The enthusiasm for high-performance cars is incomparable. And one of the top Japanese car brands Subaru is famous for making sports sedans with rally-inspired styling. And it’s not easy to tell the difference between Impreza vs WRX, two of Subaru’s most famous four-wheel-drive cars.
Both share many features as the same undercarriage. This will feature a body and interior trims similar to both the WRX and WRX STI. Each model offers 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space and space for five passengers.
They’re also similar in size and equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive that gives you better handling and great performance. But there are a lot of big differences between them that give us the chance to compare Subaru Impreza to WRX.
To find out which Subaru sedan is a better fit for your life, check out our comparison guide to find the difference between Impreza and WRX.
Our Local Deals experts have compared these models side by side in an easy way so you can decide which one is right for you.
2021 Subaru Impreza Overview
The 2021 Subaru Impreza is available as a roomy compact sedan or compact hatchback. Despite being one of the cheapest new cars.
It comes with all-wheel drive as standard, which sets it apart from all its competitors and is a definite asset for drivers who regularly face slippery roads and bad weather.
The Impreza is a rabbit-class turtle with a four-cylinder engine that develops 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.
However, not everything about the Impreza is impressive. Still, the Impreza makes up for its performance deficits with the overall ease of use, excellent reliability, and strong resale values.
2021 Subaru Impreza Specifications
- MSRP: $19,295 – $26,395
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- MPG: 28 City / 36 Hwy
- Horsepower: 152 hp
- Capacity: 5 Seats
- Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
2022 Subaru WRX Overview
When it comes to perfecting the mix between practicality and keeping its monetary appreciation, the 2022 Subaru WRX ranks pretty high up.
There’s a better, more comfortable, and less gigantic way to experience the thrill of the turbocharged four-wheel-drive boxer.
A smaller, turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine powers the stock WRX, and it’s available with a six-speed manual or CVT transmission.
And while you don’t get the full 300 horsepower the STI has, the WRX isn’t far behind at 268 horsepower. It’s not as sophisticated as some of its more modern rivals, but like all of the previous WRXs, it has plenty of character and charm.
2022 Subaru WRX Specifications
- MSRP: $27,495 – $41,945
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
- Horsepower: 269 to 310 hp
- Capacity: 5 Seats
- Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
2021 Subaru Impreza Vs WRX Comparison
The Impreza marks Subaru’s entry into the small car segment and has been around since 1992, while the WRX is a more powerful turbocharged version of the Impreza.
The fifth-generation Impreza for the 2017 model year has four sedan trims and four five-door station wagon trims, all powered by a 2.0-liter engine with 152 hp.
Suggestion For Reading: Best Kia Lease Deals, Incentives & Rebates in 2021
The WRX, on the other hand, has four trim levels that are powered by a 2.5-liter, 265-hp engine. Although these two models are built on the same platform, they offer a completely different driving experience.
Today we are going to compare the Subaru Impreza vs WRX point by point and get a better idea of which one is the best for you.
1. Price
The prices between the two models are very different. The WRX has 3 trim levels, with the base model starting at $ 27,495, the premium version starting at $ 32,010, and the top-of-the-line Limited starting at $ 41,945.
The cheapest Impreza has only 4 trim variants. The base STI starts at $ 19,295 and the sport version starts at $ 26,395.
This Impreza Limited sedan offers comfort features like heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and much more. So Impreza will give you a better deal if we compare the price between Subaru Impreza vs WRX.
Winner: Subaru Impreza
2. Performance
While the Subaru Impreza has suspension geared towards comfort, the Subaru WRX has suspension that is tailored to the race track with aggressive damping and spring rates.
For even more impressive performance, the WRX can be upgraded with features such as a Brembo performance braking system and variable torque distribution, both of which are not available on the Subaru Impreza.
Hence, the WRX has proven to be the winner in the Subaru WRX vs Impreza competition.
Winner: Subaru WRX
3. Interior Design
Because they are built on the same platform, both the Subaru WRX and the Subaru Impreza share the same interior and configuration.
All WRX and Impreza models offer 12.0 cubic meters of trunk space, which is about the average for a compact sedan.
The Impreza offers some interior upgrades over the WRX, such as the available Recaro sports seats. while the WRX can be equipped with fabric, ultra suede, or leather.
The Impreza also has two-zone automatic climate control. But overall, the interior difference between Impreza and wrx is minimal, making combos petitors the same.
Winner: Both
4. Comfort
While both cars are great for city driving, the Subaru Impreza gives you a bit more space. However, the Subaru WRX has some standard convenience features that are only available as upgrades on the 2019 Subaru Impreza.
For example, automatic climate control and a leather steering wheel are standard on all new Subaru WRXs, but upgrades are only available on the Subaru Impreza. Overall, WRX gives you more comfort when we compare Subaru WRX vs Impreza.
Winner: Subaru WRX
5. Handling
Driving enthusiasts who want a high level of performance will be disappointed with the Subaru Impreza. The WRX is a clear step forward in terms of driving pleasure.
Its powerful acceleration and safe handling convinced many. Weekend warriors will especially enjoy putting the WRX STI on the track. In many ways, the WRX is a high-octane variant of the Impreza and differentiates between Subaru Impreza vs WRX.
Winner: Subaru WRX
6. Technology
On the middle dashboard of these two cars is a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Subaru STARLINK technology. This multimedia system has Apple CarPlay ™ and Android Auto ™ for seamless smartphone integration.
In the Subaru WRX 2021, this system is even standard with an HD radio receiver and SiriusXM satellite radio.
In the Subaru Impreza 2021, these functions are available in the premium equipment and higher. In terms of technology, These are the major difference between Impreza and wrx.
Winner: Subaru WRX
7. Reliability
The Subaru Impreza has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which is 33 out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $ 653, which means running costs are average.
The Subaru WRX also has the same reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 and is ranked 32nd out of 36 for cars.
The annual maintenance cost for a Subaru WRX is $ 682. The Wrx is very expensive to maintain. On reliability criteria, Impreza excels in the Subaru Impreza vs. Wrx.
Winner: Subaru Impreza
8. Safety
There is valuable safety technology for these models. However, only the entry-level Impreza can be equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driving aids.
WRX also loses Subarus’ more modern automatic reverse braking available from Impreza. but it has active torque vectoring to complement the standard suite of electronic aids such as traction, braking, and stability controls.
The Impreza also has the standard equipment of stability, brake, and traction controls as well as the all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring. In safety, Subaru Impreza wins against WRX.
Winner: Subaru Impreza
9. Fuel Efficiency
The WRX returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway when combined with its manual transmission.
On the other hand, the Subaru Impreza is the most fuel-efficient sedan with an overall average of 31 mpg.
This figure takes into account the average of 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. So in terms of fuel efficiency, we can give the Subaru Impreza an edge in the fight against WRX or Impreza.
Winner: Subaru Impreza
10. Final Verdict
After considering all of the points and discussing all the top differences between Subaru Impreza and WRX, we can say that the Subaru Impreza is a great affordable car when compared to the WRX, and is also more fuel-efficient and safer.
People can choose the WRX for everyday driving when they are paying their own money. However, if you want high performance, comfort, and better handling, the WRX is the best option for you when you choose one of them: Subaru Impreza vs WRX.
Now how much money to spend on this Subaru is up to you. Both versions of the cars come with a full set of general safety measures.
Winner: Tied
Top FAQs About 2021 Subaru WRX vs Impreza
Which is better between WRX or Impreza?
In terms of performance, the WRX is better than the Impreza, but if you are looking for an affordable car, the Impreza is for your needs.
A person’s finances will ultimately play a role in their final decision. As mentioned above, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is much cheaper. Not only is the Impreza cheaper to run, but it’s also significantly better when it comes to gas mileage. The 2021 Subaru WRX may be the most expensive model, but it is still one of the best values in today’s sports sedan segment.
Is the WRX the same size as the Impreza?
Both offer the same amount of passenger space. It fits up to five people. An adult-friendly rear seat makes this compact car ideal for families.
While the WRX is only available as a sedan, Subaru offers the Impreza as a hatchback and sedan body. Drivers who need to haul extra gear will enjoy the Impreza hatchback. It offers 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which exceeds the sedan’s 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space.
When did Impreza and WRX separate?
In 2014, the Subaru WRX officially became its own model, separate from the Impreza. That means the Impreza and WRX have been separate Subaru models for eight model years.
However, the 2014 Subaru WRX is officially the first model year to mark the separation between the two models. So no, the 2021 Subaru WRX is not an Impreza. The models are now alone.
What is the difference between Subaru Impreza and WRX?
Impreza is a commuter car with good fuel consumption. It uses a 4 cylinder non-turbo engine that doesn’t have a lot of power.
A new one isn’t that expensive, and can range from a little over $ 18,000 to $ 24,000; on the other hand, the WRX is basically a more powerful version of the Impreza. Fuel efficiency is poor and premium gasoline is used because the engine is turbocharged. These are the top differences between Subaru Impreza and WRX.
Final Thought
When deciding on a car, it is important for car buyers to know what they want the most. While the Impreza is extremely practical, some riders will eventually want the more exciting capabilities of the WRX.
Drivers who simply can’t afford the cost of a new WRX should consider the Impreza Sport. It gets some updates for better handling. A slightly more aggressive look also helps make the Impreza Sport a good alternative to the WRX.