2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior into 2022. It resembled a downsized Altima, a significant improvement over the pre-2020 models. The Sentra's design was a well-executed representation of Nissan's current design language, available in bold colors like blue, burnt orange, and “Scarlet Ember,” with options for a contrasting black roof. The interior of the Sentra was a highlight, featuring a modern yet simple layout with easy-to-use controls and a visually appealing touchscreen centerpiece. The Sentra offered three trims: S, SV, and SR, each adding more features and enhancements, with the SR trim including options like LED headlights, sport cloth seats, and a Midnight Edition package with dark accents.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, no longer badged as the Impreza WRX, stood out with its unique styling, wide-body look, and functional hood scoop. The WRX's design was distinct from the Impreza, featuring a new interpretation of the first-generation WRX's box fender flares and body cladding linking it to the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The WRX's interior was typical of Subaru, basic but durable, with GT models offering Recaro Performance Design front seats with red contrast stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's design conveyed its performance capabilities while fitting into Subaru's current design theme.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While the engine was not outstanding, the CVT managed power well, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road bumps well, making the Sentra suitable for commuting, city driving, and occasional road trips.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, with its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, generated 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered more horsepower than a Volkswagen Golf GTI but less than a Golf R. The WRX featured all-wheel drive (AWD) and came with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) CVT. The SPT/CVT provided quick throttle responses, simulating a conventional automatic transmission. GT models included electronically controlled dampers and a drive mode select system with multiple settings for steering, engine, AWD system, and driver aids. The WRX was quiet and comfortable for daily driving, with confident handling on twisty roads, though its driving experience was described as "muted."

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, better than many small sedans but less than the Kia Forte's 15.3 cubic feet. The trunk space could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items difficult. The Sentra's front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable rear seats offering decent legroom and headroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, with plenty of cupholders and trays in the center console.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with a bit more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si, though the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space was less than the Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Hyundai Elantra N. It included a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof-rack mounts. The WRX maintained good outward visibility with low window-sill lines and thin forward roof pillars. However, it lacked a proper place to store a phone, with the typical spot under the touchscreen being too small for modern smartphones.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the SV and SR trims upgrading to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics needed updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Subaru Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with base models featuring dual 7-inch touchscreens and higher trims offering an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text clearly, though physical buttons and knobs would have been appreciated. The interface was mostly user-friendly, but the SiriusXM satellite radio required too many steps, and the system took a long time to load on startup.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features on our test model included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured Subaru's EyeSight safety system, available only with the CVT, which included adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Other available safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.