Is the Subaru Crosstrek the same as the Impreza?
No. The Crosstrek is not the same as the Impreza. The Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover SUV built on the Impreza platform, featuring higher ground clearance, rugged styling, and a hybrid option, while the Impreza is a traditional compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback, focused on efficiency and on-road comfort.
Overview: Crosstrek vs Impreza
What they are
Both models share a common Subaru heritage and, in recent generations, ride on the same Subaru Global Platform. The Crosstrek is positioned as a versatile, all-weather crossover with light off-road capability, whereas the Impreza is a conventional compact car designed for everyday urban and highway driving.
Key differences
The following list highlights the main ways the Crosstrek and Impreza diverge in design, performance, and features.
- Body style and ride height: The Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover with SUV-like styling and a higher seating position, while the Impreza is a traditional compact car (sedan or hatch) with a lower ride height.
- Ground clearance and off-road capability: The Crosstrek offers noticeably higher ground clearance and rugged trim accents intended for light off-road use, whereas the Impreza emphasizes on-road comfort and efficiency.
- Powertrain options and hybrids: The Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter engine and adds a Crosstrek Hybrid option, giving improved fuel economy and electric assist; the Impreza uses a 2.0-liter engine and does not have a factory hybrid variant in the U.S.
- Drivetrain: Both models commonly feature Subaru’s all-wheel drive, but the Crosstrek’s AWD setup is paired with its crossover chassis to enhance grip on varied terrains; the Impreza also offers AWD but is tuned for on-road driving.
- Body type availability: The Crosstrek is offered only as a crossover/SUV, while the Impreza is available as a sedan or hatchback, giving buyers different body-style choices.
- Cargo and interior space: The Crosstrek typically provides more flexible cargo space and headroom for a taller interior profile, while the Impreza offers a roomy compact-car interior with practical hatch space on the wagon/hatch version.
- Pricing and market positioning: The Crosstrek generally carries a higher starting price due to its SUV styling, features, and optional hybrid, whereas the Impreza targets buyers seeking a value-focused compact car.
- Styling and features: The Crosstrek adds rugged exterior cladding, roof rails, and SUV-oriented design cues; the Impreza emphasizes a more conventional car design with a balanced, streamlined look.
In short, they share a common engineering lineage but cater to different needs: the Crosstrek for versatility and light adventure, the Impreza for efficient, everyday transportation.
Shared features and similarities
The following list outlines traits that both models retain, reflecting Subaru’s core design philosophy.
- Subaru Global Platform foundation: Both vehicles are built on Subaru’s modern platform, which prioritizes safety, ride quality, and rigidity.
- All-wheel drive availability: AWD is a hallmark of both models, aligning with Subaru’s emphasis on all-weather capability.
- Boxer engine lineage: Both use horizontally opposed (flat-four) engines in many trims, contributing to a low center of gravity and balanced handling.
- EyeSight driver-assist technology: Subaru’s suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, is commonly offered across trim levels for both models.
- Infotainment compatibility: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are widely supported in recent trims, with similar touchscreen interfaces and smartphone integration.
- Standard safety ratings and warranty expectations: Both models align with Subaru’s emphasis on safety and warranty coverage, appealing to buyers who value protection and reliability.
Even with their differences, the Crosstrek and Impreza retain a shared DNA that underpins Subaru’s reputation for practical, all-weather transportation.
Buying considerations
Choosing between the Crosstrek and Impreza depends on your lifestyle and priorities. If you need more cargo flexibility, higher seating, and potential off-road use, the Crosstrek is the stronger candidate. If you prioritize lower cost of entry, sedan or traditional hatchback practicality, and on-road efficiency, the Impreza may be better suited.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza are related but distinct vehicles. The Crosstrek is a subcompact crossover with higher clearance, rugged styling, and a hybrid option, designed for versatility and light adventure. The Impreza is a compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback, optimized for efficiency and urban driving. Both share Subaru’s AWD heritage and safety technology, making them appealing to buyers who value all-weather capability and dependable engineering.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?
Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek model line entirely, but the Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) was discontinued in the U.S. due to slow sales and Subaru's strategic shift toward new hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) platforms that will be shared with Toyota. Subaru is still producing the standard Crosstrek and is developing new hybrid and EV models based on its new Global Platform, which will offer a new hybrid system for the Crosstrek in the future. The discontinuation of the manual transmission option was also driven by declining demand.
This video discusses the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru's future plans for electrification: 46sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
- Hybrid model discontinued: The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid was dropped after a short run in the U.S. because it only accounted for a small percentage of total sales.
- Strategic shift to new platforms: Subaru is focusing on developing new hybrid and EV models using its new Global Platform, which is designed to accommodate these powertrains. The company is working with Toyota on future EV platforms to improve profitability and innovation.
- Manual transmission phased out: The manual transmission option was discontinued due to declining sales, as a small percentage of buyers opted for it compared to automatic transmissions.
- Standard Crosstrek remains available: The gasoline-powered Crosstrek continues to be a popular and available model.
- Future hybrid return: Subaru has stated that it will launch a new hybrid Crosstrek in the future, likely with a new hybrid system and on the new Global Platform.
This video explains the changes coming to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, including updates to the powertrain options: 55sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Nov 4, 2024
What car is the equivalent of a Subaru Crosstrek?
Major competitors to the Subaru Crosstrek include the Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross, which are all subcompact SUVs that compete in a similar class. Other alternatives include the Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Kicks, and Jeep Renegade.
You can watch this video to learn how the Subaru Crosstrek compares to the Toyota Corolla Cross and Chevy Trailblazer: 58sEdmunds CarsYouTube · May 9, 2025
Direct competitors
- Mazda CX-30: Often considered a direct rival, with a strong emphasis on a more premium feel.
- Honda HR-V: Another key competitor in the subcompact SUV space.
- Toyota Corolla Cross: A very close rival, especially in the compact crossover category.
- Hyundai Kona: A popular option with slightly better fuel economy, according to some reports.
Other rivals
- Chevrolet Trax and Chevy Trailblazer: While the Trax is in the same category, the Trailblazer is seen as a closer rival, particularly in its standard all-wheel drive option.
- Nissan Kicks: Competes in the subcompact SUV segment with a focus on practicality and efficiency.
- Jeep Renegade: Competes for the subcompact SUV buyer who may also be considering off-road capability.
- Kia Soul: A competitor if off-road capability is not a priority, focusing more on its unique style and practicality.
- Buick Envista: Offers a comparable amount of cargo space and is another option in the subcompact class.
Is a Crosstrek just a lifted Impreza?
Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport. Initially, the vehicle was marketed as the XV globally, and as the XV Crosstrek in the United States and Canada.
Is the Impreza the same as the Crosstrek?
No, the Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza are not the same; the Crosstrek is essentially a lifted Impreza with additional features, designed for more rugged use. The main differences are the Crosstrek's higher ground clearance, taller tires, and exterior cladding, which give it a more off-road capable and rugged appearance.
Key differences between the Crosstrek and Impreza
| Feature | Crosstrek | Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | ~8.7 inches, offering better off-road capability | ~5.1 inches, lower center of gravity |
| Exterior Styling | Black plastic cladding and fender arches for a rugged look | Less rugged appearance with no cladding |
| Tires | Taller, all-season tires for improved traction | More street-oriented tires |
| Suspension | Tuned for higher clearance and off-road capability; beefier struts and sway bar | Tuned for a more responsive, on-road feel |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (3,500 lbs for Wilderness trim) | Not optimized for towing |
| Engine | Available with a 2.5L engine (182 hp) on higher trims | Sport-tuned 2.0L engine (152 hp) on base/Sport models; 2.5L (182 hp) on RS trim |
| Transmission | CVT-only for 2024 and newer models | Available with a 5-speed manual on some models |
| Roof Rails | Standard on most trims, ideal for carrying gear | Standard mounting points for crossbars, but no rails |
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In summary:
- Choose the Crosstrek if: You need more ground clearance for off-road driving or camping trips, plan to tow, or prefer a higher driving position.
- Choose the Impreza if: Your driving is primarily on paved roads, you prioritize a lower center of gravity for a more responsive and sporty on-road feel, or you want a more fuel-efficient option.
