2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is the $6,095 difference in starting MSRP, with the Trax priced at $20,500 compared to the Impreza's $26,595. Performance metrics show the Impreza leads in power with 152 hp versus the Trax's 137 hp, though the Trax counteracts this with superior torque delivery at 162 lb-ft compared to the Impreza's 145 lb-ft. Fuel economy is closely matched, with the Trax achieving a combined 30 MPG against the Impreza's 29 MPG, while the Trax offers substantially more usable space, boasting a 25.6 cubic feet cargo capacity versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the Trax is slightly larger overall at 178.6 inches in length, though the Impreza includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) against the Trax's Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax provides better city fuel economy (28 MPG) and a lower cost of entry for daily driving.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax offers significantly greater utility with 25.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza generates more peak horsepower (152 hp) and includes standard AWD for enhanced dynamic capability.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax is $6,095 less expensive while still delivering a higher combined MPG rating of 30.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Budget constraints prioritize the lowest initial outlay at $20,500 MSRP.
- Maximum utility is required, indicated by the 25.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Drivers prioritize torque over peak horsepower, as the Trax has 162 lb-ft to the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- All-weather capability is mandatory due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- The buyer seeks the highest peak horsepower rating, standing at 152 hp.
- Highway driving efficiency is critical, where the Impreza slightly leads at 33 MPG highway versus 32 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.8" | 70.1" |
| Height | 61.4" | 58.3" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Adaptive Headlights | β | β |
| Front Fog Lights | β | β |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | β | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 448.2/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Single Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | β |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | β | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | β | β |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | β |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | β |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | β | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | β | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | β |
| Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | β |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Subaru Impreza.
Which vehicle is more practical for hauling cargo based on dimensions?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax is measurably more practical for cargo, offering 25.6 cubic feet of space compared to the 2026 Subaru Imprezaβs 20.4 cubic feet. Additionally, the Trax has a slightly longer overall length at 178.6 inches.
How does the standard drivetrain affect performance and efficiency?
The Trax comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and achieves 30 MPG combined, whereas the Impreza includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) which contributes to its slightly lower 29 MPG combined rating. The AWD setup typically favors traction over ultimate efficiency.
Is the higher horsepower in the Impreza noticeable over the Trax's torque advantage?
The Impreza offers 152 hp compared to the Trax's 137 hp, suggesting better high-speed power. However, the Trax compensates with higher torque (162 lb-ft vs. 145 lb-ft), which typically translates to better responsiveness at lower city speeds.
What is the financial impact of choosing one vehicle over the other?
The difference in starting MSRP is significant, amounting to $6,095, with the Trax positioned at $20,500 and the Impreza at $26,595. This makes the Trax the definitive budget choice upfront.
Are the transmission types comparable for driving feel?
No, the vehicles utilize different automatic systems; the Trax uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the Impreza employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). These offer distinct acceleration and operational characteristics.
How do their sizes compare, especially for parking maneuvers?
The Impreza is marginally smaller and lower, measuring 176.2 inches long and 58.3 inches high, compared to the Traxβs 178.6 inches length and 61.4 inches height. Both are relatively compact, but the Impreza is easier to fit into tighter vertical spaces.
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