Impreza vs Prius
The Impreza and the Prius are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. If you only read one line, make it this: the Prius takes 2 of 4 compared areas, and the fuel economy & range gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Prius wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Prius wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range4.4
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
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
-
The Prius has better fuel economy
The Impreza gives up a lot on fuel economy (combined): 30 mpg, compared with 57 mpg on the Prius. The Prius uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Prius has 44 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The Prius brings 196 hp to the table; the Impreza brings 152 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Prius has better city fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (city), the Prius wins comfortably with 57 mpg against 27 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Prius has better highway fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (56 mpg for the Prius, 34 mpg for the Impreza) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 58.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 108.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Prius leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Prius. The Prius answers with 44 hp more power. The Prius’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Prius.
Total system output
Impreza: 152 hp Prius: 196 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Prius leads
In this area the Prius has a lead the Impreza can’t close. The Prius makes its case with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Net result: the Prius leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Impreza: 30 mpg Prius: 57 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Impreza: 27 mpg Prius: 57 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Prius starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Impreza nor the Prius has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L flat-4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 152 hp | 196 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 57 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | 57 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | 56 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 5.10 in | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Subaru EyeSight | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Impreza | Prius |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 58.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 108.3 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 Prius if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (57 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you want more power (196 hp vs 152 hp)
- you mostly drive in town (57 mpg vs 27 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (56 mpg vs 34 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Impreza or the Prius?
On the specs compared here, the Prius makes more sense for most buyers; the Impreza doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Subaru’s Impreza against Toyota’s Prius. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Prius gives you better fuel economy. I’d also count 44 hp more power in the Prius’s favor.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the Impreza, engine & performance leads to the Prius.
My pick: the Prius.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.