2024 Subaru Impreza RS Review: 10 Changes, 10 New Features

In November 2022 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Subaru of America revealed to the world the all-new 2024 Impreza.

Since its introduction in the early 1990s, the Subaru Impreza has served as the Japanese manufacturer's entry-level car. It primarily competes with the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic, and despite a significant drop in compact car sales volume since 2018 because of SUVs, it remains an important vehicle for the brand. It has especially attracted the younger generation of car buyers due its affiliation with the Subaru WRX and STI, the two most diabolical derivatives. In reality, it's the same recipe for success as the Honda Civic (Si, Type R) and the late Volkswagen Golf (GTI/R).

Subaru understands that drivers crave a seamless fusion of power and convenience. That's why the 2024 Impreza comes equipped with a host of standard features that cater to your every need. But let's get started by discussing the 10 new changes and features that Subaru has brought to the 2024 Impreza.

What's New in 2024 Subaru Impreza?

1. New RS trim level. Test-driving the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS trim for seven days has exceeded my expectations. Equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter 182 hp Subaru Boxer engine, this car effortlessly combines performance and precision.

2. Safety takes center stage in the 2024 Impreza, as the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard across the entire model line. With its advanced features like lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, I felt an extra layer of confidence and security during my test drive.

3. One of the most exciting additions to the Impreza lineup is the availability of the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. This cutting-edge technology brings a new level of connectivity and convenience to the Impreza, allowing me to seamlessly control various features and access my favorite apps with ease.

4. As a tech enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover that the 2024 Impreza now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto for the first time. Gone are the days of tangled cables and limited mobility - now I could effortlessly connect my smartphone to the car's infotainment system and enjoy a seamless digital experience.

5. The 2024 Impreza boasts a 10-percent stiffer chassis, which greatly enhances its dynamic performance and ride quality. Every twist and turn felt more controlled and responsive, ensuring that I remained glued to the road while enjoying a thrilling driving experience.

6. Stepping into the Impreza's cabin, I immediately noticed a significant reduction in noise and a heightened level of comfort. The quieter interior allowed me to fully immerse myself in the driving experience, appreciating the engine's growl and relishing the absence of outside distractions.

7. A Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) now comes standard on all Impreza trim levels, delivering smoother and quieter performance. Shifting gears seamlessly, the Impreza effortlessly adapted to my driving style, providing a seamless and enjoyable ride.

8. Subaru has left no stone unturned when it comes to safety features, and the inclusion of Automatic Emergency Steering on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert was a game-changer. This advanced system provided an extra layer of protection, intervening when necessary to avoid potential collisions.

9. Drawing inspiration from the iconic WRX, the 2024 Impreza now features a dual-pinion electronic power steering rack. The result? A more direct and natural steering feel that heightened my connection with the road, instilling a sense of confidence and responsiveness with every turn of the wheel.

10 The new exterior design of the 2024 Impreza is simply breathtaking. With its frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights, and refined body, the Impreza exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication. The broad-shouldered stance further emphasizes its sporty nature, turning heads wherever it goes. Driving the 2024 Impreza felt like a statement, as I relished the attention and appreciation it garnered on the road.

Trims and Pricing

When it comes to the trims and pricing of the 2024 Subaru Impreza, there are three options to consider: Base, Sport, and RS. Each trim offers its own unique features and caters to different preferences and budgets. Let's delve into the details:

Base Trim ($24,085): The base trim of the Impreza is the most affordable option, aligning with the vehicle's mission of providing a frugal all-wheel-drive mode of transportation. While it may lack some of the high-end features of the other trims, it offers excellent value for money. It's a practical choice for those who prioritize functionality and cost-effectiveness. Subaru brand is known as a brand that makes very reliable vehicles.

Sport Trim ($26,085): Priced slightly higher than the base model, the Sport trim adds a touch of athleticism to the Impreza. It offers sportier styling cues and additional features that enhance its overall appeal. If you're seeking a more dynamic driving experience and desire a sportier appearance, the Sport trim could be a great option.

RS Trim ($28,975): With its chassis tuning that allows for energetic driving on canyon roads and a larger 2.5-liter engine, it offers a notable performance boost over the base model.

If you want value for your pricing, you may want to stick with the base model. The base trim might be the most sensible choice for buyers focused on practicality and cost-effectiveness. However, if you have an interest for sporty vehicles and the nostalgia associated with the RS trim, you may find its enhancements worth the additional cost.

Exterior

The 2024 Subaru Impreza showcases a notable evolution in its exterior design, departing from the previous generation's angular and square style. The new Impreza embraces smoother lines and a more fluid overall aesthetic, resulting in a more sophisticated and contemporary look. This departure from the choppier lines of its predecessor is a significant and striking change.

One of the standout design updates can be seen in the rear of the Impreza. It features a sleeker and more sloping roofline, accompanied by distinctive and salient lights, which adds a touch of elegance to the car's overall profile. This styling cue carries over from the past and contributes to the Impreza's visual appeal.

From the side view, some might notice a resemblance to the Mazda3, and this similarity is not a bad thing at all. The resemblance brings a sense of sleekness and modernity to the Impreza, aligning it with a popular and stylish design language in the automotive industry.

The 2024 Impreza RS trim, in particular, stands out with its exclusive 18-inch black-finished wheels, which enhance its sporty and dynamic character. The aerodynamic side sills on the sides further contribute to the car's performance-oriented aesthetic. Additionally, the RS emblems on the doors and the black accents throughout the exterior give the Impreza a playful and attention-grabbing presence on the road.

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Subaru Impreza showcases improvements in terms of finish and perceived quality, although it may not quite match up to certain competitors, with the Mazda3 being specifically mentioned. While there is a sense of improvement, it falls slightly short of some rivals in terms of overall refinement.

The instrumentation in the Impreza maintains a classic design, with control buttons for heated seats placed in the console. However, this placement may feel somewhat outdated, as they could have been integrated into the digital interface, as seen in other Subaru models. Additionally, some command blocks have multiple empty slots, giving the impression that the vehicle has limited options available. This can be seen as a negative aspect, although Subaru justifies it by stating that those slots are used for equipment offered in other markets.

On a positive note, the RS version of the Impreza boasts attractive two-tone sport seats adorned in red, which adds a touch of sportiness and enhances the interior's presentation. The metallic pedals and footrest further contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal. The infotainment system, equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, remains relatively user-friendly, although it is considered simplistic in terms of menu presentation and functions. It now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are USB-A and USB-C connections available. The center console layout has also been revised to provide a slightly more practical arrangement.

In terms of engine options, the 2024 Impreza offers two choices. The base Convenience and Touring trims come with the older 2.0-liter flat-4 engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The higher-performance RS and Sport-tech trims are equipped with a new naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine has been introduced in certain versions of the Subaru Crosstrek since 2021. All trims feature symmetrical full-time four-wheel drive.

The manual transmission option was discontinued last year, leaving only the Lineartronic CVT as the available choice. Activating the Sport mode primarily affects the engine speed between supposed gear changes, with no significant impact on steering or engine sound. The engine's sound remains quite calm, which may disappoint those seeking a more aggressive experience, particularly in the RS trim.

Subaru has stiffened the suspension in the 2024 Impreza, resulting in a firm ride quality. This firmness becomes evident during driving, as well as when encountering bumps or potholes. While it provides a sense of control and sportiness, it may also lead to some concern about potential damage to the rims.

How The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Drives

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS trim drives like a more engaging and sporty version of the standard Impreza. The braking performance is excellent, with a responsive pedal that allows for precise modulation of braking force, particularly during corner entry. This instills a sense of control and confidence, reminiscent of a true sports car. The Impreza demonstrates its sporting DNA in this aspect, delivering an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

The Impreza benefits from the electric steering system found in the Crosstrek and WRX, which may lack the traditional feel of a mechanical steering system but proves to be well-programmed and satisfying in its responsiveness. While it may be different from what some may expect, it doesn't disappoint in terms of its driving characteristics. The overall driving feel is positive, aided by the supportive sports seats and good all-around visibility, contributing to a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

In terms of fuel economy, the Impreza delivers respectable numbers with an estimated rating of 26 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and a combined rating of 29 MPG. It's worth noting that these figures can be improved upon, making the Impreza a reasonably economical choice in its segment. While the CVT may not offer the same level of drivability and performance as a manual transmission, it compensates with its fuel efficiency, providing a balance between performance and economy.

Offering an enjoyable driving experience, the 2024 Impreza represents an enhancement to Subaru's entry-level car, successfully improving its overall appeal. The updated styling upgraded interior layout, and the introduction of more powerful engine options are welcomed changes. While no hybrid or electrified powertrain options are available currently, it's worth considering that this could change in the future, possibly by 2026. However, with its known and reliable mechanics, along with the notable improvements made, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is deserving of a recommendation.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.