2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance-oriented offshoot of the Subaru Impreza, maintained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was considered somewhat plain for a new car in 2021. The model offered three trims: Base, Premium, and Limited, each with varying features such as wheel size, infotainment systems, and seating options. The WRX STI variant further enhanced the sporty appeal with additional aerodynamic components and performance upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic "boomerang on wheels" design, which had become synonymous with the model's identity. The interior featured a unique layout with a central dashboard display and unconventional transmission controls. The Prius was available in multiple trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with options for front-wheel drive or an electronic all-wheel-drive system. Despite its quirky design, the Prius offered practicality with its hatchback utility and competitive pricing.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT with paddle shifters. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, while the CVT offered quicker torque distribution. The WRX excelled in handling, with precise steering and minimal body lean, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant boasted a more powerful 2.5-liter engine with 310 horsepower, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg combined according to the EPA. Other front-drive models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. It offered various driving modes to optimize efficiency, including an EV Mode for electric-only driving at low speeds. The Prius handled well on curvy roads thanks to its TNGA platform, but its powertrain drone and lack of grip limited its fun-to-drive factor.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, providing clear sightlines and easy-to-use controls. The cabin featured ample first-row seating space and adequate rear-seat room for adults. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2021 Toyota Prius surprised with its spacious interior, accommodating up to five passengers. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather could be sticky. The rear seats provided sufficient room for adults, but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a user-friendly Starlink infotainment system with either a 6.5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was straightforward and didn't overwhelm with excessive tech features. Additional digital displays provided key driver information.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering standard features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and smartphone integration. Higher trims included a JBL premium sound system and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. However, the sound quality was lacking, and the displays appeared dated.

The 2020 Subaru WRX included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added advanced driver-assistance features. The WRX earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. While the NHTSA did not rate the 2021 model, the IIHS provided favorable marks.