2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

2021 Toyota Corolla
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

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According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the recommended choice, offering a slightly better overall package in terms of design, performance, and technology.

Overview

MSRP

$20,025

MSRP

$18,795

Average price

$19,144

Average price

$19,425

Listings

2306

Listings

209
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Fun to drive
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Not much cargo space
  • Uninspired styling

2021 Toyota Corolla Reviews Summary

Everybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels.

Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze.

We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe.

This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit.

Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car.

2021 Subaru Impreza Reviews Summary

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.8L 139 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 152 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

36
2021 Toyota Corolla
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Corolla
$20,025MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the recommended choice, offering a slightly better overall package in terms of design, performance, and technology.

Overview
MSRP
$20,025
$18,795
Average price
$19,144
$19,425
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.3
5.0
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Fun to drive
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Comfortable
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Not much cargo space
  • Uninspired styling
Summary

Everybody knows somebody who owns or has owned a Toyota Corolla. Thanks to a deserved reputation for affordability, reliability, and efficiency, the Corolla is what comes to mind when all you want is a cheap, dependable, and thrifty set of wheels.

Over the nameplate’s 55-year history, Toyota built a handful of Corollas that were anything but rolling appliances. But those fun-to-drive gems were relative rarities. Under the tenure of Akio Toyoda, the automaker’s current president and a man who loves to drive, the Corolla has become something more than a bore. It’s a car that makes you want to cruise instead of snooze.

We’re talking about the Corolla SE and XSE, of course. Toyota still makes dull and duller versions of its compact car, but the SE and XSE trim levels add some spice to the basic commuter-car recipe.

This year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE are available in a new limited-production Apex Edition flavor. It’s got a track-tuned sport suspension, a lowered ride height, revised steering calibration, a sport exhaust system, and lightweight 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that you can wrap in optional summer performance tires. Unfortunately, it also comes with a “Lookit me, Officer, I like to go fast!” body kit.

Fearing this would be the example Toyota sent to us for review, we instead happily accepted the key fob to a Barcelona Red Corolla XSE and discovered that you don’t need the Apex Edition treatment to enjoy driving this car.

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.8L 139 hp I4
2.0L 152 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
30
28
MPG Highway
38
36
Look and feel
2021 Toyota Corolla
8/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
8/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. The SE and XSE trims added sporty design elements like sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a body kit, twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone made the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, some design aspects, such as the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were less well-received. The Apex Edition amplified these stranger design elements. The Corolla L, LE, and XLE trims offered a more anonymous look, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to 50+ mpg.

The Corolla SE and XSE, priced at $22,375 and $25,825 respectively, were the sporty versions with a more powerful engine, different transmissions, and larger wheels. The Apex Edition, starting at $25,070, offered more performance tuning. The XSE trim featured a well-crafted interior with soft leatherette, padded door panels, and robust switchgear, giving it a substantial feel. The design was clean and minimalist, though practical storage was somewhat lacking due to the center console design.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza took a more conservative approach to styling compared to its predecessors. Both the sedan and hatchback featured sleek headlights and taillights, a nicely-tapered front end, and toned-down wheel arch sheetmetal. The Impreza Sport models had specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels. The Impreza was built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other Subaru models, which contributed to its overall refinement.

Inside, the Impreza's design was typical of compact cars, with a dashboard split by the infotainment touchscreen housing and various forms of plastic. The Sport trim added contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim featured standard leather upholstery and LED headlights. The interior was functional but not particularly exciting.

Performance
2021 Toyota Corolla
8/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT), paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. A six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching was available for an additional $200. The CVT in the XSE test car was one of the best examples of its kind, using a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip and ten programmed ratios to hide typical CVT traits.

The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/40 all-season tires. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and was engaging enough for spirited driving. The EPA estimated the Corolla XSE's fuel economy at 34 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 31.1 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Most models had a CVT, while a five-speed manual was available on the base sedan and hatchback, and the Sport hatchback. The Sport trim also featured model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the AWD system. The Impreza was a solid and refined daily driver, though it lacked the engagement of competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3.

The Impreza Sport's suspension tuning balanced ride quality and handling, while torque vectoring provided a neutral balance. However, the steering was noncommunicative, and the engine's lack of power prevented it from being a true driver's car. The Impreza was more about comfort and refinement than sporty performance.

Form and function
2021 Toyota Corolla
6/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment. This feature provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but had tight headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 17.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback provided reasonable legroom, though headroom was below average. The sedan's trunk had 12.3 cubic feet of space, the least among compact sedans, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seat helped accommodate longer items. The hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. All hatch trims except the base model had standard roof rails. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package with 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 six-way power driver’s seat and automatic climate control.

Technology
2021 Toyota Corolla
9/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Every Corolla also included a free year of Safety Connect services and a three-month Wi-Fi hotspot trial. The SE and XSE trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE also offering Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE could be equipped with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, dynamic voice recognition, dynamic navigation, and Destination Assist service. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, though the radio knobs could be hard to grasp.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza's base and Premium trims had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth, while higher trims had an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim could be optioned with TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Impreza also featured a secondary display above the main touchscreen for additional information. The infotainment system was easy to use, with large icons and minimal menu digging required.

Safety
2021 Toyota Corolla
9/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
9/10

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) as standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The 2020 Corolla earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the 2021 model needed re-testing due to the new airbags.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received a “Top Safety Pick” award from the IIHS, with the highest “Good” score in all crash tests. However, it missed out on a “Top Safety Pick+” award due to its standard headlights receiving a “Marginal” rating. The Limited trim's headlights received a “Good” score. The NHTSA gave the Impreza a five-star overall safety rating. The Impreza's EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT-equipped models, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights were available as options.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Toyota Corolla
7/10
2021 Subaru Impreza
8/10
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