2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The $4,390 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the most substantial divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz ($28,750) and the 2025 Subaru Impreza ($24,360). Performance metrics also show the Santa Cruz offering substantially more capability, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, fuel economy favors the smaller vehicle, with the Impreza achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating, which is a 5 MPG advantage for the Subaru. The Santa Cruz is significantly larger, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Impreza's 176.2 inches, reflecting its crossover orientation against the Impreza's wagon design. While the Santa Cruz offers more driving dynamics and size, the Impreza counters with standard All-Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the likely family choice due to its significantly larger overall dimensions (195.7 inches length vs. 176.2 inches).
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals more to enthusiasts with a higher output of 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza offers better entry value, starting $4,390 cheaper while including standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require more substantial power, indicated by its 191 hp engine output.
- Your intended use involves carrying slightly larger loads, benefiting from its crossover utility over the Impreza's wagon form.
- You prefer the operational characteristics of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Maximizing fuel savings is a priority, evidenced by its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prioritize standard traction control, as the Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You are sensitive to the initial purchase price, as it saves $4,390 at MSRP compared to the Santa Cruz.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 176.2" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.1" |
| Height | 66.7" | 58.3" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 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 | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 448.2/564.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 205/55R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Subaru Impreza.
Which vehicle is significantly more powerful for merging onto highways?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers substantially more power, rated at 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This output is noticeably higher than the 2025 Subaru Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between these two vehicles?
The Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, benefiting traction in varied conditions. In contrast, the base Santa Cruz utilizes a Front Wheel Drive configuration.
What is the penalty in fuel economy for choosing the more powerful Santa Cruz?
Choosing the Santa Cruz results in a 5 MPG penalty in combined efficiency; it achieves 25 MPG combined, whereas the Impreza reaches 30 MPG combined.
Which vehicle offers better daily running costs regarding fuel type?
Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, minimizing specialized fuel costs. However, the Impreza's higher MPG rating ensures lower overall refueling frequency and cost.
Are the physical dimensions notably different for parking and maneuverability?
Yes, the Santa Cruz is nearly 20 inches longer (195.7 inches vs. 176.2 inches) and wider (75.0 inches vs. 70.1 inches), making the smaller Impreza easier to navigate and park.
Is there a significant base price difference between the 2025 models?
There is a $4,390 price disparity at the base level, with the 2025 Subaru Impreza priced at $24,360 and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starting at $28,750.
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