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2024 Subaru Impreza vs Toyota GR Corolla Detailed Comparison
The 2024 Subaru Impreza and the Toyota GR Corolla are making waves in the automotive world with immense performance and great value for money. The Impreza, in its sixth generation, returns to the stage where it all began at the LA Auto Show. The Toyota GR Corolla is a remarkable departure from the Corolla’s humble reputation, featuring a fiery 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and sporty suspension. The GR Corolla, designed for track prowess, offers a thrilling driving experience with its exclusive six-speed manual transmission. While it comes at a price and limited availability, it stands as Toyota’s performance pinnacle, competing with renowned hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.
2024 Subaru Impreza
Interior and Features
Several notable alterations may be seen in the interior of the 2024 Subaru Impreza. The base versions have a 7.0-inch screen. Upgrading to the Sport or RS trims gets you an outstanding 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Because of the physical buttons around the digital display, this system is user-friendly and efficient, ensuring quick interactions without software-related latency. Subaru’s dynamic torque vectoring distributes power intelligently to each wheel for improved grip and stability. The high-quality 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is present in the 2024 Impreza RS.
Engine and Performance
The Impreza RS’s more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter engine, which replaces the original 2.0-liter unit, appears to be a significant increase. However, its additional 30 horsepower and 33 pound-feet of torque do not convert into exciting performance. The revised chassis, which shines when pushed hard into downhill hairpin corners, is the real hero here. Despite a 1.2-second gain in the 0-60 mph sprint (now 7.8 seconds), the RS’s performance remains rather lacking. The Impreza went from 50 to 70 mph in 6.0 seconds. Nonetheless, the enhanced power of the RS is a pleasant addition, even if it does not convert the car into a speed demon.
Pricing
The 2024 Subaru Impreza series provides value in the AWD compact vehicle segment. It begins with a basic model priced at $22,995. Moving up to the mid-level Sport trim costs $24,995, which includes some more options and design components. For those looking for a higher degree of performance, the highest RS version begins at $27,885 and has a more powerful 2.5-liter 182 horsepower boxer engine. Despite a modest price rise over the previous model due to the CVT being the only gearbox choice, the 2024 Impreza is still priced favorably below its competitors.
Toyota GR Corolla
Interior and Features
The Toyota GR Corolla’s interior is a mix of practicality and sportiness. Sharing its cabin with the standard Corolla hatchback, it offers good build quality, soft-touch materials, and various features. Standard features include ambient interior lighting, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, and aluminum pedal covers. The Circuit Edition steps it up with automatic climate control, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded upholstery. It features a distinctive red-and-black interior scheme and sporty faux suede accents. An 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot comes standard, while the Technology package adds even more premium features to Core models.
Engine and Performance
The Toyota GR Corolla boasts an impressive powertrain featuring a turbocharged three-cylinder engine derived from the GR Yaris, tuned to deliver a remarkable 300 horsepower. Paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, it offers a dynamic driving experience. Enhanced suspension and powertrain upgrades elevate the GR Corolla to the forefront of the sport-compact segment. In tests, the GR Corolla Circuit Edition demonstrated impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and 100 mph in 11.4 seconds. The Morizo Edition, a track-focused variant, boasts lighter forged wheels, increased torque output, a calibrated suspension, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for exceptional cornering grip and an exhilarating driving experience. While heel-toe work may be less convenient, the six-speed manual transmission offers precise shifting, aided by a standard rev-match feature.
Pricing
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla lineup offers three enticing options with varying price points. The base Core model kicks things off at an attractive MSRP of $35,900. For those seeking a bit more performance and flair, the Circuit Edition comes in at $42,900. Finally, the track-focused and exclusive Morizo Edition commands a premium price of $49,900. Keep in mind that these prices do not include any additional extras and are exclusive of the $1,095 destination fee.