Subaru Impreza vs Suzuki Alto
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Subaru Impreza | Suzuki Alto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 145 | 49 | +195.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 188 | 58 | +224.1% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 16.6 | 27.7 | -40.1% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (JNCAP) | 4★ (JNCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Hybrid | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $18,744 | $8,844 | +111.9% |
- Subaru Impreza makes about 196% more power (145 vs 49 hp).
- Suzuki Alto is the more economical, at 27.7 km/L against 16.6.
Verdict: Impreza or Alto?
Subaru Impreza advantages
- Engine power (+66%)
- Pulling torque (+69%)
- Crash-test safety (+20%)
Suzuki Alto advantages
- Fuel economy (+40%)
- Affordability (+53%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Subaru Impreza if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Suzuki Alto if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Subaru Impreza if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Subaru Impreza delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Subaru Impreza vs Suzuki Alto: which should you choose?
Subaru Impreza (2026 ST-G e-Boxer Hybrid) — hybrid hatchback with 145 hp and 188 Nm, rated at 16.6 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $18,744 in the Japan market.
Suzuki Alto (2026 Hybrid X) — hybrid kei hatchback with 49 hp and 58 Nm, rated at 27.7 km/L, 4-star JNCAP safety; priced near $8,844 in the Japan market.
Subaru Impreza vs Suzuki Alto: Subaru Impreza is more powerful. Subaru Impreza makes about 196% more power (145 vs 49 hp). Suzuki Alto is the more economical, at 27.7 km/L against 16.6.
Performance
The Subaru Impreza is the more powerful, at 145 hp against 49 hp, with 188 Nm of torque on tap. Its hybrid drivetrain pairs with a cvt transmission.
Running costs
The Suzuki Alto is more economical at 27.7 km/L against 16.6 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Subaru Impreza is rated 5 stars by JNCAP and Suzuki Alto 4 stars by JNCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Suzuki Alto lists lower at about $8,844 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru Impreza better than the Suzuki Alto?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Subaru Impreza makes about 196% more power (145 vs 49 hp).
What is the main difference between the Subaru Impreza and the Suzuki Alto?
Subaru Impreza makes about 196% more power (145 vs 49 hp). Suzuki Alto is the more economical, at 27.7 km/L against 16.6.
Which is better value?
Subaru Impreza delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Subaru Impreza if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Suzuki Alto if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.