When people start a trusted purchase compact carthey usually see the same names over and over again. The Honda CivicThe Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 dominate the conversation, while the Subaru quietly fades into the background.
That’s a mistake, especially with how expensive some new Civics have been lately. Subaru still makes cars with a strong reputation for reliability and durabilitybut without quite the same price premium.
When adding a model in particular, it offers many of the things buyers like about the Civic standard all-wheel drive and a lower used price tag into the mix.
Why are buyers still flocking to the Honda Civic?
Reliability, efficiency and strong value keep it at the top of the compact car market
The Honda Civic It’s been around since 1972, which is pretty wild when you think about it. At the time, it only had 36 horsepower, but somehow it became one of Honda’s biggest success stories, with nearly 30 million sold worldwide.
These days, the Civic still sits at the top of the compact car segment thanks to its blend of reliability, efficiency and everyday usability. Here’s a quick look at what the current sedan brings to the table:
|
MSRP starts |
$24,695 |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
Naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder |
|
Power |
150-200 horsepower |
|
Fuel economy |
Up to 31 mpg city / 40 mpg highway |
|
Body style |
Sedan or hatchback |
|
Don’t pass |
CVT or 6-speed manual |
Why does the Civic have such a strong reputation?
The Civic’s reputation isn’t just about hype or brand loyalty, the numbers back it up. RepairPal giving it a reliability score of 4.5 out of 5, placing it near the top of the compact car segment, with average annual maintenance costs at a very reasonable $368.
New models continue this trend. according to JD PowerThe 2025 Civic scored an overall score of 85 out of 100, which helps explain why many buyers still haven’t made the move.
Why people still buy new
The numbers explain the loyalty, but it’s the daily ownership that really seals it. Kelley Blue Book it even ranks the Civic as the best compact sedan you can buy right now, which says a lot about how well-rounded it is.
It’s also very efficient, with the hybrid version delivering some of the best fuel economy figures you’ll find in a modern car. Plus, every trim comes standard with Honda Sensing, so you get things like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist at no extra cost.
The real cost of buying a new one right now
Prices and interest rates make even practical cars feel expensive
As most buyers already know, this is the average price of a new car in the US It sits around the $50,000 markand there aren’t many signs of it dropping anytime soon. This pressure is not limited to luxury models, but spreads to almost every segment.
The monthly hit is just as noticeable, with average payments around $756 and in some cases exceeding $1,000 depending on the deal and financing.
How new car prices are squeezing everyday shoppers
Everyone tends to focus on the center of attention monthly paymentbut the real sting is often the interest rate. It’s rare to find anything close to a 2 percent APR these days, with the 2025 average ranging from about 9 percent to 14 percent, depending on the loan.
There are still occasional zero interest deals, but they are far from the norm. as A lot of cars analyst Erin Keating says the market is increasingly driven by wealthier buyers who can get better financing and keep the top of the industry moving.
What you really get for the Civic’s price tag
While the rest of Honda’s lineup has gone up a bit, the Civic is still in a fairly reasonable spot, giving buyers solid value for money. Even the base LX is no slouch.
You still get LED headlights, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen Android Auto and Apple CarPlay built.
Most buyers overlook a used Subaru
Cheap, capable and better value than you might expect
While the Civic and Corolla tend to grab attention in the compact car space thanks to their reputation for value, features and reliability, Impreza hangs quietly in the background. It’s the man who waves to shoppers who are too busy looking elsewhere.
The 2023 Subaru Impreza delivers what this segment is all about without being the center of attention. What makes it stand out even more now is that it’s priced to match cars that feel a generation or two older.
Standard AWD and strong safety certifications
Most cars in this segment consider all-wheel drive an added premium, and some, like the Civic, don’t. The Impreza gives it to you as standard, which is pretty rare for the price.
It also ends up with cars you wouldn’t normally compare, even with something like a Mazda Miata in some cases. You may not need AWD all the time, but having it baked in definitely gives you peace of mind.
- Main Trim Engine
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2.0L Flat 4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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5-speed manual
- Basic Trim transmission
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All-wheel drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
152 horsepower
- Main Trim Torque
-
145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Fuel economy
-
24/31 MPG
- to do
-
Subaru
- Model
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Impreza Hatchback
- Segment
-
Compact hatchback
The Impreza stacks up quietly against the Civic
The Impreza doesn’t quite bring the same flash or attention-grabbing design as the Civic, or even Kia K4it tends more towards a style-first vibe. But in terms of covering the basics, it still gets the job done.
You get a choice of sedan or hatchback, a spacious cabin, and a comfortable ride that’s easy to live with on a daily basis. Consumer Reports. Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology also comes as standard, adding another layer of reassurance.
The Civic still wins in power and interior polish, but the Impreza is aimed more at people who want something solid, safe and simple without paying extra for extras.
Should you really upgrade to an Impreza?
A simpler, cheaper AWD alternative to the Civic that still covers the basics
The Impreza might sound like it’s trying a little too hard with its name, but it really isn’t a car for everyone – and that’s kind of the point. While most people are laser-focused on the Civic, the Impreza quietly delivers a very similar day-to-day experience without much attention.
Its biggest advantage is still that it comes with standard all-wheel drive, which makes it one of the cheapest ways to get AWD in the US right now. It’s worth noting that Subaru has recently dropped some of its entry-level pricing, but it still undercuts many obvious rivals for what you get.
Who should buy it and who is better off with the Civic
At the end of the day, both cars suit different types of buyers. The Civic makes everyday driving feel a little more premium, with more polished, sharper styling and a sleeker interior.
It makes more sense in milder climates, while the Impreza’s standard AWD makes it preferable if you suffer from harsher weather or want a bit more confidence. It’s also slightly smaller, which can make it easier to drive and park in the city.
The trade-off is a bit of cargo space—you lose a few cubic feet over the Civic hatch—but for some buyers, that’s a fair trade-off for the added practicality and AWD grip.
You can pick one up for as low as $17,500
So how much does the 2023 Impreza actually cost? according to Kelley Blue BookFair Purchase Price ranges from approximately $17,500 to $21,800 depending on mileage, condition and features.
By comparison, the 2023 Honda Civic typically starts around $21,500, meaning the Subaru often comes in significantly cheaper on the used market. In other words, Impreza it quietly trumps one of the segment’s most popular choices.
