The Impreza and Crosstrek seem to have similar dimensions at first glance: The Impreza is a compact hatchback with a length of 176.2 inches and width of 70.1 inches, while the Crosstrek is classified as a compact SUV with 176.4 inches of length and up to 71.7 inches of width. Both vehicles even have the same standard wheelbase at 105.1 inches (except for the Crosstrek Wilderness at 104.9 inches), but height is where the two diverge with the Impreza coming in at 58.3 inches and the Crosstrek sitting almost 5 inches higher at 63.6 inches (with roof rails), most of which is due to its higher ground clearance. The Crosstrek Wilderness is higher still at 63.6 inches.

The Impreza features a lower center of gravity that can give it a more responsive and exciting driving feel at highway speeds. The taller Crosstrek gives the driver a slightly higher seating position, and its ground clearance allows it to travel off-road.

Engines are another area in which the Impreza and Crosstrek seem very similar at first, but differences emerge in the details. They’re both equipped with durable SUBARU BOXER^® engines to power their standard all-wheel drive systems. Every BOXER engine is built with a unique horizontal layout, giving both vehicles a lower center of gravity and a finely tuned balance between power and fuel economy. 

The 2026 Impreza features a standard 2.0-liter direct-injection BOXER engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. For upgraded power, they also offer an available 2.5-liter engine capable of 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque for Impreza. This same 2.5-liter engine comes standard on all 2026 Crosstrek trims. There are differences, however, when it comes to towing capacity. Because the Impreza is built as a compact hatchback car, it is not designed for towing. The Crosstrek is rated for towing up to 1,500 pounds. If you regularly need to tow cargo and equipment, you may want to take a closer look at the Crosstrek Wilderness, which offers up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. 

Looking for even better fuel efficiency without giving up the Subaru performance you love? Explore the all-new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

Ground clearance is another detail where the Impreza and Crosstrek feature different strengths. The Impreza only needs 5.1 inches of ground clearance since it’s a hatchback designed for fun, sporty, all-weather road travel. As a compact crossover, the Crosstrek offers 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance to help it avoid larger obstacles on the trail – while the Crosstrek Wilderness allows you to tackle even tougher terrain with a 9.3-inch ground clearance. While the Impreza offers truly impressive capability for a hatchback, the Crosstrek SUV is more specifically designed to handle conditions you may face when traveling off-road.

Interior volume is one area in which the Impreza and Crosstrek are essentially an even match. Both the Crosstrek and Impreza have a practical hatchback design, seat as many as five passengers with equal legroom (with 42.9 inches in front and 36.5 inches in back) and headroom (with as much as 39.8 inches in front and 38.0 inches in back) and offer up to 100.5 cubic feet of passenger room. The Crosstrek has slightly less maximum cargo space with up to 54.9 cubic feet compared to the Impreza at 56 cubic feet with each of their standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks lowered.

Now you’ve explored some of the major differences in specs and features between the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek, but online research can only take you so far. Each vehicle has its own unique personality, driving feel, and customization options. You can start by building your own Impreza and Crosstrek with our online tools and try them out in a test drive at your local retailer to find the Subaru vehicle that’s perfect for you.

Subaru also offers the Crosstrek Hybrid, delivering enhanced fuel efficiency compared to our traditional gas models.