2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance-oriented offshoot of the Impreza, showcased a bold and aggressive design. It featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it stand out as the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX maintained a sleeper appeal, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. Inside, the cabin was straightforward, with some finding the styling a bit plain for a modern car.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. It boasted sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were seen as less cohesive. The Corolla's interior, especially in the XSE trim, was praised for its quality materials and minimalist design, offering a more refined cabin experience than previous models.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The WRX's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system varied based on transmission choice, with the manual offering a 50:50 torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The WRX was known for its precise steering and minimal turbo lag, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant offered even more power with a 2.5-liter engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with enhanced brakes and suspension for sharper handling.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Dynamic Shift CVT with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, with a six-speed manual available for the SE trim. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering and a multi-link rear suspension. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and enough power to be engaging without being overwhelming. It achieved an EPA-estimated 34 mpg in combined driving, with real-world tests averaging 31.1 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout, with large windows and a slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of space, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX's trunk offered 12 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE provided numerous interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts and an eight-way power driver's seat. The front seats offered good support and visibility, while the rear seats, though supportive, had limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with the hatchback variant offering more. However, the sedan's trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch or optional 7-inch touchscreen featuring the Starlink infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard infotainment package, including an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The XSE trim added Service Connect and Remote Connect, with features like remote engine start and a vehicle finder. The SE and XSE offered a JBL premium sound system, with dynamic voice recognition and navigation exclusive to the XSE. The system was praised for its simplicity, though the radio knobs could be more accessible.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It added rear side-impact airbags and an enhanced blind-spot warning system. The Corolla received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, pending re-evaluation for the 2021 model.