Impreza vs Jetta
Choosing between Subaru and Volkswagen often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact car class, that pair is the Impreza and the Jetta. The Impreza is up against it here: the Jetta wins 2 of the 4 areas on our scorecard, with fuel economy & range as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Jetta wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Jetta wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Impreza wins
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range4.4
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.5
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 Jetta has 39 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Jetta makes its strongest case: 184 lb-ft against 145 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Jetta has better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Jetta (33 mpg versus 30 mpg). The Jetta uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Jetta has better highway fuel economy
The Jetta gets a small bonus on fuel economy (highway), with 39 mpg against the Impreza’s 34 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The Jetta has better city fuel economy
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Jetta leads 29 mpg to 27 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The Impreza has available all-wheel drive
It’s a clear yes for the Impreza and a clear no for the Jetta. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Impreza | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Jetta leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Jetta. On its side, the Jetta has 39 lb-ft more torque. The Jetta’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. That makes the Jetta the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Torque
Impreza: 145 lb-ft Jetta: 184 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Jetta leads
Here the Jetta opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Jetta steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Jetta comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Impreza: 30 mpg Jetta: 33 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
Impreza: 34 mpg Jetta: 39 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Impreza leads
On off-road & towing, the Impreza comes out slightly ahead. The Impreza brings available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Impreza has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
Impreza: yes Jetta: no The Impreza offers all-wheel drive; the Jetta doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Impreza | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L flat-4 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 152 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Impreza | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Impreza | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 5.10 in | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Impreza | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Subaru EyeSight | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Impreza | Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| 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 face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you already know your way around Subaru’s products
Choose the Jetta if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (184 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (33 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (39 mpg vs 34 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (29 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Impreza or the Jetta?
The Jetta wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is available all-wheel drive.
Executive Summary
The Impreza versus the Jetta is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Subaru and Volkswagen made different bets. Start with the headline difference (the Jetta has 39 lb-ft more torque), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the Jetta has better fuel economy. In fairness to the Impreza, available all-wheel drive is a genuine strength.
Think about your week. Heavy on off-road & towing? The Impreza. More about engine & performance? The Jetta.
My pick: the Jetta is the one I’d buy, unless having available all-wheel drive matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.