Compact cars remain some of the best bargains in the automotive world. With starting prices under $25k, compacts like the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla give their owners modern comfort and tech features, reasonable ownership costs, and the peace of mind of a new car warranty, all without breaking the bank.
Let’s take a closer look at the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla and find the right compact car for you.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza continues its distinction as America’s most affordable vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD). It has the virtues of a compact car like an affordable price tag and good fuel economy, but with the all-weather confidence of AWD. Pricing starts at $24,780.
Subaru Impreza Highlights
Standard AWD: The Subaru Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive in every trim, making it the most affordable car you can buy with all-wheel drive, which is available in the Corolla but only in the hybrid and GR variants.
More interior space: The Subaru Impreza has considerably more interior space than the hatchback version of the Toyota Corolla. Specifically, 6.6 more inches of rear legroom and 14 percent more cargo space.
Sporty RS trim: The Subaru Impreza RS isn’t the fire-breathing track weapon the Toyota Corolla GR is, but it’s also much more affordable. The Impreza RS comes with a modest performance upgrade and a sporty appearance package that includes 18-inch alloy wheels and RS Cloth upholstery with red accents.
Read our Subaru Impreza Expert Review or see 2025 Subaru Impreza models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla upholds its well-earned reputation as one of the most practical compact cars on the market. Available as a sedan or hatchback, as a humble commuter or a rip-roaring hot hatch, the diverse Corolla lineup has something for everyone who needs a small car. Pricing starts at $23,460.
Toyota Corolla Highlights
Hybrid option: The Toyota Corolla’s available hybrid powertrain achieves up to 47 combined mpg, giving it considerably lower fuel costs than the Subaru Impreza. The Corolla’s non-hybrid base engine is also more efficient than the Impreza.
Two body styles: While the Subaru Impreza comes exclusively as a hatchback, the Toyota Corolla is available with your choice of a sedan or hatchback body.
Thrilling GR Corolla: How does 300 horsepower, a manual transmission (auto is available), and all-wheel drive packed into a practical compact Toyota sound? That’s what you get with the stunning Toyota GR Corolla. It’s pricey for a Corolla but has a highly favorable smiles-per-gallon rating, making it a good value in the performance car world.
Read our Toyota Corolla Expert Review or see 2025 Toyota Corolla models for sale near you.
Similarities
These compacts have similar starting prices and similar complements of infotainment and safety tech features. They also both earn the top 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Impreza vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Corolla vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 2025 Toyota Corolla | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm | 169 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 151 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic/AWD | CVT automatic/FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 27 city/34 hwy/30 combined mpg | 32 city/41 hwy/35 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine | Hybrid, 1.6-liter turbo 3-cylinder, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 106.3 inches (sedan)/103.9 inches (hatchback) |
| Overall Length | 176.2 inches | 182.3 inches (sedan)/172 inches (hatchback) |
| Width | 70.1 inches | 70.1 inches (sedan)/70.5 inches (hatchback) |
| Height | 58.3 inches | 56.5 inches (sedan)/57.1 inches (hatchback) |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 35.6 feet (sedan)/37.4 feet (hatchback) |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.1 inches (sedan)/37.6 inches (hatchback) |
| Legroom, Front | 42.9 inches | 42 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.5 inches | 34.8 inches (sedan)/29.9 inches (hatchback) |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.8 inches | 54.0 inches (sedan)/53.9 inches (hatchback) |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.3 inches | 51.7 inches (sedan)/54.5 inches (hatchback) |
| Cargo Volume | 20.4 cubic feet behind rear seat | 13.1 cubic feet (sedan)/17.8 cubic feet (hatchback, behind rear seat) |
Conclusion
The Subaru Impreza is great if you’re looking for an affordable vehicle with all-wheel drive and a roomy interior. However, the Toyota Corolla also offers all-wheel drive (although not standard), plus a hybrid powertrain and a more exciting performance model. The Toyota Corolla’s variety in its model range, better fuel economy, and lower starting price make it a better buy for most shoppers in the market for a compact car.
