2022 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

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 subtle body kit, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, making it genuinely appealing, especially in Celestite Gray metallic paint. However, some design aspects, such as the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as detracting from its overall look. 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 high fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX, despite being two inches wider than its predecessor, maintained a subtle front-end design with a signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille. The side profile was less busy, featuring black plastic cladding with a hexagonal pattern to improve aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The WRX's overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the body cladding could be distracting. The Premium trim added features like LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a subtle trunk-mounted lip spoiler. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents.

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 CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. A six-speed manual gearbox was also available with SE trim. The CVT used a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip, and its ten programmed ratios helped hide typical CVT traits. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and more aggressive tires. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and was engaging enough for spirited driving. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 34 mpg combined, and real-world driving yielded 31.1 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbo. The WRX came standard with AWD and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The CVT, dubbed Subaru Performance Transmission, had eight shift points and faster shift times. The new WRX GT trim featured Recaro seats, electronically controlled dampers, and a Drive Mode Select system. The manual transmission was praised for its notchy and precise feel, while the new suspension setup improved ride quality and reduced body roll. The WRX's new platform and suspension tuning made it more forgiving on rough roads, enhancing its overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The driver's seat provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but had limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with no handle on the inside of the trunk lid.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, despite not offering a hatchback option, increased its cargo capacity to 12.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-fold function for the rear seats. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth materials in the base and Premium trims and Ultrasuede in the Limited and GT trims. The seats provided ample bolstering without feeling too tight. The WRX's standard AWD added to its practicality, making it a viable commuter vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE trims offered a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, dynamic voice recognition, and dynamic navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the radio knobs could be hard to grasp, and the JBL sound system lacked clarity.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display in the Premium trim and higher. The system had physical controls for climate and audio functions but had quirks with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The base trim had two 7-inch displays stacked vertically. The WRX also offered an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system in higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, 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 alert. The 2020 Corolla earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but the 2021 model required re-testing due to the new airbags.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of ADAS on CVT-equipped models, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. The system also added an electronic brake booster and automatic steering assist. Manual WRX models did not include EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the Limited and GT trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and it came with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.