2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs 2023 Subaru WRX

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received significant updates, including a new all-wheel-drive option for all trims except the base LE. The hybrid system saw a power increase, and the Corolla Hybrids underwent a subtle style refresh with changes to the grille patterns and rear bumpers. The exterior design of the Corolla Hybrid was more appealing than previous generations, featuring a sculpted front end with wraparound headlights and sharp creases that added a sporty touch. The large trapezoidal grille contributed to its sporty character, while the side and tail were more conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid had a minimalistic design with an abundance of hard plastics, though the XSE trim added SofTex synthetic leather to enhance the cabin's appearance. Despite these efforts, the Corolla Hybrid's interior felt less substantial compared to competitors like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Mazda 3.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, distinct from its Impreza roots, showcased a unique design on the Subaru Global Platform. Its styling featured a wide-body look with box fender flares and body cladding reminiscent of the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The WRX retained its signature hood scoop, functional for feeding air to the intercooler. Base models came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while other trims had 18-inch wheels with standard summer tires. The WRX's exterior conveyed its performance-oriented nature, aligning with Subaru's design theme. Inside, the WRX had a basic yet durable interior, with the top Sport-Tech trim offering a 10-way adjustable bucket driver's seat and Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's interior was practical, though it lacked the Recaro Performance Design front seats available in other markets.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This marked an increase of 13 hp and 10 lb-ft over the previous model. The powertrain featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to the front wheels, with an additional 40-hp electric motor providing on-demand all-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain offered quick throttle response, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The Corolla Hybrid had a dedicated EV drive mode for maximum efficiency, though it was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate for conservative driving. However, the Corolla Hybrid struggled with larger road imperfections, and road noise was noticeable.

The 2023 Subaru WRX was equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Subaru boxer engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power. The WRX featured all-wheel drive, with power routed through a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) known as the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The SPT/CVT offered quick throttle responses, mimicking a conventional automatic transmission. The WRX's driving experience was characterized by its well-mannered nature, providing confidence on twisty roads with its AWD system and standard summer tires. However, the driving experience felt muted, with quiet exhaust and laid-back steering.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid offered ample front space for taller occupants, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be a drawback for long-limbed drivers. The cabin's simplicity was approachable, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Interior storage was adequate, with a small plastic tray, cupholders, and a medium-sized centre armrest bin. Rear seats provided enough headroom and legroom for average adults, though the low roof required caution when entering or exiting. The trunk had a capacity of 371 litres, with rear seats that folded to increase cargo space, though they didn't fold flat.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with slightly more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk had a capacity of 354 litres, less than the Civic Si but more than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, though Subaru didn't provide a cargo-space number with the seat folded. The WRX maintained good outward visibility with low window-sill lines and thin roof pillars. However, the cabin lacked a suitable place for a phone, with the typical spot under the touchscreen being too small.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was quick to respond to inputs and included improved voice commands activated by saying, "Hey Toyota." Over-the-air software updates kept the system up to date, and it could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. However, the JBL audio system available in the U.S. was not offered in Canada.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured the Subaru Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while Sport and Sport-Tech trims had an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text in an easy-to-read size, though physical buttons and knobs were missed. The interface for SiriusXM satellite radio required multiple steps, and the system took a long time to load on startup. The top Sport-Tech trim included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with four stars for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the standard 2022 Corolla sedan its top score of "good" and named it a Top Safety Pick+. The Corolla Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor.

The 2023 Subaru WRX offered Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, available with the CVT. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Other safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" score for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the WRX a five-star overall safety rating.