2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Impreza wagon thrills with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and exceptional efficiency, boasting a 30 MPG combined rating and a low $24,360 MSRP. In contrast, the muscular 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz flexes its power with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, inviting adventure despite its higher $29,500 starting price. The Impreza, being significantly smaller at 176.2 inches long, is nimble, but the Santa Cruz offers a more robust build and a higher 191 hp output compared to the Impreza's 152 hp. The trade-off is clear: the Subaru nets 5 MPG better combined fuel economy than the Hyundai’s 25 MPG rating. For buyers prioritizing low running costs and standard AWD grip, the Impreza stands out, while the Santa Cruz attracts those seeking more utility and raw output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower ownership cost.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The larger 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its greater width (75.0 inches) and height (66.7 inches), likely offers superior passenger and cargo flexibility.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will favor the Santa Cruz for its higher 191 hp output and the engagement offered by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza provides excellent standard AWD and efficiency at a much lower $24,360 MSRP, beating the Santa Cruz's $29,500 price tag.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for slippery conditions without paying a premium.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, especially with a 30 MPG combined rating.
- A lower initial investment is essential, as the Impreza starts at $24,360.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You desire significantly more performance, provided by 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You need greater exterior dimensions, being 19.5 inches longer than the Impreza.
- You prefer the responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 70.1" | 75.0" |
| Height | 58.3" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 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 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 54.5 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 | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Santa Cruz compared to the 2025 Impreza?
The 2026 Santa Cruz offers a notable 39 hp advantage, producing 191 hp versus the Impreza's 152 hp. This power difference is substantial when considering acceleration and towing needs.
What is the main reason the Subaru Impreza is recommended for daily commuting?
The Impreza is ideal for commuting primarily because of its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined, compared to the Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined rating.
Does the Santa Cruz have All-Wheel Drive standard like the Impreza?
No, the standard 2026 Santa Cruz is equipped with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Subaru Impreza comes standard with its renowned All-Wheel Drive system.
What is the approximate cargo space difference between the two vehicles?
The provided specification lists the Impreza wagon with 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, but the Santa Cruz's specific cargo volume isn't listed; however, the Santa Cruz is substantially larger overall.
What financial trade-off is involved when choosing the Santa Cruz over the Impreza?
Choosing the Santa Cruz means accepting a $5,140 higher starting MSRP ($29,500 vs $24,360) and accepting lower efficiency, costing you 5 MPG in combined fuel economy.
Are the transmissions functionally different between these two models?
Yes, the Impreza utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the Santa Cruz features a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering drivers different levels of perceived control.
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