Impreza vs GTI
Both the Impreza and the GTI sit in the compact car class, and Subaru and Volkswagen are clearly watching each other. The Impreza has the edge in 2 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GTI wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Impreza wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Impreza wins
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range4.4
- Engine & Performance6.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.1
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 GTI has 89 hp more power
The spread here is large: 241 hp on the GTI versus 152 hp on the Impreza. Expect to notice it. The GTI’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The GTI has 128 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the GTI makes its strongest case: 273 lb-ft against 145 lb-ft. The GTI’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Impreza has better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Impreza (30 mpg versus 27 mpg). Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Impreza has better city fuel economy
The Impreza gets a small bonus on fuel economy (city), with 27 mpg against the GTI’s 24 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Impreza starts from a better baseline.
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The Impreza has better highway fuel economy
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Impreza leads 34 mpg to 32 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Impreza | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
GTI leads
The GTI is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The GTI comes with 89 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the GTI.
Total system output
Impreza: 152 hp GTI: 241 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Impreza: 145 lb-ft GTI: 273 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Impreza leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Impreza is comfortably ahead. The Impreza makes its case with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For fuel economy & range, the Impreza is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
Impreza: 30 mpg GTI: 27 mpg The Impreza uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Impreza: 27 mpg GTI: 24 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Impreza has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The Impreza and the GTI match each other closely in this area. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Impreza leads
The Impreza edges the off-road & towing section, though the GTI stays close. Here the Impreza offers available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. If this section decides it for you, choose the Impreza.
AWD / 4WD available
Impreza: yes GTI: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Impreza | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L flat-4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 152 hp | 241 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Impreza | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg (winner) | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Impreza | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 5.10 in | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Impreza | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Subaru EyeSight | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Impreza | GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
“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 Impreza if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 27 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (27 mpg vs 24 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 32 mpg on the highway)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the GTI if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (241 hp vs 152 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (273 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Volkswagen and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Impreza or the GTI?
The Impreza wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 89 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Subaru’s Impreza versus Volkswagen’s GTI. Practically speaking, the Impreza’s biggest advantage is better fuel economy. Add better highway fuel economy to the list, and the Impreza looks even better. The GTI has a trump card of its own in 89 hp more power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: fuel economy & range points to the Impreza, engine & performance to the GTI.
My pick: the Impreza, though the GTI makes sense if you’d trade the rest for 89 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.