Subaru
Crosstrek
Subaru
Impreza
Subaru Crosstrek vs Subaru Impreza: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Subaru Impreza comes out ahead of the Subaru Crosstrek on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Crosstrek
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a strong reputation for practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. The vehicle is widely praised for its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent ground clearance, and suitability for outdoor lifestyles, including hiking, camping, and driving in harsh winter conditions. Owners frequently cite its reliability, high resale value, and the sense of safety it provides, with specific anecdotes of surviving serious accidents.
Best version to buy
For newer generations (approximately 2018+), models with the upgraded 2.5L engine (e.g., Sport, Outdoor, or Wilderness trims) are consistently recommended over the base 2.0L engine for adequate power. For older generations, the Premium trim is mentioned as a value sweet spot for used buyers, offering a good balance of comfort and price.
Known issues
- ⚠Underpowered base 2.0L engine: described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. Owners recommend the 2.5L. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠CVT transmission concerns: reliability worries beyond 100,000 miles, recommendations for strict fluid change intervals (every 60k miles), laggy throttle response. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Infotainment system lag: touchscreen response delays, slow menu navigation, system freezes requiring restart. Climate controls integrated into touchscreen criticized. Frequency: recurrent.
Impreza
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of older models (circa 2005-2013) with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions frequently praise the vehicles for their practicality, spacious interiors (especially hatchbacks), and exceptional all-wheel-drive capability in winter conditions. These owners report high satisfaction with reliability when maintenance is followed, though they note poor fuel economy and high road tax as significant drawbacks.
Best version to buy
Models from 2014 or newer are frequently recommended for their updated FB engines which resolved the pervasive head gasket issues of earlier EJ25 engines. Within this generation, the manual transmission is strongly preferred by a segment of owners to avoid the widely criticized CVT.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission problems: Jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Excessive oil consumption: Primarily noted on older models (pre-2014) with EJ-series engines, requiring frequent top-ups. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Head gasket failures: A historical issue strongly associated with pre-2012 models equipped with the EJ25 engine, particularly in North America. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
The verdict
The Subaru Impreza is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Subaru Crosstrek, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Subaru Crosstrek is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Impreza?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Impreza. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Impreza?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Subaru Crosstrek is classed as a SUV, the Subaru Impreza as a Hatchback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Impreza?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Impreza?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Subaru Impreza than the Subaru Crosstrek. See the known issues comparison above.