2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Subaru Impreza presented a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, which had taken bold styling risks. Despite this shift, 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 subtle scalloping for visual interest. The Impreza Sport models stood out with specific styling elements, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models came with 16-inch steel wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy and Outback, the Impreza offered a refined driving experience. Inside, the design was typical of compact cars, with a split dashboard housing the infotainment touchscreen. The Sport trim added contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, part of the current generation launched in 2019, aimed to shed Toyota's reputation for blandness with bold exterior styling. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it didn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. Different trims offered unique styling cues, such as the aggressive front fascia on SE and XSE models, and blacked-out trim on Nightshade Editions. The Apex Editions added a subtle body kit with bronze accents and model-specific 18-inch wheels. The Corolla's design was more than just basic transportation, with the SE Apex Edition exuding a "Fast and Furious" vibe. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the Corolla shared structural elements with the Camry and RAV4. Inside, the design was simple yet appealing, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition's interior mirrored the standard SE, with light gray upholstery that seemed susceptible to stains.

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's unique design allowed it to be mounted lower in the chassis, contributing to a lower center of gravity. Most Impreza models featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while a five-speed manual was available on the base sedan and hatchback, as well as the Impreza Sport hatchback. The Sport trim also boasted model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the all-wheel-drive system. The Impreza was a pleasant daily driver, offering a solid and refined ride, though it 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 Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE trims featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE trims, along with the Apex Editions, were powered by a 2.0-liter engine delivering 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, with a sport exhaust system for the Apex Editions. A CVT was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-liter engine could be paired with a six-speed manual on SE and SE Apex Edition models. All Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in 2023. The SE Apex Edition's manual transmission complemented its sporty aspirations, with model-specific suspension enhancements that improved handling but stiffened the ride. While not a full-fledged performance model, the Apex Edition was fun in corners, though the engine's power was limited.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom in both sedan and hatchback forms, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 12.3 cubic feet, but a 60/40 split-folding rear seat provided flexibility for longer items. The hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, surpassing the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla hatchbacks, though falling short of the Honda Civic hatchback. With the rear seats folded, the Impreza's cargo space expanded to 55.3 cubic feet. Roof rails were standard on all hatch trims except the base model. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package with heated front seats, a heated windshield, and heated mirrors. The Sport trim added keyless entry and pushbutton start, while the Limited trim featured a power driver’s seat and automatic climate control.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt roomy, aided by a low beltline for better visibility, though forward visibility was hampered by a steeply raked windshield. Toyota adjusted the driver's seat position for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might still find knee space lacking. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel was standard. The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than competitors like the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, and a power trunk release was available on select trims. The interior design limited storage for small items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders. The phone tray was small and awkwardly shaped, even with available wireless charging.

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 top Limited trim offered an option package with TomTom navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display above the main touchscreen provided information like estimated range, though it seemed redundant given the gauge cluster's LCD display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and easy access to important functions, though it lacked advanced features for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base L model, with an 8-inch touchscreen on other trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, along with a six-speaker audio system. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on XSE, XLE, and CVT-equipped SE models. The interface was easy to use, with home buttons for each menu, but some tasks were less intuitive compared to competitors. The graphics appeared dated, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not offered. The Corolla lacked innovative features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback earned an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award, with “Good” scores in all crash tests. However, standard headlights received a “Marginal” rating, while the Limited trim's headlights were rated “Good.” The NHTSA awarded the Impreza a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in all crash tests. Subaru's EyeSight safety suite was standard on CVT models, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback received an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” award, with “Good” scores in all crash tests. Headlight ratings varied by trim, with “Acceptable” or “Marginal” scores. The NHTSA gave the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims.