Compare the2024 Mazda 3VS 2023 Subaru Impreza

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mazda 3 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Subaru Impreza doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Mazda 3 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Impreza doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus has a standard 360-Degree Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Impreza only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Mazda 3 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Impreza’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Mazda 3 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking on the Turbo Premium Plus automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Subaru charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Impreza and its not available on the Base and the Impreza’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the Mazda 3 and the Impreza have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda 3 is safer than the Subaru Impreza:

	Mazda 3	Impreza
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	89	198
Neck Injury Risk	17%	39%
Neck Stress	214 lbs.	247 lbs.
Neck Compression	27 lbs.	50 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	205/212 lbs.	237/379 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	30%	34%
Neck Stress	191 lbs.	208 lbs.
Neck Compression	20 lbs.	70 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda 3 is safer than the Subaru Impreza:

	Mazda 3	Impreza
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	112	165
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	238 lbs.	293 lbs.
Hip Force	239 lbs.	400 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	71 G’s	79 G’s
Hip Force	620 lbs.	715 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	10 inches	13 inches
HIC	199	201
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	49 G’s
Hip Force	527 lbs.	824 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda 3 Sedan is much safer than the Impreza Sedan:

	Mazda 3	Impreza
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	122	245
Head Peak Forces	no contact	55 G’s
Neck Tension	245 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	1.5 in	1.89 in
Shoulder Force	335 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.65 in	2.01 in
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	1004 lbs.	1116 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	156	231
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	2.09 in
Shoulder Force	268 lbs.	424 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.87 in	1.69 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	335 lbs.	825 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mazda 3 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Impreza is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Mazda 3’s reliability 16 points higher than the Impreza.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Subaru is rated below average.

Engine

The Mazda 3’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 39 more horsepower (191 vs. 152) and 41 lbs.-ft. more torque (186 vs. 145) than the Impreza’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Mazda 3’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 98 more horsepower (250 vs. 152) and 175 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 145) than the Impreza’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda 3 4 cyl. is faster than the Subaru Impreza (manual transmissions tested):

	3	Impreza
Zero to 60 MPH	6.9 sec	9.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93 MPH	81.4 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda 3 4 cyl. is faster than the Subaru Impreza (automatics tested):

	3	Impreza
Zero to 60 MPH	7.3 sec	9.3 sec
Quarter Mile	15.7 sec	17.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.3 MPH	83 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder FWD gets better fuel mileage than the Impreza Sedan 5-speed Manual (27 city/37 hwy vs. 23 city/31 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder Manual FWD gets better fuel mileage than the Impreza Sedan 5-speed Manual (26 city/36 hwy vs. 23 city/31 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Mazda 3 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The Impreza doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Mazda 3 offers an optional system to automatically turn off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Impreza doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission

The Mazda 3 comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Impreza.

A six-speed manual is no cost option on the Mazda 3 4 cyl. Hatchback Premium, with closer gear ratios for better performance and a lower final drive ratio for quieter highway operation, less engine wear and better fuel mileage. Only a five-speed manual is available for the Impreza.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Mazda 3’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Impreza:

	Mazda 3	Mazda 3 AWD	Impreza	Impreza Sport
Front Rotors	11.02 inches	11.61 inches	10.9 inches	11.6 inches

The Mazda 3 stops much shorter than the Impreza:

	Mazda 3	Impreza
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	134 feet	140 feet	Consumer Reports

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mazda 3’s wheelbase is 2.2 inches longer than on the Impreza (107.3 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mazda 3 is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than on the Impreza.

The Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan handles at .86 G’s, while the Impreza 2.0i Premium Sedan pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the Impreza 2.0i Premium Sedan (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Mazda 3’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Impreza’s (34.8 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

Chassis

The Mazda 3 Sedan is 6.5 inches shorter than the Impreza Sedan, making the Mazda 3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Cargo Capacity

The Mazda 3 Sedan has a larger trunk than the Impreza Sedan (13.2 vs. 12.3 cubic feet).

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Mazda 3 Preferred/Carbon/Premium, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Impreza doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Mazda 3 Premium has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Impreza doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Mazda 3’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Impreza has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Mazda 3’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Impreza’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

On a hot day the Mazda 3’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Impreza can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Mazda 3 has standard Push Button Start that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Entry and Start costs extra on the Impreza and isn’t available on the Impreza Base.

The Mazda 3’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Impreza’s power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Mazda 3’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Impreza’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Mazda 3’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Impreza’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Mazda 3’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Impreza’s headlights are rated “Marginal.”

The Mazda 3 has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The Impreza has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Premium/Sport/Limited.

When the Mazda 3 Preferred/Carbon/Premium is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Impreza’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

On extremely cold winter days, the Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus’ standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Impreza doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Impreza doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Mazda 3 and the Impreza offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Impreza doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda 3 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Impreza doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Model Availability

The Mazda 3 is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Impreza doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Mazda 3 is less expensive to operate than the Impreza because it costs $218 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Mazda 3 than the Impreza, including $80 less for a water pump, $217 less for a starter, $174 less for front struts and $110 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Mazda 3 has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	Mazda 3	Impreza
Consumer Reports® Recommends	Top Pick	TRUE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	FALSE