2020 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Toyota Prius was not known for its looks. Despite its unconventional design, the Prius had a distinctive boomerang-shaped profile and a hatchback with split rear glass that made a statement when it first appeared. By 2019, the fourth-generation Prius had an even more extroverted design, which some argued hurt its sales. However, the Prius remained a practical choice for daily driving, offering a range of trims from L Eco to Limited, with prices starting at $23,770 and going up to $32,200, excluding destination charges and optional AWD-e.

Inside, the Prius had an unusual but functional design. The controls were centralized, with digital instrumentation beneath the windshield and a center-console stack for the infotainment system, climate controls, and transmission. The 2019 model added gloss black interior trim, which attracted dust. Despite its quirks, the Prius provided a comfortable and practical interior, especially with the XLE trim that included features like a head-up display and aluminum wheels.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, was a performance-oriented vehicle with a design that reflected its sporty nature. Introduced as a separate model from the Impreza in 2015, the WRX had a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and a large functional air intake. The STI version took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite its aggressive styling, the non-STI WRX could be a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities.

The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Base trim featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power moonroof, while the Limited trim included leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and STI Limited trims, featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension for even sharper handling.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery, powering the rear wheels up to 6 mph and providing extra traction up to 43 mph. The AWD-e system reduced fuel economy slightly, with the AWD-e Prius achieving 50 mpg compared to the standard front-drive Prius's 52 mpg. Despite the added cost and reduced cargo space, the AWD-e system offered convenience for those needing extra traction.

The Prius used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to send power to the front wheels, with transmission controls located on the dashboard. The Prius offered a good ride and decent handling, with different driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Power. The EV driving mode allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds, while blended regenerative brakes recharged the battery. The Prius was quiet in urban environments but had more road noise on the freeway. Overall, the Prius was a hassle-free daily driver with good fuel economy and decent driving dynamics.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The CVT version included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes and paddle shifters with simulated gears. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, with precise feedback and a smooth clutch pedal.

The WRX's AWD system varied based on the transmission, with the manual version using a viscous-coupling locking center differential and the CVT version using an electronically-controlled hydraulic transfer clutch. The manual setup had a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT had a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The WRX offered minimal turbo lag and excellent power delivery, making it fun to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 310 horsepower, and 290 pound-feet of torque, provided even sharper handling but a stiffer ride.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat and a high seating position for the front passenger. Both front seats were heated, as was the steering wheel. Rear passengers had good thigh support and decent legroom, though the second row lacked air conditioning vents. The Prius XLE and Limited trims had SofTex leatherette upholstery, which could trap sweat on hot days.

The Prius's hatchback design provided ample cargo space, with up to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.5 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The AWD-e version had slightly less cargo space. These figures were comparable to many small crossover SUVs, making the Prius a practical choice for those needing extra space.

The 2020 Subaru WRX had excellent visibility, with a large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows in the front doors. The simple, straightforward dash layout provided easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage compartments. The WRX offered ample head- and legroom in the first row, and adequate rear-seat space for adults on short trips.

The WRX's 12 cubic feet of cargo space was low compared to other compact sedans but similar to other performance cars. The sedan layout provided good sightlines and practicality, making the WRX a functional choice for daily driving.

The 2019 Toyota Prius Limited trim featured an impressive 11.6-inch split-screen touchscreen, navigation, Entune App Suite, premium JBL sound system, satellite radio, and Safety Connect subscription services. The XLE AWD-e test car had a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a CD player, with wireless smartphone charging. The Prius's instrumentation was housed in a horizontal strip below the windshield, with some displays looking outdated. The Advanced Technology Package included a head-up display, adaptive headlights, and a Hybrid System Indicator. However, the Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was easy to use and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also had 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 Prius Limited trim included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with parking assist. The Prius received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Other optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.