The compact sedan is a particularly crowded class of vehicle. Seemingly every major automotive manufacturer has something to offer in that arena. Still, the Subaru Impreza consistently rises above its competition in both desirability and innovation. The 2022 Impreza continues this tradition, and to prove it, we've brought out one of its biggest competitors: the 2022 Toyota Corolla. After putting these two cars face-to-face, we've outlined everything that makes the Impreza so special and put it all here for you.
It should be noted that the 2022 Subaru Impreza comes in two different body styles: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. That alone is something that puts quite a gap between the Impreza and the 2022 Corolla. Besides that, the Impreza comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, multi-reflector halogen headlights, and roof crossbar mounting points (and available raised roof rails). In contrast, the Corolla has standard 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and no roof rail capabilities.
The gap between the two continues once you open the door to each vehicle and look inside. Though both vehicles do offer an available moonroof, and the Corolla does have slightly more cargo space than the 4-door model of the Impreza (13.1 cubic feet vs 12.3 cubic feet), the 5-door hatchback has a maximum of 55.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and both Impreza bodies have more passenger space than the Corolla (99.8/100.9 cubic feet vs 88.6 cubic feet). Both vehicles also offer leather trimmed steering wheels and various vehicle trim variations.
In this decade, new vehicles are expected to have state of the art technology with a user-friendly interface. Subaru understands that expectation, and the 2022 Subaru Impreza delivers on that with a standard 6.5-inch STARLINK multimedia system. The STARLINK system offers seamless smartphone integration, and there's available upgrades for an 8-inch screen and integrated navigation. To be fair, the 2022 Toyota Corolla offers several similar features, but without the prestigious STARLINK technology. For extra measure, the Impreza offers an available premium Harman Kardon audio system, while the Corolla only offers a solid but ultimately unimpressive JBL audio system.
The Subaru name has become synonymous with "safety," and for good reason. Subaru has been awarded more 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than Hyundai, Ford, and Toyota, as of September of 2021, and every Subaru vehicle with EyeSight Driver Assist technology was given the highest possible rating for front crash prevention that the IIHS gives. Both bodies of the 2022 Subaru Impreza have EyeSight, Blind-Spot Detection, and High-Beam Assist with Steering Responsive Headlights available for drivers. Also, like nearly every Subaru model, the Impreza comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2022 Toyota Corolla is by no means an unsafe alternative. After all, it has its own host of driver assistance technology, and it was also awarded 5-stars for overall safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. But, at the end of the day, Toyota just doesn't have the same consistently recognized record of vehicle safety that Subaru has.
Of course, what ultimately makes or breaks a car for drivers is what's found underneath the hood. Luckily Subaru, like always, delivered on that front as well with the 2022 Impreza. Housed in the front of this compact sedan is a 2.0-Liter DOHC BOXER 4-Cylinder Engine that can generate 152 horsepower with 145 lb-ft of torque. The Impreza also has options for both a 5-speed manual transmission and a LINEARTRONIC CVT automatic transmission. These all work together to provide you with a maximum of a 36/28 highway/city mile-per-gallon rating.
In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla houses a 1.8-Liter DOHC 4-Cylinder engine that can only generate up to 139 horsepower with 126 lb-ft of torque. Although it does have a little better gas mileage, with a highway/city MPG rating of 30/38.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla is a fine car that has a lot going for it. And if the 2022 Subaru Impreza didn't exist, the Corolla would probably be the best compact sedan on the market. The Impreza does exist, and at a lower cost than the Corolla. With a starting MSRP of $18,795 ($19,295 for the hatchback model), the Impreza once again just ekes out a win against the Corolla's starting MSRP of $20,075. At the end of the day, there's just no beating what Subaru does.
But, if you're still not sure, or if you have any questions, we'd love to talk about it with you. Feel free to call our staff or stop by our store in person today. We're located at 401 N Hamilton Rd in Columbus, OH. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
| 2022 Subaru Impreza |
|
2022 Toyota Corolla |
| $18,795 | Starting MSRP* | $20,075 |
| 2.0-Liter SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder | Standard Engine | 1.8-Liter DOHC 4-Cylinder |
| 152 HP / 145 lb/ft | Standard Performance Output (Horsepower / Torque) | 139 HP / 126 lb/ft |
| Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 99.8 Cubic Feet | Passenger Volume (Without Moonroof) | 88.6 Cubic Feet |
| 12.3 Cubic Feet | Cargo Volume | 13.1 Cubic Feet |
| Standard | Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ | Standard |
| Standard | Bluetooth® Wireless Technology | Standard |
| Standard | Daytime Running Lights | Standard |
| 5/5 Stars | NHTSA Overall Safety Score | 5/5 Stars |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
