Subaru Impreza vs. the Competition

The Subaru Impreza comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 152 horsepower or a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 182 horsepower in the RS trim. Both are paired with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD, which comes standard across all trims. This AWD system offers superior grip in various weather conditions in Windsor and Berthoud, giving drivers a sense of confidence that neither the Honda Civic nor the Mazda3 matches as standard features-both require additional costs or specific trims for AWD, and in the case of the Civic, AWD is unavailable altogether.

While the Honda Civic boasts similar engine options and the Mazda3 offers a turbocharged engine with more horsepower, their front-wheel-drive configurations (standard) make them less versatile for handling snowy or wet roads in Johnstown or Estes Park. Subaru's AWD system shines in providing balanced handling and smooth rides, especially on uneven terrains, making it ideal for Fort Collins drivers in all climates.

The 2025 Subaru Impreza also excels in practicality and comfort. Its hatchback design provides a roomy cargo area and seating for five adults, making it an excellent choice for families or those who need extra space for gear. The Civic and Mazda3, while offering stylish interiors, fall short in cargo capacity. The Mazda3, in particular, struggles with its tight rear-seat legroom, which may feel cramped for passengers.

In terms of ride comfort, the Impreza features a suspension system designed for a smooth and composed drive, even on rough roads. While the Civic offers a sporty driving experience, its road noise can be intrusive, particularly on highways. The Mazda3 provides an engaging driving experience but sacrifices some comfort with its stiffer ride.

The Subaru Impreza comes loaded with advanced technology, starting with a dual-touchscreen infotainment system on the base trim and an upgraded 11.6-inch center touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For safety, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist suite is standard across all trims, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

While the Honda Civic and Mazda3 feature competitive infotainment options, their base trims lack some of the advanced connectivity and driver-assist features found in the Impreza. The Mazda3's base trim has a smaller 8.8-inch screen, and certain features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available on higher trims. Similarly, while the Civic offers the new Google-based infotainment system in its top trims, these features come at a significantly higher price point.

The Subaru Impreza starts at $23,495, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on features. The Honda Civic starts slightly higher at $24,250, and the Mazda3 begins at $23,950. While all three vehicles offer strong warranties and reliability, the Impreza delivers exceptional value with its standard AWD and robust suite of safety features at no extra cost.

When considering the price range, the Impreza's top-tier RS trim caps at $28,385, while similarly equipped versions of the Civic and Mazda3 climb significantly higher, especially when adding AWD to the Mazda3. The Civic's upper trims, particularly the performance-focused Si or Type R, also skew heavily toward enthusiasts, leaving mainstream buyers paying more for features they may not need.