2012 Subaru Impreza vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

Get FREE Price Quote
What’s this?

What’s this? X

Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

John Voelcker

Senior Editor BIO

John is Senior Editor for High Gear Media. In addition to news coverage and new car reviews, John creates and oversees all editorial for High Gear's... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
They both deliver smooth, all-electric power. They both plug into the wall to recharge their... Read More

#4LEADERBOARD RANK
2901ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
1950COMMENTS POSTED

Oct 3, 2011

The 2012 Subaru Impreza doesn't really compete against the highest volume compacts (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus) but with the second tier of "fun to drive" competitors from Mazda, VW, and others.

It's reasonably priced, though a new top-tier trim level can take the price above $25,000, and the standard all-wheel drive is a feature no other compact can touch.

With nicer styling and gas mileage that's 30 percent better for 2012, the Impreza is newly competitive and offers a distinctly different compact alternative.

2012 Subaru Impreza Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Kia Forte Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volkswagen Golf Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Hyundai Elantra Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 Crisply restyled, with higher gas mileage, more space inside, a nicer interior, and all-wheel drive standard, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a newly compelling compact alternative.	7.4 The 2012 Kia Forte family of vehicles manages to feel more eager, comfortable, and sophisticated than its sticker price might suggest.	8.2 With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one.	7.8 The 2012 Volkswagen Golf feels like a premium vehicle, and it's priced like one too, especially its fuel-efficient TDI edition.	7.8 The 2012 VW Jetta delivers a better driving feel and more back-seat room than many other compact sedans; skip the cost-cutter base versions in favor of the TDI or the GLI for a distinctive choice in the compact class.	8.2 38 mpg; a sleek, sophisticated look; and even more value for the money confirm that this little sedan has officially left the Corolla in the dust.
MSRP From
$17,495	$15,200	$15,200	$17,995	$15,515	$14,945
Gas Mileage
25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas Flat 4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I5	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Compact Cars	Compact Cars	Compact	Compact	Compact Cars	Mid-Size
Style Name
4dr Man 2.0i	4dr Sedan Man LX	4dr Sedan Man i SV	2dr HB Man	4dr Manual Base	4dr Sedan Man GLS (Alabama Plant) Ltd Avail
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4	4
Body Style
Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	2 Door HB	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual w/OD