• The 2022 Subaru Impreza’s larger wagon body scores points for practicality
• Thanks to renewed efforts, the Impreza is now more reliable than ever
• Despite a lower score from Consumer Reports, the Corolla is still a solid budget sedan

Aside from the controversy surrounding the plastic-clad 2022 Subaru WRX, the brand is on a roll of late. The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a smash hit that takes what owners were already doing and offers it from the factory. To boot, the 2022 Subaru Impreza is more popular than ever. So much so it has managed to outrank the Toyota Corolla.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla can’t keep up with the Impreza

The 2022 Subaru Impreza outperforms the Toyota Corolla in just about every measurable way, including Consumer Reports’ own scoring metric. Consumer Reports rates cars on a 100 scale, and the Impreza scores a whopping 81 to the Corolla’s 73. Much of that is down to the average scores between the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota Corolla.

First, there’s the performance category, rated in acceleration, shift quality and speed, and emergency handling. Obviously, the Subaru’s AWD system helps it get the jump on the 0-60 sprint, 9.5 to 10.4. Perhaps the Corolla would be faster with a stick? The 2022 Subaru Impreza also won out in braking (5/5) and transmission shift quality (5/5) to the Camry’s 4/5 scores in both categories.

Consumer Reports says the 2022 Subaru Impreza is worth it

Of course, these aren’t fast cars (Toyota Corolla Apex notwithstanding), and Consumer Reports’ testing isn’t just about that. The Impreza also outscored the Toyota in the Comfort and Convenience category, with an average 4/5 score to the Corolla’s 3/5 score. Honestly, that’s largely to do with the budget-leaning mindset of the Corolla. It’s supposed to be a cheap car, and as such, comfort will suffer. Largely, that’s due to the Corolla’s poor sound insulation and bouncy ride.

Shockingly, the Corolla takes another hit where you’d least expect it: reliability. Despite the Corolla’s strong history, the brand’s smallest sedan is outclassed this time. Subaru has put a great deal of effort into bolstering its reputation for reliability. Here, it pays some dividends. That said, we’re still betting on the Toyota in that category, especially given the model’s strong history.

Should you buy a Corolla?

So, a clear-cut win for the 2022 Subaru Impreza. Helped by a recent turnaround in reliability and a larger, more practical wagon layout, it’s getting hard for the Corolla to stay competitive. Thankfully, the Corolla still maintains a loyal following, and for good reason. A 73/100 is by no means a bad score. Most of my tests in high school said that and I’ve still got a job. While we’d take the larger Impreza over the Corolla all day, perhaps the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla can change our minds.