Do you want to get behind the wheel of either the Toyota Corolla or the Subaru Impreza — but can’t decide which compact car is better for you? To help you out, we created this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Subaru Impreza comparison.

2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Subaru Impreza: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Subaru Impreza compact car comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price. Both the Corolla and Impreza offer sedan and hatchback models — and we note the differences when applicable.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Performance

On the performance front, the standard 2023 Toyota Corolla model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 169 horsepower. Also, the Corolla offers a hybrid powertrain with an output of up to 134 horsepower.

For even better performance, there’s the first-ever GR Corolla “hot hatch.” The GR Corolla has a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, which doles out 300 horsepower. 

In comparison, all 2023 Subaru Impreza models come equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 152 horsepower. While the Impreza doesn’t have as powerful of engines as the Corolla, it has standard all-wheel drive. For the Corolla, buyers have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Gas mileage

The 2023 Corolla is more efficient than the 2023 Impreza. The fully gas-powered 2023 Corolla has an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, and the Corolla Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 53 city/46 highway mpg. In comparison, the 2023 Impreza gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 city/36 highway mpg.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Safety

Given its history, the Corolla has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, the Corolla earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the Impreza Hatchback received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award, while the Impreza Sedan didn’t get any safety award from IIHS.

Corolla vs. Impreza: Passenger and cargo space

Which compact car is bigger: the 2023 Corolla or the 2023 Impreza? Both the Impreza Sedan and Hatchback have 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 trunk storage space in the sedan models, the Corolla Sedan provides 13.1 cu-ft, compared to 12.3 cu-ft in the Impreza Sedan. However, the Impreza Hatchback has a maximum cargo capacity of 55.3 cu-ft, and the Corolla Hatchback offers up to 23.0 cu-ft

Corolla vs. Impreza: Warranty coverage and price

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla and Impreza have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Impreza, the Corolla has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

Additionally, the Corolla is more reliable than the Impreza. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 80/100 for the Impreza. 

Corolla vs. Impreza: Price

The 2023 Impreza costs less than the 2023 Corolla. It has a starting price of $19,745 MSRP, while the Corolla starts at $21,550 MSRP.

2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Subaru Impreza: Which compact car is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Subaru Impreza comparison, each compact car has various advantages. For the 2023 Corolla, this includes advantages for its more powerful engine options, gas mileage, safety, trunk storage space, warranty coverage, and reliability. Conversely, the 2023 Impreza has advantages for its standard all-wheel drive, passenger space, hatchback cargo space, and affordability.