← Back to compare hub

Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Golf

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Overview

SpecSubaru ImprezaSportVolkswagen GolfTSI
Selected trimSportTSI
Body styleHatchbackHatchback
Drivetrainall wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic6-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262021

Pricing & market

SpecSubaru ImprezaSportVolkswagen GolfTSI
MSRP$26,595$23,195 (best)
Lowest listing price$16,250 (best)$16,797
Median listing price$21,221$16,838 (best)
Highest listing price$29,333$16,879 (best)
For sale now13 (best)2

Fuel economy & range

SpecSubaru ImprezaSportVolkswagen GolfTSI
Combined MPG30 MPG33 MPG (best)
City MPG27 MPG29 MPG (best)
Highway MPG34 MPG39 MPG (best)
Fuel tank16.6 gal (best)13.2 gal

Performance

SpecSubaru ImprezaSportVolkswagen GolfTSI
Horsepower152 hp (best)147 hp
Torque145 lb-ft184 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2 L (best)1.4 L
Cylindersflat 4I4

Size & capability

SpecSubaru ImprezaSportVolkswagen GolfTSI
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors45 (best)
Cargo volume56 cu ft (best)25 cu ft
Payload—915 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,249 lbs2,945 lbs (best)
Ground clearance5.1 in (best)—
Wheelbase105.1 in (best)103.6 in
Length176.2 in (best)167.6 in
Width70.1 in70.8 in (best)
Height58.3 in (best)58.2 in

Safety & recalls

SpecSubaru ImprezaSportVolkswagen GolfTSI
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reported (best)1

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimSubaru ImprezaVolkswagen Golf
1

Sport

$26,595 MSRP(Currently comparing)

TSI

$23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

RS

$29,495 MSRP

TSI

$23,995 MSRP

Live inventory

Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Subaru Impreza or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Subaru Impreza vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2026 Subaru Impreza or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf starts lower at $23,195. Live Subaru Impreza listings start at $16,250. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Subaru Impreza or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,195).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Subaru Impreza or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Subaru Impreza or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza leads on horsepower in this comparison (180).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Subaru Impreza vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru Impreza (5/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).