Crosstrek vs. Impreza: Which one is right for you?

The Subaru Impreza and the Subaru Crosstrek are two roomy and reliable vehicles that are a lot of fun to drive, and both offer lots of tech and safety features. While they have a lot in common and they even look similar, there are some differences between the models. Here is a look at which one is right for you, the Crosstrek or the Impreza.

Size

At first glance, both vehicles have similar dimensions and sport similar length and widths. The Impreza has a length of 176.2 inches and a width of 70.1 inches. The Crosstrek is 176.4 inches and 71.7 inches wide. The wheelbase is the same at 105.1 inches. Height is the real difference here, with the Impreza coming in at 58.3 inches, while the Crosstrek offers superior height at 63.6 inches with the roof rails. So, if you want higher ground clearance, get the Crosstrek, and if you want a lower center of gravity, get the Impreza.

Power and Towing

Both offer a standard 2.0 liter direct-injection Subaru Boxer engine that gives you 152-horses and 145-lb-ft of torque. You can also opt for the 2.5-liter engine on both, which gives you 182 horses and 178-lb-ft of torque. Most of the Crosstrek trims offer towing of up to 1,500 pounds, while the Crosstrek Wilderness offers up to 3,500 lbs of towing. The Impreza is not designed for towing.

Passenger Space

If you buy a Subaru, you probably want a lot of internal space for camping and taking your friends and family around, and you’ll want them to be comfy. Both offer seating for five passengers and legroom of 42.9 inches in front and 36.5 inches for the backseat passengers. Those in front get as much as 39.8 inches of headroom, while backseat passengers 38.0 inches, again for both the Crosstrek and Impreza. It might be surprising, but the Crosstrek has 54.9 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Impreza that offers 56 cubic feet. Not a huge difference really, but if you want more room, go with the Impreza.

Fun to Drive

Whether you're taking on winding mountain roads or navigating tricky city streets, both vehicles offer a sporty and engaging driving experience. The Crosstrek's all-wheel drive and higher clearance make it an excellent choice for off-road adventures, while the Impreza's nimble handling and efficient engine make it a great option for zipping around town. Not to mention, the Impreza sits lower to the ground, so it’s the obvious choice for those who love 2-lane mountain roads. No matter which model you choose, both the Crosstrek and Impreza pack plenty of excitement into every drive.

When looking at it, it’s obvious that there is no true winner. Both the Impreza and the Crosstrek serve different purposes, and it’s up to you to decide what works for you. The best thing to do would be to take both the Imprezas and the Crosstrek out for a spin at Tim’s Truck. By seeing what works for you, in person, you can decide. Here at Tim’s Truck, we have plenty of Imprezas and Crosstreks to check out.

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