2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Subaru Impreza presented a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, which had taken bold styling risks. Despite its subtlety, the Impreza maintained a handsome appearance with sleek headlights and taillights that enhanced its width. The front end was nicely tapered, and the body sides featured some scalloping for visual interest. The previous generation's awkward wheel arch sheet metal was toned down, contributing to a more refined look. The Impreza Sport models stood out with specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models came with 16-inch steel wheels. The interior design was typical of compact cars, with a dashboard split by the infotainment touchscreen and various plastic forms. The Impreza Sport added contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered standard leather upholstery and LED headlights.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly the TRD model, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition for that year. The Camry's updates included standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control for most trims, along with a new Ice Edge paint option. The SE Hybrid trim introduced a Nightshade Edition package, blacking out the exterior trim and wheels. With 13 versions to choose from, the Camry offered a range of options, from the base Camry LE to the sporty Camry XSE. The TRD model featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a gloss black grille, making it unmistakable. The interior had an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented center console, but the red gauge illumination and other red accents were considered tacky by some. Despite its bold styling, the Camry TRD delivered on performance, unlike the visually similar but underwhelming Pontiacs of the past.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine design allowed for a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. Most Impreza models featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while a five-speed manual was available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While it provided a comfortable ride, the Impreza lacked the engagement of competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Sport's suspension struck a balance between ride quality and handling, but the steering was noncommunicative, and the engine's power was modest.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, on the other hand, boasted a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The TRD model featured a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode for enhanced performance. Despite its power, the Camry TRD achieved an average of 24.8 mpg in combined driving. The TRD's track-tuned dynamics included increased torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes. The V6 engine delivered impressive acceleration and a pleasing exhaust note. However, the lack of all-wheel drive made it easy to break traction with the front wheels. The TRD's suspension provided a communicative ride, and the brake system performed admirably during spirited driving.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom in both sedan and hatchback versions, 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 of cargo space, surpassing some competitors. With the rear seats folded, the Impreza hatchback offered 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Higher trim levels included features like heated front seats, a heated windshield, and heated exterior mirrors. The Sport trim added keyless entry with pushbutton start, while the Limited trim featured a power driver’s seat and automatic climate control.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD's front seats, despite their sporty appearance, lacked additional bolstering but remained comfortable due to the car's low-slung driving position and supportive fabric inserts. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though it lacked rear-seat air vents. The TRD's fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility, offering a 15.1 cubic-foot trunk. However, the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage, including a large center armrest bin.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on base and Premium trims, while higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered an optional TomTom-based navigation system and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed redundant given the gauge cluster's LCD display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and easy access to essential functions.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included Safety Connect and WiFi Connect subscription services. An optional 9-inch touchscreen added Remote Connect and Service Connect plans, along with a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the JBL system was bass-heavy, it was decent for the price. The TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition, but users could rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award, with "Good" scores in all crash tests. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" award due to "Marginal" standard headlights. The Limited trim's headlights received a "Good" rating. The NHTSA awarded the Impreza a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety suite was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the TRD. The Camry's lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false warnings, and the lane-centering assistance could be overly insistent. Safety Connect was standard, offering features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.