Subaru Crosstrek compared to Subaru Impreza



"What is the difference between Crosstrek and Impreza?"




PLANET'S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:


The Crosstrek has the underpinnings of the Impreza hatchback so it's similar in interior measurements and outside dimensions to the Impreza.  They share a 152 horsepower, 2.0 liter engine, and are both available with a manual or automatic transmission. The Crosstrek offers an optional 182 horsepower, 2.5 liter engine available only on the Sport and Limited models.

Crosstrek offers three additional inches of ground clearance, and stands four inches taller.  Think of the Crosstrek as a souped-up, blinged-out Impreza.  Crosstrek costs about $2,000 more.  Subaru took an Impreza hatchback and added:


  • Raised suspension;
  • Unique grill and lots of protective black cladding;
  • Murdered-out 18-inch silver/black alloys wheels;
  • Privacy glass
  • Upgraded rear differential for towing up to 1,500 pounds.  (Subaru does not recommend towing with an Impreza). 
  • And if go for the row-your-own transmission, you get six speeds instead of the five in the Impreza.


Review

Crosstrek

Impreza
Ride Quality
Subaru raised the suspension on the Crosstrek so it has more "travel" up and down over bumps. "Travel" is just a fancy way of saying that there is more space for the suspension to compress, which results in a more compliant ride. "Travel" also allows a little more body roll in corners, however, so the Impreza performs better on the track.

There's more "dead cat space" between the top of the tire and the bottom of the wheel well. (That's the technical industry term, believe it or not.)

Even though we hired a dog as our greeter, we really do love cats. Tires aren't as fat on the Impreza.
Ride Height
You sit a few inches higher in the Crosstrek, which gives you a "command driving position" (the auto industry term that describes that great feeling of sitting high in a vehicle so you can see what's ahead.) Because of the boxer engine design that Subaru uses, however, the center of mass in the vehicle sits quite low so both vehicles handle quite nimbly and are very unlikely to roll over.

You can see the cars in front of the Crosstrek a little better from the driver's seat

View from the Impreza is more like a regular car.
Price
Comparably equipped, the Crosstrek is about $2000 more, which buys you everything described in the executive summary above.		 Crosstrek models and prices. Impreza models and prices.
Image Perception
Customers tell us that the Crosstrek looks more like a small sport utility vehicle and the Impreza looks like a sporty station wagon. Similar to the difference between hiking boots and running shoes? You be the judge.
Engines and Fuel Economy
Both have 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with 152 horsepower. Only Crosstrek offers an optional 2.5 liter engine, available only with an automatic. 26 city, 34 highway.

Continuously variable auto transmission

27 city, 33 highway

Six-speed manual: 23 city, 29 highway


Continuously variable auto transmission

27 city, 35 highway

Five-speed manual: 25 city, 23 highway
Much more...exclusive video, high resolution photo galleries, links galore, and much more! Crosstrek Center

Impreza Center

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All new Crosstreks and Imprezas purchased at Planet come standard with:












 




  
We help Subaru buyers in Plymouth, Brockton, Newton, Watertown, and Braintree decide between the Crosstrek and the Impreza.