosstrek and Impreza hatchback body styles offer more utility and versatility. Many automakers, including Subaru, are dropping sedans because sales are falling, and new model shoppers want the flexibility of a hatchback. 

The Subaru vehicles come standard with the automaker's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech for all-weather performance. The Elantra sedan is front-wheel drive (FWD) only. 

The Crosstrek offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. You won't be taking the Elantra anywhere beyond the city gates. Crosstrek offers the Wilderness trim level to get further off the grid. Read more in my Wilderness pricing and model guide here. 

What does U.S. News say about the 2024 Subaru Impreza?

"The interior of the 2024 Impreza is true to the Subaru brand: well-constructed with a simple, modern design. It's not particularly luxurious or artistic, but soft-touch plastics help keep things from feeling cheap."

"The seats, particularly up front, are supple and supportive. Two adults can comfortably fit in the rear. Like many compact cars, a third passenger in the middle seat will feel cramped."

"Cloth upholstery comes standard, and options include leather upholstery and heated front seats."

I've included the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, which has the same front headroom of 39.8 inches and rear legroom of 36.5 inches as the Impreza. 

What does U.S. News say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

"The 2024 Crosstrek is a practical and rugged vehicle with well-rounded packaging, and its redesign has improved many issues that plagued the outgoing model. It's not without problems, but its interior comfort, spaciousness, and overall performance overshadow most of its negatives."

What are the Crosstrek and Impreza Pros and Cons?

Pros

• Spacious cabin
• Comfortable seating
• Composed ride and handling
• Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

• Underpowered base engine
• Irksome infotainment system

It's important to note that the redesigned Crosstrek and Impreza have improved seats over the second-generation model. 

Subaru Corporation completely redesigned the new Crosstrek's seats for maximum riding comfort and used a medical approach in the redesign. Subaru spent the time and money to hit a home run with the next-gen Crosstrek and Impreza seats. As a result, you can drive further without getting tired with the new models. Check out my report here for complete details. 

U.S. News mentions the Impreza and Crosstrek's base 2.0-liter engine. Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek have an available 2.5-liter Boxer engine that has 30 additional horsepower over the best engine. 

The 2.5-liter engine upgrade comes in the Impreza RS trim and Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. 

What are the Crosstrek trim levels and pricing?

• The Crosstrek Base starts at $26,540
• Premium $28,085 
• Sport $30,935
• Limited $32,440 
• Wilderness $33,540 

Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345)

What are the Impreza trim levels and pricing?

• The Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,115
• Sport hatch starts at $26,510
• RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine starts at $29,005 

Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,120)

What does Consumer Reports say about the Crosstrek?

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek isn't just good; it's the best. That's what Consumer Reports (by subscription) says in a new ranking of the top small SUVs you can buy now for under $30,000. 

CR says, "The Crosstrek got an evolutionary redesign for 2024. It's still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is leisurely, and we got 29 mpg overall in our tests." 

"The optional 2.5-liter has more power and better acceleration. Engine noise is pronounced when full power is needed, but the sound isn't a deal breaker. Responsive handling, user-friendly controls, and a practical interior round out the package."

If you are looking for a small hatchback or subcompact SUV with the most room inside for adults, the redesigned Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza are the top picks.  If you need cargo room to carry your gear, both models are excellent for their utility. 

The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza, while not the best in their category, are top competitors. When compared to other popular models in the same category, they hold their own in terms of spaciousness and comfort.

Which model from the list are you most interested in now? Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and let us know. We'd love to hear your thoughts and help you with any questions you might have.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru