Subaru
Impreza
Toyota
Mirai
Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Mirai: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Subaru Impreza comes out ahead of the Toyota Mirai 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
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).
Mirai
Overall
Extremely negative sentiment regarding ownership viability, dominated by severe infrastructure and cost-of-fuel criticisms. The vehicle is acknowledged as a technological showcase with a smooth, quiet driving experience and a drastic aesthetic improvement in the 2021+ redesign. However, the overwhelming consensus from owner discussions is that the Mirai is a compromised and impractical vehicle for nearly all buyers due to the cripplingly limited and unreliable hydrogen refueling infrastructure, exorbitant fuel costs after initial subsidies expire, and catastrophic depreciation.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between trims or model years. The 2021+ second-generation model is noted for its "stunning" and "decent" redesign, a significant improvement over the widely criticized aesthetics of the first-generation (2015-2020) model.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophically limited and unreliable refueling infrastructure: stations are sparse, frequently out of service, or out of hydrogen for weeks, stranding owners.
- ⚠Prohibitively high hydrogen fuel cost: prices cited from $21/kg to over $30/kg, resulting in a fueling cost of approximately $75-$150 per tank and a cost per mile of $0.19-$0.50/km ($0.30-$0.80/mile), vastly exceeding gasoline and electric…
- ⚠Severe depreciation: used values are extremely low (e.g., $15k-$17k for a 2017-2018 model) due to the above factors and the expiration of fuel credits for second owners. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Subaru Impreza is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Toyota Mirai, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Toyota Mirai is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Subaru Impreza or the Toyota Mirai?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota Mirai. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Subaru Impreza or the Toyota Mirai?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Subaru Impreza is classed as a Hatchback, the Toyota Mirai as a Sedan, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Subaru Impreza or the Toyota Mirai?
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 Impreza or the Toyota Mirai?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Subaru Impreza than the Toyota Mirai. See the known issues comparison above.