Subaru Impreza vs. Toyota Corolla
The Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Corolla is a battle long fought by both four-door models. You have some of the most popular vehicles in the segment, offering something for everyone. With Impreza, there is a perky engine, sleek body, impressive passenger and cargo space, plus affordable pricing. The Toyota Corolla offers a similar situation, closely rivaling Impreza in safety and performance features.
We're here to clear things up for anyone curious about how these models stack up against each other. Without further ado, let's compare the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota Corolla!
Engine & Performance
Starting with the performance features of either model, the last few Impreza generations boast two engine configurations: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 182 horsepower. Your 2.5-liter engine is exclusive to the new RS model of Impreza, so that's something to be aware of.
Moving onto the Toyota Corolla, most models offer a 1.8-liter engine producing 139 horses. This model is better known for being reliable and easy maneuvering, skipping over the frills we see in the Subaru Impreza.
To summarize each model's engine/performance specs:
Subaru Impreza
- Offers a 2.0L 4CYL engine with 152 horsepower
- Arace-proven 5-speed manual transmission with an automatic option
- Electronically assisted power steering and symmetrical AWD
- Boasts a more engaging driving experience with a rallying heritage
Toyota Corolla
- Has a 1.8-liter engine producing 139 horsepower
- Comes with an automatic transmission without a manual option
- Lacks features like manual transmission, precise control with electronically assisted power steering, and symmetrical AWD
- Focuses on mass-market appeal and reliability
Note: These specs are for 2022-2024 models. The most recent generation of both models sees few major changes compared to last year's releases. That said, the Impreza boasts newer exterior and tech upgrades this year versus 2022 and 2023, so keep that in mind.
Interior & Cargo
Moving inside a Subaru Impreza vs. Toyota Corolla, this is where much of your similarities stem. Because both vehicles are compact, there is little room to deck out. That said, the Impreza offers competitive standard features, with available premium upgrades, and has a hatchback configuration. You'll also find that the Subaru Impreza is modern and easily cleanable, making it great for adventuring.
Onto the Toyota Corolla, we see a modern, somewhat simple interior, focusing on practicality over aesthetics. Inside a Corolla, you have a streamlined dashboard and soft-touch materials, plus the available hatchback configuration. However, the Corolla lacks the same cargo space as the Impreza Hatchback (which boasts 55 cubic feet), so it's not quite as impressive in that department.
- Subaru Impreza Hatchback Cargo Room: 55 cubic feet
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback Cargo Room: 17.8 cubic feet
To summarize the interior details of both models:
Subaru Impreza
- Competitive features in standard trim, with available premium upgrades
- Has a hatchback option, delivering over 55 cubic feet of cargo space
- Focuses on practicality and comfort with available amenities like power, leather, and convenience features
Toyota Corolla
- Offers a streamlined dashboard and soft-touch materials
- Has a sedan and hatchback option (better cargo in the hatchback)
- Features a standard touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Lacks the cargo space of the Impreza hatchback
Exterior
Moving outside the Subaru Impreza vs Toyota Corolla, these vehicles are similar in size and design. For the recent releases of Impreza, you have a sportier and rugged design, ready for even the most challenging terrain. This is an advantage to Subaru in many ways because you can quickly go from on and off-road without worrying about damage.
The available sedan or hatchback configurations also give drivers a bit of diversity in their selection, making the hatchback more fun-looking.
For the Toyota Corolla's exterior, you can expect both the sedan and hatchback to be simplistic, often blending into its surroundings. There's not the same "it factor" with the Corolla you have with the Impreza nameplate, so that is a downside.
- Better Design: Subaru Impreza
Infotainment & Connectivity
Regarding tech inside a Subaru Impreza vs. Toyota Corolla, both vehicles boast nice entertainment/infotainment and connectivity. Inside the Impreza, you see things like an 11.6-inch touchscreen display (available on Sport and RS trim levels), available Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru's Starlink multimedia system, available on Sport and RS models.
In the recent generations of Corolla, drivers have access to things like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, and an upgraded JBL audio system.
Between the two, either car will impress, although, for upgrades, Subaru takes the cake.
Safety
One of the most important parts of buying a vehicle is its safety. Luckily, you can expect to be safe on the road in a Subaru Impreza or Toyota Corolla. Between them, the Subaru Impreza boasts a five-star safety score from the IIHS, plus a Top Safety Pick+ award.
For the Toyota Corolla, you also have a five-star safety rating from IIHS, plus a Top Safety Pick award. Between them, the 2023/2024 Impreza scored better overall, but they're both excellent choices for families.
It is also worth noting that the Impreza received near-perfect scores across all testing, standing out in the front and passenger side crashes.
Subaru is known to make some safety vehicles out there, and the last few generations of Impreza prove this.
Safety Specs & Driver-Assistance Features
With those scores in mind, we'll also cover the most recent safety tech inside the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla.
For the Impreza, you can expect:
- Equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard on all trim levels.
- Offers standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other safety features.
Onto the Toyota Corolla:
- Features standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
- Boasts a host of standard driver-assistance technology, including automatic high beams and road sign assist.
Between the two, you have impressive standard and available safety features in both models, so this will come down to preference.
Get Your Next Toyota Corolla Or Subaru Impreza At Tim's Truck Capital Today!
The Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla offer fun, sporty driving, modern interiors, aerodynamic exterior design, and loads of tech and safety features. Remember to compare both models in price and capability, and feel free to stop by your local used car dealer, Tim's Truck Capital, to test both models out today!
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