Getting a practical car doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun. Of course, your next car should be functional, safe, and a good buy, but you also want it to be fun. Fortunately, with the Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza, “fun” is most definitely on the agenda.
Let’s look at these two compact cars, which are on the more entertaining side of their segment.
2025 Mazda3
2024 model shown
Mazda builds attractive, fuel-efficient small cars that are fun to drive, and the Mazda3 certainly continues that legacy. With Mazda, you also get to pick the package your fun comes in: sedan or hatchback.
Seven trim levels are available on the Mazda3 to help you make the right choice. The Mazda3 is powered by a punchy 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, putting out 191 horsepower. However, there is an upgraded turbocharged powertrain with an available 250 hp. New for 2025, all vehicles equipped with a navigation package can receive over-the-air updates while Amazon Alexa Built-in is now available on all trim levels except the entry-level 2.5 S.
The Mazda3 is a car that’s comfortable, good on gas, and long on fun — like most of Mazda’s lineup. Pricing starts at $25,135, including the destination charge.
Mazda3 Highlights
Right-footed fun: The base engine in the Mazda3 is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder developing 191 hp. It’s a good engine with impressive fuel economy, but if you’re looking for even bigger power from your small car, moving up to the turbo model nets you an impressive 250 hp when using 93-octane fuel.
Carbon Edition: The company added the Carbon Turbo trim last year. Carbon models boast more aggressive design with features like darkened wheels and other aesthetics, and standout interior amenities like red leather upholstery.
Safety features: Mazda’s iActivesense bundles a suite of impressive standard safety tech including automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Additional optional features include blind-spot monitoring and an adaptive front lighting system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda3 models for sale near you.
2025 Subaru Impreza
2024 model shown
The Subaru Impreza received a complete redesign, and it now only comes as a hatchback. For many, that will be just fine as they like the flexibility and accessibility that style offers.
Subaru often conjures up images of road-rally machines tearing up the countryside. The new Impreza is not designed for that; however, the base model provides a solid 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 152 hp with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Move up to the RS trim, and power comes from a 2.5-liter engine with 182 hp. Pricing starts at $24,115, including the destination charge.
Subaru Impreza Highlights
Bang for your buck: The new Impreza comes highly contented. So much so that the base model comes with only one option: 16-inch alloy wheels. Move up to the Sport and you can order an All-Weather Package (heated seats, mirrors, and wipers), plus a grouping that includes a sunroof, rear cross-traffic detection, a blind-spot monitor, and automatic emergency steering.
A safe choice: Subaru models are typically thought of as very safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supports the notion, giving it a 5-star overall safety rating, just like the Mazda3. Additionally, it uses the brand’s EyeSight safety technology suite, which includes pre-collision braking and automatic emergency steering.
Plenty of fun: Subaru put some effort into making the Impreza a better vehicle, and the results are clear. Our test driver notes that while it’s not in the league of the WRX, the Impreza is a strong performer, especially when using the paddle shifters in the RS model. Additionally, the new chassis is 10% stiffer, which allowed engineers to set up a ride that is more comfortable on long trips while being more responsive on twisty roads.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Impreza models for sale near you.
Similarities
These compact cars have long reputations for being simple and enjoyable fuel savers. They’re also similarly equipped with infotainment and safety tech features. They also both receive top safety scores from NHTSA and the IIHS.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda3 | 2025 Subaru Impreza | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg | 27 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD; manual transmission; turbo 4-cylinder engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 Years/36,000 Miles | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 Year/60,000 Miles | 5 Year/60,000 Miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches (sedan), 175.6 inches (hatchback) | 176.2 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 70.1 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 38 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.1 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.7 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.5 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 13.2 cubic feet (sedan), 20.1/47.1 cubic feet (hatchback) | 20.4/56 cubic feet |
Conclusion
There are a few differences, starting with the Mazda3, which has more tech and more power. If you’re willing to sacrifice some interior space, then perhaps the Mazda3 is the way to go. The Subaru Impreza is a strong performer with plenty of room and impressive fuel economy, and it has the advantage of standard all-wheel drive in every trim. In short, there’s no wrong answer here, just the best answer for you.
