MW The 2024 Subaru Impreza vs. the Honda Civic: How these compact cars compare
By Nick Kurczewski
Both cars are roomy and upscale with comfort and tech. It could come down to price.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza gets a complete redesign and is now solely available as a 4-door hatchback. Some car shoppers might miss having the option to go with the sedan version, though this new-and-improved Impreza hatchback has plenty to offer. First and foremost, every Impreza comes with all-wheel drive, which is rare in the compact car segment. It also has a large trunk accessed by a wide-opening hatchback, quick steering reflexes, and upgraded infotainment technology.
Competing against the Impreza is the 2024 Honda $(HMC)$ Civic, which, coincidentally, is still available in sedan or hatchback form. For the sake of this comparison, we'll focus primarily on the hatch. Like its rival, the Civic hatchback has excellent cargo-toting capability and is fun to drive, thanks to sharp steering and compliant suspension. There are many reasons why the versatile Civic is a reigning Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner. Can the Impreza dethrone the champ?
Let's see how these two compact cars compare.
2024 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru (FUJHY) Impreza is offered in three trims: Base, Sport, and RS. Under the hoods of the Base and Sport models, you'll find a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter "flat" 4-cylinder engine coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission $(CVT)$. This powertrain returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined in a mix of city and highway driving. Motivating the RS is a punchier 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder also paired to a CVT. It's only slightly less fuel efficient than the base engine, at 29 mpg combined. Pricing starts at $22,995 for the entry-level Impreza and goes to $27,885 for the RS. This excludes a destination charge of $1,090.
Subaru Impreza highlights
All-wheel drive: With the exception of the BRZ sports coupe, every Subaru comes standard with all-wheel drive. This added all-weather grip could move the Impreza to the top of many car shopping lists, and it's unavailable on any version of the Civic.
RS trim: It can be rare to suggest the most expensive trim for any given vehicle. Yet, the added performance of the RS, not to mention its still reasonable asking price, makes it arguably the best version of the new Impreza. Those additional 30 horsepower are handy when quick passing maneuvers are needed. It also comes with a sport suspension that delivers equal amounts of driving excitement and comfort.
Optional infotainment touchscreen: The Sport and RS trims come with an attractive 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen found in a number of other Subaru vehicles. Highlights include wireless Apple $(AAPL)$ CarPlay and Android Auto, dual USB ports, voice recognition, HD Radio, and satellite radio.
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2024 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic in either configuration enters the 2024 model year with no notable updates. That's because Honda's overachieving economy car remains fresh from a complete redesign in 2022. When a car is this good, not much needs changing or fine-tuning. The Civic Hatchback in base LX trim has a starting price of $24,950, excluding a $1,095 destination fee. Sitting atop the Civic lineup, the near-luxury Sport Touring model starts at $31,450. It comes with pretty much everything that can be added onto the Civic, including leather seating, wireless smartphone connectivity and device charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Honda Civic highlights
Handling and performance: The Civic is so popular that it can be easy on your budget and a hoot to drive. It darts around corners, and the ride is comfortable for any length of journey. A 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder serves as the base powertrain; a 182-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder comes with the EX-L and Sport Touring trims.
Available 6-speed manual: Honda continues to offer a 6-speed manual transmission with either of the Civic Hatchback's two available engines (though not with the LX or EX-L trims). This is increasingly rare, and something fans of clutch pedals and rowing through gears will appreciate.
Cabin quality and space: Honda did a great job crafting a functional, attractive, and airy cabin for this latest Civic. There is plenty of headroom and legroom in the second row for adults. Cargo space measures in at a small SUV-like 24.5 cubic feet. The materials used throughout the interior wouldn't look out of place in a vehicle, costing thousands more.
Similarities
The Impreza and Civic prove that not spending much money on a new car doesn't mean forgoing comfort and tech features or driving fun. They both have upscale cabins that are roomy for passengers and equally great when it comes to cargo-toting duty.
See: Here it is: America's cheapest new car for 2024
Conclusion
The Subaru Impreza has a lower starting price than the Civic and the unique attribute of having all-wheel drive. Its playful handling and composed ride make it a great traveling companion wherever you might roam. Of the entire range, we're most smitten by the more powerful and well-equipped RS trim.
As for the Honda Civic, it's one of the smartest vehicle purchases available at any price point. It has an equally entertaining driving demeanor and delivers greater fuel economy than its Subaru rival. You also get a slightly bigger cargo area with the Civic. Given its tremendous record for reliability and resale value, the Civic remains the gold standard among compact cars.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
-Nick Kurczewski
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December 08, 2023 05:02 ET (10:02 GMT)
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