VS
At a Glance
Power
227hp @ 5000
152hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 2000
145lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
27 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Subaru Impreza is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 227hp @ 5000 while the Subaru Impreza produces 152hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 27 mpg est. while the Impreza uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,890 for the Mazda3 and $26,595 for the Impreza. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda Mazda32.5 Turbo Premium Plus Auto AWD 2026 - From $37,890
Subaru ImprezaSport AWD 2026 - From $26,595
Performance
Power Output (hp)
227hp @ 5000
152hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 2000
145lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (Est)mpg
27mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31 (Est)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.7gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
175.6in
176.2in
Width (in)
70.7in
70.1in
Height (in)
56.7in
58.3in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3417lbs
3249lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Impreza
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Impreza
Value
Impreza
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Impreza
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($26,595)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Impreza?
The Mazda3 gets 27 mpg est. and the Impreza gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Impreza is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mazda3 or Impreza?
The Mazda3 produces 227hp @ 5000 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Impreza delivers 152hp @ 6000 and 145lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Impreza?
The Mazda3 starts from $37,890 and the Impreza from $26,595. The Impreza is cheaper by $11,295 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Impreza?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider