Road Test: 2024 Subaru Impreza RS

All-New Compact Hatch

Big changes came with the debut of the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza. The sixth-generation Impreza (the first gen was shown at the 1992 Los Angeles Auto Show) received a new design and the return of the RS, a trim level on the first and second generations (1998-2005). The new Impreza RS looks sportier than it performs. Handling is very good, but the acceleration with the CVT is not as good as a manual transmission could make it (more on that in a moment).

There are three Impreza trims—Base, Sport, and RS. All have Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an 8-speed manual shift mode and paddle shifters. (Note: Gone is the 5-speed manual that was available on the last generation Impreza Sport.)

Aaron Cole, product communications specialist at Subaru told Clean fleet Report that “discontinuation of a manual transmission for the 2024 Impreza was more of a function of buyers’ preferences; very few opted for it in the (2023) Impreza. Many buyers opt-in on the WRX and BRZ, however. Those take rates are between 75%-80% for manuals!”

The Numbers

The Base and Sport are powered by a 2.0-liter non-turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer (horizontally opposed pistons) gasoline engine that is EPA rated at 27 mpg city/34 highway/30 combined, putting out 152 horsepower (hp) and 145 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.).

The RS (which we drove) has a 2.5-liter boxer, good for 182 hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque and an EPA rating of 26 city/30 highway/29 combined. Both engines run on 87 octane and have a 16.6 gallon tank.

In 209 miles of driving the Impreza RS through Southern California we averaged an impressive 32.9 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

With upgrades and improvements to the powertrain, structural rigidity, suspension, steering, braking, seats, interior sound deadening, infotainment system and driver safety assistance, Subaru says the 2024 Impreza is all-new.

On-Road Handling and Ride Prowess

The Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control technology is the key to the Impreza handling and riding so well. It has been engineered for smooth and quiet open highway driving, while remaining easy to maneuver and park in the city. New for 2024, the dual-pinion electric power steering, first used on the sporty Subaru WRX, delivers a quicker response and a more natural feel of the road than previous models.

When the road became a series of moderate speed sweepers and tight corners, the suspension required very small steering wheel corrections to find and keep the apex. As I became more confident, it enabled the handling to utilize the all-wheel, all-speed traction control and the brake-based active torque vectoring.

This combination helped put needed power to the correct wheel, at the correct time, even on the fastest corners, with little if any noticeable body roll. Feeling planted was not an issue with the 225/40 all-season Yokohama Avid tires (Summer tires would take it up a notch) rolling on 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels. The 3,323-pound Impreza RS never felt heavy or unbalanced.

The Subaru SI-Drive has steering wheel-mounted, driver-selectable drive modes of Sport and Intelligent, along with the manual shift mode. Performance-wise, the Impreza RS does 0-60 mph in about 7.6 seconds, which we found to be sufficient for highway merging. The CVT, which has no gears like a conventional automatic transmission, would try to find the highest setting to maximize fuel economy. This meant when pulling a grade at 50 mph, the engine became sluggish. Dropping it into manual and blipping the left side paddle shifter took us to “4th gear” and we pulled the hill with ease. The Impreza RS has a 3,500-pound tow rating.

Many people don’t like a CVT, but Subaru’s may be the best. It is smooth and quiet, and does exactly what it was designed to do: maximizing fuel efficiency while also providing the necessary power and low-end torque.

Exterior

The restyled 2024 Subaru Impreza has a streamlined and sportier design, featuring a forward-leaning stance with LED steering-responsive headlights and LED fog lights. The sloped hood leads to a slant-back windshield and the roof, which features a power moonroof, fixed crossbar mounting points, shark fin antenna and a diminutive spoiler over the hatch glass.

If you like color options, the Impreza comes in seven choices: Crystal Black Silica, Oasis Blue, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl and, like our test car, Pure Red.

Interior

Thin A-pillars and tall windows provide excellent forward and side visibility. To increase rearward visibility, we dropped the 60:40 second row seat, taking the cargo space from 20.4 cubic feet to 56.0 cubic feet. The rear seating area is ample and comfortable for two adults on those long road trips.

The front and rear seats are covered in black sport fabric with red panels and white top stitching. Our RS had an optional package ($2,070) that included a power moonroof, upgraded stereo and 10-way power driver seat with three-way lumbar. The front passenger seat has manual adjustments; both seats are heated. Rear seat passengers get a center fold-down armrest with cup holders.

The front cabin is comfortable with a dual zone automatic climate system, a customizable dual driver information screen with large, round tachometer and speedometer gauges, leather covered shifter and drilled aluminum-alloy pedal covers. A heads-up display is not available.

The Impreza comes with an 11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen (that takes-up a considerable amount of space on the center stack) for the upgraded 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system that had both channel and volume knobs. The touchscreen houses the StarLink in-vehicle technology with voice-activated Tom Tom navigation, plus multimedia offerings of SiriusXM/AM/FM HD radio/CD with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The USB-A and C ports, front and rear, are illuminated and a wireless phone charger completes the connectivity features.

Safety and Convenience

The 2024 Impreza comes with front, driver-side knee, front seat pelvis/torso and curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. The EyeSight system is standard on all models, with cameras monitoring forward-facing traffic conditions and help the driver see what they may miss. Advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management and lane departure prevention. Additional safety features include reverse automatic braking, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Impreza ita highest overall Five Star safety rating.

Additional safety and convenience features include a rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, exterior power mirrors, a tire pressure monitoring system, tire puncture repair kit and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist.

Pricing

The 2024 Subaru Impreza comes in three trim levels. These prices include the $1,090 mandatory destination and delivery charge.

Base $24,085
Sport $26,085
RS $28,975

Warranties

Standard: Three years/36,000 miles
Powertrain: Five years/60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance: Three years/36,000 miles
Rust Perforation: Five years/Unlimited miles

Observations: 2024 Subaru Impreza RS

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is one of two sedans from Subaru, slotting in size below the Legacy. The Impreza is a comfortable to drive, very reasonably priced hatchback. Fuel economy is good with the CVT transmission, and Subaru’s boxer engine reliability is well-known.

The return of the Impreza RS delivers a sedan that looks sportier than its hardware can back up. Handling is very good, but the acceleration with the CVT is not as good as a manual transmission could make it. If you want performance with a third pedal, go for the BRZ or WRX, but expect to pay more for that third pedal. As it sits, the Impreza RS was satisfying to drive and we recommend it as a sharp-looking, fun-to-drive small hatch.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.