2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra marked a significant departure from its predecessors, which were often seen as plain and cost-conscious. This model, especially in Electric Blue, was a scaled-down version of the Altima, offering a more sophisticated and mature design. The Sentra's lower and wider stance, along with its detailed sheet metal creases and V-shaped grille, gave it a poised and expensive look. The interior was a step up in class, with features like a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and a leatherette dash, reminiscent of more luxurious vehicles. The SV Premium Package added quilted tan leather, elevating the interior to near-luxury standards.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Impreza adopted a more conservative design approach, moving away from the bold styling of previous generations. Both the sedan and hatchback featured sleek headlights and taillights, with subtle scalloping on the body sides. The Impreza Sport models added specific styling touches, such as 18-inch alloy wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Impreza offered a refined driving experience. Inside, the design was typical of compact cars, with a split dashboard housing the infotainment touchscreen. Higher trims offered leather upholstery and additional features, enhancing the overall appeal.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked the turbocharged engines and manual transmissions of previous models, the Sentra offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. The independent suspension improved handling, and the steering was quick with good on-center feel. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza featured a 2.0-liter boxer engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most models came with a CVT, while a five-speed manual was available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the AWD system, providing a balanced ride. However, the steering was noncommunicative, and the engine's power was modest. Despite this, the Impreza was a solid and refined daily driver, with a focus on comfort rather than sportiness.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra offered a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, enhancing comfort on long drives. While side visibility was excellent, the rear window's design limited the view. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of space, with foldable seatbacks for added versatility.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan had 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space, the smallest among compact sedans, but offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The hatchback variant provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Higher trims included features like heated seats and a power moonroof, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra lacked advanced features like ProPilot and navigation, but offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa as standard on the mid-level SV. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of driver-assist features. While basic, the Sentra's technology package was adequate for its price range.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on base trims, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and minimal menu navigation. An optional package for the Limited trim added navigation and a premium audio system. The secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed redundant given the gauge cluster display.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but was expected to receive top ratings. It included a comprehensive suite of airbags and driver-assist features, such as emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received a "Top Safety Pick" award from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It featured Subaru's EyeSight safety tech on CVT models, offering automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. Additional safety options included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.