2020 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Toyota Camry

The 2019 Toyota Camry offered a choice between standard and sporty styling, with options for a 4-cylinder, a V6, and a hybrid powertrain. The Camry XSE, equipped with a V6 engine, was noted for its quick and entertaining drive, though it wasn't the recommended trim for value. The styling of the Camry, especially in XSE trim, was daring but not cohesive, with oversized forms that didn't quite fit the car's proportions. Inside, the Camry XSE boasted high-quality materials, but some details, like the windshield pillars and switchgear, detracted from its perceived quality. The car's exterior components, such as the front fascia and side mirrors, exhibited creaking noises, further impacting the perception of quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX was a performance-oriented vehicle with a distinct, aggressive design. It featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty appearance, the WRX maintained a sleeper quality, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, while functional, was considered somewhat pedestrian for a new car in 2021. The WRX offered trim levels including Base, Premium, and Limited, with the Premium adding features like 18-inch wheels and a power moonroof. The WRX STI variant took performance further with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension, though it came with a rougher ride.

The 2019 Toyota Camry's standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivered 203 horsepower, suitable for daily driving. However, the available 301-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine provided a thrilling experience, with 83 more pound-feet of torque. The V6's weight was noticeable over the front end but didn't hinder handling. The 8-speed automatic transmission offered precise gear shifts, especially in Sport mode. The Camry XSE's sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels provided responsive handling without sacrificing comfort. Steering was firm and natural, enhancing the driving experience. Despite the hot weather during testing, the Camry's brakes performed well, though the pedal's "thunk" upon release was a minor drawback. Fuel economy fell short of the EPA's 26-mpg rating, with a recorded 21.9 mpg, possibly due to the V6's engaging performance.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered to all four wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission offered a satisfying driving experience, with precise feedback and a smooth clutch pedal. The CVT, equipped with Subaru's SI-DRIVE, provided multiple drive modes and paddle shifters for simulated gear changes. The WRX's AWD system varied based on transmission choice, with the manual offering a 50:50 torque distribution and the CVT a 45:55 split. The WRX excelled in cornering, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering. The WRX STI variant, with a 310-hp engine and Brembo brakes, offered even sharper handling but at the cost of a stiffer ride and increased road noise.

The 2019 Toyota Camry's cabin featured ample storage, including a large center console bin and a hidden compartment under the wireless charging pad. However, the glove box was small and the door-panel storage pockets were narrow. The trunk, at 15.1 cubic feet, was smaller than competitors like the Honda Accord. The front seats offered 8-way power adjustment and heating, but ventilated seats were unavailable. Rear-seat space was snug, with narrow door openings and a low seating position. The Camry's climate control system performed well, quickly cooling the cabin during a heatwave.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, with a large windshield and well-placed quarter windows. The cabin's straightforward design offered easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating was spacious, with adequate head- and legroom. Rear-seat space was sufficient for adults on short trips, though not ideal for long journeys. The WRX's 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2019 Toyota Camry's dashboard was smartly designed, with intuitive controls and the Entune 3.0 infotainment system. The system included Apple CarPlay and a 6-month WiFi Connect subscription but lacked Android Auto. The test car featured a wireless charging pad and a navigation system, though the latter was slow to load traffic data. The JBL premium sound system was powerful but lacked clarity. A 10-inch head-up display provided important data, even when wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch or optional 7-inch touchscreen, featuring the Starlink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly and didn't overwhelm with excessive tech. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2019 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, earning 5-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came with Toyota Safety Sense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, it lacked the latest "2.0" version of the suite. The Camry also included a 3-year subscription to Safety Connect, offering collision notification and emergency assistance.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured standard airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added advanced driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.