2025 Kia Niro vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The most striking disparity between the 2025 Kia Niro and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is fuel economy, where the Niro achieves a 53 combined MPG compared to the Impreza's 29 combined MPG, representing a 24 MPG advantage for the hybrid. The Niro also has a lower base MSRP at $26,990 versus the Impreza’s $26,595, despite offering superior efficiency. However, the Impreza generates more power, boasting 152 horsepower against the Niro's 139 hp, though the Niro counters with higher torque at 195 lb-ft versus 145 lb-ft. Dimensions show the Impreza is slightly longer at 176.2 inches versus 174.0 inches, but the Niro provides more practical storage with 22.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in the Impreza contrasts with the Niro's Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is the clear winner for commuters due to its exceptional 53 combined MPG rating, drastically lowering operational costs.
2025 Kia Niro
The Niro offers superior utility for families with 22.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Impreza
Enthusiasts will favor the Impreza for its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and marginally higher 152 horsepower output.
2025 Kia Niro
Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $26,990, the Niro's significant 24 MPG efficiency advantage translates to much lower long-term ownership costs.
Choose the Kia Niro if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel economy, achieving 53 combined MPG.
- You require more interior storage, as the Niro offers 22.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer higher torque output for immediate acceleration, measuring 195 lb-ft.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- All-Wheel Drive capability is non-negotiable for traction management.
- You prefer a slightly more potent peak horsepower rating of 152 hp.
- You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $26,595.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Niro | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.0" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.8" | 70.1" |
| Height | 60.8" | 58.3" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 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 | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 53/54 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 53 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 588.3/599.4 mi. | 448.2/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.3 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 | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | 225/40R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro and 2026 Subaru Impreza.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Kia Niro compared to the 2026 Subaru Impreza?
The Niro is substantially more efficient, achieving 53 combined MPG against the Impreza’s 29 combined MPG. This difference of 24 MPG means the Niro will incur significantly lower refueling expenses over the vehicle's lifespan.
Which vehicle offers better foul-weather capability?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza includes standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Kia Niro only utilizes Front Wheel Drive. The Impreza's AWD system provides superior traction in low-grip conditions.
How do the horsepower and torque figures compare?
The Impreza produces more peak horsepower at 152 hp compared to the Niro's 139 hp. However, the Niro delivers considerably more torque, rated at 195 lb-ft versus the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.
Is there a significant difference in cargo volume between the two models?
Yes, the Kia Niro is more practical for hauling gear, providing 22.8 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Subaru Impreza offers slightly less room at 20.4 cu ft.
Considering the MSRPs, how does the cost compare?
The base MSRPs are very close, with the Impreza costing $26,595 and the Niro priced at $26,990. The Niro's marginally higher price is offset by its major efficiency gains.
What are the primary transmission differences?
The Niro utilizes a 6-speed automated manual transmission, optimized for its hybrid system efficiency, while the Impreza uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission paired with its standard AWD setup.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool