When it comes to compact sedans, the 2021 Toyota Corolla and the 2021 Subaru Impreza have been among the best for quite some time. And why not? Both are modestly priced, available with a long list of features, and are known for holding their value over time. But is one vehicle better than the other? Fortunately for the 2021 Toyota Corolla, the answer is yes.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla can be had any way you want it

The 2021 Toyota Corolla and the 2021 Subaru Impreza both happen to be available as a sedan and a hatchback. But, it’s the 2021 Toyota Corolla that can be had with three different power plants under the hood. Standard is a 139-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that Kelley Blue Book calls “adequate.” And if you’re not quite sold on adequacy? The 2021 Toyota Corolla is also available with a 169-hp Dynamic Force engine. It can be had with a hybrid powertrain that’ll have you saving plenty of fuel too.

This year’s Toyota Corolla is fuel-efficient and available as a hybrid

Unlike the 2021 Subaru Impreza, the 2021 Toyota Corolla makes the most out of every mile. According to the EPA, with the base 1.8-liter engine under the hood, the Corolla delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Opt for the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and those EPA-estimated fuel-efficiency ratings jump to 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. The 2021 Subaru Impreza, on the other hand, delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.  

Safety features are available on all trims, not just those with a CVT

While both vehicles fare pretty well in crashworthiness tests, it’s the Toyota Corolla that doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to standard safety features. While the Subaru Impreza requires you to opt for a CVT-equipped model to gain access to sought after safety features, the 2021 Toyota Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes confidence-inspiring features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, radar cruise control, and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla is standard with ToyotaCare too

And if that’s not enough to convince you that the 2021 Toyota Corolla makes for a better pick than the 2021 Subaru Impreza? Then consider that this year’s Corolla not only comes standard with a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty, but the 2021 Corolla also includes two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary vehicle maintenance. Unfortunately for Subaru shoppers, the automaker doesn’t offer a complimentary maintenance plan.

But is the 2021 Toyota Corolla the right fit for you?

There’s no denying that the 2021 Toyota Corolla has a lot going for it. But does that make it the right pick for you? That’s hard to say. With two body styles, three engines, and multiple trim levels to choose from, it’s a good idea to get behind the wheel of this year’s Corolla to find out whether or not it’s the right fit for satisfying your daily driving needs.