Elantra vs Impreza
Different logos, same mission. The Elantra and the Impreza both want to be your next car. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Impreza takes 3 of 4 areas against the Elantra, starting with space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Impreza wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Elantra wins
- Space & Practicality Impreza wins
- Off-road & Towing Impreza wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality4.8
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range4.4
- Space & Practicality7.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Impreza has 44% more cargo space
The spread here is large: 20.4 cu ft on the Impreza versus 14.2 cu ft on the Elantra. Expect to notice it. The Impreza’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Elantra has better fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Elantra makes its strongest case: 36 mpg against 30 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Elantra has better highway fuel economy
The Elantra clearly leads on fuel economy (highway), and 41 mpg versus 34 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Elantra has better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the Elantra posts 32 mpg against 27 mpg for the Impreza, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Elantra starts from a better baseline.
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The Impreza has 13 lb-ft more torque
The Impreza wins this narrowly, 145 lb-ft against 132 lb-ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Impreza’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
- Elantra 184.1 in × 71.9 in × 55.7 in
- Impreza 176.2 in × 70.1 in × 58.1 in
If you’re worried about fit, relax: either car occupies roughly the same footprint.
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 176.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 58.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 105.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Impreza leads
The Elantra keeps it close on engine & performance, yet the Impreza holds a small lead. Point to the Impreza for 13 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. If engine & performance is your priority, the Impreza is the car to pick.
Torque
Elantra: 132 lb-ft Impreza: 145 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Elantra leads
The Elantra is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. On its side, the Elantra has better fuel economy. The Elantra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the Elantra.
Fuel economy (combined)
Elantra: 36 mpg Impreza: 30 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Elantra: 41 mpg Impreza: 34 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Impreza leads
The Impreza clearly takes the space & practicality round. The Impreza scores with 44% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Impreza is the stronger car.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Elantra: 14.2 cu ft Impreza: 20.4 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Impreza leads
The Elantra comes close on off-road & towing, but the Impreza does just enough to lead. The Impreza takes this one with available all-wheel drive. The Impreza offers all-wheel drive; the Elantra doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. In short, the Impreza is the better-equipped car for off-road & towing.
AWD / 4WD available
Elantra: no Impreza: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 147 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | IVT (CVT) | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 36 mpg (winner) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 32 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 41 mpg (winner) | 34 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.2 cu ft | 20.4 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 55.3 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 5.10 in |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 176.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 58.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 105.1 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Elantra if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (36 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (41 mpg vs 34 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (32 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Choose the Impreza if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (20.4 cu ft vs 14.2 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (145 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Elantra or the Impreza?
For most people, the Impreza is the stronger choice, unless you need better fuel economy, which only the Elantra offers.
Is the Elantra bigger than the Impreza?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Elantra and the Impreza is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Elantra and the Impreza. Practically speaking, the Impreza’s biggest advantage is 44% more cargo space. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Impreza has 13 lb-ft more torque. That said, the Elantra answers with better fuel economy, which some people will value more.
Think about your week. Heavy on fuel economy & range? The Elantra. More about engine & performance? The Impreza.
My pick: the Impreza, though the Elantra makes sense if your top priority is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.