If you love stylish cars with turbo power, then the All-New Subaru WRX and Impreza are for you. Both cars symbolize the perfect combination of performance, practicality, and comfort.
These two models offer a similar classy design with minor aesthetic differences. The question is which one fits you best? in this article, I compare key Subaru WRX vs Impreza characteristics including price, engine, and power.
What is Subaru Wrx?
Subaru WRX is a high-performance variant of the Subaru Impreza compact car. Over the years, it’s been offered in three different body styles, including a four-door sedan (1993–2014), a five-door hatchback (1994–2007, 2014–present), and a four-door station wagon (2008–2014).
In the U.S., Subaru WRX models were sold from model years 2002 to 2014. In February 2015, the second generation WRX was introduced as a stand-alone model for the first time in the U.S. market.
The WRX was sold in other markets around the world, with varying engines and body styles, until 2014. Since then, it’s been replaced by the Levorg wagon on some markets, while other markets continue to receive the current model under various names.
What is Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza was introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the Leone. New EJ series engines replace the predecessor’s EA series engines. The company also offered a coupe from 1995 to 2001, and a 5-door wagon from its introduction as a hatchback.
The average version comes with “boxer” flat-four engines starting from 1.5 to 2.5 liters, with turbocharge add to Impreza WRX and WRX STI models.
The Outback Sport was an off-road appearance package available on the first three generations of Impreza in North America. For the fourth generation, this appearance package has been renamed the XV (Crosstrek in North America), and, unlike previous generations, had little underbody protection for off-roading.
What’s the difference between Subaru Impreza and WRX?
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that is available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. The WRX is a high-performance version of the Impreza, and it’s offered exclusively with a four-door body style.
The Subaru Impreza and the Subaru WRX have a few key differences. For example, the WRX is offered exclusively with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Impreza is available with either an all-wheel-drive powertrain or a front-wheel-drive configuration.
The Impreza also has more available trims than the WRX. The standard Impreza comes in three trims, and there are two additional trims for its hatchback body style. The WRX has four trims: base, Premium, Limited, and STI.
What are the similarities between Impreza and Wrx?
The Subaru Impreza and WRX are two very different cars, but they share a lot of similarities. Both have standard all-wheel drive and offer drivers the choice between a sedan or hatchback body style. Both also have Subaru’s Boxer engine and are powered by a four-cylinder engine.
Where these two cars differ is in their power output. The WRX engine makes 268 horsepower, while the Impreza has 152 horsepower. The difference in acceleration is noticeable; the WRX can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, while the Impreza takes nearly 8 seconds to do so.
The Impreza comes standard with a 5-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity, while the WRX doesn’t even give you an option for Bluetooth without making other upgrades. The Impreza includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well.
Wrx vs Impreza (cost, performance, and design)
| Differences | Subaru WRX | Impreza |
| Cost | Cost The MSRP of the 2018 Subaru WRX starts at $27,195, which is about average for the class. Impreza’s starting price of $18,495 is more than $8,000 less than that of the WRX. You can get an Impreza with an all-wheel drive for as little as $19,995. All WRX models have all-wheel drive, but it will still cost you more than the base Impreza. The WRX Premium trim starts at $29,295, while the WRX Limited goes for $30,695 or more (with manual transmission). | Cost The MSRP of the 2018 Subaru WRX starts at $27,195, which is about average for the class. Impreza’s starting price of $18,495 is more than $8,000 less than that of the WRX. You can get an Impreza with an all-wheel-drive for as little as $19,995. All WRX models have all-wheel drive, but it will still cost you more than the base Impreza. The WRX Premium trim starts at $29,295, while the WRX Limited goes for $30,695 or more (with manual transmission). |
| Performance | Performance Meets the standard of what an ideal sports car for the Subaru lineup should be as it offers the choice of enjoying either the turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 268 horsepower. Accelerating from a stop, the typical Wrx will hit 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds, instead. Not ideal if fuel savings is prioritized. Considered the winner when the factor of fuel economy is prioritized. Meets the standard of what an ideal economical car for daily commuting should be as it delivers a decent 152 horsepower. Accelerating from a stop, the typical Impreza will hit 60 mph in around 8 seconds. | Performance Meets the standard of what an ideal sports car for the Subaru lineup should be as it offers the choice of enjoying either the turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 268 horsepower. Accelerating from a stop, the typical Wrx will hit 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds, instead. Not ideal if fuel savings is prioritized. Considered the winner when the factor of fuel economy is prioritized. Meets the standard of what an ideal economical car for daily commuting should be as it delivers a decent 152 horsepower. Accelerating from a stop, the typical Impreza will hit 60 mph in around 8 seconds. |
| Design | Only available as a sedan. While it is pricier than the Impreza, it doesn’t speak more of luxury, but shares same design of Starlink infotainment unit as seen in Impreza. In other words, both have a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen but WRX provides a six-speaker stereo and the distinguished satellite radio as a standard feature. | Takes a similarity with Wrx in terms of sizing (2020 year model) as they share similar amount of room for passengers (up to five). Offered in the hatchback and sedan body styles to better suit some drivers who are in need to haul extra gear. Impreza features just a four-speaker stereo in the Starlink infotainment unit. |
Is the WRX based on the Impreza?
The Subaru WRX, in its early days of production, was based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. According to the manufacturers, the WRX is an acronym for “World Rally eXperimental” which reflects its sporty feel.
To be more precise, it was the first three generations of the WRX that were exactly based on standard Impreza models, that is, those WRX lineups sold from inception till the 2015 model year.
After that year, all the WRX lineup has been separated from the Impreza, and this can be seen in the distinguished body style that it is now presented in.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.