2021 Subaru Impreza vs. Its Competition

2021 Subaru Impreza
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are best sellers in the compact class and deserve a strong look.

The Civic comes in a multitude of configurations, none of which are dull.

The latest Corolla is a big step up, especially in frugal hybrid guise.

The latest Mazda 3 offers wet-climate drivers an all-wheel-drive rival to the Subaru Impreza for the first time.

Though the Mazda is more expensive than the Subaru, it’s also more fun and its interior is nicer in most ways other than its non-touchscreen infotainment system.

VW’s Jetta has clean lines and willing turbo power, plus a ride that’s unusually composed.

Don’t skip the Kia Forte, either, with its neat styling matched with a high level of refinement for a bargain price.

2021 Subaru Impreza2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Honda Civic2021 Honda Civic
2021 Kia Forte2021 Kia Forte
2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo2021 Mazda MAZDA3
2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition2021 Toyota Corolla
2021 Volkswagen Jetta2021 Volkswagen Jetta
#25 in Compact Cars
Quick Specs
6.5
The 2021 Subaru Impreza excels at foul-weather traction and value; it’s an exceedingly rational choice among economy cars.
6.7
The 2021 Honda Civic doesn’t let social responsibility get in the way of a good time.
6.2
The 2021 Kia Forte is a value-packed compact sedan, one that’s a half-step behind the class leaders.
6.7
The 2021 Mazda 3 straddles the mainstream and upscale markets with a quality cabin, power that ranges from pedestrian to plentiful, and available all-wheel drive.
6.7
With the 2021 Corolla, Toyota has almost excised all the bland from its diet.
5.7
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a no-frills compact with good value. Saving money never goes out of style.
MSRP From     
$18,795$21,250$17,890$20,650$20,025$18,995
Gas Mileage     
Coming Soon MPG City / Coming Soon MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy
Engine     
N/AIntercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
N/ALarge CarsMidsize CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
N/ALX CVTFE Manual2.0 FWDL CVT (SE)S Manual
Drivetrain     
N/AFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
N/A55555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
N/AHatchbackSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
N/ACVT w/ODManual w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODManual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Honda Civic2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Kia Forte2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Mazda MAZDA32021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Toyota Corolla2021 Subaru Impreza vs. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta