2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a youthful and somewhat rebellious aesthetic, often compared to a teenager with piercings and tattoos. While it appeared tamer than the racier WRX STI, the WRX still sported a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy look even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty appearance. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, featuring hard plastics that contributed to its less mature reputation. The interior was reminiscent of other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, lacking the refined cabins seen in competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint, exclusive to the performance-tuned model. This paint color was one of the few updates for 2022, along with standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control for most trims. The Camry offered 13 different versions, with pricing starting just over $26,000 for the base LE and topping out at nearly $37,000 for the sporty XSE. Our test car, a Camry TRD, featured an optional JBL premium sound system and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, bringing the MSRP to $35,470. The TRD model stood out with its aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and aggressive styling, making it unmistakable from other Camry versions.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband accurately. The manual transmission, however, felt vague and less precise compared to the WRX STI's high-performance clutch and mechanical six-speed manual. The WRX also featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable than the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD 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. It featured a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode, achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in combined driving. The Camry TRD's track-tuned dynamics included thicker underbody braces, stiffer sway bars, tauter springs, TRD shocks, and larger brakes. It rode on 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels with 235/40 summer performance tires. The V6 engine and eight-speed automatic provided excellent performance, though the lack of all-wheel drive made it easy to break the front wheels loose. The TRD's suspension and structural bracing contributed to a solid, secure, and fun driving experience, with excellent brake pedal feel and modulation.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and center console cupholders that could obstruct shifting. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear seat space for four adults.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD's front seats, despite their sporty appearance, lacked additional bolstering but remained comfortable due to the low-slung driving position and fabric seat inserts. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though it lacked rear-seat air vents and a 60/40-split folding back seat. The TRD's trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some competitors. However, the Camry made up for this with generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the center armrest and ample stash space throughout the vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim featured an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's tech felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo volume and tuning knobs, flanked by shortcut buttons for easy access. The screen included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio, along with Safety Connect and WiFi Connect subscription services. An optional 9-inch touchscreen display added Remote Connect and Service Connect plans and a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition, it allowed for Siri or Google Assistant integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

Every 2022 Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive package of driver assist and collision avoidance features. Highlights included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, offering semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The Camry TRD also featured a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect, standard on all Camry models, provided automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA evaluations.