2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered a beauty, resembling the aggressive styling of other modern Toyotas. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, the Corolla presented a more appealing compact sedan look. The interior saw significant improvements in quality, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car roots. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with various trims offering different features, including a hybrid version for maximum fuel economy.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Impreza adopted a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, yet maintained a handsome appearance. Both the sedan and hatchback featured sleek headlights and taillights, with the Sport models receiving specific styling touches like 18-inch alloy wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Impreza offered a refined driving experience. The interior, while not exciting, was practical, with model-specific touches in higher trims. The Impreza Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights, enhancing its appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine, with a sophisticated CVT and optional 6-speed manual gearbox. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its acceleration capabilities, especially in dynamic driving situations. The Corolla's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came with a 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most models featured a CVT, with a 5-speed manual available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While the Impreza provided a solid and refined ride, it lacked the engagement of some competitors due to its noncommunicative steering and modest engine power. The Impreza Sport's suspension struck a good balance between ride quality and handling, but it wasn't a true driver's car.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior for a compact sedan. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, along with the low seating position, were drawbacks for some passengers. The trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller. Storage options inside the cabin were limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback provided 20.8 cubic feet, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Impreza's interior featured practical elements like a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and standard roof rails on most hatch trims. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package and additional comfort features, enhancing the overall functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system. Various trial services were included, though Android users might find the system less accommodating.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on base trims, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen. The system was straightforward, with large icons and minimal menu navigation. A secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed redundant. The Impreza's system was basic but functional, aligning with other vehicles in its price range.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection and Lane Tracing Assist. The system was generally refined, though the lane-departure warning alert was considered irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with high crash test scores but only a Marginal rating for standard headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT models, providing features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Additional safety options included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.