DecodedCarsHonda HR-V vs Subaru Impreza
2026 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Subaru Impreza — two small station wagons compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Subaru Impreza is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 28 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $100 a year less in fuel for the Subaru Impreza (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Honda HR-V is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
The two cars
The 2026 Honda HR-V is a small station wagon offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 180 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,311 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is a small station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 176 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,172 lb (Convenience/Touring 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2021 HR-V and the 2023 Impreza have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 HR-V and the 2019 Impreza.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Honda HR-V if…
- You want more room (4 in longer)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Choose the Subaru Impreza if…
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Honda HR-V
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Modest powerUp to 158 hp, versus about 214 hp for similar 2026 models.
2026 Subaru Impreza
- Modest powerUp to 152 hp, versus about 214 hp for similar 2026 models.
Full 2026 Honda HR-V specs →Full 2026 Subaru Impreza specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →