Comparison Data
|
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx CVT
|
2024 Subaru Impreza RS 5-Door CVT
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Displacement
2.5L
|
2.5L
|
|
Engine Cylinders
H4
|
H4
|
|
Peak Horsepower
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
|
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
|
|
Peak Torque
178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
|
178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
|
|
Fuel Economy
8.9 / 7.2 / 8.1 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb
|
9.0 / 7.2 / 8.2 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb
|
|
Cargo Space
564 / 1,549 L seats up/down
|
578 / 1,586 L seats up/down
|
|
Base Price
$33,995
|
$31,795
|
|
A/C Tax
$100
|
$100
|
|
Destination Fee
$2,195
|
$1,995
|
|
Price as Tested
$36,290
|
$33,890
|
|
Optional Equipment
None
|
None
|
Subaru’s Impreza and Crosstrek share a great deal of DNA.
From the platform they share to the pair of engines to pick from, these hatchbacks are unquestionably cut from the same swatch of all-wheel-drive cloth. The Crosstrek rides a little higher than the Impreza, with 220 mm (8.7 in) of ground clearance compared to 130 mm (5.1 in). Add in some extra cladding, and the Crosstrek looks like it was designed for weekend adventures versus its sibling’s styling that’s better suited to the city.
Power
For 2024, the optional 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that was first offered in the Crosstrek makes its way to the Impreza, with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque to work with. Lesser trims still use the same 2.0L engine as before, with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive is standard across the board – this is Subaru, after all – though the brand has ditched the manual transmission from both, moving forward with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) across their lineups.
Subaru Impreza: 6/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 6/10
Fuel Economy
According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the 2024 Impreza with the bigger engine is good for 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 8.2 combined. Inexplicably, and in spite of its extra ride height and total weight, the Crosstrek is slightly more efficient across the board, according to NRCan.
The differences were negligible in real-world conditions, scoring an identical 8.7 L/100 km across more than 500 km of testing. Both run on regular-grade gas.
Subaru Impreza: 8/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 8/10
Comfort
There is precisely zero difference between these two fraternal siblings in terms of dimensions for passengers. Subaru has stuffed a pair of sufficiently plush front seats in both, permitting all-day driving comfort. The rear bench is less spacious, so be sure to take the whole family on a test drive before signing on the dotted line.
Subaru Impreza: 7/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 7/10
Driving Feel
With the uprated engine powering both models tested, neither the Crosstrek nor the Impreza are nearly as gutless as they once were (or can still be with the 2.0L). Power is par for the course in this segment, designed to haul people and their stuff instead of delivering neck-snapping acceleration. The standard CVT is programmed with fake gears, which never seem to properly simulate actual cogs, producing plenty of drone when getting up to speed. The ride is comfortable and the suspension is appropriately squishy for the prescribed missions of these vehicles.
Subaru Impreza: 6/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 6/10
Practicality
The most obvious difference between this pair is ground clearance, with the Crosstrek adding a significant 90 mm (3.5 in) of the stuff. That could mean the difference between getting through that bank of snow left by the plow at the end of the driveway and getting hung up by it.
Inside, cargo measures are broadly the same, with the Crosstrek losing just a few litres of space behind the rear seat thanks to packaging differences. An argument can be made that it’s easier to load items aboard the Crosstrek thanks to its taller ride height. Hatchback opening and cargo floor measures are identical.
Subaru Impreza: 7/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 9/10
User Friendliness
Both machines are equipped with the current interpretation of what Subaru thinks is a good infotainment system, utilizing updated-for-2024 software which no longer produces a bizarre split screen with wasted digital real estate when activating certain functions. Its 11.6-inch tablet-style screen presents well in the centre stack and is larger than just about anything else in its class, with easy-to-decipher icons and decently logical layouts for the likes of radio presets and more. Physical controls exist for audio volume and tuning, plus temperature adjustment, but fan speed is still a digital button.
Subaru Impreza: 7/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 7/10
Features
Like for like, the Impreza has more features than the Crosstrek. While both these trims sit just one below their respective top-tier option, the Impreza RS packs in a better stereo system despite having an MSRP that’s more than $2,000 cheaper. In fact, one could spend just $600 more on an Impreza Sport-tech than they would on a Crosstrek Onyx and net leather seats, integrated navigation, and more advanced driving helpers.
Subaru Impreza: 8/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 7/10
Safety
Subaru makes a lot of noise about its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, which uses two forward-facing cameras tucked behind the windshield. Ready to spot humans and other vehicles, the system will apply the brakes if it thinks you’re heading for an imminent wreck. Lane-centring assist and adaptive cruise control are also included. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded both its Top Safety Pick designation.
Subaru Impreza: 9/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 9/10
Styling
Think of it this way: the Impreza has a closet full of sneakers, while the Crosstrek is all about the boots. Impreza shoppers will find themselves staring at a five-door featuring decent lines that define it as a compact hatchback with no crossover pretensions whatsoever. The RS version tested here was shod in Pure Red, a new paint shade for this year, creating a look that outstripped its actual performance abilities.
The Crosstrek, on the other hand, cosplays with all the crossover tropes – extra ride height, dark wheel arches to make it look even taller than it is, and Falken brand all-season tires instead of Yokohamas. The Onyx trim leans into the image with yellow fog light surrounds and a few blacked-out accents, while a new Wilderness trim takes its looks – and abilities – even further.
Subaru Impreza: 7/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 8/10
Value
A total of $2,400 separates the two machines tested here, setting a price on the value of extra ground clearance and ride height. Including freight charges, the Impreza RS checks in at $33,790, while the Crosstrek Onyx is priced at $36,190. Both models have powertrains that are all but identical, including horsepower and the number of driven wheels, each is shod with a sunroof, and both have gear such as heated seats plus an 11.6-inch tablet style infotainment touchscreen. However, the less-expensive Impreza is also fitted with a 10-speaker system, making it a better deal in terms of standard equipment; whether the premium is worth it for the extra ground clearance and crossover-like styling cues is largely an individual choice.
Subaru Impreza: 8/10; Subaru Crosstrek: 7/10
The Verdict
As with most choices in life, selecting between the 2024 Subaru Impreza and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek largely comes down to head versus heart. The former offers equal power and space but more features for a lower price, while the latter arguably looks better and is likely to outperform its brother when the snow flies.
You may also like
