2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX and Toyota Prius are not often considered direct rivals, but it’s still interesting to compare them.

The 2022 Subaru WRX delivered a unique mix of performance and practicality for its price, featuring Subaru’s 2.4-liter engine and notable handling improvements. Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Prius stepped up with a significant power increase, enhanced fuel efficiency, improved aesthetics, and a comprehensive suite of safety and tech features, marking it as a hybrid that doesn’t compromise on appeal or performance.

For those prioritizing practicality, the 2022 Subaru WRX shines within its price range. While it no longer offers a hatchback version, the 2022 model boasts a luggage capacity increase from 12 cubic feet to 12.5 cubic feet. This can be expanded thanks to the rear seat's 60/40 split-fold function. The sport seats in the WRX are notably comfortable compared to many competitors. They're supportive and well-upholstered, with premium cloth materials in the base and Premium trims or Ultrasuede in the Limited and GT trims. The seats offer ample bolstering without feeling too tight or claustrophobic, making this vehicle a viable option even for daily commuting.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its exterior growth, presents a slightly smaller interior in certain dimensions compared to its predecessor. The most notable reduction is in headroom, both in the front and rear, while legroom sees an improvement throughout the cabin, accommodating taller passengers in the rear seats comfortably. An option worth considering, if within budget, is the fixed glass roof available on the mid-grade XLE trim (standard on the Limited but not offered on the base LE). This feature enhances the cabin's openness, mitigating any sense of claustrophobia, though it's worth noting the glass sections do not open for airflow. In terms of luggage capacity, the Prius offers 20 cubic feet in the XLE and Limited models and 24 cubic feet in the LE model. Visibility is generally good, although the design change eliminating the split rear window has somewhat hampered rear visibility. The cabin features numerous conveniences for organization and comfort, including cupholders, a wireless charging pocket in the center console for smartphones (XLE and Limited trims), a tray below the dashboard for additional items, and USB-C charging ports for both front and rear seats. The cargo area includes small underfloor storage cubbies, enhancing utility despite a preference for a singular larger compartment, and a flexible cargo cover integrated into the rear window to securely conceal belongings.