2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the versatile 2025 Ford Maverick and the capable 2026 Subaru Impreza often boils down to prioritizing fuel economy versus all-weather capability. If saving on gas is critical, the Maverick shines, delivering an outstanding 38 combined MPG compared to the Impreza's 29 combined MPG—a significant 9 MPG difference. However, the Impreza counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), absent in the front-wheel-drive Maverick's base setup. Power is another factor; the Maverick puts out 191 hp, a 39 hp advantage over the Impreza's 152 hp. While the Maverick starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $28,145 versus the Impreza's $26,595, buyers must weigh the Maverick's superior efficiency and power against the Impreza's inherent traction and lower entry price for routine errands and longer commutes.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG, meaning fewer stops at the pump.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is better suited for families needing reliable traction across varied road conditions, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Ford Maverick
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Ford Maverick for its higher output of 191 horsepower, offering quicker acceleration.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza offers better baseline value with a lower MSRP of $26,595 and standard AWD capability.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You prioritize top-tier fuel economy, leveraging the Maverick's 42 MPG in city driving.
- You need the extra output from 191 horsepower for highway merging or hauling.
- You are comfortable with the FWD configuration and the slightly larger footprint (199.8 inches long).
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You live in areas that frequently experience snow or rain and require standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You are looking for the lowest initial purchase price at $26,595.
- You prefer the traditional compact dimensions of a wagon (176.2 inches long) for easier parking.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 176.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 70.1" |
| Height | 68.8" | 58.3" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 448.2/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Subaru Impreza.
Which vehicle is substantially better on gas for daily driving?
The 2025 Ford Maverick is the clear fuel efficiency champion here, achieving a combined 38 MPG. This is a substantial 9 MPG better than the 2026 Subaru Impreza's combined rating of 29 MPG.
Does one of these vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, the 2026 Subaru Impreza includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making it superior for slippery conditions. The base 2025 Ford Maverick is front-wheel drive.
How much more powerful is the Ford Maverick than the Subaru Impreza?
The Maverick holds a significant power advantage, producing 191 horsepower compared to the Impreza's 152 horsepower. This results in a 39 hp difference, which you will feel during spirited driving.
What is the difference in size and maneuverability between these two models?
The Maverick is notably larger; at 199.8 inches long and 68.8 inches tall, it offers a crossover stance. The Impreza is a more compact wagon at 176.2 inches long and 58.3 inches high, likely making it easier to navigate tight city streets.
Is the higher MSRP on the Maverick justified by performance?
Starting at $28,145 versus the Impreza's $26,595, the Maverick's extra cost pays for 39 more horsepower and significantly better fuel economy (38 MPG combined vs. 29 MPG combined).
How does their cargo capacity compare?
The specification sheet provided only lists the 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity for the Impreza wagon, while specific cargo figures for the Maverick crossover body type were not detailed for direct comparison.
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