2024 SUBARU IMPREZA RS

SUBARU STREAMLINES IMPREZA LINEUP

WHILE ADDING NEW RS MODEL FOR 2024

The Impreza has been a staple in the Subaru fleet for over three decades now and undergoes significant changes as it enters its sixth generation this year.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza no longer is offered in Premium and Limited trim levels as fifth-generation Imprezas were, and the sedan configuration has been discontinued.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is sold only has a hatchback and a new RS trim sits at the top of the portfolio and boasts a more powerful engine than found in Base and Sport Imprezas.

No, the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS doesn’t measure up to the performance-oriented WRX STI that bowed out after the 2021 model year, but with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine it boosts horsepower to 182 ponies and torque at 178 pound-feet over the 152/145, respectively, of the 2.0L 4-banger in the Base and Sport trims.

That extra power, while not the overwhelming punch the late WRX STI delivered (310/290), comes at a nominal cost in fuel economy. The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS earns numbers of 26 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 29 combined) while the smaller engine in Base and Sport Imprezas are rated at 27/34/30, according to the EPA.

With the manual discontinued, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the only gearbox offered.

The interior of the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is roomy and comfortable. Narly 43 inches of legroom is available up front and 36.5 inches in the back. Rear cargo room is a generous 20.4 cubic feet with second-row seats in place and more than doubles to 56 cubic feet with the second row seats folded.

Standard features that come on all trims include Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist Technology (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure warning and keeping assist), wired integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Assist, auto stop/start system, dual-zone climate control, and electronic parking brake.

In addition to those features, the RS also gets features from Sport models that include an 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters to operate the CVT, push-button start, LED fog lights, Subaru’s Starlink system for infotainment functions,  premium cloth upholstery, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS also adds as standard such features as blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, an all-weather package that includes heated front seats, carpeted floor mats, leather-wrapped shift lever and steering wheel, and wireless phone charging.

Starting MSRP for the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is $28,975 including the  $1,090 destination and delivery fee.

My test 2024 Subaru Impreza RS featured an option package that included a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power-adjustable lumbar support, Harmon-Karden premium audio system with 10 speakers, and a power moonroof that ran the final total to $31,045.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base model starts at under $25,000 and the Sport at just over $26,000.

What I liked about the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS: The 11.6-inch touchscreen looks imposing at first glance but is user-friendly. Seats are comfortable, and the interior is roomy. Gas mileage is decent. Standard all-wheel is a segment exclusive. Auto Hold when engaged keeps you from creeping forward at intersections when you’re stopped at a light. (Just wish you didn’t have to reset it every time you start up.) The bigger engine in the RS delivers more satisfying performance than other Base and Sport trims.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS: I’m not a big fan of CVTs. Too bad the manual has been discontinued.

Would I buy the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS?  I’m not a big fan of hatchbacks either (may as well stretch your horizons and go for the similarly priced Subaru Crosstrek), but the Impreza deserves a test drive if you’re shopping in the segment.