2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own distinct model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and a functional air intake. The WRX STI version took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a somewhat understated look, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered a bit plain for a new car in 2021.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Impreza adopted a more conservative design compared to its predecessors. Both the sedan and hatchback featured sleek headlights and taillights, a tapered front end, and subtle body scalloping. The Impreza Sport models added specific styling touches like 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models came with 16-inch steel wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Impreza shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, contributing to its overall refinement. The interior, though not particularly exciting, was functional with model-specific touches in the Sport and Limited trims.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The AWD system varied by transmission, with the manual offering a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The WRX STI, a more hardcore version, boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension. While the WRX excelled in cornering and provided a thrilling driving experience, it had a stiff ride and noticeable road noise.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most models came with a CVT, though a five-speed manual was available on the base sedan and hatchback, as well as the Impreza Sport hatchback. The Sport trim also included model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While the Impreza offered a solid and refined ride, it lacked the engagement of sportier competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Impreza Sport provided a good balance between ride quality and handling, but its noncommunicative steering and modest power output limited its appeal as a driver’s car.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on shorter trips. However, the WRX’s 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback provided reasonable legroom, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan’s trunk space was limited to 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Impreza hatchback also featured standard roof rails on all trims except the base model. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package with heated front seats, a heated windshield, and heated exterior mirrors. The Sport trim added keyless entry and pushbutton start, while the Limited trim offered a six-way power driver’s seat and automatic climate control.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen available. The Starlink infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and was praised for its ease of use. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a secondary digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base and Premium trims, while higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen. An option package for the Limited trim added TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Impreza also featured a secondary display above the main touchscreen, which could show information like estimated range. Despite its basic nature, the Impreza’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and minimal menu digging required for important functions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Impreza’s EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. A rear-seat reminder was also standard, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights were available as options.