Mazda3 vs Impreza
Two brands, one target. The Mazda3 from Mazda and the Impreza from Subaru compete head to head for compact car shoppers. The numbers lean one way: the Mazda3 comes out ahead in 2 of the 4 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mazda3 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Mazda3 wins
- Space & Practicality Impreza wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality4.4
- 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 55% more cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Impreza makes its strongest case: 20.4 cu ft against 13.2 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Mazda3 has 39 hp more power
The Mazda3 clearly leads on total system output, and 191 hp versus 152 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Mazda3’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Mazda3 has 41 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Mazda3 posts 186 lb-ft against 145 lb-ft for the Impreza, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Mazda3’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Mazda3 has better highway fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (highway) is slim (37 mpg against 34 mpg), yet it tips toward the Mazda3. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
- Mazda3 183.5 in × 70.7 in × 56.9 in
- Impreza 176.2 in × 70.1 in × 58.1 in
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Dimensions
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5 in | 176.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.7 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 105.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Mazda3 leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Mazda3. The Mazda3 delivers 39 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the Mazda3 comes out ahead.
Total system output
Mazda3: 191 hp Impreza: 152 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Mazda3: 186 lb-ft Impreza: 145 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Mazda3 leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Mazda3 marginally ahead. The Mazda3 pulls ahead with better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. For fuel economy & range, the Mazda3 is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (highway)
Mazda3: 37 mpg Impreza: 34 mpg The Mazda3 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Impreza leads
The Mazda3 is outclassed on space & practicality; the Impreza leads by a clear margin. Choose the Impreza and you get 55% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. That makes the Impreza the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Mazda3: 13.2 cu ft Impreza: 20.4 cu ft The Impreza’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
The Mazda3 and the Impreza differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 191 hp (winner) | 152 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg (winner) | 34 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.2 cu ft | 20.4 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 55.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 5.10 in |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 10.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Mazda i-Activsense | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Mazda3 | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5 in | 176.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.7 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 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 Mazda3 if…
- you want more power (191 hp vs 152 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (186 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you cover long highway distances (37 mpg vs 34 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Impreza if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (20.4 cu ft vs 13.2 cu ft)
- you’re loyal to Subaru and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Impreza?
The Mazda3 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you specifically want 55% more cargo space, where the Impreza has the edge.
Which is larger, the Mazda3 or the Impreza?
Neither by much. The Mazda3 and the Impreza have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Mazda3 from Mazda and the Impreza from Subaru. My main argument for the Mazda3? It comes with 39 hp more power. It also helps that the Mazda3 has better highway fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 55% more cargo space, the Impreza deserves a look.
In my head, the Mazda3 is the engine & performance pick and the Impreza is the space & practicality pick.
My pick: the Mazda3. The Impreza only comes out ahead if you know that 55% more cargo space would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.