2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Subaru WRX, with its subtle yet aggressive stance, disappoints those who hoped for dramatic styling. The new model, wider by two inches than its predecessor, retained a relatively understated front end marked by a signature hood scoop, a small hexagonal grille divided by a decorative bar, and flanked by sharp LED headlights. Along the sides, the WRX showcased significant updates, featuring a less busy profile devoid of the previously protruding character line on the doors. However, the black plastic cladding along the sides drew mixed reactions. Interestingly, this cladding wasn't just for aesthetics; it incorporated air outlets at the trailing edge of the front wheel wells to boost airflow and was textured to reduce turbulence and echo the car's rally heritage.

From the rear, the WRX flaunted dramatically flared fenders capped off by a large plastic bumper covering nearly half of the vehicle’s back. The taillights, designed to resemble illuminated magma, plus quad tailpipes, added to the car's aggressive look. Even though the new WRX appeared smoother and more streamlined, the extensive body cladding could be distracting, especially on brightly colored models like the Solar Orange test car. Additional notable features included LED fog lights, 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, and a subtle trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

Inside, the WRX marked a significant improvement in fit and finish, aligning more closely with Subaru’s other models. The interior featured a flat-bottom D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim, and black cloth seats with red contrast stitching, exuding a sporty vibe.

The 2023 Toyota Crown aimed for a different aesthetic, presenting itself as a full-size sedan with a noticeably elevated ride height that harkened back to vehicles like the Honda Accord Crosstour. The Crown’s front end boasted a large, mostly blocked-off grille with a narrow air inlet above it and angular wraparound headlights, projecting sporty aggression. The side view, with its large wheels and black trim along the bottom of the doors, avoided looking awkward.

The Crown’s rear design was rounded and included a bold taillight strip across a black trim element, albeit with an odd stepped transition from the side fender to the rear. The top Platinum trim even offered a two-tone paint option reminiscent of the 1985 Air Jordans. Inside, the Crown was modern, featuring a digital instrument panel, a large horizontal touchscreen, and a mix of hard yet sturdy plastics with cushioned touchpoints, lending an overall premium feel.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was distinctively different from a standard Impreza and previous WRX models. Subaru replaced the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a new 2.4-liter turbo, shared with the Outback and Legacy XT models, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Though the power increase was modest, enthusiasts often found the WRX's new engine wanting for more grunt. Compared to competitors like the Volkswagen GTI, the WRX's acceleration felt somewhat sluggish due to its higher weight and torque deficit.

The WRX featured standard all-wheel drive, and buyers had the choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT, dubbed the Subaru Performance Transmission. Impressively, the CVT offered faster upshifts and downshifts compared to the previous generation. Despite some initial disappointment, the manual transmission pleased drivers with its precise handling, though it had longer throws than expected.

The transition to the Subaru Global Platform noticeably improved suspension tuning, reducing body roll with the stabilizer bar mounted to the body and providing a forgiving ride on rough roads. The GT trim added electronically controlled dampers, Recaro seats, and Drive Mode Select, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a hybrid motor delivering 236 horsepower and a Platinum trim-exclusive 2.4-liter turbocharged Hybrid Max producing 340 horsepower. The base hybrid came with a CVT, while the Hybrid Max used a six-speed automatic transmission, achieving 0-60 mph in 7.6 and 5.7 seconds, respectively.

The Crown's ride prioritized comfort, handling curves confidently but not encouraging sporty cornering due to its weight and height. The adaptive suspension in the Platinum trim provided slight firmness in Sport+ mode but didn’t vastly change the experience. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal road noise and minor flaws in some driver aids like Curve Speed Reduction.

In terms of practicality, the 2022 Subaru WRX stood out. Although it no longer offered a hatchback, the cargo capacity increased from 12 to 12.5 cubic feet. The rear seats could further expand the space with a 60/40 split-fold function, offering decent utility for a compact performance sedan. The sport seats provided excellent comfort and support, making the WRX a viable option for daily commutes. The standard all-wheel drive system was a major advantage, especially in the $30,000 price range.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, on the other hand, came with fabric seat upholstery in the base XLE trim and full leather in the Limited and Platinum trims. The front seats, comfortable for long trips, had firm cushioning which might lead to discomfort over time. The elevated ride height offered a slightly improved road view but lacked the commanding perspective of an SUV. The interior provided adequate storage, with a versatile phone tray and a spacious center console.

Rear passengers had ample legroom and adequate headroom despite the tapering roofline. Nonetheless, the trunk's 15.2 cubic feet capacity was modest compared to competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon. While useful, the smaller trunk might be a drawback for some buyers.

The 2022 Subaru WRX’s technology saw notable improvements. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen with easy-to-use physical controls for climate and audio. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay implementations left room for improvement. Base trims had a less conventional setup with dual 7-inch displays. The optional 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system promised quality sound, based on performance in other Subaru models.

The 2023 Toyota Crown equipped all trims with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring sharp graphics and rapid response. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration complemented the wireless charging pad. Higher trims could upgrade to the 11-speaker JBL system, enhancing audio quality. The system also supported OTA updates, voice controls, Wi-Fi, and a digital key feature.

Safety features in the 2022 Subaru WRX varied with transmission choice. CVT models benefited from Subaru’s EyeSight suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Unfortunately, the manual transmission models didn’t offer EyeSight. However, all models included seven airbags and a more energy-absorbent Subaru Global Platform.

The 2023 Toyota Crown had an extensive list of standard safety features across all trims, such as collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The Platinum trim included a semi-automated parallel parking system. Although some driver aids were intrusive during pre-production testing, they could potentially be disabled in the full production models.