2019 Subaru Impreza vs Mazda3: Which AWD Hatchback is Better?

For years, if you wanted an AWD hatchback without getting an over-the-top hot hatch, there was only one option: the Subaru Impreza. But now Mazda has entered this domain with the new Mazda3, which is being offered with all-wheel-drive too. Is the new Mazda set to upstage Subaru in its own territory?

#Mazda3 #SubaruImpreza #CarComparisonAG

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[nuthndo]

Been a mechanic for 35 years. Two things subaru have done well for many years are engines and AWD

[Subie-Driver]

The Subaru wins in my books...hands down. Real full time AWD beats the slip and grip AWD every time. Got rid of a RAV for the new crosstrek bc Toyota’s AWD just didn’t do it for me in winter

[omgitsme]

The Mazda looks sexy af. Except that huge rear quarter panel that cuts into backseat, cargo space, and adds blind spot just to look cool.

[edsmith]

I have a 2019 Impreza hatch, and it is a fine car in everyday use and outstanding in the snow. The awd Mazda 3 was not available yet when I bought the Impreza, and I think availability of the hatchback is still very sparse. The Mazda has the edge in the power and luxury department for sure. However, the wide rear pillars of the hatchback are a deal breaker for me, both from a styling standpoint and more importantly for visibility (Impreza has outstanding outward visibility) and rear seat and cargo room. I also dont like the fact that the entertainment system of the Mazda does not allow touch while the car is in motion, and must be controlled by a knob. I also think the "reviewers" are overly critical of the Suburu exterior styling and interior. It is not fancy by any means, but I think both are fine, and the only complaint I have is the seats could use a bit more padding and support. Overall, it is a tough choice, but I still think if I were making the purchase again, I would pick the Impreza, especially since it is a few thousand cheaper with comparable safety features, most notably adaptive cruise. The car which I think I would consider most closely as an alternative, and which I wish I would have investigated more closely before buying the Impreza is the Volkswagen Alltrack/Sportwagon AWD, which I though was quite expensive, but with discounts is very close to the Mazda AWD and only a couple thousand more than the Impreza.

[jbwon]

This guy could give Mike Tyson a run for his money

[penvon]

Hit my head entering the back of the Mazda a few weeks ago...BUT other than that the Mazda is absolute beaut.

[dominicfong]

If the torsion bar in the rear of the Mazda is just as good as an independent suspension, they should bring back drum brakes as well.

[ileref]

I may be in the minority here but I find the Subaru more attractive in design.

[jeffruebens]

A used Mazda 6 has proven reliability, and get winter tires or steel or plastic chains instead of all wheel drive. If you get an all wheel drive, you must rotate the tires regularly and replace all 4 at the same time because the computer controls will mess up with different tire diameters. The Crosstrek after 2014 has the highest reliability rating from Consumer Reports magazine.

[jamessimonds]

I purchased a 2018 Impreza. The doors open very wide. I need that feature, due to my arthritis in both knees. I just wish that Subaru would put the 2.5 in the Impreza. 30 more horses would do wonders with this car.

[lilymae]

The Mazda looks nice, but I like the visibility in the Subaru and that it has more room. For the price of the Mazda you could move up to the Subaru Crosstrek Premium and still be less money. The Crosstrek basically a lifted Impreza has great ground clearance for those who live where they have a lot of snowfall, and is also easier to get in and out of than the Mazda, for those of us who are a bit older.

[meme-qvyb]

come on guys, it's 5 grand difference which is a lot for this type of cars. I personally bought Impreza, entry level, because it was and still is the cheapest awd on the market

[jwkpov]

1:15 who is the editor for this channel? 5speed auto does not exist. CVT or manual.

[Nothyo]

Am I the only one who thinks the impreza interior is nicer?

[nickgee]

A review for the two cars I was trying to choose from! Thanks!

[patrickmochen]

Y’all keep saying the Mazda looks better hands down. I personally love the Subaru interior way better.

[jbar_]

The one without the CVT would be my choice no matter what! 😂

[mgjarrett]

I'm here because I was considering these 2 cars. Jumping to end of story- Subaru won big time. The Mazda was very cramped for my 6'2" 215lbs. I was not comfortable at all. Rear seat space quite cramped as well. Price was higher, no remote start/heated seats, worse milage than the Sub automatic, most likely lower resale value, not as good safety ratings, and roughly $200/yr more for insurance. Even though the Sub has the smaller engine, it seemed way more responsive. Subaru also offering 0% 60 mo financing. I never saw myself as a Subaru guy, but the Impreza checks off all the boxes I needed in my quest for a commuter car at a price I can swing. Clarification edit: I compared/shopped/tested 2020 models.

[Immortalcheese]

The Mazda's front end looks like but the rear end looks terrible with the curved window, the insane amount of metal, and the steeply raked rear windscreen. And unfortunately, you cannot get a manual in the AWD. The Mazda's front end does look nicer, but the rear of the Subaru is much better than the Mazda; the corners of the tail lights and body paneling blend really well. But in the Mazda, the tail lights feel floaty on the body.

The interior really comes down to personal preference. I like gadgets and different things as it makes the car feel more mechanical, but I can see why some people want the simpler streamlined look of the Mazda.

But handling, we know that despite Subaru's history with their cars, there's one thing that they've perfected and that's the AWD drivetrain.

[SilverScarletSpider]

The Subaru Impreza wins hands down. Why in the world would you pay so much more for an expensive overpriced mazda Mazda3 AWD hatchback economy car that lacks interior space, lacks standard safety technology, and still has big issues with premature rust. Props to the Subaru Impreza for still offering a manual transmission option on an affordable AWD car for driving fanatics too.