When it comes to compact sedans, the Subaru Impreza has ranked among the top vehicles in the segment. Though, that should come as no surprise. The Subaru Impreza is a Subaru, after all. That’s not to say the Subaru Impreza is without competitors, however. The 2021 Subaru Impreza is in direct competition with the 2021 Kia Forte. Unfortunately for the Kia Forte, though, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is able to beat it in more ways than one.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza is standard with all-wheel drive

There’s no denying that Subaru is well known for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Fortunately, the 2021 Subaru Impreza comes standard with it. According to Subaru, this all-wheel-drive system provides uniform stability while also distributing power for maximum traction. Kelley Blue Book reports that its standard all-wheel-drive system makes it “a good companion in adverse weather conditions and a decent handler” too.

Unfortunately for the 2021 Kia Forte, all-wheel drive does not come standard. Instead, the 2021 Kia Forte is standard with front-wheel drive. Kia doesn’t offer all-wheel drive as an option for this year’s Forte either. So if you’re after a car that comes standard with all-wheel drive, you’re going to want to steer clear of the 2021 Kia Forte.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offers up more space for passengers

The 2021 Subaru Impreza is pretty spacious inside too. It boasts seating for up to five passengers and offers up to 100.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is definitely nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately for the 2021 Kia Forte, it doesn’t offer quite as much space for passengers. The 2021 Kia Forte does, however, offer more cargo space than the 2021 Subaru Impreza. 

It’s also known for its quality and reliability

The Subaru Impreza is also known for its overall quality and reliability. In fact, according to Subaru, 95% of Impreza vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still out and about on the road today. 

Kelley Blue Book has also recognized the Subaru Impreza as having the ‘Best Resale Value’ in its class for 2020. And if that’s not enough to convince you? Of all the vehicles it competes with, the Subaru Impreza has had the highest residual value in its class for four years straight.

That’s not to say the 2021 Kia Forte isn’t a reliable vehicle, though. According to J.D. Power, the 2021 Kia Forte earned itself a ‘Best’ quality and reliability rating, which is the highest rating J.D. Power gives out. 

But is the 2021 Subaru Impreza the right pick for you?

There are plenty of reasons to choose the 2021 Subaru Impreza over the 2021 Kia Forte. It’s standard with all-wheel drive, offers more than enough space for passengers to get comfortable, and is well known for its overall quality and reliability. In the end, you really can’t go wrong with a Subaru Impreza.