2021 Toyota Corolla vs. Subaru Impreza Comparison

Help yourself to feel safe when you're trying to get from point A to point B in a car that has the active safety technology to help you stay focused on the road.

Standard Safety Features

The 2021 Toyota Corolla w/ CVT comes standard with its own suite of active safety features called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). Models with CVT include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Most of the features listed above also come standard on the Corolla models with manual transmission, with the exception of Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Corolla models with manual transmissions receive Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), while LTA is not offered.

The Subaru Impreza does have its own suite of active safety features called EyeSight®. EyeSight® includes a Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane-Keep Assist functions. However, it does not come standard on the base trim Impreza. You’d need to get the Impreza Premium or higher to get it standard. The Impreza Limited and higher also feature high beam assist. Both EyeSight® and TSS 2.0 include adaptive cruise control on the CVT models only.

Additionally, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) comes standard on all Corolla trims. This feature reduces backward rolling on steep inclines which is especially helpful for those with a manual transmission. The Impreza Sedan and Impreza Sport 5-door with manual transmissions offer Incline Start Assist.

For extra reassurance while driving, the 2021 Corolla XLE, XSE, and Apex Edition XSE come standard with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Drivers can also get Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on the Impreza, but it only comes standard on the more costly Impreza Limited Sedan.

The 2021 Corolla has great EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings without sacrificing power under the hood.

Fuel Economy and Horsepower

The Toyota Corolla L and LE have an EPA-estimated 30/38/33 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. The 2.0L engine on the Corolla SE CVT has an EPA-estimated 31/40/34 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Aside from the Impreza Sport w/CVT, which has an EPA-estimated 27/36/20 (city/highway/combined), other Subaru Impreza trims with CVT have an EPA-estimated 28/36/32 (city/highway/combined) across the board. For even better fuel economy the Corolla Hybrid LE has an impressive EPA-estimated 53/52/52 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating, while the Impreza doesn’t have a hybrid engine option available.

Plus, the 2020 Corolla was named the 2020 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal for 2020 model year. The Impreza was not.

You also get more under the hood with the Corolla. The Corolla trims with a 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder engine output 169 horsepower. Although the Subaru Impreza also comes standard with a 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder engine, it has only 152 horsepower. The 2021 Corolla also comes standard with CVT while the Impreza Sedan comes standard with a manual 5-speed transmission. The Impreza CVT option is $1,300 more.

Whether you want to play your favorite tunes with the windows down, or warm up in the winter, the Corolla has just what you need.

Comfort and Convenience Options

With the touch of the button you can adjust your seat position or power on seat warmers for a toasty drive in the Corolla XLE and XSE. They have standard power-adjustable driver's seat options and heated driver's and front passenger seats. The Impreza only has power-adjustable seats available as part of an upgrade package on the Premium Sedan and higher starting at $1,970.

The Corolla L comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen. The Impreza comes with a 6.5-inch Multimedia system. All Corolla grades, except the Corolla L, come with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Impreza Sport Sedan and higher also come with an 8-inch touchscreen.

For a more boisterous audio experience, the base Corolla has more speakers than the Impreza. The Corolla L has 6 speakers while the Impreza has 4 speakers. To get 6 speakers, Impreza drivers would have to choose the Impreza Premium or above. You also have more ways to play with the Corolla which comes standard with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Impreza only comes with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. It lacks an Amazon Alexa feature.