2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Comparison Overview
The most significant dimensional difference lies in height, where the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer stands 5.9 inches taller at 64.2 inches compared to the 2025 Subaru Impreza's 58.3 inches, reflecting its crossover stance against the Impreza's wagon profile. Performance metrics show the Impreza leads in power, producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, versus the Trailblazer's 137 hp and superior 162 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is identical on paper, with both achieving 30 combined MPG, though the Impreza delivers slightly better highway efficiency at 34 MPG versus the Trailblazer's 31 MPG. The Trailblazer offers substantially more utility, boasting 25.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Priced at $23,000, the Trailblazer undercuts the Impreza's $24,360 MSRP by $1,360, creating a notable value proposition.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 34 MPG highway rating and standard All-Wheel Drive traction.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer provides better utility for families with 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is the choice for enthusiasts, generating 152 hp and utilizing an AWD system, compared to the Trailblazer's 137 hp and FWD layout.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer offers better value by being $1,360 less expensive ($23,000 vs $24,360) while providing more height and cargo volume.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize year-round traction through standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You seek the best highway fuel efficiency, achieving 34 MPG.
- You prefer a traditional wagon footprint that is 2.1 inches shorter in length.
Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...
- Your primary concern is accessible storage, with 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space available.
- You need the maximum ride height, as the Trailblazer is 5.9 inches taller.
- You can leverage the lower MSRP of $23,000 and the option to run on E85 fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 174.1" |
| Width | 70.1" | 71.2" |
| Height | 58.3" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 52.3 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 |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 53.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 50.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
How does the difference in drivetrain affect daily driving between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza includes standard All-Wheel Drive, optimizing grip in poor conditions, whereas the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. This makes the Impreza inherently more capable when traction is compromised.
Which vehicle provides better measurable utility for hauling gear?
The Trailblazer leads significantly in usable space, offering 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly 5 cubic feet more than the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the Trailblazer's 64.2-inch height aids in loading bulkier items.
Despite similar combined MPG ratings, which car is more efficient on the highway?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is slightly more efficient on the highway, rated at 34 MPG compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer's 31 MPG. However, the Trailblazer posts identical 30 MPG in city driving, matching the Impreza.
What is the performance trade-off when choosing the lower-priced vehicle?
The lower-priced Trailblazer ($23,000) sacrifices top-end power, producing only 137 hp, while the Impreza ($24,360) delivers 152 hp. Conversely, the Trailblazer generates more torque at 162 lb-ft versus 145 lb-ft.
Why is the Trailblazer listed as a flex-fuel vehicle while the Impreza is not?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is capable of running on regular unleaded or E85 fuel, offering versatility, while the 2025 Subaru Impreza requires only regular unleaded fuel. This difference impacts potential fueling costs and availability.
Comparing dimensions, how much wider is the Trailblazer than the Impreza?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is 1.1 inches wider than the Impreza, measuring 71.2 inches versus 70.1 inches wide. This extra width, combined with its greater height, contributes to its roomier interior feel.
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