Despite the rise in popularity of crossovers and SUVs, passenger cars are not dead yet. This is evidenced by the Toyota Corolla, which continues to be the world’s best-selling car. See how the Corolla stacks up against one of its compact car rivals in this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Subaru Impreza comparison.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Subaru Impreza

In this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Subaru Impreza comparison, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price. Both the Corolla and Impreza have sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Performance and efficiency

For performance, the 2022 Toyota Corolla offers three powertrains: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (139 hp), a 2.0-liter cylinder engine (168 hp), and a hybrid (121 hp). In comparison, all 2022 Subaru Impreza models have a 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder engine, which generates 152 hp.

Both the Corolla and Impreza offer a choice of either a manual or automatic transmission. However, while the Corolla has a front-wheel drive system, all Impreza models come standard with a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system.

For efficiency, the Corolla has the advantage. The gas-powered Corolla gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, and the Corolla Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 52 city/53 highway mpg. In comparison, the Impreza gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 city/36 highway mpg.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Safety

On the safety front, the Corolla has the advantage. Unlike the Impreza, the Corolla earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Passenger and cargo space

The Impreza provides more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 100.9 cu-ft, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback.

For storage space in the trunk for the sedan models, the Corolla Sedan has a cargo capacity of 13.1 cu-ft, compared to 12.3 cu-ft for the Impreza Sedan. However, for hatchback storage space, the Impreza Hatchback has a significant advantage, with a maximum cargo capacity of 55.3 cu-ft, compared to 23.0 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, unlike the Impreza, the Corolla offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and driver lumbar support. However, unlike the Corolla, the Impreza offers HD Radio, a navigation system, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. 

Corolla vs. Impreza: Warranty coverage and reliability

The Corolla and Impreza have similar types of warranty coverage. Both cars have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

However, the Corolla is more reliable than the Impreza. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 78/100 for the Impreza.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Price

Which compact car costs more: the 2022 Toyota Corolla or the 2022 Subaru Impreza? The starting prices of the 2022 Corolla range from $20,175 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan L trim up to $28,460 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan Apex XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Impreza range from $18,795 MSRP for the Impreza Sedan Base trim up to $26,395 MSRP for the Impreza Hatchback Limited trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Subaru Impreza: Which compact car is better?

As you can see in our 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Subaru Impreza comparison, each compact car has various advantages. For the 2022 Corolla, advantages include maximum engine horsepower, efficiency, safety, trunk cargo space, and reliability. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Impreza include a standard all-wheel drive system, passenger space, hatchback cargo space, and a lower price.