2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The comparison between the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Ford Maverick reveals significant divergence, beginning with a substantial 8 MPG difference in combined fuel economy, favoring the Maverick's 38 MPG versus the Impreza's 30 MPG. This efficiency advantage is coupled with a notable 39 hp deficit for the Impreza (152 hp vs. 191 hp). Pricewise, the Impreza presents a clearer value proposition starting at $24,360, significantly undercutting the Maverick's $28,145 MSRP. Despite its lower power, the Impreza retains standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, unlike the Maverick's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration. The Maverick also exhibits greater physical dimensions, measuring 199.8 inches in length compared to the Impreza's 176.2 inches, contributing to a higher ride height of 68.8 inches versus 58.3 inches. Buyers must weigh immediate cost savings and AWD capability against superior power output and better long-term fuel costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick achieves superior combined efficiency at 38 MPG, lowering daily running costs for consistent commuting.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick's substantially larger footprint (199.8 inches long and 68.8 inches high) suggests greater interior space and presence for family transport.
2026 Ford Maverick
With 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, the Maverick offers 39 more horsepower than the Impreza's 152 hp.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza offers better initial value with an MSRP of $24,360, which is $3,785 less than the Maverick.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box, as the Impreza includes it standard.
- Your budget is firm under $25,000, as the Impreza starts at $24,360.
- You prioritize a smaller physical footprint for navigating tight urban environments (176.2 inches in length).
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, given the Maverick's 38 combined MPG rating.
- Higher power output is desired, as the Maverick produces 191 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp.
- You prefer the higher stance and increased dimensions provided by the Maverick's 68.8-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 199.8" |
| Width | 70.1" | 72.6" |
| Height | 58.3" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 155 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 | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 13.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 55.4 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Ford Maverick.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Impreza and the 2026 Maverick?
The 2025 Impreza Wagon comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and produces 152 hp from its naturally aspirated engine. Conversely, the 2026 Maverick is FWD standard and delivers a more robust 191 hp, utilizing an electrically variable transmission.
How significant is the fuel economy gap between the two vehicles?
The 2026 Ford Maverick holds a substantial advantage, achieving a combined 38 MPG, while the 2025 Subaru Impreza is rated at 30 MPG combined. This 8 MPG difference directly impacts annual fuel expenditure.
Is the Impreza's cargo capacity directly comparable to the Maverick's, given the Maverick is longer?
No, the specifications provided only list the Impreza's cargo capacity at 20.4 cu ft, whereas the Maverick's utility is implied by its crossover body type and greater exterior length (199.8 inches), though a direct cubic footage comparison is unavailable.
Which vehicle offers better bang for the buck initially based on MSRP?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the lower initial investment at $24,360, compared to the 2026 Ford Maverick which starts $3,785 higher at $28,145.
How does the size difference impact handling characteristics?
The Impreza is significantly smaller in nearly every dimension, being 23.6 inches shorter in length (176.2 vs. 199.8 inches) and over a foot shorter in height (58.3 vs. 68.8 inches), which generally translates to nimbler handling compared to the larger Maverick.
Can both vehicles run on regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Ford Maverick specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility, meaning neither requires premium octane for optimal performance.
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