The 2015 Subaru Impreza is the lone economy car with standard all-wheel drive, but its front-drive competition can still handle the occasional snowfall.
The Mazda 3 was redesigned for 2014, and it's a real looker with a lot of available technology and some of the best driving dynamics available.
The Kia Forte costs less than the Subaru, but offers more options in a sleeker package with better fuel economy; its Hyundai Elantra cousin is a similar story, although not as sporty looking.
The VW Golf and Jetta both offer TDI clean-diesel models, which may appeal to some of Subaru's more earth-conscious shoppers.
Other alternatives include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Dodge Dart.
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 2015 Subaru ImprezaBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Kia ForteBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2015 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2015 Subaru Impreza is tough, practical, and relatively attractive, offering a small all-wheel-drive package for those who need it without the big fuel-economy penalty it used to bring. |
Snappy sheetmetal and smart packaging puts the 2015 Hyundai Elantra on most must-drive lists, though it's not as engaging to drive as some compact sedans. |
Reasonably well-rounded performance and attractive looks inside and out give the Forte lots of curb appeal, but disappointing safety scores and a lack of comfort mean that it isn't quite the high achiever that the larger Optima has been. |
The 2015 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving small cars, with efficient engines and smooth transmissions that help give it a more premium feel than its price would suggest. |
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI trade flashy looks for great interior and cargo space, especially in the SportWagen model—but they don't give up anything for driving fun. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $18,195 | $17,250 | $15,890 | $16,945 | $17,995 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 45 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Manual 2.0i | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 2-Door HB Manual Launch Edition *Ltd Avail* |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2015 Subaru Impreza vs. 2015 Hyundai Elantra | 2015 Subaru Impreza vs. 2015 Kia Forte | 2015 Subaru Impreza vs. 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2015 Subaru Impreza vs. 2015 Volkswagen Golf | |
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