2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Subaru Impreza lies in fuel economy, where the Maverick achieves a combined 38 MPG compared to the Impreza’s 29 MPG, a difference of 9 MPG. Furthermore, the Maverick offers a 39 horsepower advantage, delivering 191 hp against the Impreza's 152 hp. Despite this power deficit, the Impreza leads in initial affordability with an MSRP of $26,595 versus the Maverick’s $28,145. The Maverick, classified as a crossover, is substantially larger, measuring 199.8 inches in length and 68.8 inches in height, while the Impreza wagon is 176.2 inches long and 58.3 inches tall. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel, but the Maverick's FWD configuration contributes to its superior efficiency metrics over the standard AWD Impreza.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 38 MPG, resulting in lower operating costs.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is favored for families due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system providing enhanced stability and its more compact footprint for urban navigation.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick appeals more to performance enthusiasts, offering 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza presents better immediate value with a lower MSRP of $26,595 versus $28,145 for the Maverick.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, demonstrated by the Maverick's 38 combined MPG rating.
- Higher engine output is desired, given the Maverick's 191 horsepower.
- A larger vehicle profile is needed, evidenced by the Maverick's 199.8-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- The lowest initial purchase price is a priority, as the Impreza is listed at $26,595.
- All-wheel drive capability is essential, which the Impreza includes standard.
- A more practical cargo volume is required, with the Impreza offering 20.4 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 176.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 70.1" |
| Height | 68.8" | 58.3" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 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 | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 448.2/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Subaru Impreza.
Which vehicle offers better city driving fuel economy?
The 2026 Ford Maverick achieves 42 MPG in city driving conditions, outperforming the 2026 Subaru Impreza which is rated at 27 MPG city. This 15 MPG city difference makes the Maverick significantly more economical for urban commutes.
How does the standard drivetrain impact performance and efficiency?
The Maverick utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD) paired with its efficiency focus, leading to 38 combined MPG. Conversely, the Impreza uses All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which likely contributes to its lower 29 combined MPG rating, despite offering better traction.
Is the size difference noticeable between these two models?
Yes, the size difference is substantial; the Maverick is 23.6 inches longer (199.8 in vs 176.2 in) and nearly 10.5 inches taller (68.8 in vs 58.3 in) than the Impreza wagon. This difference affects both interior space and maneuverability.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza provides a defined rear cargo capacity of 20.4 cu ft, whereas the Maverick's cargo specifications are not listed but it features a truck bed configuration. For enclosed storage behind the rear seats, the Impreza has a specific measurable volume.
How do the MSRPs compare directly?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza carries a lower MSRP of $26,595. The 2026 Ford Maverick starts at $28,145, creating a price gap of $1,550 favoring the Impreza.
Are both models specified for premium fuel?
No, both the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, ensuring low ongoing fuel cost requirements regardless of which vehicle is chosen.
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