Shopping for an AWD Hatchback? Here’s How the Mazda3 Sport Beats the Subaru Impreza
Modern drivers often want their vehicles to perform more than the mundane back-and-forth commute from work. There are road trips to consider, outdoor adventures to embark on, and even businesses to run. This is one of the reasons SUVs have become so popular over the last decade. But what if you’re looking for something more economical in terms of price tag and fuel economy?
If you don’t need the large size an SUV offers but want many of its benefits, an all-wheel drive compact hatchback might be the right choice for you! You can find all-weather hatchbacks like the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 Sport for sale, both of which are popular picks in this category. Each offers its owners the benefits of driving an SUV but with better fuel economy, a lower price tag, and a more nimble driving experience. We’ve put together this comparison guide to help you get started understanding the differences between these great compact hatchbacks so that you can determine what’s right for you and your family.
Mazda vs Subaru
Both Mazda and Subaru are Japanese brands known for introducing exceptional vehicles to the market. Their reputations differ in several ways, however, and they tend to attract different folks. Mazda has an overall reputation for vehicles that deliver exceptional driving pleasure with an elegant flair and plenty of the most modern technology. Subaru’s reputation is centred around practicality and reliability without all the bells and whistles. Both have solidified themselves in the market with dependable vehicles and high customer satisfaction, making either brand a good choice. So whether you’re looking for a sportier look and feel or something a little plainer, you’re going to get a vehicle with plenty of capability.
Comparing Performance and Efficiency
Performance and efficiency are areas where the Mazda3 Sport and the Subaru Impreza vary greatly. Both have two engine options for drivers to choose from, but the Mazda offers significantly more horsepower and torque, along with lower fuel consumption. Mazda has a “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy that is apparent in this compact hatchback.
The standard engine in the 2024 Mazda3 Sport is a fuel-efficient 2.5L I-4 that creates 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is rated for 8.1 L/100 km combined when paired with all-wheel drive and its six-speed automatic transmission, although there are also front-wheel drive and manual transmission options. This is already considerably better than the Subaru’s base engine, which is a 2.0L Boxer-4 that only creates 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Despite being significantly less powerful, the efficiency ratings for this engine are barely better at 8.0 L/100 km combined.
If you want to add a boost of power to the 2024 Mazda3 Sport, you can choose to get the upgraded engine, a 2.5L turbocharged I-4. This will give you a hefty 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Compare this to the Subaru Impreza’s upgraded 2.5L Boxer-4 engine option, which only makes 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. These power ratings are lower than even the base engine on the Mazda3 Sport. Fuel economy is similarly uneven, with the turbocharged Mazda getting a better economy of 8.9 L/100 km combined against 9.0 L/100 km combined for the 2.5L Subaru despite the increased power.
If rapid acceleration and power on the road are important to you as a driver, take the Mazda3 Sport and the Subaru Impreza out for test drives. You will quickly see the imbalance for yourself. Overall, Mazda delivers a more dynamic and powerful driving experience without costing you any more money at the gas station.
Design and Aesthetics
Let’s face it, Subaru isn’t known for having the nicest aesthetic, so much so that it’s a running joke in some circles. Subaru caters to folks who are looking for utilitarian reliability without extra flair. We think that’s fine, but that means that the vehicles on the lot of your local Mazda dealership are going to win every beauty competition. Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy ingrains a sense of movement into the Mazda3 Sport. When you look at the smooth lines and sporty silhouette of this hatchback, you’ll notice how it appears to be in motion even when parked. Inside, Mazda’s engineers have created a “human-centric” cabin experience that takes ergonomics, accessibility, and comfort into great consideration. Soft-touch appointments and an intuitive instrument cluster and infotainment system add to the air of sporty style.
Inside the Impreza, you’ll find a cabin that has been designed for practicality and functionality. Hard surfaces are meant for durability and to take a beating from folks with active lifestyles. The inside wouldn’t be described as luxury, but it will serve drivers well over the long term and hold up to kids and heavy usage. The Impreza’s slightly larger size means that there is a modicum more legroom than in the Mazda3 Sport. However, the Impreza's infotainment technology is somewhat awkward, with the base option providing a pair of small screens, something potential buyers should consider when making their purchase.
Cargo Space
The ability to easily open the hatch in the back and load your car up with bulky and strangely shaped items is one of the biggest draws for people looking at compact hatchbacks. It gives the ease and accessibility that so many people desire from a larger SUV without the need to commit to a large vehicle with its accompanying downsides. Both the Mazda3 Sport and the Subaru Impreza provide their drivers with plenty of cargo space, though the Impreza has slightly more. In the Mazda3 Sport, you’ll get 569 L with the back seats in their normal upright position and 1,334 L if you fold them down. The Impreza provides drivers with 578 L seats up and 1,586 L with them lowered.
Advanced Safety Features
Both the Mazda and the Impreza are highly rated for safety. Inside the 2024 Mazda3 Sport, you’ll find Mazda’s advanced i-Activsense safety suite. This package includes a standard Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring System, which sends an alert when there is a vehicle travelling in your blind spot, as well as driver-assist technologies such as Smart Brake Support, which will automatically apply the brakes when a collision is imminent. Here is the full list of the 2024 Mazda3 Sport’s i-Activsense safety technology:
- Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring System
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Distance and Speed Alert
- Smart City Brake Support Front
- Smart City Brake Support Rear Crossing
- Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Obstruction Warning
- Lane-Keep Assist System
- Lane Departure Warning System
- 360 Degree View Monitor
- Traffic Sign Recognition System
- High Beam Control System
- Adaptive Front Lighting System
The 2024 Subaru Impreza also comes with an array of active and passive safety features. These include:
- Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lead Vehicle Start Alert
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Lane Centring Assist
- Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Steering Responsive Headlights
Find the Mazda3 Sport for Sale at LA Mazda
At LA Mazda, we know all about the Mazda3 Sport. This compact hatchback remains a favourite with drivers year after year due to its impressive power and fuel economy, as well as its stylish looks. Both the exterior and the interior have been designed with an eye for sporty style. Drivers report the interior to be comfortable and convenient, something that other hatchbacks in the category often struggle with. Come on down to our dealership to see the 2024 Mazda3 Sport for yourself. Take one for a test drive and feel the power and acceleration on the open road! Contact us and let’s chat about your needs and whether this car would fit into your active lifestyle; we’d love to show you a new 2024 Mazda Sports for sale!
