Compare the2025 Subaru ImprezaVS 2025 Mazda 3

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Impreza. But it costs extra on the Mazda 3.

Both the Impreza and the Mazda 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

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

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 Subaru Impreza is safer than the Mazda 3:

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

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Impreza’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Impreza has a 130-amp alternator. The Mazda 3’s standard 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

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 Impreza’s reliability 17 points higher than the Mazda 3.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

As tested in Motor Trend the Impreza RS 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder is faster than the Mazda 3 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Impreza lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Impreza gets better mileage than the Mazda 3 Sedan:

On the EPA test cycle the Impreza gets better mileage than the Mazda 3 Hatchback:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Impreza’s engine automatically turns off 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 Mazda 3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Impreza uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Mazda 3 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Impreza has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Impreza has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 13.2 gallons).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Impreza higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda 3 (4 to 6). This means the Impreza produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Mazda 3 every 15,000 miles.

The Impreza has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

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

The Impreza’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Mazda 3 are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Impreza Sport/RS’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mazda 3 (225/40R18 vs. 215/45R18).

The Impreza’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mazda 3 2.5 S Sedan’s standard 60 series tires. The Impreza Sport/RS’ tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s 45 series tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Impreza has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda 3 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Impreza has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Impreza flat and controlled during cornering. The Mazda 3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Impreza RS handles at .81 G’s, while the Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Impreza RS executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan AWD (27.7 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

The front grille of the Impreza uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Impreza a Large car, while the Mazda 3 is rated a Compact.

The Impreza has 7.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda 3 Sedan (100.5 vs. 92.8).

The Impreza has 1.8 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 2.3 inches more rear hip room and 1.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Mazda 3 Sedan.

The Impreza has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the Mazda 3 Sedan (20.4 vs. 13.2 cubic feet).

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Impreza’s hatch uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the cargo area. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Mazda 3’s useful trunk space (except wagon).

The engine in the Impreza is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Mazda 3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

The Impreza has a 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. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Impreza’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Mazda 3 Premium/Turbo Premium Plus.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Subaru Impreza and the Mazda 3, based on reliability, safety and performance.